Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring AuthorsBy Fisher, Coty, McDonald and Bloss
Copyright 2008
Vintage Spirit - Non-fiction/Writing/Inspirational
250 pages
You can pretty much tell what this book is about by looking at the title, but there are some distinctions and details worth mentioning. First of all, it's written by Christian authors and their inspiration is based on their individual faiths. If Christianity isn't inspiring to you, then stop right here. But, if it is . . .
Grit for the Oyster is very much like a daily devotional in that it's comprised of short, inspirational stories about writing experiences and lessons learned by published Christian authors, followed by numerous quotes (and occasionally, a Bible verse is incorporated in the text). You could spend months using this book as morning inspiration and then turn around and read it all over, again. It's seriously uplifting.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep this particular book review very, very short because we've got a noisy storm knocking down limbs and leaves. So, I'll just wrap up by saying that if you're a Christian who aspires to be a published writer and you need a little bit of nudging or encouragement, I highly recommend this book. At least a few quotes have struck me as so perfect for daily repetition that I'm going to go back to find them, print them out and display them next to the computer.
Now, I have to turn off the computer and duck. It's scary out there!! In case I don't make it back for wahoos, I'll try to post some tomorrow. I'm glad it's raining, even if it's doing so rather violently. We needed a break from our intense sunshine. So, wahoo for that.
Hmmm....maybe I should read this! ;)
ReplyDeleteHope the weather has improved! Being from the South, I can't imagine having such storms in the winter! We rarely have such weather here then!!
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI think you'd love the book, although you're doing just fine on the writing, there. Keep going. You can do it! Rah, rah!
I think we had a whopper cold front move in after that noisy storm. But, hey, we're in the Deep South, silly girl! We can have tornadoes in the winter. You must be in a slightly different Southern climate.
Yeah, I'm more north than you are. And we have the Appalacians to block all that nasty stuff!!
ReplyDeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteThat makes all the difference, I'm sure -- both being farther north and having mountains to block the air flow. Remember last year when there were tornadoes up north in January? Well, that's not unusual for us, so it took us a little bit to realize why they were so het up. Oh, yeah. They usually have snow, not tornadoes. We really get more wind in the winter, actually, but we have the odd storm year-round.
I went outside after the storm and took some photos of the leaves that were knocked down by wind and rain. This has been a stunningly beautiful fall, for us. Very colorful. I'll try to post some, later, if I can. Busy day.
Doesn't sound up my alley but I can see where you'd appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteStay safe in the storm! Send a little rain our way. It's going to be in the 80's this weekend. Blech.
I am so looking forward to getting this book. I need some inspiration. Storms are just Angels bowling, disturbing the clouds with their strikes! Duck and be safe!!
ReplyDeleteCarrie,
ReplyDeleteYou're alive!!! I was beginning to wonder if Hez had shredded you. Got your work computers up and running, yet?
I'm so, so glad to be below the 80s. We're at 66, right now. Perfect. If it would just stay that way, year-round, I'd be all aglow with happiness. The storm is over. I keep thinking I'll post some wahoo photos, but I'm getting tired and I think I'm going to have to curl up with a book and a cat. Sometimes you just have no choice. :)
Joemmama,
It's a very, very uplifting book. I can see myself rereading it repeatedly for the uppers and the kick in the pants.
Angels, eh? I have a book somewhere that has a story about dwarfs playing nine-pins -- that's supposed to explain the thunder -- but I have no idea what's become of that book. The storm's over. It was quite a whopper. I had fun taking pictures after it ended, though. :)
I think you might like Until We Reach Home. It is not heavy on the historical details but I am not sure where you stand on that issue. I read both kinds but I struggle sometimes with lots of facts and not as much plot.
ReplyDeleteBrittanie,
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of history stupid, so I don't mind a lack of historical detail. I read both kinds, also. I'm fine as long as they explain things well enough, when going into detail about time periods that are unfamiliar to me. Historical fiction is a great way to learn about history. Thanks for telling me!!
I dnt know- i dnt feel like i can read this :)
ReplyDeletehey - stay safe and hope u r well!
Take cover!
ReplyDeleteVeens,
ReplyDeleteProbably not your thing. Thanks, we're fine. The storm has passed and it's just overcast, today. It's supposed to rain, but nothing's happening, yet. :)
Nikki,
Done! And, now I've come out to play. :)
Thanks for the great review and glad you made it through the storm. Joanna
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! Thanks for dropping by. :)