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Posted on November 10, 2025June 6, 2026 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — Leave a comment

Editor’s Pick: Book Recommendations for Veterans Day

Close up of American flag on a blurred background; offering discounts to veterans beginning Veterans Day 2024

Every year on November 11, we honor the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country. This year, I’d like to offer a short list of book recommendations for veterans you know, or if you are interested in military history and literature.

First and foremost, please, take time to thank and hug a veteran today. Their service and their sacrifice deserve to be remembered every day of the year.

As a daughter, sister, and longtime partner of military service members, veterans from all branches hold a special place in my heart. Whether it’s a story of service by land, by air, or by sea, tales of military life add value to many book genres and categories. Often, when we think of books by veterans or about military life, we think of memoirs of famous generals or wartime leaders, but books that feature our brave men and women in uniform come in many varieties and in practically every genre.

While, of course, I could put together a list of some well-known bestsellers that I recommend, today, I’d like to make some quieter suggestions of books I’ve read in the past couple years, written by lesser-known authors, that both celebrate the many and varied lives of veterans and that touched me deeply and personally.

Of course, due to the nature of some content, reader discretion advised.

Jakovenko: From the Steppes of Ukraine to the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

By: Vladamir “Jake” Jakovenko

Veteran Memoir Recommendation

Tagged: adventure, Vietnam, military lit, memoir, special ops, fatherhood, immigrant author

Jake’s tale is a wild one, full of honor, bravery, humor, and incredible resilience during a thirty-year career. As a US Army Ranger, now inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame, Jake completed two tours in Vietnam, was a SCUBA team combat diver, and performed counter-terrorism special operations. His funny and poignant tell-all provides fresh insight and honesty alongside a sense of adventure that kept me guessing what would happen to him and where he would end up next.

If you’re looking for a riveting true-life action-adventure story, check it out.

Eighty-6: My Father, Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name…on This Dark Path My Father, Allow My End to Be Granted with Light. Amen

Eighty-6: My Father, Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name…on This Dark Path My Father, Allow My End to Be Granted with Light. Amen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

By Derrick Pickney

Inspirational Veteran Memoir Recommendation

Tagged: veteran, military lit, memoir, Black author, inspirational

A Purple Heart recipient, Derrick shares his stories of bravery and true lessons learned in childhood, on the front lines, and after coming home. As Derrick analyzes, many veterans like himself suffered traumatic experiences in childhood that primed them for their years of military service, and which is then complicated by that service. When those veterans return home, and once their enlistment ends, they may feel unprepared for the challenges of civilian life, including processing of their traumas. Although it is a difficult challenge, Derrick has chosen to attempt to give outsiders an understanding of this complex cycle of trauma in military veterans from his position within it.

If you’re looking for a thought-provoking journey of reflection on hard truths, check it out.

Vietnam From 35,000 Feet: A Stewardess Story

Vietnam From 35,000 Feet: A Stewardess Story

By Joan Derosa

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tagged: romance, military lit, women’s lit, based on true experiences

At the height of the fighting in Vietnam, one American airline remained assigned to the route of shuttling soldiers to, and body bags from, the battlefields. Based on true experiences, this novel follows Christina as she stewards these soldiers through this moment in history, splitting her time between being airborne and as a volunteer Red Cross nurse. From this unique perspective, she bravely faces it all. With the drama of war around her, she can’t stop herself from falling for a handsome reconnaissance air force pilot, and there’s nothing like danger to fuel the flames of passion and young love. Full of tragedy, heroism, a touch of humor, and a unique perspective on patriotism, this novel will grab ahold your heart.

Do You Have a Book Recommendation for Me?

So that’s it! My short list of book recommendations for Veterans Day 2025.

If you have suggestions for me, I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below about what you think I should add to my To Be Read list.

Happy reading.

10% Discount for Military Veterans

The service and sacrifice of all military service members should be honored every day of the year. This is one reason why SRD Editing Services offers a 10% discount on all editing services to active duty or veteran military service members from any branch.

Posted on October 7, 2024October 11, 2024 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 1 Comment

Editor’s Pick: Horror Novel Recommendations for October (and Beyond)

Cover of the book "One of Us Knows" by Alyssa Cole

The countdown to Halloween has begun! And if the crisp air and pumpkins have you craving a terrifying tale, I have a few horror novel recommendations for you.

Now, horror isn’t my specialty genre, but every year in October, I binge listen to audiobooks that focus on this oh-so-appropriate genre. Some are fun-time spooky and some are downright nightmare inducing. This month is off to a great start for me – connect with me on Goodreads for real-time updates of my reading list. But this year is the first time I’ve put together a short list to recommend to readers who might just be looking for a good horror audiobook fix.

I also enjoy a good horror tale in the summer, for whatever reason. The sun is out and shining and I’m lying by the pool. Time for murder and carnage, ghosts and goblins, I guess. 🤷‍♀️

Now, generally after I read or listen to something, I post a private and very casual review to my friends on social media, which sometimes makes its way to Goodreads, although not usually. The horror novel recommendations you’ll find below here are reposts of what I tell my friends and family about these books.

Since October has already begun, and there’s way too many in my reading history for me to keep the list short if I include everything I recommend, I’ve narrowed it down to just three horror sub-categories: fantasy horror, psychological thriller, and horror featuring women of color as protagonists (two appear in this category below: one YA appropriate and one for adults).

It may go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: Reader discretion advised.

The Salt Grows Heavy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

By: Cassandra Khaw

Fantasy-Horror Recommendation

Tagged: adventure, fantasy, women’s lit, romance, LGBTQ+, mom lit, short story

I covered this incredible short novel in my blog, Editor’s Pick: Top Books Read in 2023, so you’re welcome to check that out if you want the full (and extended!) review.

To what I’ve said there, I’ll add this: this is one of the few horror novel recommendations that maintains its place on my list, even as I read more in this genre, and I’m growing to love this author more with each exposure to her work.

I listened to another short story from this author in October 2022, returned to her to listen to this in October 2023, and have now returned to her again for my horror reading list of October 2024. She continues to impress me each and every time.

The Last House on Needless Street

The Last House on Needless Street

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

By Catriona Ward

Psychological Thriller-Horror Recommendation

Tagged: 21st century lit, LGBTQ, psychology, horror

This incredible book was an Honorable Mention in my blog, Top 5 Books of 2022, so you might want to take a look there for the full review.

What I can say is that this has stuck with me over the past two years. As someone with a background in psychology, I have to sometimes be careful about what types of psychological thrillers I get myself in — as they tend to hit deeper nerves than other types of thrillers — but as I continue to read more novels with depictions of mental illness, I continue to think about how well done this one is. Since the time of reading this, I have also listened to books by Mary Higgins-Clark and Cormac McCarthy, who are both superb writers in depicting mental illness, and I would maintain that this book holds up against those larger, perhaps more well-known writers.

I predicted when I published my Top Books of 2022 blog that this book would “stick with me for a long time,” and here we are, two years after I read it, and it’s showing up on this short list of horror novel recommendations. I love it when a prediction comes true. 😁

Horror Novel Recommendations Featuring Women of Color Protagonists

For the final category of my horror novel recommendations, I’d like to feature two books that star not only female protagonists but women of color specifically. There has long been discussion in the publishing community about how women of color are not featured enough in the horror genre, and I agree! #representationmatters

The first book is one I read just this past summer of 2024, so it’s fresh in my mind and still haunts me randomly as I go about my life. The second I read in summer of 2023 and is for a YA audience. I particularly enjoyed the narrative’s delivery of the character’s paranoia in the audiobook, and I hope you will too.

Both these titles include content warnings for hate crime violence and abuse based on race, as well as depictions of pretty severe mental health crises. The first also receives content warnings for harm to a child.

One of Us Knows

One of Us Knows: A Thriller

By Alyssa Cole

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tagged: horror, adventure, psychology, women’s lit, romance, LGBTQ+, 21st century lit

4.5 stars. Oooo! Spooky! A psychological thriller for your summer reading list. Very well done. 👏👏👏

Disassociative Identity Disorder (previously known as “multiple personality disorder”) is not particularly well understood or depicted in general pop culture media (books, TV, etc.), and I’m certainly no expert, but I’d say this is extremely well done. Our main narrator is one of the two hosts of this person’s system, a queer Black woman in her early thirties, and she is co-narrated by several of her/their other identities. 👉👈

While people with DID often experience gaps in time due to various personalities controlling the body’s actions and memories, this novel shows how terrifying that really can become when your whole personhood ends up the center of a mystery that urgently needs solving before more people die or disappear under strange circumstances… 😱

So while one of them must know what’s going on, all of them will have to work together to save themselves using only the pieces of information available to each.

Terrifying. Funny. Deeply disturbing depiction of true-to-life trauma caused by people of MAGA ilk. It’ll have you cheering and laughing and gasping in the same scene.👌

Reminded me of The Shining and The Menu and Last House on Needless Street.

Obviously content warnings. No SA but violence, hate crimes, abuse/neglect of children, mental illness, and more. 💔

White Smoke

By Tiffany D. Jackson

⭐⭐⭐

Tagged: psychology, women’s lit, YA, 21st century lit

3.5 stars. A mid-summer ghost story that actually felt like fun summer reading.

A lot of YA tropes mixed with standard ghost story stock that felt like a fresh twist on some classics I probably read in middle or early high school and just can’t remember now, like “Fear Street.”👻

This was fresh and modern, with an angsty MC who learns a few valuable lessons along the way. 👩‍🎤 Her dad is in an interracial relationship, and she’s learning to adjust to having a White stepmother and stepsister. She’s also struggling with her own mental health in a few different ways.

At times it was a bit predictable or obvious, but maybe that’s because I’m an adult who is familiar with the formula. And at times I was honestly questioning what would happen next. Generally, I enjoyed it. ❤️

Do You Have Horror Novel Recommendation for Me?

So that’s it! This is my short list of horror novel recommendations for October 2024.

If you have suggestions for me, I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below to let me know what you think I should add to my horror To Be Read list.

Happy reading, and have a great/horrific spooky season!

Posted on January 22, 2024January 10, 2024 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 1 Comment

Writers Talking Writing: Creative Writing Advice from Questlove

Cover of the book "Creative Quest" by Questlove, full of excellent creative writing advice

Last year, I had the pleasure of listening to several audiobooks from some amazing writers, several of who provided excellent creative writing advice. In today’s blog, I want to highlight some of the best creative writing tips and techniques from the book Creative Quest, by the very talented Questlove.

Why is Creativity Important? According to Questlove

It might seem like the value of creativity is obvious (at least, to those of us who love great writing), but in the mind of a creative genius who writes in both words and musical notes, the importance may be slightly different than what people might assume.

In this book, Questlove emphasizes the value of self-expression, describing how creativity allows people to express themselves and their unique perspectives. By utilizing your creativity, you may find means of communicating emotions, thoughts, and experiences that may be difficult to convey. Allowing ourselves room to explore creative solutions to problems is crucial for development in many fields, not only our artistic endeavors. Creativity allows us to address complex challenges and come up with novel solutions.

Engaging in creative endeavors can also bring us personal fulfillment and satisfaction and fosters personal growth. Creating something original and meaningful is deeply rewarding and can boost your self-esteem and feelings of connectedness with the world. Through creative and artistic expression, we can transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. Our creativity can connect us, bridging gaps to convey ideas and emotions in ways that resonate with others. As we push our own boundaries, take risks, and learn from our experiences, we challenge ourselves to always be improving and learning.

Additionally, creativity shapes and enriches culture. Artists and creators are the architects of cultural evolution, and their contributions have lasting impacts on society. Innovation and progress are driven by creative and critical thinking in many fields, including technology, science, and business. It leads to the development of new products, services, and ideas that can transform industries and improve lives.

Lastly, our creativity brings joy and inspiration to both ourselves as creators as well as our audiences. The joy of experiencing art, music, literature, and other forms of creative expression is a fundamental part of the human experience.

While Questlove’s opinions and views may not be specifically creative writing advice, his overall analysis on what makes creativity important as part of the human experience is essential for everyone, whether you consider yourself creative already or are trying to improve your creative skills.

Check out this interview with Questlove, “In Pursuit of the Creative Life.“

Top 5 Creative Writing Tips and Techniques from QuestLove

Creative Quest offers a range of creative writing advice, emphasizing the creative process and artistic expression. But his top five tips for creative writing boil down to these:

Tips for Creative Writing: #1. Embrace Collaboration

Working with others can enhance your creativity and help you find new perspectives. In particular, Questlove stresses the value of working with others because it can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to your creative process. Collaboration can challenge your assumptions, lead to unexpected breakthroughs, and create a sense of camaraderie that fuels your thoughts and imagination when writing alone. Whether you’re a book writer working with an editor, a screenwriter collaborating with a team, or a musician jamming with other musicians, learning to work with a team is a key aspect of the creative journey.

Tips for Creative Writing: #2. Find Your Voice

It’s essential to develop a unique and authentic artistic voice. As Questlove emphasizes, authenticity is key in creative work. Discovering and nurturing your unique voice or style sets you apart from others and helps you resonate with your audience. This process involves self-discovery and self-expression, and he gives the creative writing advice that you should draw from personal experiences and emotions or on the observations you make about the experiences and emotions of others.

Tips for Creative Writing: #3. Continuous Learning

You must constantly seek inspiration and expand your knowledge to keep your creativity high. The book promotes the idea that creativity is an ongoing journey. Questlove suggests that you should never stop seeking inspiration and expanding your knowledge. This means being curious, exploring new fields, and being open to diverse influences. Continuous learning keeps your creative wellspring from running dry.

Tips for Creative Writing: #4. Overcome Creative Blocks

Everyone encounters creative blocks (or “writer’s block”). They are common, and everyone needs creative writing advice and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. These strategies can include changing your environment, seeking inspiration from other art forms, or simply embracing moments of boredom and frustration as part of the creative process. By acknowledging and addressing these blocks, you can keep your creativity flowing.

Check out our blog on Oblique Strategies, an app that can help when you experience writer’s block.

Tips for Creative Writing: #5. Creativity in Everyday Life

Lastly is the most straightforward of the book’s creative writing advice: find creativity in your everyday experiences! Your own life is often the best source of inspiration. Be present and observant; take note of small details; and draw from the people, places, and moments around you. Creative ideas can be born from the most ordinary of circumstances, and the ability to recognize their potential is a valuable skill.

Does Creativity Contribute to Success?

Yes! Absolutely. Questlove offers excellent creative writing advice for achieving success in the artistic fields.

To achieve at a high level, you must consistently work on your craft. Success often comes from putting in the time and effort to hone your skills and create a body of work over time. Maybe you’ve heard the saying that it takes years to become an overnight success. Or maybe you’re familiar with the idea that something like success happens “a little a time, then all at once.” The more consistent you are, the more ready you’ll be when it happens.

Of course, to be successful in any creative endeavor, you must have a deep passion. True success often stems from a genuine love for what you do, which can sustain you through challenges and setbacks. If you truly love what you do, you’ll have to learn to take risks at it. Push your boundaries. Success can come from venturing beyond your comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and being adaptable. In the ever-evolving creative landscape, the ability to adapt to change and stay relevant is crucial. Success often involves embracing new technologies and trends while staying true to your vision.

As you begin to build a business, an author platform, and a brand around your writing, you will have to network and build relationships. Not only for marketing, promotion, and audience connection but also for potential and opportunities to collaborate with others. Success is often intertwined with building and maintaining relationships in your creative community, which is why it’s essential among creative writing tips and techniques. Learning from mentors and studying the work of those who inspire you is a valuable path to success. Mentorship and a willingness to learn from others can accelerate your growth. There is a high value and long-term results in networking, collaborating with others, and supporting your peers. However, it is a delicate balance between the creative process and the business side of art. In this book, Questlove offers advice on how to navigate the entertainment industry, negotiate deals, and protect your creative integrity.

Lastly, try to recognize that success is not just about external recognition but also about self-awareness and self-care. It’s important to reflect on your work, maintain your well-being, and find your own measures of success.

These pieces of creative writing advice underscore that success in the creative world is multifaceted, and it’s not solely about fame or fortune. It’s about finding fulfillment in your work, making meaningful contributions to your chosen field, and continuing to evolve as an artist. Success is a journey that involves a combination of hard work, passion, and a willingness to adapt and grow.

The Invaluable Value of Creative Writing Advice

Now, I’ve highlighted some of the key elements I found in the book Creative Quest, but if you’re looking for a great read, there’s a lot more to be learned. It offers a holistic approach to nurturing and enhancing your creative process, emphasizing that it’s not just about the end product but also about the journey and the mindset. The best piece of creative writing advice is to remember that creativity is a fluid and dynamic process that can be nurtured and cultivated over time.

Need personalized writing advice?

Posted on December 31, 2023December 18, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 2 Comments

Editor’s Pick: Top Books Read in 2023

Collage 10 book covers of editors picks top books read in 2023 entire list

The SRD Editor's Pick: Top Books Read in 2023

Welcome back for the second year of the SRD Editor’s pick of top books read this year! (Check out the 2022 list here.)

As a refresher, I love tracking my audiobook listens and physical book reading via Goodreads (let’s connect!), and I typically get my materials from the county library using the Libby by Overdrive app. I love it! And the audiobook experience is perfect for me.

So in 2023, I borrowed 151 audiobooks from my library. My total reading tracked on Goodreads is 154 books – which is more than double my goal of 75!

Don’t ask me to pick a single favorite – I just can’t!

But I did narrow it down to a shortlist.

Like last year, I posted my preliminary, casual reviews of these books on Facebook to my personal circle. Below, you’ll find that original, informal and sometimes knee-jerk reaction review, but in this blog for my comprehensive editor’s list of top books read in 2023, I’ve included a bit more of my thoughts in the extended review.

In the Libby app, I also tag books to keep track of the genres and main themes/types of books I read, out of curiosity. You’ll find that info below as well.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

These book reviews may contain some details that could affect your reading of the book. But, I tried not to give away too much.

This page contains affiliate links. SRD Editing Services may receive a commission if you purchase a product through one of our affiliate links. Thank you!

The Salt Grows Heavy

By: Cassandra Khaw

OMG. What an intense and beautiful but insanely gory and graphic and literary excellence of a horror love story fever dream. I don’t even know. By far, the best true horror in my spooky October readings.

The writing in this is superb. Descriptions and word choice that will soak through your skin and bite you with their beauty while the content of what’s being said will melt your brain. I can’t even with this writer.

The mermaid. She was abducted. And her children have teeth. She burns down the kingdom and escapes into the woods with a fearless nonbinary plague doctor who (spoiler) turns out to be analogous to Frankenstein’s monster. They stumble across a society of unaging children in the woods who are under control of three “saints.” (Not sus at all…) Chaos and destruction ensue.

It’s graphic, can’t-look-away horror not quite like anything else I’ve ever read. I keep trying to picture how you’d make it into a movie and i don’t think you could. I think it’d have to be anime. It’s so violent and extreme i don’t know how you’d show a live action representation.

CW for all the physical, visceral horror things and cult-type abuse with children. (No SA).

Extended Review

In October, my reads are exclusively horror/thriller themed, and looking back from the end of the year, it’s easy to see why this made its way onto my editor’s pick top books list. The language flowed over me like syrup, and many months later, I remain stuck in the unique, fascinating, gruesome world.

Although I didn’t delve into it too much in my original review, the themes of motherhood and identity weave through every paragraph of this revenge tale. While the mermaid character explores her intense storyline, the plague doctor’s path explores deep LGBTQ+ meanings. Placing both of their narratives (the mermaid and the doctor) in spotlights that circle each other keeps the trance woven as the carnage piles up around them.

Tagged: adventure, fantasy, women’s lit, romance, LGBTQ+, mom lit, short story

Good Inside: The Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

By: Dr. Becky Kennedy

OMG. I loved this so much. This might be my new favorite recommendation for parenting books, like for real y’all. So good. For both mothers and fathers. For kids of any age. For struggles of any kind.

The basic premise is: you are good inside. Your kid is good inside. Either of you might be a good person having a hard time/struggling through a tough situation.

It’s overwhelmingly positive, with easily understood advice that anyone can begin implementing immediately, and not just in parenting relationships but in others as well. It has personal stories and large-scale stats and ties together both micro and macro.

It’s hard not to ramble about how much i love this book and why. In the span of a few hours, it helped me tie together my personal experience with scientific best practices. It helped explain and dissolve some of my confusion.

I want a print copy. So i can highlight things and put stickie notes in it and reference it as needed.

Extended Review

While I don’t specifically choose the books on my editor’s pick top books of the year list because of their genre, if I had to narrow down and choose only one nonfiction book this year, this would be it. Perfect for parents of children of all ages. My main takeaway, months later, that I’ve been able to implement and see results in my own life is the idea that everyone is good inside, they might be going through a hard time. Including you.

It’s possible to change your communication style. It’s possible to use compassion and empathy to approach your children to change their behaviors. It’s possible to help kids grow into the people you know they can be. It’s not only possible–it’s your job as a parent. And I think this book will, for me, personally help me get there.

Now, I did just receive a copy of this book as a holiday gift. (Hooray!) I may revisit and post a more extended review next year, after I’ve had a chance to re-read and learn more from it.

Tagged: psychology, 21st cent. lit., mom lit., funny, self-help, dad lit

Moon Witch, Spider King

By: Marlon James

This may be one of the most incredible things I’ve ever read. I’m still processing it. Black History month book 4.

It’s epic high fantasy adventure with an all-Black cast, brought to you by a Jamaican author, so the voices are truly unique and authentic.

Picture Game of Thrones in its level of backstory and intricate politics and character storylines. But instead of dragons, we have other magic in the world in direct connection with the gods. Mainly shape shifters that can turn from human to big cats (lions and jaguars) but many other magics as well.

Our MC — we start following her at age 11 and by the end she is 177. She is cursed. A witch with powers she cannot fully control and a destiny she strongly resents once she discovers it. Then when she embraces it, all hell breaks loose and the gods should tremble.

It’s vulgar. Like, John Waters and Cardi B lyrics level raunchy. And violent. Like Tarentino-level violent. And its completely unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s the Odyssey. And Gulliver’s Travels. And Gladiator. And Beloved. And Blade. With a Jamaican-ish female MC.

Apparently it’s the second in a series. I didn’t read the first (but i added it to my list) and the third is pending release. If you like intricate, epic high fantasy with fantastic world building and strong Black female lead characters, then take the plunge.

Extended Review

So I’m no stranger to paranormal romance, and this takes the cake. Not the type of book I typically enjoy, I am a bit surprised this ended up on my editor’s pick of top books for 2023, but looking back over the competition this year, it still stands above many of the other books I listened to and read.

I said this before, but it bears repeating, this book is not a YA fantasy. It’s smutty and raw and graphic with both violence and pretty extreme sex. It gets in-the-jungle levels of dirty. And another about a powerful magical woman who is out for revenge, even if it destroys her in the process. There are plenty of angry powerful women out there, but if B. Kiddo from Kill Bill was the Witch Doctor character from the Diablo video game, you might have something close to this MC. Truly one of a kind.

Tagged: adventure, fantasy, 21st cent. lit., women’s lit, romance, political, mom lit

Remarkably Bright Creatures

By: Shelby van Pelt

OMG. So i just told you how i love stories from animal perspectives? One of our three MCs here is a Giant Pacific Octopus named Marcellus. And i love him.

Overall, the story is heartwarming, bringing together three disparate characters with an intergenerational mystery. It’s got elements of romance, some light action, some family friendly humor. Really just delightful.

And then there’s Marcellus, the real star of the show.

I also loved that this audiobook included an interview with the author, giving us some behind the scenes insight and fun writerly discussion. So if you read/listen to this and love it, i recommend the bonus interview as well.

Extended Review

Of all the books on the editor’s pick top books list, this is definitely the most wholesome. At some point this year, I started to realize what “upmarket fiction” means, and this book is one of the ones that I would put on that list. (I might not be right, but the genre is a concept I’m still trying to wrap my head around, and the best explanations I’ve seen for it are very much “I know it when I see it” type explanations…so I feel like this counts.)

I love books with animals as first-person POV narrators, and for me, Marcellus steals the show. However, I also enjoy that the other two MCs whose perspectives we (readers) get to enjoy are of vastly different ages, backgrounds, and points of view. And I appreciate that the main MC (as it were) is an older woman. Many of the MCs I enjoyed following along with this year were in their forties or older, and I’m finding it very refreshing to get away from YA more often than not. You can still go on adventures and learn lessons and enjoy life (and even fall in or find love) without being young and innocent. I’ve been here for it all year, for sure.

Tagged: fantasy, 21st cent. lit., women’s lit., mom lit., mystery

We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want out of Your Relationship

By Khadeen and Devale Ellis

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed everything about this book. I came to it knowing nothing about this couple and walked away feeling like i not only knew them but i knew myself better.

So as someone who wasn’t familiar with either of their individual journeys or their combined journey as a couple, i appreciated the first half of the book giving me that insight and showing me how they built up their trust, support, and communication over the years to achieve a healthy, balanced, and happy relationship now. The first half of the book was very insightful.

The second half felt like it switched into a more focused directive of giving advice, which was welcomed. As a successful celebrity (who wouldn’t call themselves that) couple in their 40s, they offer solid advice on how to make a relationship work for 20+ years and how to raise 4 boys. (lawdamercy)

Overall i really liked what they each (and combined) had to say. I like how they told their story and i think they offer very valuable advice about teamwork, marriage, and parenting. Not to mention business and work-life balance.

One of the key things that struck me is that you have to be in love with marriage, the idea of it, the committment of it, to make it work. There will be good days and bad days and longer periods when you have to recommit yourself. The “happily ever after” is up to the individuals, and it’s ongoing work.

Extended Review

This year, a lot of the self-help I enjoyed focused on either parenting strategies and skills, or relationship improvement. There are many places you can go to get relationship advice, and one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard over the years is “Never take advice from someone you wouldn’t trade places with.” Well, there’s a lot to admire about the Ellis’s relationship, to me, and I think I’d be willing to trade places with Khadeen, so I wanted to see what I could learn from them.

After enjoying what they had to say in this book and how they put their perspectives together to explain their joint philosophy and approach to life, I tried listening to a couple episodes of their podcast. Now, I’m not much of a podcast person anyway, and I generally don’t like podcasts that are unstructured conversations between small groups of people, so ultimately I found that their podcast was not for me. I liked the structure and approach to the material in the organized presentation of their book, but if you like the book and you generally like spontaneous conversation-style podcasts, you should check that out as well.

Tagged: psychology, 21st cent. lit., women’s lit., romance, sports, mom lit., self-help, dad lit, memoir

Honorable Mention

When Women Were Dragons
By Kelly Barnhill

Tagged: adventure, fantasy, women’s lit., romance, LGBTQ+, mom lit., historical lit., YA

4.5 stars. Loved this historical fiction fantasy. Strong LGBTQ romance(s). True metaphorical coming of age tale. Deep themes of mothering.

What would happen if, in 1955, over half a million women suddenly, miraculously, without explanation or specific warning, turned into dragons? Real life, scaly, flying dragons.

So many things could happen. And do.

This story was both solidly crafted and surprising. Refreshing in its unique details yet familiar in many of its tropes. It’s lovely. A unique beauty. A pearl among emeralds.

The Candy House
By Jennifer Egan

Tagged: adventure, 21st cent. lit., women’s lit., LGBTQ+, sci-fi

Exquisite. Brilliant. This is a deep sci-fi masterpiece that I can’t recommend enough.

When i was in grad school, I read “A Visit from the Goon Squad” from Egan, and it turns out that this book is not only in the same universe, but also contains some of the same characters, giving us insight, foresight, and hindsight on all their lives. I’m going to have to re-read Goon Squad to more fully see all the connections (it’s been 10+ years), but I’d be very willing to do it.

We have neurodivergent characters. LGBTQ+ characters. Interracial relationships. All my favorites from the “woke” world of today.

What if you could upload your consciousness into the cloud? What if you could also access others’ memories in the cloud to re-experience events from other points of view that lived through them? What would the tech geniuses who created this reality look like? How would espionage function? How would this impact everyday people?

Egan probes into all these questions and more in a strangely real but slightly dystopian depiction of the current and upcoming world. We jump through character perspectives and various timelines in vignettes that glimpse into one another and ultimately, reveal an overall truth in the big picture.

Like the fable of 5 blind men who touch different parts of an elephant and describe the beast based on their limited knowledge (“It’s like a tree trunk!” “It’s like a snake!”), this novel collaborates in all its various parts to form an image of a massive, new beast — the pink elephant in the room, as it were, whose heart is technology and its effects on our daily existence.

It isn’t until the end when you can step back from the individual puzzle pieces to see the mosaic as a whole. And the image may be unlike what you expected and reveal some truth that you normally only glimpse in sections. In the end, it may be a self-portrait, warts and all.

Sensitive: The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud, Fast, Too Much World
By Jen Granneman and Andre Solo

Tagged: psychology, 21st century lit., women’s lit., mom lit., science, self-help, dad lit.

Ever been told you’re “too sensitive”?… What does that even mean? What’s a “normal” level of sensitive and what is “too much”?

Sensitivity, like so many things in life, may be a spectrum. Individuals are more or less sensitive than each other in a variety of ways and that sensitivity can adjust over time and according to context.

You might be highly sensitive to tactile sensations or pain. You might be sensitive to other people’s emotions and needs. You might be sensitive to changes in the environment or a situation. You may be sensitive in myriad other ways.

You’re not “too sensitive” and you don’t need to “toughen up” or feel guilty that you’re affected by things in the world. You don’t need to buy into the “toughness myth” that so frequently tells you that being sensitive in any capacity is wrong. If you’re an emotionally sensitive person in particular, you may need to learn to harness the power of your sensitivity. You may even need to be told that is an option. This book will give you all that and more.

Not only do the authors understand and give examples of what it’s like to be sensitive — whatever that means to you and for you — but there’s a loving and compassionate presentation of new information, namely, how can you love forward and embrace success in today’s world by using the powers that your sensitivity affords you.

Demon Copperhead
By Barbara Kingsolver

Tagged: adventure, 21st cent. lit., romance, true crime, sports, LGBTQ+, memoir, dad lit., YA

Destined to become a true literary classic. Modeled after “David Copperfield” and hitting every classical structural point, this novel really is a masterpiece. The author uses metaphor and simile like they should be used, giving characters unique voices and a sense of place through language choice and colloquial expression. An exemplary piece of writing.

Little Daemon’s mom brought him into her under educated and addiction-filled world and he never really stood a chance. In the poorest county in the US, where unemployment from closed-down coal mines hovers around 50%, there isn’t much to do, or anywhere to go, or anything to be.

Yet Daemon, a foster kid who works his way through all the colorful characters that appear in that system, is surviving okay. His life twists and turns down a trail of hillbilly self-discovery, poverty, addiction, and redemption that anyone living anywhere in the US in the 1990s and early 2000s should find somewhat familiar. Frightening and sad, touching and tender at times, but somewhat familiar.

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
By Moniquill Blackgoose

Tagged: adventure, fantasy, romance, LGBTQ+, YA, sci-fi

4.5 stars. I think might be one of my favorite YA adventures this year. Destined to be a new classic.

A mix of some of your favorite tropes and some things I’ve never quite seen before. Mild spoilers ahead

Like Harry Potter or Wednesday, we begin with an outcast in a prep school for elite teenagers. What makes these kids elite?… They’re dragon riders.

So our MC is from a remote indigeneous population and she is 100% a fish out of water but also bold, brave, true, and steadfast. She is anti-colonial and there to fully represent her people and her traditional way of life at one of the sacred institutions of the metropole. She is a groundbreaking phenomenon and a gamechanger. A chosen one and not really all that reluctant about it.

She also turns out to be bi and polyamorous, and one of the relationships she involves herself in is interracial and inter-class, which she completely disregards in importance. Just busting through all the boundaries.

Of course, it’s the first in a series, and i will 100% look forward to the next one. And the eventual TV or movie series. Because I’m telling you, this is going to have a ripple effect.

Goal: 100+ More Books in 2024

So that’s it! Thank you for taking the time to look at my editor’s picks, top books of 2023 list. For 2024, I’m setting my goal at 100 titles, but I’m sure I’ll go over that. If you have a specific book you think I’d love and should add to my TBR for 2024, leave a comment and let me know! Or let’s connect on Goodreads and recommend to each other. Looking forward to it!

Posted on December 25, 2023December 26, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — Leave a comment

Types of Beta Readers & Sensitivity Readers

Man holding A and B letters symbolizing types of beta readers and deciding between them

Has someone recommended that you look into getting a “beta reader” or “sensitivity reader”? You may not realize initially, but they are both types of beta readers that focus on different things in your writing.

If you’re wondering what they are and why they’re helpful, the short answer is that they make your book better.

What Is a Beta Reader?

“Beta” might sound like a techy term, and there’s a reason for that.

In the software industry, programmers release “beta” versions of new programs that a select group of users to test the product. You might have heard about a “beta” version of an app. Basically, “beta” means that issues are still being worked out before the product becomes available to the wider public.

Books are no different! In publication, we add the word “reader,” and a “beta reader” means someone who reads an unfinished draft of a writer’s manuscript in order to give general feedback.

Like an advanced screening for a movie or a dress rehearsal for a performance, the beta reader gets the chance to put their professional or honest consumer opinion into the writer’s ear before the process has been completed. The writer can then make their suggested changes if they choose.

Over time, there have developed two main types of beta readers: those who focus on readability and the reader experience and are typically just known as “beta readers,” and those who focus on issues of cultural or personal sensitivity, typically called “sensitivity readers.”

What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

A sensitivity reader is a specific type of beta reader that reviews an advanced copy of a book as needed, paying attention to any especially sensitive topics that are touched on.

If your manuscript deals with any potentially triggering topics, a sensitivity reader is a must. Even if you don’t think your book touches a triggering topic, ask your beta readers to keep an eye out for anything that could be considered troublesome. If any of them reports a sensitivity issue, take the next step and hire a sensitivity reader.

Sensitivity readers often specialize in a particular type of “hot button issue” or topic. For example, a person with a disability may read a book to see if characters with disabilities are being portrayed in a compassionate way. The reader can help the writer avoid any potential backlash or negative reaction because of a problematic portrayal or treatment of a particular character.

Beta readers and sensitivity readers can help with issues of plot, story structure, character believability and arc, and more. Both types of beta readers might be able to spot issues of race, gender, sexuality, ageism, classism, stereotypes, or political biases, all of which are important to consider in the final stages of drafting.

Why Are there Different Types of Beta Readers?

As you already know, publishing a book is a huge collaborative effort. In order to produce the most well put-together product possible, several people will contribute. If many hands make light work in most things, then many eyes make fewer errors in publishing.

Are Beta Readers and Sensitivity Readers Needed if You're Self-publishing?

Look, I won’t tell you that you “need” both types of beta readers. But ask yourself this: do you intend to make money with this book?

If so, you should know that it’s common practice to have manuscripts with traditional publishers go through multiple rounds of development with editors, and at least one round of advanced readers. In today’s traditional publishing market, both types of beta readers are becoming more common and crucial. And, like it or not, traditionally published books (and high-quality self-published work) will be your competition if you’re self-publishing.

If you don’t really care if your book makes money, next ask yourself if you’re interested in your book being the best version of itself it can be. If you want it to shine, and you can honestly and openly accept constructive criticism and work with it, then yes. Do the thing!

If you don’t really care about making money or publishing an A+ quality book, then the last question to consider is: do I care if my book offends people?

Chances are, if you don’t care about it being the best version of itself, then most readers will find a reason to quit reading it in the first 10% of your word count. But, if someone does keep reading after that, do you care if it hurts their feelings or offends them or if they find it insensitive? What if they go online and talk trash about it?

If you want to avoid setting somebody off and dealing with the fallout, consider at least one of both types of beta readers at least. Having two or three people who are members of your target audience should tell you enough to raise any urgent red flags. And if there are many red flags, the next step might be to work with a developmental editor.

Got more questions about both types of beta readers?

Posted on June 12, 2023June 7, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — Leave a comment

Goodreads Book List: Father’s Day Recommendations

Drawn image of man and small child silhouette by the sun and the words "Happy Father's Day"

The last-week countdown to Father’s Day begins today! And if you have a dad who loves (or even just “likes”) reading, then I have a book list for you.

Dad doesn’t want another tie or photo frame this year; he wants a book!

At least, I think he might. And since I listen to a lot of audiobooks, I thought I’d compile a shortlist of the best books I’ve listened to in 2023 that might be perfect for a dad in your life. I’ve linked here to the audiobooks, since I know I can personally recommend them, but if the dad you’re shopping for prefers physical or ebooks, get him the format you know he’ll love.

Below, you can find the featured book list of my top recommendations from audiobooks read in 2023, but take a look at my Father’s Day Book List Shelf on Goodreads for a comprehensive and more frequently updated list of books I’d recommend for dads.

Editor Cortni's Father's Day Book List Shelf on Goodreads

The SRD Editing Services Father’s Day Book List Shelf on Goodreads includes books our editor read or audiobooks listened to in 2022 or 2023.

Recommendations include memoirs, self-help and psychology, history, and fiction with “fatherhood” as a theme.

Connect with Cortni on Goodreads!

Editor Cortni's Featured Short Book List

So while my full Goodreads Shelf includes the whole book list I can recommend for dads, I realized that the books I tag as “dad lit” fall into four main categories:

Parenting books
Self-help books
Books on topics dads might like
Fiction that features “fatherhood” as a theme

So whether you know a dad who is looking to grow, to think, or to feel, I compiled a shortlist of books I think your dad might dig. If you don’t see one below that seems quite like him, check out the full Father’s Day Book List Shelf on Goodreads for my other recommendations!

Featured Parenting Books for Dads

Topping my book list are books that help any Dad become the best Dad he can be.

The Opposite of Spoiled dives into excellent advice for how to parent kids of all ages and teach financial literacy, responsibility, charity, and even some basic investment advice. The information may be a bit outdated in some respects (pre-Covid), but overall excellent advice to help parents help their children financially excel.

Good Inside might be my new favorite parenting book. It hits a broad range of topics about relationship development, communication strategies, healthy bonding and attachment, and personal growth that can comebine to make each and every parent better.

Featured Self-Help Books for Dads

Books that Dad can enjoy while learning to improve himself and enhance his family’s lives.

We Over Me takes a deep dive into exploring relationship and parenting advice in a practical way. Although a large section of the book is dedicated to describing the story of this power couple who have been together for more than twenty years and are raising four children, there are equally large sections of the book dedicated to discussing communication and parenting strategies, relationship goals and advice, and how to maintain a healthy work-life balance as a working father.

Cleaning up Your Mental Mess is an in-depth and comprehensive behavioral therapy approach that could help most anyone adjust and reshape a learned behavior through a series of steps. The author has developed an easy-to-follow progressive plan that the reader can use to create a new habit and set of responses or to break out of an established pattern. Adaptive and flexible to nearly every situation, the largest factor that Dad will have to bring to the table is his dedication.

For History-Loving Dads

Books for dads who love the nerd out/do a deep dive on a specific topic.

If Dad loves a well-researched deep dive into a topic, he may enjoy either of these titles.

The Declassification Engine explores the history of protected information and documents in the U.S. From encryption to scandals, from leaks to staged releases, from data management to AI-generated solutions for mismanagement; this title is a wealth of information.

Good for a Girl is perfect for a father of a female athlete. This title explores the areas of girls and women in sports at all levels, from introductory to professional, and the physiological, psychological, and sociological impacts and challenges. While the writer may be a runner, the information contained within applies to women in every sport.

Fiction with Fatherhood as a Theme

Books for Dads who love to be told an interesting story that explores the theme of “fatherhood.”

The Curious Incident is one of the most unique books I’ve read recently, as the narrating character speaks from a neurodivergent perspective. A young teenager/pre-teen, I suspect his voice will feel both achingly familiar and charmingly young to a reader over thirty years old. It is a relatively short read/listen but packs a real punch.

Fairy Tale, on the other hand, is a monster of a tome and well worth the journey at the end. If Dad is already a fan of Stephen King, you may not have to sell him on this too hard, but if not, I think he’ll enjoy all the classic elements he’ll see here. It’s not horror, but there are some frightening moments in the adventure, and a solid and heartfelt lesson learned along the way.

So that’s it! This is my book list of top recommendations for dads, out of the books I’ve read in 2023.

For more suggestions, take a look at this blog with my Top 5 Book List of 2022 or visit Goodreads and peruse my Father’s Day Book List Shelf.

Happy reading, and Happy Father’s Day!

Got Suggestions for this Book List?

Connect with SRD Editing Services

Posted on March 28, 2022October 26, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 1 Comment

On Being a Lifelong Book Collector

A person (book collector) sitting on a stack of books, showing bare feet and jeans.

I went book shopping yesterday. I don’t know why I picked up anything. I already had 130 books on my TBR list, three of which were recent arrivals via my boyfriend that I wanted to check out. And I already had six or seven that I have been sitting around various places in the house, set aside from the last trip to the used book store. Two of them, I’ve started but haven’t finished, and the others are patiently collecting dust like the long-suffering forgotten treasures that I’ve (unfortunately) let them become.

So why did I pick up five more? Why did I jump at the opportunity to re-own a book I gave away once and never got back? Why did I snag one from an author I’ve never heard of, largely based on cover art and the back cover summary? (And its placement in the store.)

I do try to do that though. As a lifelong reader (and book collector), I’ve found that grabbing random books from unheard-of authors is how to discover new authors, new worlds, new adventures. I love to return to ones I know and cherish (who doesn’t?), but what joy there is in wandering the aisles and finding a gem.

The Japanese language has a word for book ownership like this: tsundoku

Literally translated as “to pile up reading,” the general meaning is the practice of buying books with the intention of reading them, but letting them pile up instead. Maybe you just never get around to it. Maybe you get distracted by something else. Maybe you just run out of time.

One popular meme discusses how the Old English word for a library was “bōchord”, which literally means “book hoard,” and this implies that librarians are dragons. Now, I’m no librarian, but I’ve had people exclaim, “Your house is like a library!” when they walk in. So, that sounds like a reasonable comparison to me. And I wouldn’t mind being a dragon.

I think part of the reason we (as people) do this is that we like to aspire. We like to see ourselves as someone different. New. Growing. Doing things in the future that we’re not doing now. It’s hopeful, isn’t it? It’s optimistic that we’ll be more someday than we are now.

Is it a stack of books, a list of recipes to try, a bucket list of places to travel that reminds us of who we want to become?

Is it the comfort of being surrounded by a collection of familiar objects? They don’t change. They simply are, simply existing, simply remaining, ready to be laughed at or change your life, at any moment. They’re so comfortable, those books in your collection, sitting in stacks and on shelves, just waiting for an excited mind of the book collector that cracks their spine and discovers what’s inside. Even without being opened, they provide some sort of vital energy to a room, whispering secrets that you must be quiet enough and open-minded enough to hear.

A room without books is truly silent.

I guess if I ever want to become a better writer, I better become more than a mere book collector and actually get started reading.

Posted on July 15, 2019October 26, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 7 Comments

Reading for Fiction Writing

How to Be a Better Writer...

You’ve heard it before: the advice that says, “If you want to be a great writer, be an avid reader.” Reading, they say, will improve your writing, nearly guaranteed.

Of course, it’s true. But it’s also sort of redundant. You don’t have to tell most writers to read; they already know.

Instead, you have to tell them how to read if you really want to help them.

Expanding High School English

Symbols. Themes. Context. Plot devices.

Wait! Don’t have a high-school-flashback-related panic attack. Come back. It’s easier than it sounds.

So, we were taught a lot of things about how to read and write in high school. These lessons may have served you well, or you may have dismissed them. Either way, if you have a few tricks left over from what you learned reading MacBeth, what you can definitely do is expand on them.

Reading for Vocabulary

One of the things about reading is the exposure you get to different ideas, cultures, lifestyles, and languages. If you’re reading challenging material — like, not Dr. Seuss — you should see words and phrases in your reading that you’ve never encountered before. It may seem remedial, but it’s worth remembering — look up new words.

Some writers love to show off their extensive knowledge by busting out the expensive, precise, and complicated language. If you run across an obscure word that sounds super-duper fancy-pants, look it up. Write it down. Make a note. Teach yourself a new word.

Personally, I recommend the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as my favorite, but realistically, use any dictionary that is convenient and works for you.

You might, if you’re so inclined, even look more into the root of the word and how it connects to other words in its language family. Want to dig into the etymology (i.e., “history” or “genealogy”) of the word? I recommend the user-friendly app, Etymology Explorer, which makes it easy to #wordnerd out no matter where you’re writing.

Reading for Quirky Ideas

Creativity is the ability to connect two unexpected ideas in a refreshing or insightful way.

One of the best things about reading widely and well is the ideas you stumble across that you never would have thought to make. The comparisons that strike you like a belly-flop, the fresh perspectives you would never have noticed.

When you read, keep notes to yourself of quirky ideas that come up. Does a line inspire you to think of a new character? Does a description of a setting make you want to write your own scenes there? What is it about the writing you read that makes you think, and what does it make you think about?

Reading for Plot Holes

Do you ever read or watch something and ask, “Why did the character do that?” or think, “I would have changed the dialogue here.”

Well, critical reader, put that critique to use. When you notice a way in which you would handle the action of a story differently, write it out. You may be surprised how adding ideas spawned of critiques can enhance your scrap pile.

You also likely notice, because of your highly trained critical eye, holes in the plot that the writer missed. A loose end that isn’t tied up. A break in the character or problems with the timeline.

Noticing these problems in other writers’ work is a key first step to identifying them in yours. When your reading includes an eye for plot holes, you will learn to spot and avoid the same holes in your own plots.

Editing services for the word nerd, including beta reading. Contact SRD Editing Services

Posted on January 21, 2019November 11, 2023 by Cortni Merritt, M.A. — 1 Comment

On Being a Lifelong Reader

The World of a Child Bookgobbler

When people ask, “How many books have you read in your life?” I laugh. It’s all I can do. I’ve always been a reader.

My favorite book for a few of my childhood years was Black Beauty. The copy I had was 380-ish pages. On long car trips, I challenged myself to finish it in four hours. Then, I’d start it over. More than once, I read that book twice in a day.

“You’re going to need glasses by 25.”

I remember sitting down at a table at the library — probably in 5th grade or so — with a stack of books, which the other children looked at with disdain and confusion. “You’re going to actually read all those? Why?”

How do I answer that? What do you mean, why?

By that point, I had probably read more books than most of the adults I knew. But I didn’t know that.

“If you read any more, your eyes will cross.”

I set my school’s record for the Accelerated Reader program my 6th-grade year. More than 400 points earned. I remember I read Jurassic Park; college freshman level, worth 20 whole points. There was an article about me in the local paper. I got free pizzas at Pizza Hut.

How many books did I read that year? I don’t know. 50?

“Get your nose out of the book, bookworm.”

(Fun fact: bookworms are only kind-of a real thing.)

In 8th grade, I took freshman English, and freshman year I took sophomore English. Then junior-level English, then AP. I took humanities classes and philosophy and art history and sociology. All reading-heavy. I read textbook chapters twice to study for exams. As an undergrad, I taught myself to read a little Foucault in the original French, for funsies.

“Hey, Brainiac! Is there anything you haven’t read?”

As a grad student, I read about 1,000 pages per week. Three or four classes or reading groups or a pile of student essays. Each class went through about a book every week (maybe two weeks for a book sometimes), plus 100 pages or so worth of critical and historical articles. Then, there was the workload from teaching.

As a mother, I’ve read my son between two and ten books at bedtime, pretty much every night of his life. Not to mention, the reading that has happened during the daylight hours.

“Ok, really. Put it down already, word nerd.”

Could I even take a wild guess at how many books I’ve read? Does 5,000 seem unreasonable? A wild guess at how many pages I’ve read in my life?… I don’t know; a cool million? Does that seem like too much? Not enough? … does a reader really ever admit when it’s “too much”?

The World of a Reader Today

It seems that now, when the publishing era has been transformed and there is more content than ever before, I find less and less to actually, well, read. In reference to an old Janeane Garofalo joke, there may be more content these days, but there’s far less substance. (Watch it here. The joke starts around 12:45 and goes to about 16:30.)

Maybe it’s the same amount of substance, buried in the diamond mines owned by the modern content machine. Harder than ever to find, more precious than ever before.

It seems that far more of what I picked up as a child was gold. Perhaps I’ve edited the boring, the banal, the sluggish from my mind. Maybe I’ve simply forgotten the sludge I trudged through, carrying the jeweled memories I keep now in my heart’s inner treasure box.

A life spent as a reader creates a life unlike any other.

Reading — reading well and in large quantities — has supported every other thing in my life for as long as I can remember. Deep reading, truly connecting with words, has always connected me with my true self, with the world around me, and ultimately, with triumph in my endeavors, both on and off the page.

Reading makes an open world effortless. Go. Travel to any continent, through time, and into people, as effortlessly as a wish. Human storytelling and its effect on the individual is limitless. You can partake; it’s as easy as opening your eyes.

See the pages in front of you? They’re there for you. Entering them, embracing the journey as a reader, may change your life. They may become your new favorite destination and companion.

Or, they could be crap. It’s always a risk.

The reward is worth that risk.

Jakovenko: From the Steppes of Ukraine to the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame

Eighty-6: My Father, Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name…on This Dark Path My Father, Allow My End to Be Granted with Light. Amen

Vietnam From 35,000 Feet: A Stewardess Story

Do You Have a Book Recommendation for Me?

10% Discount for Military Veterans

The Salt Grows Heavy

The Last House on Needless Street

Horror Novel Recommendations Featuring Women of Color Protagonists

One of Us Knows

White Smoke

Do You Have Horror Novel Recommendation for Me?

Why is Creativity Important? According to Questlove

Top 5 Creative Writing Tips and Techniques from QuestLove

Tips for Creative Writing: #1. Embrace Collaboration

Tips for Creative Writing: #2. Find Your Voice

Tips for Creative Writing: #3. Continuous Learning

Tips for Creative Writing: #4. Overcome Creative Blocks

Tips for Creative Writing: #5. Creativity in Everyday Life

Does Creativity Contribute to Success?

The Invaluable Value of Creative Writing Advice

Need personalized writing advice?

The SRD Editor's Pick: Top Books Read in 2023

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

The Salt Grows Heavy

Extended Review

Good Inside: The Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

Extended Review

Moon Witch, Spider King

Extended Review

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Extended Review

We Over Me: The Counterintuitive Approach to Getting Everything You Want out of Your Relationship

Extended Review

Honorable Mention

Goal: 100+ More Books in 2024

What Is a Beta Reader?

What Is a Sensitivity Reader?

Why Are there Different Types of Beta Readers?

Are Beta Readers and Sensitivity Readers Needed if You're Self-publishing?

Got more questions about both types of beta readers?

Connect with Cortni on Goodreads!

Editor Cortni's Featured Short Book List

Featured Parenting Books for Dads

Featured Self-Help Books for Dads

For History-Loving Dads

Fiction with Fatherhood as a Theme

Got Suggestions for this Book List?

Connect with SRD Editing Services

How to Be a Better Writer...

Expanding High School English

Symbols. Themes. Context. Plot devices.

Reading for Vocabulary

Reading for Quirky Ideas

Reading for Plot Holes

Editing services for the word nerd, including beta reading. Contact SRD Editing Services

The World of a Child Bookgobbler

The World of a Reader Today

A life spent as a reader creates a life unlike any other.

The other half of writing is editing.

Connect with SRD Editing Services