“If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” ― Toni Morrison
I think most people in the writing blogosphere know what a pantser and plotter are by now, but just in case you don't, here's a quick definition: A "pantser" is someone who writes based on their intuition, or "flying by the seat of their pants." A "plotter," however, well....plots. That isn't to say pantsers don't… Continue reading Why I Converted From a Pantser into a Plotter
Amazon Summary: When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the… Continue reading Thoughts on “The Turn of the Key” by Ruth Ware
Now that we've shucked off our ugly Christmas sweaters and vacuumed up all the tinsel, it's time to create unattainable goals for ourselves! We do this pretty much every single year, or-- if you're like me-- you've pretended to not come up with resolutions so that you aren't disappointed by your inevitable failure. However, now… Continue reading Books, Writing, and Other Goals for 2020
I have a confession to make. While I consider myself to be a major reader, up until about three weeks ago, I had not frequented a library in almost 2 years. Before you judge,I had a good reason (or at least I thought). Life was getting hectic and I have no impulse control. I was… Continue reading Falling Back in Love with the Library
While poetry isn't my favorite medium, it will always hold a special place in my heart. Edgar Allen Poe's Alone speaks to me in ways few other works ever have. The Battle Hymn of the Republic by Julia Ward Howe gets my heart pounding with its haunting lyricism and captivating imagery. Poetry in itself is… Continue reading Unpopular Opinion: The Current State of Poetry
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Knives Out. If you have not seen this movie but hope to do so, do not continue reading. I've been on a murder-mystery kick for the last several days, so I was interested in giving Knives Out a try. The trailer gave off some serious Agatha Christie/Clue vibes and… Continue reading “Knives Out” Film Review
"My father wrapped me tightly in the dirty blue blanket and laid me there on the floor, making sure the pacifier was in my mouth so I would not cry before he was able to make his escape. He turned away, leaving me alone on the stairwell, clad only in a white towel that served… Continue reading Thoughts on “The Most Dangerous Animal of All” by Gary Stewart with Susan Mustafa
WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE BOOK. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO HAVE ANY FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS NOVEL, READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. Summary: January 1937. 28-year-old Jack is poor, lonely and desperate to change his life. So when he's offered the chance to join an Arctic expedition, he jumps at… Continue reading Thoughts on “Dark Matter” by Michelle Paver
I was coerced into seeing the 2019 Aladdin remake by a group of friends who promised it was good. Even though I tend to be against remakes on principle, I tried to keep an open mind and allow the experience to shape me in whatever way it chose. To be fair, Will Smith did a phenomenal… Continue reading Why the Aladdin Remake Is Frustrating
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR SEASON 1 OF GAME OF THRONES AND MINOR SPOILERS FOR THE BOOKS. Good news! I can consider myself a good nerd now that I have finally completed the first book in the Song of Ice and Fire series. That being said, I have many thoughts that I am wanting… Continue reading Game of Thrones: Book 1 v. Season 1
The Crooked Pen 