"What to Listen to on a Writing Retreat
Or, at least, what I listened to on my recent writing retreat.
I am used to a constant hum of noise as a backdrop to my days, so it was strange to be alone in a room for two weeks, experiencing both peace and quiet. And while it was lovely to be able to dream about stories (and to have people outside my door to discuss those stories with), sometimes I wanted some companionable noise.
Listening to podcasts and audiobooks was particularly great when I was getting ready in the morning, or at night when I wasn’t ready to sleep but was winding down from the day. And since I was there to concentrate on my work, I decided to stick to a (mostly) craft theme (and listen at 1.25x speed because I’m impatient)." —Holly Black, author of The Prisoner's Throne
Add Holly's list to your Library Collections.
Gentle, thoughtful, and illuminating, this is one of the best books on process I’ve ever heard.
A short, smart book that breaks down traditional romance structure in a way that doesn’t feel limiting or inflexible.
A neuroscience-based analysis of why readers are compelled by particular narrative elements. I’m not sure I am better able to replicate them after reading this, but it was certainly engaging.
Just through facts about mushrooms, Sheldrake illuminates a different way to think about the world around us.
Every episode has a different writer on to talk about their process and their daily routine, providing a delicious blend of voyeurism and insight.
About Holly
Holly Black is the bestselling author of contemporary fantasy novels for teens and children, including Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale and the #1 New York Times bestselling Spiderwick series. She has been a finalist for the Mythopoeic Award and the Eisner Award, and the recipient of the Andre Norton Award. Holly lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library. Her website is http://www.blackholly.com.
