Quick review for a quick read. I read this book as a reference from my local library during my Camp Nano writing pursuits. I thought it was a thorough examination of scene building on several levels - from character to setting to genre. It was logical in its orientation and organization, with examples from literature, film, and the author's own writings. However, for me I wouldn't say it was as helpful as other resources on writing I've perused.

Overall score : 3/5 stars.

Quick review for a fantastic read. "Fiction First Aid" breaks down a lot of problems that can arise from writing narratives. I didn't always agree with some of the advice given, but I really liked how Raymond Obstfeld breaks down some of the common problems that can arise in writing narratives, why these problems arise, and how to address them to make the aspects of the work stronger. I ended up taking a lot of notes from this book to make me think about some of the common criticisms that I see from reflections about my own writing, and I think other writers will be able to say "Hey, that's why I keep getting this kind of feedback on this particular aspect! Now I can fix it." He addresses plot, theme, characterization, the writing life, among other useful tidbits. Definitely well worth adding to a writing library, if for just the direct address of a lot of pertinent details and problems that arise for a writer. I think this is the kind of work that would really help beginning writers, but any writer of any skill level can pick this up and be able to take something from it.

Overall score: 4/5 stars

Had some of these for a while, and I'm going to try to tackle the ones that are due first.

I had checked out a bunch of materials on bullying, cyberbullying, and literary criticism/feedback a while back to write a post, but I ended up archiving it because I felt like it was saying some of the same things I'd already said in some capacities.  I still want to read some of these books though as food for thought, so I'll let you guys know how they go.  They seem like very interesting reads. 

If you see me posting a bunch of reviews about the writing craft, it's because I spent the time yesterday evading the storm by hiding out at my uni library and checking out a bunch of books in that venture.  (So being stuck in the elevator at one point was worth the challenge.)

I have quite a few good ones to read through.  Hopefully they turn out to be helpful.