Breathing In Breathing Out by Ralph Fletcher - My Notebook Breathes, Does Yours?

Pros: Very well-written and has plenty of good ideas.
Cons: Nothin'

The Bottom Line: Good ideas worthy of checking out, but see if your library has it first - especially if you already keep a notebook.

In 2010 I owned over 12 notebooks, practically all of them chock full of stuff. Some are random notebooks, other have specific purposes, and a few that were still empty. I don't know how many I have now. But at the time, to my utter delight, I got two free ones while buying my college books my last semester (still don’t know why, but I wasn't going to argue over glorious sheets of white, college-ruled paper). So I decided one of them should be my notebook for my Writing Seminar class.

Breathing In, Breathing Out by Ralph Fletcher was the book of choice for the class. It’s 94 pages (the last 5 pages just the bibliography and such). There are 16 short chapters discussing various topics of writing in a notebook. Some of these ideas include:

• Making lists
• Writing about the past
• Your notebook is a place for pieces to sit and “compost” (they hang out until you find ways to use them later if you’re so inclined to)
• It’s okay to write like crap in your notebook
• Go ahead and reread stuff
• Write down little facts, quotes from others, little things that act as triggers

Each of these ideas is unique, contains examples, and explained in a very clear-cut way that anyone can understand, but it’s done well so that it doesn’t sound at all like the author is talking down to the reader; his language use is very pleasant and you want to keep reading. I'm a fan of his metaphors.

Fletcher does a good job putting across exactly what he wants readers to get. He doesn’t push the writer to do anything; he just puts it out there for you to try in your own notebook. Anything to get you writing. If you don’t keep a notebook, or are thinking about getting one, I highly encourage you to do so, it’s really handy and fun, and I do recommend taking a peek at this book because it’s full of nifty tidbits you might never have thought of before.

That was my problem though. It says on the back, “This book is for new writers as well as those who may once have loved to write but have lost the spark along the way.” Um, well, I’m neither one of those. I’ve always had at least one notebook going. That and I do everything he suggests in the book. Ha! So in the end, though it was fun to read and think, “Cool, I already do that,” it wasn’t really of any help to me. But that’s a good thing for people who aren’t like me, haha. It really is a source of goodies for new and lost writers.

Ralph Fletcher also has a kid's version available (as this version is now out of print. Aww.)

NT

Notes from the playlist: "Like a Prayer" by Madonna

Recommended for English Majors

A Handbook to Literature by William and Hugh Harmon

Yes, I realize that this is a textbook, but it's one of those textbooks that you actually want to hang onto after college is over.  I think this is one of two textbooks I kept.  It's a great little reference book for literature related goodies, should you ever find yourself in that particular moment of need.  The link is actually to the eleventh version, although I think there is a twelfth version out now.  Mine is actually the ninth version, and I'm not sure how much more they could add each year, but oh well.  If you're an English major, a fan of literature, a writer, or you just want a good literature reference book so you can finally get away from the Internet and Google for once, then this really is a great book to choose.  (Tip: You can probably find a cheaper and/or older version at used book sites like Half.com or Abebooks.com!)

Notes from the playlist: "Sovereign Light Cafe" by Keane

Recommended for Mythical Creature Hunters

The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures by John and Caitlin Matthews

Yes indeed. As a writer, I like to have good, solid reference materials right on hand. I got tired of surfing the web and sifting through all the junk to find reliable information - yes, even on mythical creatures. So I turned to the one source I knew wouldn't let me down. Books. After checking out several, I decided that this book would be the best. After all, it's subtitle is: The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic. Jackpot. I wish it had some images, but hey, I can deal without them. This book gives descriptions of the creatures, their origin, and where they're often found in literature or various fables. It's a handy volume for all sorts of things, whether you just want to see what other culture believe in or you're looking for your next magical beast for your novel.

Notes from the playlist: "The Face" by RyanDan

Currently Reading

Intellectual Devotional: Biographies by David S. Kidder & Noah D. Oppenheim

Happy New Year!

Another year, another Intellectual Devotional to be read! Tonight I'll be on Day 1 and learning all about...hold on a moment...Khufu, ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Nifty. These books are great because you glean all sorts of tidbits about people and culture that you may not have known before. This time it's biographies only (in case the title didn't give it away). A different page about a different person every night for the next year. You never know who you're going to get! From thieves to presidents, singers to architects, and much more, it's another intelligent way to end the day.

Past volumes:
Intellectual Devotional (Original)
Intellectual Devotional: American History
Intellectual Devotional: Modern Culture


Notes from the playlist: "Zombie Fight" by Ilan Eshkeri

Recommended for Business Workers, Writers, and Procrastinators

The Now Habit by Neil Fiore

I'd read a review of this book and was then lucky enough to win it from the reviewer once she finished with all her procrastination-based books. If this were a group meeting, I would stand up and announce, "My name is Nicole and I am a procrastinator." I am, after all. However, after reading this book I handle it much better. I've learned to deal with my procrastination issues, the stress that tended to come with them, and the "I should" statements for when I wasn't working and always had in my mind that I should be. Fiore reminds you that it's okay to take some time off and enjoy some play time. After all, we know what happened to Jack with all work and no play. It's a solid book and I'd only read half of it before already feeling a great deal more positive about work (not the bookselling, the writing). Hooray!


Notes from the playlist: "Fireflies" by Owl City

Recommended for Writers

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

Recommended to me by several other published writers, I finally bought this book and read through it. There are many great ideas within its pages for writers, from handing dialogue to avoiding needless junk. I've recommended this to other writers since then, and it has plenty of reason to be so popular. Likely another reason why it often ends up on the main tables at work. So the next time you're looking for a good book to help with your fiction writing, read through a few sections of this book and see if there aren't some ideas in there that you couldn't use.


Notes from the playlist: "Life Less Ordinary" by Carbon Leaf

Recommended for Magic Practioners and Fantasy Writers

The Encyclopedia of Crystals by Judy Hall.

I don't actually use this book for it's designed purpose. It's a new age book meant to give you detailed information about the spiritual properties of crystals. It's like the new age field guide to crystals. This encyclopedia is color-coded and offers insight into what certain minerals and crystals can be used for (i.e. drawing energy, promoting power, and more). It does give some scientific bits as well, makeup, location, hardness, etc. But it's handy for magical systems and other spots that raw earth materials might be used. And it includes gorgeous pictures as well.

I actually use this for writing. How's that work? I write fantasy and as much as I love titles published by DK, I never found a field guide that I liked. I use this for magic systems I may create, finding the right crystal or mineral to match whatever properties and situations are involved. That makes it handy for both writers and those interested in new age spiritualism and magic.

Notes from the playlist: "Time for Miracles" by Adam Lambert

Purchased for My Shelf

Wicked Plants by Amy Stewart

I'm so happy to finally have this on my bookshelf. The funny thing is that I remember some guy looking for this book many, many months ago, but neither I or whoever was looking it up thought much of it. Yet several months later, it grew in popularity and before I knew it, several of us would stand around at the Info desk reading parts of it aloud to one another and marveling at the weirdness within its pages. Amy Stewart's compiled just about any poisonous or otherwise noxious plant you might want to know about, from the everyday poison ivy to the lesser known (at least to us) suicide tree. It's short, to the point, letting you know how the plant will kill or harm you, where its origins are, and how it spreads. It's a small book, for all it's nifty information, and one of the cooler books I've seen in a while.


Notes from the playlist: "Who Wants To Live Forever" by Queen

Purchased for My Shelf

Weapon by DK Publishing

I have secretly been drooling over this book ever since I discovered it on the top shelf of the history section. DK books are always amazing. Any time a parent asks me for a book that is full of real facts and information on particular subjects for their child, if there is a DK book about it, I'll go there first. I looked at and loved DK books for years when I was a kid (Dog was always my favorite). This book isn't for kids though. This is a serious adult book all about weaponry that ranges from African tribes to Native American clubs to Japanese katana to the modern day AK47. Full of facts, interesting tidbits, gorgeous color photographs, and a chronological layout, this is my dreambook for weaponry. Why? Because I write, and even fiction writers do research. I can't have errors in my work or I look like an idiot. Or more accurately, a lazy idiot.

But no matter what your motivation, this is an excellent book, and I'm starting to seriously look at Battle next.


Notes from the playlist: "Map of the Problematique" by Muse

Recommended for Writers (of everything)

Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White

A great little book for writers of term papers, fiction, and nonfiction alike, the Elements of Style has been recommended to students by professors and professionals ever since it's mass publication by E.B. White (yes, the E.B. White). Focusing on grammar hiccups and ways to improve your writing by making it concise and pop-off-the-page effective, it should be on every writer's shelf. Just remember one thing; this is a bit like the Pirates' Code. While everything in this book is a great idea, there are times during one's writing life when "them's more like guidelines than actual rules."

[What can I say? I love a good fragment.]

Read the Epinions review here!


Notes from the playlist: "Long Distance Runaround" by Yes

Just Cracked Open

The Intellectual Devotional: Modern Culture by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim

Well, another year, another Intellectual Devotional. Yesterday saw the end of the original Intellectual Devotional, so now it's time to learn some new things. While the first one I ever read was based on American History, the second based on world information, now this one is all modern culture, from Alfred Hitchcock to Hiroshima. Luckily for me, David and Noah came out with yet another one last October, The Intellectual Devotional: Health, which means by the end of this new year, I'll have another one to read and they'll have plenty of time to create another.


Notes from the playlist: "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney

Recently Finished (and Recommended)

Intellectual Devotional (Original) by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim

Well, technically I won't be done with this book until tonight, but close enough. I went out of order in reading the Intellectual Devotionals - I recommended the American History one earlier in October. This one had a much wider focus, looking at issues all over the world and from all sorts of areas of study. Religion and music, art and science, history and philosophy, with so many tidbits of information ranging from people to ideas. More interesting than your gradeschool history book and offered up in page-sized bites, it's a smart way to end the day.

Check back tomorrow to see which one I plan on starting for the new year!


Notes from the playlist: "Baby, I Love Your Way" by Peter Frampton

Recommended for Writers

Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan

While in the Seton Hill University Writing Popular Fiction program, I was in a class where this book was recommended for those looking to better their description. At the time, I was struggling with description and getting it *just right* so I bought this book.

Good recommendation! I now pass it on to you, other writers having trouble with description. Rebecca McClanahan offers up all sorts of good idea to use, as well as several exercises for some practice. She focuses on all the senses, from smell to touch, and points out different ways to get inspired as well. I read through the book, did some of the exercises, and am now much more confident in my description skills. Hooray! So for those needing an extra boost, crack this open, and get to work!


Notes from the playlist: "Forgiven" by Within Temptation

Recommended for Culture, History, and Trivia Fans

The Intellectual Devotional: American History by David S. Kidder and Noah Oppenheimer

Read from January 1, 2008 to December 31st, 2008, this devotional isn't the typical religious sort. Instead, David Kidder has created a devotional dedicated to American history with categories of science, art, history, music, politics, and more. Each page is a tidbit of information that your history books may or may not have ever mentioned, giving you something to consider each night before bed. What you learn depends upon your current knowledge of American history. Either way, it's a gem for your nightstand.

Now for 2009, I'm going back to the book that started it all - the original Intellectual Devotional.


Notes from the playlist: "Rough and Ready" by Trace Adkins

Recommended for Writers

A Writer's Space by Eric Maisel

It's a quaint book, small in size, and perfect to carry around with you if you're so inclined. Ideal for writers seeking new ways to find that perfect writing space, whether that space is mentally or physically. That's really all there is to it, but who knows? It may just remind you of that perfect spot that you used to have and since forgotten about. I used to write all the time the moment I woke up, right in bed. My bed was one of my prime writing spots and for some reason, I forgot about it. Upon reading this book, I rediscovered the glory of writing while tucked into my sheets, a lapdesk supporting my notebook and a pencil in my hand. It's hard to go wrong when the book is written by a man who swims in creativity and its processes - and when he encourages eating brownies.


Notes from the playlist: "Into the Night" by Santana [featuring Chad Kroeger]