Name: Erin Darlyn's review of Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer
Item: Wonderbook
Rating: 3
Author: Erin Darlyn

Jeff VanderMeer

This visual guide to writing creative and compelling fiction includes interesting and inspiring artwork as well as motivational tools and essays from today's top fantasy writers, including George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman, to help all aspiring authors.

The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction

Wonderbook

Dave | Storyphoria

Erin Darlyn

Fun artwork and some useful information, but it fluctuates between being engaging and dull. I think it would have been a stronger book if about half of it had been cut.

Nelson Zagalo

Um livro para saborear, para se ir lendo e absorvendo aos poucos. Cada secção, cada página, abre-nos mundos de ideias de possibilidades imaginativas que despertam em nós o sentimento criativo e a vontade de criar.

Kyle S

Jeff VanderMeer is one of my favorite authors out there, especially since I consider Annihilation to be the most "me" book I've ever read, so when I heard that he wrote a book on writing I knew I had to pick it up. Wonderbook is a book on writing unlike any other I've read before and I've read a lot of books on writing in the past couple of years. Following VanderMeer's more post-modern the book uses fantastic illustrations, essays by authors, and exercises to get the message across. If you're a writer or just are curious about what VanderMeer's writing philosophy is all about I highly recommend you check out this book. This is probably one of three books on writing that I can see myself revisiting again and again.

Sunyi Dean

Extremely useful and innovative approach to writing craft with loads of real life book examples and informative essays from an army of famous writers. Wonderbook works as a spot reference book but is best read from start to finish at least once so that you can follow the context before dipping back to troubleshoot specifics.

The other thing I would add is that this is perhaps not the best book for a beginner writer seeking to learn basics. For that, I would recommend Story Genius by Lisa Crohn, On Writing by Stephen King, and/or The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass.

Wonderbook (imol is more geared at intermediate writers who are pursuing serious publication (whether self or trade), or advanced writers looking to dive deep into fine turning of craft, structure, and story telling, perhaps by taking a novel (harhar) approach to novel writing.

b.andherbooks

Beautiful! What a way to learn how to write and create Science Fiction. Gorgeous illustrations, and the best part - author interviews! I heavily skimmed, but focused mostly on the tid bits and marginalia.

Rebecca Light

A unique book in its structure and presentation. Almost all stars go to the captivating artwork. It took me forever to get through this book. The text itself was hit or miss in how much it helped me as a writer. At times it was dense and inaccessible, then some chapters would surprise me in their accessibility. Really though, unlike any craft book I've come across. I'm sure I'll return to it for bits and pieces. Especially the contributing essays, and the writing exercises.

Dave | Storyphoria &
Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer

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Dave | Storyphoria &Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer

Reviews

Join the club

Dave | Storyphoria &
Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer