Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Book Review: The Quill & The Crow

The Quill & The Crow

By:  Lilith Saintcrow

Publish Date:  November 1, 2013

Format:  ebook

Genre:  Non-fiction

Series:  1st in Essays on Writing series

Recommendation:  Not a How-to book. It IS a book full of support for writers and every emotion you feel along the path.

Synopsis:
Essays on writing from the prolific Lilith Saintcrow, compiled from her popular blog. This first of three volumes ranges from the writer's craft to pro tips, musings on art to how to write a better sex scene and more, salted with her trademark pungent phrasing and self-deprecating wit.

First Sentence:
I have long made no secret of considering most books on writing useless.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

*I read to this book for my own enjoyment.

My Thoughts and Summary:
I read this book of essays while undertaking the haul of NaNoWriMo. This book was FULL of support for every emotion I felt along the way. This is not a 'How-To-Write' book, this is a book full of the little things one goes through while writing - whether new or old hat at writing. And little things to keep in mind while in the world of publishing, no matter when.

Straight-up advice with absolutely no sugar coating. Lilith tells you the hard truths in writing and what works for her. Some might work for you, some not. You decide. But even if you don't do like Lilith, she does touch on aspects to be aware of. Writing and being a writer hurts sometimes.

This is not a book on editing or the magical "How to..." book. But a book walking you through things you wouldn't expect when published. And where inspiration derives from and you being happy with what you create. I enjoyed hearing Lilith's thoughts and views. There is a line in many things, and you can walk close to it, but when you cross it...well that's another story.

Lilith's essays touch on many different aspects. "Feed your Muse", The heroes/heroines you love and maybe what they will bring out in you to create. Posts full of inspiration telling you to keep going. Even on writing smut. Writing battles, and much more. Even tips on handling the world. Yes, a few things to do or not do in the publishing world. We've all seen them. There are those out there that do make your jaw drop open. Lilith does touch on that a tad here as well.

Lilith's book supports writers, new and old. If you are a new writer, I suggest this book to you. I say read it while in your writing process. All the fears, doubts, and worries you feel about the work, yeah, Lilith will talk you through to the other side. There are several essays in this work that I will read over and over again, to help me through each project. I felt there was lots of inspiration and support to keep moving forward. It felt at times Lilith was talking right to me with how strong her personality comes through.

Straight forward. Yet inspiring! Thank you Lilith for sharing all these posts in one place!

10 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Carole Rae, I really loved the supportive feel I got in this book of essays. Was really great. Hope you get the same feel if you read it. :)

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  2. I would not even know how to write a sex scene, I would be too embarrassed

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    Replies
    1. lol. Blodeuedd, I tried once. It's rough. lol. But I'll re-read Lilith's advice before trying again. :)

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  3. LOL me too! hahaha I can do kissing scenes, but further then that I would be blushing like a madwoman. bahaha

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  4. This is an excellent review for what people should really expect to get out of this one while reading. Sounds like a definite read that authors should pick up. Thank you so much for sharing! Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Jaclyn Canada. Glad you liked the review! And it came across right. :) Thank you.

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