Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge

This is a book about poetry. Like the cover says, it's about freeing your life with words.

This is a bit of a instruction type of book, as it comes with exercises and activities to get you going, but it's filled with nuggets of wisdom, and bits of true life from the authors work teaching how to write poetry and from her own life.

It's a very intense book but its not intimidating in the least. I say it's intense because it makes you feel things. I found myself reading through and having to stop and put the book down to reflect on what I read. In such a good way.

The exercises sometimes feel so simple but still make you feel like you are creating something while you are doing them. Like it's not busy work and it's not quite always just you writing a poem, its about playing with words.

This book gives such a beautiful and whimsical feel to poetry that those who are terrified of poetry will feel very differently after this book.

I'm pretty sure I got through this book a couple years ago when I bought it, but for some reason when I picked it up off my shelf and flipped through it I found myself not remembering a lot of it, like I had  a mental block on it. This of course sounds nuts as I love this book and I am planning on going back and doing all of the exercises very soon.

This is up there in my favourites on writing along with Writing Down the Bones, Stephen King's On Writing, and Bird by Bird. I loved all of those books and I love this one too.

Recommendation: For those interested in poetry, for those who want to write, who do write, who are always wanting to learn about writing. This is a resource and an experience waiting to happen.

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper by SARK

I grabbed this lovely book at the library a month or so ago. I grabbed it in the writing section and the title was what grabbed me, but the book itself is what made me take it home.

This is the second book that I've seen done in this unique style. It's done by hand. The words are handwritten, the drawings are done by hand, all of it. It's utterly awesome and totally different from what you normally find on the shelves.

Made me feel like we were holding a copy of her art journal in our hands that was all about writing and being creative and being free with your art. Each page is its own piece of art that is unlike a lot of what's out there.

She really does get the message across that you can be creative and free and anything is possible. She even includes some exercises inside to get you going. She message was pretty spot on for me and I greatly enjoyed it.

If you come across this out and about in life or at the library, I suggest you pick it up and leave through it. It's pretty darn cool inside and something that I think you'll really enjoy having a look at.

Recommendation: This is one of those creativity boosters that we all need at one time or another. Pick this up if you'd like a little hand written sunshine in your day.

Why We Write: 20 Acclaimed Authors on How and Why They Do What They Do by Meredith Maran

This was a random library find a couple weeks ago. I wasn't looking for anything like this but I found myself sitting at a table right next to the shelves of books on writing and as soon as I saw the title of this book I grabbed it up.

As someone who is searching for her meaning in life (which I am highly suspecting has to do with writing) this sounded like a perfect informative read for me.

I have this weird habit of forgetting who sings songs. I might remember the words, sometimes the title, but I almost always forget who is the one performing it. I tell you this because I apparently have that issue when it comes to authors too!

Looking at the list of authors who were sharing their experiences in this book didn't overly thrill me. I think out of 20 I knew/could recognize the names of about 6 of them. As I was reading though, it hit me how many I had heard of, how many I did know, and how much I did know about their work!

This was pretty darn interesting. I am back at the library today as I write this and I am going to be going back to that section and I am going to be looking for more books like this. I love reading about people's lives and why they do what they do (especially when it comes to writing).

To say I learned a lot wouldn't really be true. So much of their advice I had heard before (whether or not I want to listen is a whole other story). What I did learn though was how they feel about their work and how they came about their successes. It's almost reassuring to know that it wasn't easy. Misery loves company after all!

This was an easy read, something that might feel repetitive after the first 10 or so, but I'd advise reading them all. Each person's story is different and unique and I think they all have gems of wisdom to impart.

Recommendation: For the readers who love the process and for the writers who are just starting (or have been writing for years) This was a good read for sure!

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

I came across this book in the reference section under writing. Immediately it called out to me. I snapped it up and I am so darn glad I did.

This book is an inspiration to new writers and old writers alike to write. She talks about the how-to's the why and the just do's to get any writers hand moving across that paper (or key board). She writes like she's sitting in a coffee shop across from you tell you stories, but at the same time lifting you up and inspiring you again and again.

I loved this book immensely. It was a great introduction into the writing of this author. She is such a huge inspiration and her words are just so amazing. This book was non stop wisdom. Every page is a new blast of inspiration and advice.

Every writer needs to have this book on their shelves to refer to at any time. There's no question why this book is a best seller.

Her methods are simple but effective. She does go into a little bit of detail with regards to her Zen practices and how they have helped her, along with the lessons they have taught her. I found it really interesting which is why I've also read another one of her books The True Secret of Writing which covers more of that including the writing workshops she's held and the methods she teaches them. Don't worry, the review on that book is coming soon!

I can dive into this book on any page at any time and feel revived and inspired. I am cherishing my copy, that's for sure.

Recommendation: Attention all writers, aspiring writers, and those thinking of writing: You need this book. It's a must. A serious must. Don't question it, just read it!!

On Writing by Stephen King

This book is exactly what the title leads you to believe. It's Stephen Kings thoughts on writing. It's part memoir and part master class on the art of writing. 

I devoured this book in a day and took lots of notes. My love of reading has long since evolved into a love of writing and I tend to snap up really inspiring and helpful books related to the art of writing. I do play about here and their with stories and things, I've even written quite a stack of terrible poetry. Perhaps I will evolve some more into an author myself. Who knows? What I do know is this book will be the first review of possibly many related to books on the art of writing. 

In this book Stephen King talks about his life, his hardships, what it was like starting out writing and going through his life. It was eye opening, personal, and truly inspiring. 

I greatly respect him as both a writer and a person. This book really gives a behind the scenes look at his life and his work. I always feel more connected to an author after learning more about them. Makes them more human and the writing of a book more attainable. 

There is even a whole section where he shares an unedited piece of work and goes over how he would edit it which is super helpful. I am happy to have this book close at hand for future reference. 

Recommendation: For any writer, this book is a must. Even if you don't love his work, you have to acknowledge his mastery when it comes to writing. (Of course this book is even better if you do love his work!)