My First Book Review

(Dreamers Creative Writing, p. 14, Issue 18, Jul-Oct/24)

Earlier this year, I decided to follow through on a recommendation made to me by a grant writer, and that was to increase my number of publishing credits. Traditional publishing moves at a snail’s pace, so where to begin?  

First, I looked to Portuguese newspapers, both in Canada and Europe, and was successful in publishing my first personal essay, a piece that came quickly and from the heart. This was a happy start as one editor asked for an interview upon publication of my forthcoming picture book. 

In researching other periodicals to submit to, I signed up for weekly updates from Dreamers Creative Writing magazine that included moving stories, poems and articles. My interest was piqued, especially by the articles on grammar, such as “Affect Vs. Effect: A Guide to Correct Usage.”  

This magazine often runs writing contests with small submission fees. They accepted book reviews and though I hadn’t written one since high school, I was compelled to give it a try.  

I was suddenly leaving for Portugal and my travel read was Bliss Adair and the First Rule of Knitting by Canadian writer Jean Mills. While away, I carved out time to read and take notes on the book’s characters and plot, and when unsure how to proceed, I found helpful tips online. 

After publication, I let my writer friend read it, and she loved it, saying that she had no interest in knitting but now wished to read the book, which was nice. She also loved the fact that even though I’d never written a book review, I still went for it. 

Writing this book review was meaningful to me. It was done at a time of sadness, and though the piece had nothing to do with what I was going through, I was still creating, making the experience unique and memorable.

Embarking on new forms of writing between bigger projects has been challenging, but fulfilling in a way I never expected. I’m grateful to the person that made the recommendation, as 2024 has turned into a year of pushing past my comfort zone and growing as a writer!

Thank you to Dreamers magazine, for publishing my first book review!

If you are interested in the magazine, check them out at www.dreamerswriting.com.