Third Story
Writers Guild
We recommend...
According to well-known author Stephen King, to be a writer you must first be a reader. Each member of Third Story Writers Guild is just that. Below find some of our favorites, recommended for your reading pleasure. We update our selections regularly.
The Heart of Things: A Midwestern Almanac
John Hildebrand
John Hildebrand is an English professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The stories he shares are organized into months of the year and he effectively pulls a reader along through the seasons and shares the joy of common circumstances.
His stories are laced with wisdom and life's lessons and are sited both in the city's campus and at his cottage up here in the Northwoods (somewhere on the Elk River). Hildebrand is a natural storyteller with a lovely, liquid language that rings just right to bring melody to his tales.
Readers will find this book to be difficult to put down and a great companion on a rainy evening. As author, Mike Perry said in his recommendation: "Throughout these essays - rooted in Wisconsin but relevant the whole world wide - the heart wrestles the mind, and both emerge strengthened."
My personal favorite might be "Turtles."
reviewed by Peg Zaemisch
On Writing
Stephen King
I want to become a better writer. What I took away from this book is to establish a time and pattern to hone your craft, by writing everyday. I learned how to edit out the things that are not necessary. The more you write, the better you become. Not everything you write will be worthy to share. Even professionals produce work that needs editing. He gave me the incentive to try harder. I found his expertise very enlightening!
reviewed by Linda Rybak