Welcome to Mailbox Monday, the weekly meme created by Marcia from The Printed Page where book lovers share the titles they received for review, purchased, or otherwise obtained over the past week. Mailbox Monday currently is on tour, and this month’s host is Julie from Knitting and Sundries.
Here’s what I added to my shelves:
The Wishing Trees by John Shors, from Serena, who had an extra copy
Almost a year after the death of his wife, Kate, former high-tech executive Ian finds a letter that will change his life. It contains Kate’s final wish — a plea for him to take their 10-year-old daughter, Mattie, on a trip across Asia, through countries they had planned to visit to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary.
Eager to honor the woman they loved, Ian and Mattie embark on an epic journey that retraces the early days of Ian’s relationship with Kate. Along the way, Ian and Mattie leave paper “wishes” in ancient trees as symbols of their connection to Kate and their dreams for the future. Through incredible landscapes and inspiring people, Ian and Mattie are greeted with miracles large and small. And as they celebrate what Kate meant to them, they begin to find their way back to each other, discovering that healing is possible and love endures — lessons that Kate hoped to show them all along. (publisher’s summary)
The Nighttime Novelist by Joseph Bates, from FSB Associates
Franz Kafka was an insurance agent. William Faulkner was a postmaster. Stephen King taught high school English, John Grisham was an attorney, and Toni Morrison worked in publishing. Though romantic fantasies of the writing life often don’t include a day job, the fact is that most writers have one.
If you find yourself among them, stealing moments late at night, early in the morning, or on your lunch break to write, The Nighttime Novelist is your guide — on call any hour to help. Divided into quick mini-lessons to make the most of your precious writing time, this book offers:
* “Technique” instruction that breaks down the elements of the novel — from crafting your protagonist to successful plotting and pacing
* “Hurdle” lessons that help you anticipate and overcome roadblocks, so you can keep your productivity and your story on track
* “Going Deeper” explorations that provide guidance on the more nuanced aspects of storytelling, so you can take your work to the next level
* “Try It Out” assignments and more than 25 interactive worksheets that help you apply the lessons to your own project
Whether you’re just beginning your novel, wondering how to navigate its middle, or bringing it to a close, you’ll find the instruction, exercises, and support you need to keep your story moving forward every time you sit down to write. (publisher’s summary)
What books did you add to your shelves recently?
Disclosure: I am an Amazon associate.
© 2010 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Two very different books – hope they’re both good!
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Thanks, Mary! I’ve been perusing The Nighttime Novelist already, and it looks like it will be helpful to me as I finish the novel I’ve been writing for the past few years.
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I hope you enjoy the books.
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Thanks, Serena!
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Oh, I love the cover on The Wishing Trees!
The Nighttime Novelist feels like a page from my own book! LOL Except that I wrote in the early morning hours before work, because I’m most creative then.
I had already retired from a 27-year career when I started writing, but then I took another position for three years, and kept writing in the wee hours.
Now I’m totally focused on the writing, but blogging sometimes feels like my day job!
Here’s my Monday:
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I feel more creative in the morning, too, but I get up at 4 am to get ready for work and there’s no way I can get up earlier to write!
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I’m curious about The Wishing Trees, the cover and title grabbed me … can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
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I’m looking forward to reading it. I was drawn to the cover, too.
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These books look great! I’ve been wanting to read John Shors for a while now…enjoy!
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Me, too!
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Cute books! My mailbox is at The Crowded Leaf.
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Thanks, Alayne!
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The last book inspired me not to give up. I have always thought of time. thanks
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That’s a great attitude. I’ve been working on my novel for several years now, and I refuse to give up even when it feels like it’s going nowhere.
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Happy reading 🙂
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Thank you!
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The first book sounds to my liking but the 2nd book is one my daughter could use, she constantly complains about how little time she has to write since finishing high school two years ago.
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It’s so hard trying to find time to write when you have so much else on your plate. My biggest problem is I write for my day job, and I’m drained when I come home.
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I turned down Wishing Trees because I was overwhelmed. I am just waiting to hear how wonderful it is so I can kick myself.
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I know how you feel. I’m glad Serena gave me her extra copy because I can read it whenever I have time.
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The Wishing Trees looks like a great book!
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I totally agree! 😉
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I’ve been lusting after “The Wishing Trees”- enjoy!
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Thanks, Jonita. I hadn’t heard of it until Serena offered me her copy.
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The Wishing Tree sounds and looks intriguing. A new author and book for me – thanks for the post.
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Hope you get a chance to read it!
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Both of these sound excellent, and I hope you enjoy them, Anna.
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Thanks, Suko!
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I’m excited about The Wishing Trees! Enjoy your new books!
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Me, too! Thanks, Kathy!
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The Wishing Trees sounds good and I love the colorful cover of The Nighttime Novelist!
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The Nighttime Novelist cover is much better in person. 🙂
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I have no excuse as to why I have yet to read anything by John Shors.
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Same here. I hope to change that soon, though.
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Lucky Duck….I so wanted The Wishing Tree, but no such luck enjoy
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Serena’s the lucky one who had an extra copy! 😉
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This is one that I’ve read great reviews on…I want to read it too!! Enjoy 😀
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Thanks, Staci! I haven’t read any reviews yet, so I’m happy to hear that.
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The Wishing Trees sounds like a very touching novel. Enjoy your new reads!
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Thanks, Veens!
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The Wishing Trees is one on my wish list. The cover is beautiful too.
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That cover caught my eye right away!
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I really, really want The Wishing Tree! I haven’t read any other John Shors books but I will…eventually.
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If only there were more hours in the day to read all the books and authors on our lists!
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The Nighttime Novelist sounds like a really good book! Definitely something I would be interested in reading. Enjoy!
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I hope you give it a try. I’ll be giving it a closer look on my vacation next week.
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I really like the cover on The Wishing Trees. Enjoy your books!
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Thanks, Carol!
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The Wishing Trees seems like it would be an emotional read, and if I were a writer, The Nighttime Novelist would definitely be a go-go book! Enjoy them both!
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Thanks, Julie! I started using The Nighttime Novelist last night, and so far, it seems like it’ll be useful.
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I’ve seen The Nighttime Novelist at the bookshop, and I’ve wondered about. Good to see that you’re already finding it useful.
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It’s going to take me awhile to review it because I’m reading it with a notebook by my side and taking notes for my own book.
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I’m adding The Nighttime Novelist to my wish list. Love books like that, they keep me focused.
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I’m only a quarter of the way through the book, and I’m enjoying it so far. We’ll see if it helps me finish my novel. 😉
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