Krysten Ritter

Today I’m talking about a fiery psychological thriller, Bonfire by Krysten Ritter. I’m not just excited to talk about the plot; I’m also stoked (get it?) to discuss her creative process and some surprising things we can learn from actors who are authors. Additionally, I’m touching on something that’s sparked my attention lately: how books like Gone Girl, The Woman in the Window, Sharp Objects, and Bonfire are either fanning the flames of the dead girl trope or burning it down. As usual, you can find Plotboilers on iTunes, Spotify, or right here on the Plotboilers website. Additionally, I love getting reviews and ratings on iTunes, so toss a few (or five?) stars my direction! Books mentioned in this episode:   Bonfire by Krysten Ritter Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn  The post Bonfire by Krysten Ritter &amp; What We Can Learn from Actors Who Write! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today I’m talking about a fiery psychological thriller, Bonfire by Krysten Ritter. I’m not just excited to talk about the plot; I’m also stoked (get it?) to discuss her creative process and some surprising things we can learn from actors who are authors. Additionally, I’m touching on something that’s sparked my attention lately: how books like Gone Girl, The Woman in the Window, Sharp Objects, and Bonfire are either fanning the flames of the dead girl trope or burning it down. As usual, you can find Plotboilers on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers-book-reviews-and-writing-life/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2xb6UMAZ9tA0nGb5woXraB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or right here on the Plotboilers website. Additionally, I love getting reviews and ratings on iTunes, so toss a few (or five?) stars my direction! Books mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li>Bonfire by Krysten Ritter</li> <li>Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn</li> <li>Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn</li> <li>The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</li> <li>The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn</li> </ul> The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/08/09/bonfire-by-krysten-ritter-what-we-can-learn-from-actors-who-write/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bonfire by Krysten Ritter &amp; What We Can Learn from Actors Who Write!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter & What We Can Learn from Actors Who Write!

Fredrik Backman is a Swedish writer best known for his books (A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, etc.) Today, I’m talking about one of his most recent works “Beartown,” a book that focuses on a small town’s relationship with ice hockey and the interwoven lives of the people who live there. Spoiler alert: I think this book is great, and I hope you do too. There are a ton of themes and ideas that come up in Beartown, but the one I’m most excited to discuss is loyalty. Is loyalty always a good thing? What happens when we misplace it? These are the questions Backman asks in the Beartown narrative – and just a few of the ones he answers as well. Books mentioned in this episode:   Beartown by Fredrik Backman A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Us Against You by Fredrik Backman My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman  The post Book Review of Beartown by Fredrik Backman appeared first on Plotboilers.

Fredrik Backman is a Swedish writer best known for his books (A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, etc.) Today, I’m talking about one of his most recent works “Beartown,” a book that focuses on a small town’s relationship with ice hockey and the interwoven lives of the people who live there. Spoiler alert: I think this book is great, and I hope you do too. There are a ton of themes and ideas that come up in Beartown, but the one I’m most excited to discuss is loyalty. Is loyalty always a good thing? What happens when we misplace it? These are the questions Backman asks in the Beartown narrative – and just a few of the ones he answers as well. Books mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li>Beartown by Fredrik Backman</li> <li>A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman</li> <li>Us Against You by Fredrik Backman</li> <li>My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman</li> <li>Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman</li> </ul> The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/08/02/book-review-of-beartown-by-fredrik-backman/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book Review of Beartown by Fredrik Backman</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Book Review of Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Let’s talk about that crazy Forbes article that suggested we replace local libraries with Amazon bookstores! Also, I’ve got a first edition book haul to report (Weeee!) and a few suggestions for books about writing that I’ve found practical and think you might too. Most of these books are ones that I use for reference. You don’t really have to read them cover to cover to get the specific information you need. On the other hand, I think it’s valuable to read straight through “how to” books when you have the time because you can find answers to questions you didn’t know you had yet! Books mentioned in this episode:   Deadeye Dick by Kurt Vonnegut The Cat’s Pajamas by Ray Bradbury Obscure Destinies by Willa Cather The History of Love by Nicole Krauss Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson The Art of Styling Sentences by Ann Longknife and K.D. Sullivan The Fiction Writer’s Guide to Dialogue by John Hugh, Jr The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman Style: Ten Lessons I Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams A Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor Beartown by Fredrik Backman  The post RE: Amazon Replacing Libraries, Book Haul, &amp; Practical Books on Writing appeared first on Plotboilers.

Let’s talk about <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/panosmourdoukoutas/2018/07/21/amazon-should-replace-local-libraries-to-save-taxpayers-money/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">that crazy Forbes article</a> that suggested we replace local libraries with Amazon bookstores! Also, I’ve got a first edition book haul to report (Weeee!) and a few suggestions for books about writing that I’ve found practical and think you might too. Most of these books are ones that I use for reference. You don’t really have to read them cover to cover to get the specific information you need. On the other hand, I think it’s valuable to read straight through “how to” books when you have the time because you can find answers to questions you didn’t know you had yet! Books mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li>Deadeye Dick by Kurt Vonnegut</li> <li>The Cat’s Pajamas by Ray Bradbury</li> <li>Obscure Destinies by Willa Cather</li> <li>The History of Love by Nicole Krauss</li> <li>Wordsmithy by Douglas Wilson</li> <li>The Art of Styling Sentences by Ann Longknife and K.D. Sullivan</li> <li>The Fiction Writer’s Guide to Dialogue by John Hugh, Jr</li> <li>The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman</li> <li>Style: Ten Lessons I Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams</li> <li>A Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor</li> <li>Beartown by Fredrik Backman</li> </ul> The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/07/23/re-amazon-replacing-libraries-book-haul-practical-books-on-writing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RE: Amazon Replacing Libraries, Book Haul, &amp; Practical Books on Writing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

RE: Amazon Replacing Libraries, Book Haul, & Practical Books on Writing

Ray Bradbury

Join me as I discuss The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with guests Josiah and Benji! For those of you who have tuned in before, you might remember Josiah and Benji from a few months ago when we talked about “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. (Psssst! We’re also reviewing wine again.) If you enjoy Plotboilers, toss a rating and / or review my way on iTunes. And don’t forget, you can follow me on Twitter @plotboilers. If you’ve read The Martian Chronicles or have thoughts about our thoughts on it, drop me a line in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you! Books mentioned in this episode:   The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury  Wines mentioned in this episode:   House Wine (Dark Cabernet Sauvignon) Moral Compass 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon  PS – At the top of this episode, we mention that we are probably going to spoil the ending. Partway through, we decided not to spoil it!  The post The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with Josiah and Benji! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Join me as I discuss The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with guests Josiah and Benji! For those of you who have tuned in before, you might remember Josiah and Benji from a few months ago when we talked about<a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/05/01/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-with-special-guests-josiah-and-benji/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick</a>. (Psssst! We’re also reviewing wine again.) If you enjoy Plotboilers, toss a rating and / or review my way on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers-book-reviews-and-writing-life/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. And don’t forget, you can follow me on Twitter @plotboilers. If you’ve read The Martian Chronicles or have thoughts about our thoughts on it, drop me a line in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you! Books mentioned in this episode:  <ul> <li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76778.The_Martian_Chronicles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury</a></li> </ul> Wines mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li><a href="https://housewine.shopeverywhere.com/customerorder?organization=783851&amp;offer=784410&amp;eo=true&amp;rt=5490" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">House Wine (Dark Cabernet Sauvignon)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.vivino.com/wineries/moral-compass/wines/moral-compass-cabernet-sauvignon-uv" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moral Compass 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon</a></li> </ul> PS – At the top of this episode, we mention that we are probably going to spoil the ending. Partway through, we decided not to spoil it! The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/06/30/374/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with Josiah and Benji!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury with Josiah and Benji!

Today I’m sharing an episode from another podcast, How to Write Good. Why? Because the host of HTWG podcast, Daniel Poppie, was kind enough to invite me onto the show as a guest! I’ve never guested on a show before, so this was a new – and super fun – experience. Join us as we talk about a few recent books I’ve discovered along with their creative implications. You can join the discussion in the comments below or on Twitter at @HTWGPodcast. I also encourage you to subscribe to HTWG podcast on iTunes (or wherever you get your podcasts!); it’s well worth your time if you enjoy writing and/or thinking about the creative process from a fun yet philosophical perspective. Books mentioned in this episode:  My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas    The post Plotboilers Presents: “The Count, My Grandmother, and Seeing Through Another’s Eyes” by How to Write Good Podcast! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today I’m sharing an episode from another podcast, <a href="https://www.danielpoppie.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Write Good</a>. Why? Because the host of HTWG podcast, Daniel Poppie, was kind enough to invite me onto the show as a guest! I’ve never guested on a show before, so this was a new – and super fun – experience. Join us as we talk about a few recent books I’ve discovered along with their creative implications. You can join the discussion in the comments below or on Twitter at @HTWGPodcast. I also encourage you to subscribe to HTWG podcast on iTunes (or wherever you get your podcasts!); it’s well worth your time if you enjoy writing and/or thinking about the creative process from a fun yet philosophical perspective. Books mentioned in this episode: <ul> <li> My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman </li> <li> The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas </li> </ul> The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/06/27/plotboilers-presents-the-count-my-grandmother-and-seeing-through-anothers-eyes-by-how-to-write-good-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers Presents: “The Count, My Grandmother, and Seeing Through Another’s Eyes” by How to Write Good Podcast!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Plotboilers Presents: “The Count, My Grandmother, and Seeing Through Another’s Eyes” by How to Write Good Podcast!

Let’s talk about short story writing! On the one hand, short stories are simpler than novels because – as the name implies – they are short. On the other hand, the target is a lot smaller which means the margin for error is a lot bigger. I’ve compiled a few of the things that I think make short stories a specific breed of difficult, and also a few notes on my personal process for writing them. Obviously, everyone’s creative process is different, but I’ve discovered that it’s actually harder to find solid resources on short story writing, opposed to long-form stories like a novel. At the end of the day, short stories are a challenge because they don’t always (or in my experience, ever) fit the traditional three-act structure. That might sound crazy coming from someone who talks about story structure a lot, but it’s true. Depending on how short your story is, it’s probably not going to have a clearly defined first, second, and third act – at least not in the same capacity that a novel about the same topic, character or situation would. On the flipside, examining your short story through the lens of the three-act structure can be beneficial as well. P.S. – You can find me on iTunes. If you like Plotboilers, it’d make my day if you rated and reviewed the show there! Music: Twine by Podington Bear © Chad Crouch The post Why Are Short Stories So Hard to Write? appeared first on Plotboilers.

Let’s talk about short story writing! On the one hand, short stories are simpler than novels because – as the name implies – they are short. On the other hand, the target is a lot smaller which means the margin for error is a lot bigger. I’ve compiled a few of the things that I think make short stories a specific breed of difficult, and also a few notes on my personal process for writing them. Obviously, everyone’s creative process is different, but I’ve discovered that it’s actually harder to find solid resources on short story writing, opposed to long-form stories like a novel. At the end of the day, short stories are a challenge because they don’t always (or in my experience, ever) fit the traditional three-act structure. That might sound crazy coming from someone who talks about story structure a lot, but it’s true. Depending on how short your story is, it’s probably not going to have a clearly defined first, second, and third act – at least not in the same capacity that a novel about the same topic, character or situation would. On the flipside, examining your short story through the lens of the three-act structure can be beneficial as well. P.S. – <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can find me on iTunes.</a> If you like Plotboilers, it’d make my day if you rated and reviewed the show there! Music: Twine by Podington Bear © Chad Crouch The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/06/20/why-are-short-stories-so-hard-to-write/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Why Are Short Stories So Hard to Write?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Why Are Short Stories So Hard to Write?

Let’s talk about collectible books! First things first: Did you know there’s a difference between a first edition and a first printing? Both are cool, but many collectors prefer the first printing to the first edition. I’ll tell you why, and relay a few hacks I’ve discovered in my own book collecting pursuits to help you find and identify first and collectible editions of your favorite titles.  But first, it’s book giveaway time! If you follow me on Twitter, you know I promised a giveaway of a signed copy of Happily by Chauncey Rogers. Listen to the show to find out how you could win a copy! Book Recommendations from this Episode:  Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare &amp; Co. by Jeremy Mercer A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway Happily by Chauncey Rogers [Giveaway book!] A Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor  The post Hacks to Find (And Identify) First Editions of Your Favorite Books + Book Giveaway! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Let’s talk about collectible books! First things first: Did you know there’s a difference between a first edition and a first printing? Both are cool, but many collectors prefer the first printing to the first edition. I’ll tell you why, and relay a few hacks I’ve discovered in my own book collecting pursuits to help you find and identify first and collectible editions of your favorite titles. But first, it’s book giveaway time! If you follow me on Twitter, you know I promised a giveaway of a signed copy of Happily by Chauncey Rogers. Listen to the show to find out how you could win a copy! Book Recommendations from this Episode: <ul> <li>Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare &amp; Co. by Jeremy Mercer</li> <li>A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway</li> <li>Happily by Chauncey Rogers [Giveaway book!]</li> <li>A Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor</li> </ul> The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/05/12/hacks-to-find-and-identify-first-editions-of-your-favorite-books-book-giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hacks to Find (And Identify) First Editions of Your Favorite Books + Book Giveaway!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Hacks to Find (And Identify) First Editions of Your Favorite Books + Book Giveaway!

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep is a novel by Philip K. Dick. It’s also the inspiration for the movie Blade Runner, although I wouldn’t have guessed it by the title. I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time, and as it turns out, so have fellow book enthusiasts Josiah and Benji. Join us as we discuss everything from plot to themes to the wine we’re drinking while we review it – and if you like what you’ve heard here, let me know by leaving Plotboilers a review on iTunes, following me on Twitter, and sharing your thoughts in the comments below! (Seriously, I love hearing from you guys. It makes my day.) Wine mentioned in this episode: 2015 Château de Brandey Bordeaux    Dropped thirty bucks for a pre-#BladeRunner copy. Tagline on the back is as wildly worth the money as it is unrelated to th actual text between the covers. 10/10 would recommend. pic.twitter.com/C6CK2CnvAI — Emily Brady (@Plotboilers) April 14, 2018  NOTE: As per usual, Plotboilers discusses story elements. This means you’re going to hear about plot points, characters, etc. If you want to pick up Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and read with completely fresh eyes, pause the podcast, read the book, and then give it a listen. Otherwise, my goal is for you to be able to enjoy the book after listening, too! The post Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? With Special Guests Josiah and Benji! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep is a novel by Philip K. Dick. It’s also the inspiration for the movie Blade Runner, although I wouldn’t have guessed it by the title. I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time, and as it turns out, so have fellow book enthusiasts Josiah and Benji. Join us as we discuss everything from plot to themes to the wine we’re drinking while we review it – and if you like what you’ve heard here, let me know by <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers-book-reviews-and-writing-life/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leaving Plotboilers a review on iTunes</a>, following me on Twitter, and sharing your thoughts in the comments below! (Seriously, I love hearing from you guys. It makes my day.) Wine mentioned in this episode: <a href="https://www.vivino.com/wineries/brandey/wines/bordeaux-9999" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2015 Château de Brandey Bordeaux</a> <blockquote> Dropped thirty bucks for a pre-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BladeRunner?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#BladeRunner</a> copy. Tagline on the back is as wildly worth the money as it is unrelated to th actual text between the covers. 10/10 would recommend. <a href="https://t.co/C6CK2CnvAI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pic.twitter.com/C6CK2CnvAI</a> — Emily Brady (@Plotboilers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Plotboilers/status/985276868654907392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote> NOTE: As per usual, Plotboilers discusses story elements. This means you’re going to hear about plot points, characters, etc. If you want to pick up Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep and read with completely fresh eyes, pause the podcast, read the book, and then give it a listen. Otherwise, my goal is for you to be able to enjoy the book after listening, too! The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/05/01/do-androids-dream-of-electric-sheep-with-special-guests-josiah-and-benji/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? With Special Guests Josiah and Benji!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? With Special Guests Josiah and Benji!

Chauncey Rogers

Today, I’m discussing Happily by Chauncey Rogers – a brand new YA retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella.  I know what you’re thinking: Why would I want to read a book if I already what happens? Well, I can promise you don’t know what’s going to happen in this one. I’ve actually had the pleasure of reading Happily about five times. Why? Because Chauncey asked me to perform the audiobook of Happily and the opportunity was too good to pass up. While I’d love to talk about how much fun it is to narrate (and how my neighbors probably think I talk to myself a lot), what I’m really excited to talk about is how Happily’s protagonist got me thinking about females in YA literature. Spoiler alert: More often than not, they fail to fit the glass slipper of my critical expectations. Happily, on the other hand, gives readers a little bit more to think about than most fairytales – so let’s dive in! Happily is available now on Amazon, and I will let you know when the audiobook is released! If you like what you’ve heard on Plotboilers, drop me a rating and review on iTunes! Seriously, it means the world to get your feedback, plus it helps other people find the show. The post Book Recommendation of Happily by Chauncey Rogers (And I Narrated the Audiobook!) appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today, I’m discussing Happily by Chauncey Rogers – a brand new YA retelling of the classic fairytale, Cinderella.  I know what you’re thinking: Why would I want to read a book if I already what happens? Well, I can promise you don’t know what’s going to happen in this one. I’ve actually had the pleasure of reading Happily about five times. Why? Because Chauncey asked me to perform the audiobook of Happily and the opportunity was too good to pass up. While I’d love to talk about how much fun it is to narrate (and how my neighbors probably think I talk to myself a lot), what I’m really excited to talk about is how Happily’s protagonist got me thinking about females in YA literature. Spoiler alert: More often than not, they fail to fit the glass slipper of my critical expectations. Happily, on the other hand, gives readers a little bit more to think about than most fairytales – so let’s dive in! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Happily-Chauncey-Rogers-ebook/dp/B079THSVNQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Happily is available now on Amazon</a>, and I will let you know when the audiobook is released! If you like what you’ve heard on Plotboilers, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers-book-reviews-and-writing-life/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">drop me a rating and review on iTunes!</a> Seriously, it means the world to get your feedback, plus it helps other people find the show. The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/04/07/book-recommendation-of-happily-by-chauncey-rogers-and-i-narrated-the-audiobook/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book Recommendation of Happily by Chauncey Rogers (And I Narrated the Audiobook!)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Book Recommendation of Happily by Chauncey Rogers (And I Narrated the Audiobook!)

It’s Plotboilers’ tenth episode! In honor of my longstanding “don’t see the movie before you’ve read the book” tradition, I’m taking a look at A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle. It’s a short book, but there’s a lot to talk about so I’m going to cover characters, body image, and how the story depicts religion. Most importantly, I’m here to prove it’s never too late to finish your fourth-grade reading list. The post A Wrinkle In Time Book Review appeared first on Plotboilers.

It’s Plotboilers’ tenth episode! In honor of my longstanding “don’t see the movie before you’ve read the book” tradition, I’m taking a look at A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle. It’s a short book, but there’s a lot to talk about so I’m going to cover characters, body image, and how the story depicts religion. Most importantly, I’m here to prove it’s never too late to finish your fourth-grade reading list. The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/03/30/a-wrinkle-in-time-book-review/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Wrinkle In Time Book Review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

A Wrinkle In Time Book Review

Jhumpa Lahiri

May the record show this episode went live in February! Well, at least for those of us on the West Coast. To celebrate the shortest month of the year, I’ve got a quick book review (recommendation, really) for you. And since this book is actually about the writing life, I’ve combined the show’s normal segments into one. If you haven’ read Jhumpa Lahiri, I highly recommend her two collections of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies and Unaccustomed Earth. Someday, I’d like to review some of her other other works but for now, I hope you all enjoy my discussion of The Clothing of Books. Books mentioned in this episode:  The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri The post Book Recommendation: The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri appeared first on Plotboilers.

May the record show this episode went live in February! Well, at least for those of us on the West Coast. To celebrate the shortest month of the year, I’ve got a quick book review (recommendation, really) for you. And since this book is actually about the writing life, I’ve combined the show’s normal segments into one. If you haven’ read Jhumpa Lahiri, I highly recommend her two collections of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies and Unaccustomed Earth. Someday, I’d like to review some of her other other works but for now, I hope you all enjoy my discussion of The Clothing of Books. Books mentioned in this episode: The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/03/01/book-recommendation-clothing-books-jhumpa-lahiri/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Book Recommendation: The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Book Recommendation: The Clothing of Books by Jhumpa Lahiri

Today, I’m making up for lost time with a longer-than-usual book review and writing discussion! First up, I’m talking about Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Most of the time, I read King because I want something that’s just straight-up entertaining. In retrospect, this book actually touched on some more discussion-worthy themes than the other novels I’ve read by him. Specifically, modern traditions surrounding death and how the circumstances surrounding death can make it more – or less – horrifying. But mostly more. A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about static and dynamic characters and how you can use them in your writings. It’s an interesting topic because, in my experience, static characters kind of have a reputation for being boring – but they don’t have to be! On the other hand, dynamic characters open a whole world of possibilities for internal conflict in your character. All that to say, when it comes to choosing which character type best fits your story, pick wisely. If you’ve listened before or if this is your first encounter with Plotboilers, you can always find me on iTunes. And if you like the show, go ahead and leave me a rating and review! Books mentioned in this Episode: Pet Sematary by Stephen King The Stand by Stephen King Salem’s Lot by Stephen King It by Stephen King   The post Pet Sematary Review &amp; Static vs Dynamic Characters appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today, I’m making up for lost time with a longer-than-usual book review and writing discussion! First up, I’m talking about Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Most of the time, I read King because I want something that’s just straight-up entertaining. In retrospect, this book actually touched on some more discussion-worthy themes than the other novels I’ve read by him. Specifically, modern traditions surrounding death and how the circumstances surrounding death can make it more – or less – horrifying. But mostly more. A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2015/06/30/how-to-use-static-and-dynamic-characters-in-your-novel/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">static and dynamic characters</a> and how you can use them in your writings. It’s an interesting topic because, in my experience, static characters kind of have a reputation for being boring – but they don’t have to be! On the other hand, dynamic characters open a whole world of possibilities for internal conflict in your character. All that to say, when it comes to choosing which character type best fits your story, pick wisely. If you’ve listened before or if this is your first encounter with Plotboilers, you can always <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">find me on iTunes</a>. And if you like the show, go ahead and leave me a rating and review! Books mentioned in this Episode: Pet Sematary by Stephen King The Stand by Stephen King Salem’s Lot by Stephen King It by Stephen King The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/02/17/pet-sematary-review-static-vs-dynamic-characters/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pet Sematary Review &amp; Static vs Dynamic Characters</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Pet Sematary Review & Static vs Dynamic Characters

Today’s episode features a review of We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor. When I first heard about We Are Legion, I wasn’t convinced that I’d like it – mostly because the main character is a spaceship. (That’s kind of an oversimplification, but you’ll understand why after hearing the review.) This book surprised me because it’s not only super fun but also deals with some pretty interesting questions –  like what it means to be alive and the nature of individuality. If that sounds cool, you’re in luck because it’s actually the first of three books in the Bobiverse trilogy. I definitely plan on reading the next two – and I might review them, too! In the meantime, I decided to shake things up a bit and participate in the “You’re Not Good Enough” book tag. Again, this is going to take some explaining. Basically, I’m going to talk about some interesting / outlandish / funny scenarios and try to figure out which book characters “win” each scenario. Thanks to The Book Cover Girl for tagging me! Books in this Episode:  We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor It by Stephen King Retrograde by Peter Cawdron Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen Their Eyes were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Pet Semetary by Stephen King Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth  For reference, here are the questions from the book tag on The Book Cover Girl’s blog! P.S. – You can find me on iTunes. Depending on your preferred medium for listing, subscribing via iTunes or the Podcasts app on your phone might be the best way to get automatic Plotboilers updates! The post We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Book Review and “You’re Not Good Enough” Book Tag! appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today’s episode features a review of We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor. When I first heard about We Are Legion, I wasn’t convinced that I’d like it – mostly because the main character is a spaceship. (That’s kind of an oversimplification, but you’ll understand why after hearing the review.) This book surprised me because it’s not only super fun but also deals with some pretty interesting questions –  like what it means to be alive and the nature of individuality. If that sounds cool, you’re in luck because it’s actually the first of three books in the Bobiverse trilogy. I definitely plan on reading the next two – and I might review them, too! In the meantime, I decided to shake things up a bit and participate in the “You’re Not Good Enough” book tag. Again, this is going to take some explaining. Basically, I’m going to talk about some interesting / outlandish / funny scenarios and try to figure out which book characters “win” each scenario. Thanks to <a href="https://thebookcovergirls.wordpress.com/2018/01/04/youre-not-good-enough-book-tag/#more-20087" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Book Cover Girl</a> for tagging me! Books in this Episode: <ul> <li>We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor</li> <li>It by Stephen King</li> <li>Retrograde by Peter Cawdron</li> <li>Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero</li> <li>Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen</li> <li>Their Eyes were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston</li> <li>The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood</li> <li>Pet Semetary by Stephen King</li> <li>Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury</li> <li>The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</li> <li>The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien</li> <li>The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</li> <li>The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith</li> <li>Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth</li> </ul> For reference, <a href="https://thebookcovergirls.wordpress.com/2018/01/04/youre-not-good-enough-book-tag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here are the questions from the book tag on The Book Cover Girl’s blog!</a> P.S. – <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/plotboilers/id1301125716?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can find me on iTunes.</a> Depending on your preferred medium for listing, subscribing via iTunes or the Podcasts app on your phone might be the best way to get automatic Plotboilers updates! The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2018/01/15/legion-bob-book-review-youre-not-good-enough-book-tag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Book Review and “You’re Not Good Enough” Book Tag!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Book Review and “You’re Not Good Enough” Book Tag!

In my last episode of 2017, I’ve reviewed Veronica Roth’s “Carve the Mark” and put together some tips and tricks for setting challenging yet achievable writing resolutions for 2018. (If I’m being totally honest, I really don’t like New Years’ resolutions – but improving yourself is always a good thing, right?) Carve the Mark is, as I forgot to mention on the show, the first in a two-part series. (Duology?) It also hit bookstores in the wake of Roth’s super successful Divergent series. Now that I think about it, I’ve read a few post-break-out novels this year. Aka, books published after an emerging author’s breakout debut. I’m diving into genre, characters, world building and a lot more – so let’s see if Carve the Mark lives up to the fast-paced and fun expectations Divergent set. Happy New Year, bookish friends! Books mentioned in this episode: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth The post Carve the Mark Book Review &amp; New Years’ Writing Resolutions appeared first on Plotboilers.

In my last episode of 2017, I’ve reviewed Veronica Roth’s “Carve the Mark” and put together some tips and tricks for setting challenging yet achievable writing resolutions for 2018. (If I’m being totally honest, I really don’t like New Years’ resolutions – but improving yourself is always a good thing, right?) Carve the Mark is, as I forgot to mention on the show, the first in a two-part series. (Duology?) It also hit bookstores in the wake of Roth’s super successful Divergent series. Now that I think about it, I’ve read a few post-break-out novels this year. Aka, books published after an emerging author’s breakout debut. I’m diving into genre, characters, world building and a lot more – so let’s see if Carve the Mark lives up to the fast-paced and fun expectations Divergent set. Happy New Year, bookish friends! Books mentioned in this episode: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth The Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/12/31/carve-mark-book-review-new-years-writing-resolutions/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carve the Mark Book Review &amp; New Years’ Writing Resolutions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Carve the Mark Book Review & New Years’ Writing Resolutions

In today’s episode, I’m reviewing The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This book is not only one of Atwood’s most acclaimed novels, but the basis for the American television show by the same name. If you know anything about Margaret Atwood, you know she has a flair for dark, gritty, and utterly captivating dystopian and speculative fiction with a political or feminist slant. Sound intriguing? It is. But in order to get her ideas across effectively, it’s important to have good characters and story structure as well – and that’s exactly what I wanted to explore when I picked up this book. Additionally, I’m taking a few minutes to talk about the importance of action and reaction scenes in novels. If you’ve ever read a book or watched a show and came away thinking “Wow, I don’t care about those people at all,” it’s possible the story failed to find its action/reaction stride. This not only applies to the individual scenes in your book (how they flow and push the story forward), but it also relates to the relationship between your book’s first and second half. Books mentioned in this episode:  The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero PS – I also mention “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” but I’m talking about the movie, not the French comic book “Empire of a Thousand Planets.” The post The Handmaid’s Tale Review and the Importance of Reaction Scenes appeared first on Plotboilers.

In today’s episode, I’m reviewing The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This book is not only one of Atwood’s most acclaimed novels, but the basis for the American television show by the same name. If you know anything about Margaret Atwood, you know she has a flair for dark, gritty, and utterly captivating dystopian and speculative fiction with a political or feminist slant. Sound intriguing? It is. But in order to get her ideas across effectively, it’s important to have good characters and story structure as well – and that’s exactly what I wanted to explore when I picked up this book. Additionally, I’m taking a few minutes to talk about the importance of action and reaction scenes in novels. If you’ve ever read a book or watched a show and came away thinking “Wow, I don’t care about those people at all,” it’s possible the story failed to find its action/reaction stride. This not only applies to the individual scenes in your book (how they flow and push the story forward), but it also relates to the relationship between your book’s first and second half. Books mentioned in this episode: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero PS – I also mention “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” but I’m talking about the movie, not the French comic book “Empire of a Thousand Planets.” The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/12/13/handmaids-tale-review-importance-reaction-scenes/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Handmaid’s Tale Review and the Importance of Reaction Scenes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

The Handmaid’s Tale Review and the Importance of Reaction Scenes

Edgar Cantero

Andy Weir

Today, I’ve got a special treat for you: dueling book reviews! Okay, the books aren’t actually dueling. I’ve just been reading a lot and have a backlog of reviews to share. Today we’re talking about Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and Artemis by Andy Weir. How do I describe Meddling Kids? It’s basically a punchy, mystery throwback for people who grew up watching Scooby Doo. If that doesn’t sound awesome, I don’t know what does. On the other hand, delivering something that witty can be a challenge. Let’s see if Mr. Cantero is up for it! Next up is Artemis by Andy Weir. In the wake of his wildly successful book, The Martian, Weir has a lot of expectations to meet – and critics have been pretty mixed in their reception. All that to say, a noir-style heist on the Moon is a pretty cool idea. One that’s at least worth exploring. While I typically finish up PlotBoilers podcast episodes with a few thoughts on life as a writer, this one is all book-talk. Don’t worry: the writing life tips and tricks will be back next time! Books Mentioned in this Episode Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero Artemis by Andy Weir The Martian by Andy Weir Into the Water by Paula Hawkins Retrograde by Peter Cawdron The post Dueling Book Reviews: Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and Artemis by Andy Weir appeared first on Plotboilers.

Today, I’ve got a special treat for you: dueling book reviews! Okay, the books aren’t actually dueling. I’ve just been reading a lot and have a backlog of reviews to share. Today we’re talking about Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and Artemis by Andy Weir. How do I describe Meddling Kids? It’s basically a punchy, mystery throwback for people who grew up watching Scooby Doo. If that doesn’t sound awesome, I don’t know what does. On the other hand, delivering something that witty can be a challenge. Let’s see if Mr. Cantero is up for it! Next up is Artemis by Andy Weir. In the wake of his wildly successful book, The Martian, Weir has a lot of expectations to meet – and critics have been pretty mixed in their reception. All that to say, a noir-style heist on the Moon is a pretty cool idea. One that’s at least worth exploring. While I typically finish up PlotBoilers podcast episodes with a few thoughts on life as a writer, this one is all book-talk. Don’t worry: the writing life tips and tricks will be back next time! Books Mentioned in this Episode Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero Artemis by Andy Weir The Martian by Andy Weir Into the Water by Paula Hawkins Retrograde by Peter Cawdron The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/11/22/dueling-book-reviews-meddling-kids-edgar-cantero-artemis-andy-weir/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dueling Book Reviews: Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and Artemis by Andy Weir</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Dueling Book Reviews: Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero and Artemis by Andy Weir

In today’s episode, I’m reviewing Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. You probably know Hawkins from her breakout novel, The Girl on the Train. But what you might not know is TGOTT isn’t actually her first book. It’s hard to not compare TGOTT with Into the Water, but I’ve done my best. On the other hand, there are some interesting comparisons and similarities between the books I found worth discussing. For today’s “Writing Life” bit, I’m going over plotting and pantsing. If you don’t know what those are, the difference is pretty simple: Plotters outline their novels before they write; pantsers start with an idea and discover the story as they put it on the page. In reality, most people fall somewhere between these two extremes. (If you plotted every detail before you wrote, you’d technically already have a first draft – you know?) However, understanding which process is best for your next WIP is super important. P.S. – This episode probably should have been titled “The Miracle” because, after recording it, my computer decided to completely stop working. Cringe. I’m pretty sure it’s on its way out, but I was able to recover the episode audio file (and 20,000+ words of a work in progress – Whew). Just in case any of you are even remotely part of the IT industry, I’m not going to say how I got it working again – for the sake of my pride and your sanity. All that to say, if I’m a little late getting my next episode up, it means Black Friday didn’t go my way and I still don’t have a new computer. Life is full of adventures, isn’t it? Books mentioned in this episode:  Into the Water – Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins Structuring Your Novel – K.M. Weiland Outlining Your Novel – K.M. Weiland Outlining Your Novel Workbook – K.M. Weiland Story – Robert McKee   The post Into the Water Book Review &amp; Plotting vs. Pantsing appeared first on Plotboilers.

In today’s episode, I’m reviewing Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. You probably know Hawkins from her breakout novel, The Girl on the Train. But what you might not know is TGOTT isn’t actually her first book. It’s hard to not compare TGOTT with Into the Water, but I’ve done my best. On the other hand, there are some interesting comparisons and similarities between the books I found worth discussing. For today’s “Writing Life” bit, I’m going over plotting and pantsing. If you don’t know what those are, the difference is pretty simple: Plotters outline their novels before they write; pantsers start with an idea and discover the story as they put it on the page. In reality, most people fall somewhere between these two extremes. (If you plotted every detail before you wrote, you’d technically already have a first draft – you know?) However, understanding which process is best for your next WIP is super important. P.S. – This episode probably should have been titled “The Miracle” because, after recording it, my computer decided to completely stop working. Cringe. I’m pretty sure it’s on its way out, but I was able to recover the episode audio file (and 20,000+ words of a work in progress – Whew). Just in case any of you are even remotely part of the IT industry, I’m not going to say how I got it working again – for the sake of my pride and your sanity. All that to say, if I’m a little late getting my next episode up, it means Black Friday didn’t go my way and I still don’t have a new computer. Life is full of adventures, isn’t it? Books mentioned in this episode: Into the Water – Paula Hawkins The Girl on the Train – Paula Hawkins Structuring Your Novel – K.M. Weiland Outlining Your Novel – K.M. Weiland Outlining Your Novel Workbook – K.M. Weiland Story – Robert McKee The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/11/18/water-book-review-plotting-vs-pantsing/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Into the Water Book Review &amp; Plotting vs. Pantsing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Into the Water Book Review & Plotting vs. Pantsing

In today’s episode, I have five spooky and binge-worthy books for you to read this week, along with a few pointers on how to be a better beta reader. First up: ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. This was the first book I read by King, and it’s one of my favorites to this day. It’s pretty terrifying, but the final act will have you turning pages so fast you’ll get paper cuts. My second recommendation is The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. If you like paranormal anything, this one is for you. And since it’s on the shorter side, it doesn’t waste any time with scenes that aren’t going to have you jumping at your own shadow for a few days. If you’re easily spooked, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James might be a better option. Originally published in 1898, this book is beautifully atmospheric. It also had me talking about it for weeks – so find a reading buddy to help you figure out what was actually going on in the story. I’ve also included Unreal City by A. R. Meyering on my list. This book isn’t exactly a horror novel, but it is pretty creepy. What surprised me the most about it is the author’s ability to create startlingly intense dream sequences (they aren’t exactly dream sequences, per se, but you’ll understand what I mean when you read the book). If you’re into discovering lesser-known authors who pack a pretty good punch with their storytelling, check this one out. Finally, I’m putting Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero on the list. I’m actually in the middle of reading it, but it shows promise so far, especially if you grew up loving mysteries as a kid. It’s not a kids book by any stretch of the imagination, but it has a playful, sarcastic tone that gives it youthful energy. The post Halloween Book Recommendations and How to Be a Better Beta Reader appeared first on Plotboilers.

In today’s episode, I have five spooky and binge-worthy books for you to read this week, along with a few pointers on how to be a better beta reader. First up: ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King. This was the first book I read by King, and it’s one of my favorites to this day. It’s pretty terrifying, but the final act will have you turning pages so fast you’ll get paper cuts. My second recommendation is The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. If you like paranormal anything, this one is for you. And since it’s on the shorter side, it doesn’t waste any time with scenes that aren’t going to have you jumping at your own shadow for a few days. If you’re easily spooked, The Turn of the Screw by Henry James might be a better option. Originally published in 1898, this book is beautifully atmospheric. It also had me talking about it for weeks – so find a reading buddy to help you figure out what was actually going on in the story. I’ve also included Unreal City by A. R. Meyering on my list. This book isn’t exactly a horror novel, but it is pretty creepy. What surprised me the most about it is the author’s ability to create startlingly intense dream sequences (they aren’t exactly dream sequences, per se, but you’ll understand what I mean when you read the book). If you’re into discovering lesser-known authors who pack a pretty good punch with their storytelling, check this one out. Finally, I’m putting Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero on the list. I’m actually in the middle of reading it, but it shows promise so far, especially if you grew up loving mysteries as a kid. It’s not a kids book by any stretch of the imagination, but it has a playful, sarcastic tone that gives it youthful energy. The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/10/26/halloween-book-recommendations-better-beta-reader/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Halloween Book Recommendations and How to Be a Better Beta Reader</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Halloween Book Recommendations and How to Be a Better Beta Reader

I’ve started a podcast to complement the content I post on my blog. Yay! The goal of Plotboilers is to share tips and tricks on writing, but also share cool books and ideas I come across in the writing community. On the podcast, you’ll find book reviews, book recommendations and tidbits on what it’s like to be a writer with a day job. In my first episode, I’m reviewing Retrograde by Peter Cawdron. This book is sci-fi novel set in the first colony on Mars. I started reading it because Audible kindly recommended it to me the day it was published – but after a little digging, it looks like it was independently published in September 2016 under the title “Mars Endeavour.” I’m guessing it got picked up by a publisher after that and was reintroduced when I found it last month. Either way, the cover for the new version is way cooler so you should read that one. In addition to the book review, I’m going over some of the ways I like to balance my “writing life” with the rest of my life (work, family, etc). I’m planning to introduce episodes on a monthly basis, with the exception of October, which will have two episodes. I hope you all enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoyed making them! P.S. – Forgive the sound quality on Episode One. Would you be impressed if I said I recorded it on my phone? I couldn’t wait for my sweet new recording gear to get here – but rest assured, future posts will be spick and span! The post Introducing Plotboilers Podcast: Retrograde Book Review and Balancing Your Day Job with Writing appeared first on Plotboilers.

I’ve started a podcast to complement the content I post on my blog. Yay! The goal of Plotboilers is to share tips and tricks on writing, but also share cool books and ideas I come across in the writing community. On the podcast, you’ll find book reviews, book recommendations and tidbits on what it’s like to be a writer with a day job. In my first episode, I’m reviewing Retrograde by Peter Cawdron. This book is sci-fi novel set in the first colony on Mars. I started reading it because Audible kindly recommended it to me the day it was published – but after a little digging, it looks like it was independently published in September 2016 under the title “Mars Endeavour.” I’m guessing it got picked up by a publisher after that and was reintroduced when I found it last month. Either way, the cover for the new version is way cooler so you should read that one. In addition to the book review, I’m going over some of the ways I like to balance my “writing life” with the rest of my life (work, family, etc). I’m planning to introduce episodes on a monthly basis, with the exception of October, which will have two episodes. I hope you all enjoy listening to them as much as I enjoyed making them! P.S. – Forgive the sound quality on Episode One. Would you be impressed if I said I recorded it on my phone? I couldn’t wait for my sweet new recording gear to get here – but rest assured, future posts will be spick and span! The post <a href="https://plotboilers.com/2017/10/26/introducing-plotboilers-podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Introducing Plotboilers Podcast: Retrograde Book Review and Balancing Your Day Job with Writing</a> appeared first on <a href="https://plotboilers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plotboilers</a>.

Introducing Plotboilers Podcast: Retrograde Book Review and Balancing Your Day Job with Writing

I really enjoy this podcast. As other reviewers have pointed out, a lot of book review podcasts are somewhat boring, “dense” or pretentious. This podcast is the exception. 

The host presents lively, fun discussion in a very practical, entertaining way that manages to fully explore the topic without being boring and without giving away a ton of spoilers.  It’s the perfect mix - it’s both breezily conversational and extremely informative. 

In addition to her book reviews the host also includes excellent practical tips and discussions about writing in general - the ups and downs of a writer’s life, the difficulties of writing certain genres, etc.  Really great information for writers and non-writers alike!

Overall, a great podcast. I highly recommend it!

Fun, Informative, Easy To Listen To

Keep ‘em coming

Plotboilers: Book Reviews and Writing Life

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!