We are officially halfway through Nanowrimo, and if you’ve taken up the challenge, you might be needing some extra inspiration about now. It can be hard to believe that anything you write in a month could ever get published, but several books that got their first draft written during NaNoWriMo have gone on to topContinue reading “NaNoWriMo Inspiration”
Author Archives: Lauren Brockmeier
Getting Out of a Creative Rut
Hello creators! Today I’m going to be talking about those creative ruts we all fall into from time to time and strategies I’ve found for getting out. I’m using the phrase “creative rut” instead of “writer’s block” or “artist’s block” because I think it sounds less permanent and more solvable. Sometimes I sit down toContinue reading “Getting Out of a Creative Rut”
Podcasts That Will Help You Generate Ideas
Do you ever have times when the idea wheel runs dry? Or maybe you have a great idea for a character but no idea what kind of world you want to put them in (or vise versa). When I’m stuck for ideas, I find that it’s helpful to expose myself to new and interesting things.Continue reading “Podcasts That Will Help You Generate Ideas”
Using Fairy Tales in Your Writing
In June, I read two very different books that both draw on fairy tales and folklore to inspire their stories and settings. Today I’m going to be talking about Uprooted by Naomi Novak and House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig. First, I’m going to give you an overview of what these booksContinue reading “Using Fairy Tales in Your Writing”
Reading Challenge Book List
*These books were reviewed from fall 2019 through June 2020, the reviews are still available for you to read and are tagged under “Reading Challenge” Reading Challenge Book List: Genres Outside My Comfort Zone Welcome to my reading list! This list is the first of many that I will be using as I tackle myContinue reading “Reading Challenge Book List”
Writing the Other: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Hello Everyone, This blog is hitting close to home. I just read a book about the black experience in America, and now I’m blogging about it days after the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police. As I sit to write today, I’m feeling a lot of anger, but rather thanContinue reading “Writing the Other: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison”
How You Can Stay Positive and Productive During Quarantine
Hello everyone! Today I am going to write about something very different from my usual book reviews. With the COVID-19 lock-downs in full swing, I’ve been seeing a lot of people on social media who are asking for tips on how to be productive while working at home. I’ve also seen some posts from peopleContinue reading “How You Can Stay Positive and Productive During Quarantine”
Mathematical Warfare: My Review of Ninefox Gambit
Hello everyone! I hope that you are all staying safe. Today I am reviewing Ninefox Gambit by Yoon Ha Lee. After the review, I will have some updates for you about how the pandemic is affecting the blog and what you can expect in the coming months. I’m going to be honest; this book wasContinue reading “Mathematical Warfare: My Review of Ninefox Gambit”
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
Hello everyone, and happy Leap Day! Today I am reviewing The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present by David Treuer. First, I want to refresh everyone about why I chose this book to read for the blog. As writers, we often find ourselves in the position of writing ‘the other.’Continue reading “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer”
10 Fresh SFF Books to Read in 2020
It’s a whole new reading year, and I’m making up my list of new fantasy books that I must read over the next eleven months. (If you want to follow my progress you can check out my Goodreads page ). A few years ago, I found myself in a bit of a reading rut. IContinue reading “10 Fresh SFF Books to Read in 2020”
The Written World 