Mmkay recently.. The long way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. I was in the mood for something optimistic, and that book delivered. On Writing by Stephen King. Next up to read, sitting on my bedside table. Just itching to get stuck in. But not before I finish.. Jade City by Fonda Lee. I'm honestly not sold on it. But it's a strange feeling. I know this book is objectively well written. The characters are nuanced, there's some solid world building and political intrigue but.. I just don't care about the characters. I don't know why, but I'll finish it. I just likely won't read the rest. A Memory called Empire by Arkady Martine. Sci-fi, aztec "inspired", political intrigue and a subtle romance. I'm a sucker for a romance sub-plot. The sequel just arrived in the mail for me to tuck into! I'm reading whatever I can get my mitts on to be honest. Got some books about ADHD and anxiety for my partner to read over, following her recent diagnosis. Will tuck into those too.
I very much enjoyed A Memory Called Empire. Her portrayal of the role of poetry in politics was excellent.
Just finished it! Surprising is a good descriptor. I think I'll take a lot of useful lessons from it. I didn't expect to see my own "methods" staring back at me, so that was pleasing. Of particular note is his suggestion about writing for the love of it. I have no ambitions to be a famous author, I just enjoy writing because it's fun. Crafting a world, and the characters. Setting them loose and seeing what comes of it.
I enjoyed On Writing. It's the book authors tell you to read. Editors tell you to read Stein on Writing. My editor told me to read John Gardner's "On Writers and Writing". Stephen King's book will teach you how to make writing fun. Stein's book will teach you how to make writing a successful pursuit. Gardner's book will teach you why both matter. Of the three, I read King twice, Gardner once and Stein three times.