Hi there. I have recently discovered that I really like critiquing books. I have always liked reading books. I have always liked writing my own stories. But when I wrote my first book review for D20 magazine, I fell in love with writing critiques. I'm not sure why this spoke to me, but you are probably wondering if I am qualified to critique the writings of others. well, here is my basic resume:
I received my master's degree in English from the Univesity of Central Missouri in May of 2009. I earned my bacherlor's in English (with minors in history and Chinese language) in May of 2007. While I was working on my master's degree, I taught college composition for UCM. I got my job based mainly on my writing skills. I was published several times during these years for both scholarly and creative works. This job required lots of editing and showing students how to make their writing better. I have also taught writing for several other universities such as the University of Central Florida, the University of Phoenix, DeVry, and ITT Technical Institute. So I have lots of experience in writing and editing.
I really enjoyed my years as a student. I went on to graduate school mainly because I didn't want to leave school. What I miss the most about college was discussing literature. Teaching writing doesn't give many opportunities to discuss Shakespeare, Tennyson, or Poe. Teaching rhetoric can be very dry since (espeically at the tech schools) it is teaching a formula for writing. But actually having a discussion about what makes a story great, or wondering what something symbolizes, or offering tips on how the story could have been better, is something I have had limited opportunity for in the last year...and I'm aching for it.
Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to become the book critic for D20 Magazine (a magazine aimed at female gamers). I picked Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Whether or not I enjoyed the book (I will publish the review here after it is released in the magazine, but you will have to wait until September!), I enjoyed the discussion about the book. And, thus, my new passion was born.
So, here is my new blog. For D20, I focus in books that are in the real of sci-fi and fantasy. But here in the blog, I will review all types of books. For instance I am working my way through a travel book about China I can't wait to write about. I hope you like reading my reviews as much as I like writing them!
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