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Book reviews ~ Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann & Vanishing Act by Thomas Perry

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Here are two book reviews for you, one fiction and one non-fiction. I highly recommend both, depending on what your interests are.

Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice byColum McCann – this is serious and funny at the same time and the perfect book whether you’re just interested in writing, or you’ve been writing. It’s very encouraging.

Vanishing Act (Jane Whitefield Book 1) by Thomas Perry – this is a suspense novel that does contain a lot of backstory, but the character development and suspense make it worth reading. There are many plot twists in this book that keep you glued to the page. Plus, it’s always best to read the first in a series, even if you skip around with later books.

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If you would like to submit a book review for consideration (strictly about writing and publishing), please email us. We would love to host your review from either a written review, or a video review.

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Review: Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann

Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice by Colum McCann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, the title of this book may lead you to believe that this book is for young adults, not so. I believe the term "young writer" refers to a beginning writer, but this book could be read at any age and any stage in your writing journey. In fact, in one chapter he writes, "how old is the young writer? Seventeen, sixty, forty-six - who cares?" So be a brave writing soul and pick up this book, no matter what your age.

This is an excellent book that includes a lot of humor, as well as an abundance of encouragement and hints at what it takes to be a great writer. One of the funniest was the chapter titled: don't be a dick. He addresses the snooty attitude laden writer. The chapter goes deeper and funnier. I laughed out loud when I started the next chapter title: Then again don't be too nice (in your fiction anyway). I haven't written in a long time, but this book did jump start me right back again. Sometimes you need a book like this to give you a good kick in the pants (and encourage and instruct you as well).

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Changes at Literary Brushstrokes

Literary Brushstrokes will be morphing into a site about writing for writers, and for those who would like to write. It's possible that a printed issue of writer's works may come out in the future, but at this time publication is suspended,

Literary Brushstrokes remains on hiatus

Literary Brushstrokes magazine is on indefinite hiatus, so we are not accepting submissions at this time.

If you are an author who was published in our magazine, or are interested in the magazine, issues are still available under the past issues link.

Literary Brushstrokes is currently on hiatus, with a possible issue out in July/August. Now staffed down to one person with two full time jobs, it has become close to impossible to regularly put out issues. This journal may become a one issue per year publication, until I get some additional people in to assist.

I understand if you have submitted work that has been accepted, you may wish to withdraw it to submit to other markets. Also feel free to market it elsewhere and notify me that you wish to withdraw after it has been accepted by another journal. 

Review of submissions will begin in late June for a summer issue in July/August 2016.

Contact: literarybrushstrokes@gmail.com

Getting ready for the Winter 2015/2016 issue!

We've already received multiple submission for our next issue - they are currently under review.

Please submit your photos (remember, doorways and pathways for the cover), creative non-fiction, fiction, and poetry.

Please review the submission guidelines, then send your submissions to: literarybrushstrokes@gmail.com