Review: The Wood Wife by Terri Windling

If you enjoy reading mythic fiction and urban fantasy, "The Wood Wife" will keep you reading past the wicked hours of midnight till you get to the final, last tantalizing page. Written by award winning editor and author Terri Windling, "The Wood Wife" mixes shamanism, poetry, magic and murder mystery in the heart of the desert.

The main protagonist, Maggie Black, leaves her home and her ex-husband in Los Angelos and moves to the Tucson desert where she has inherited a house from a famous but reclusive poet named Davis Cooper. Maggie soon begins to plan a biography on the poet and starts to unwravel the secrets and mysticism surrounding his life, and death.

"The Wood Wife" was a thoroughly enchanting read. I can't remember the last time the fragile magic of a book left traces of inspiration clinging to my mind for so many days. Terri Windling touches on the very heart of magic and the spell of isolated, wild places in this stunning novel. After reaching the end of the book I felt so sad I had finished it. The book was over - and yet - I wanted to read more.

So I read it twice.

In my world, that's about the biggest thumbs up a book can get. If you would like to learn more, visit Terri Windlings web site and blog here.

Review: Booklife by Jeff VanderMeer

 If you are a published author, or a new writer working towards publication, this is one book that will aid you in your journey.

As I recently slithered my way through the shelves of books at my local library, looking for literary treasure, the attractive and artistic cover caught my eye on a display shelf. "Booklife" by Jeff VanderMeer is a recently published book designed specifically for writers who are serious about making a living and a lifestyle from their work.

The first half of the book is dedicated specifically to the business of writing, with a special focus on social and network marketing to generate business. With so much emphasis now placed on Twitter, Facebook and Blogs to market freelance work, I found this section very helpful with great information. I'm quite comfortable with using social media to market myself, however I know these web sites are still a new concept for a lot of people out there. It's not for everyone. Jeff VanderMeer goes into detail explaining the pro's and con's of each and allows writers to make their own choices. "

The second half of the book delves into the inner world of the writer, taking a close look at creativity and inspiration, the craft of writing, goal setting and balancing your "book life" with your everyday life and family.

In my experience most books, and creative writing classes, focus their emphasis on just one of these elements. For example, my university creative writing classes spent a lot of time working on craft, while an online course I once took spent a lot of time talking about the business of writing and learning how to approach editors and market your work. All of it is necessary, but the delicate balance of the two is what makes Jeff's book so delightful and supportive.

I can't recommend "Booklife" enough. New and well-seasoned writers will all get something out of it. The world of writing and publishing is rapidly changing with each passing day. Writers who maintain a firm connection with the shifting ground of this world will survive and see their work flourish. 

To read an interview with Jeff VanderMeer published on Prima Storia, go here.

"Even if you fail, you'll have succeeded more than if you had tried for a lesser goal." Jeff VanderMeer, "Booklife".