Non-Fiction Books And Novellas

Non-Fiction Book Reviews With A Difference

Reviews of non-fiction books can often be dry and boring, bogged down in too much detail and spoiling the discovery process for the reader. In my reviews of non-fiction books I give a brief summary of what the book is about, the structure and the style of writing, and include all the fascinating extras you won't find in other reviews. 

Such as snippets about the author's life, the reason they wrote the book, their previous books, their writing process and any other interesting facts I've discovered about the topic.

Look below to find the genres you enjoy the most.

MY FAVOURITE

Ghostwriting

Since ghostwriting my first book for someone else I have discovered a true love for this writing method and have turned it into a new business.

How I Became A Ghostwriter
Spare Prince Harry Review
Why Are Memoirs So Popular?
Fast Draft Your Memoir Rachael Herron Review
Memoir Ghostwriting Services
How Many Ways Can Your Write A Memoir?

MY SECOND FAVOURITE

Memoirs

Much as I love fiction, nothing beats a well-written memoir, proving over and over that truth is indeed stranger than fiction. In fiction the story has to make sense ; real life is often random and illogical.

This Is Going To Hurt Adam Kay Review
The Glass Castle Jeannette Walls Review
Memoir Or Autobiography – What’s The Difference?
My Mother’s Cookbook – Recipes For Nostalgia

I LOVE THIS TOO

True Crime

True Crime has been around for years, but has had a major resurgence of popularity recently, with books and podcasts providing millions of devotees with their vicarious fix of vice.

Breaking Dad James Lubbock Review
The Stranger Beside Me Ann Rule Review
Missing William Tyrrell Caroline Overington Review
Three Crooked Kings

WE COULD ALL DO WITH SOME

Self-Development

I've been a self-development disciple from way back. I love reading books that will help me to improve my life in some way. Self-improvement is a lifelong process, so I still have plenty to do!

The 5 Second Rule Mel Robbins Review
How Mindfulness Can Enhance Your Life
What Was Your Most Un-Christmassy Christmas?
The Health Risks Of Being A Writer

Join My Newsletter And Get Your FREE Guide "Is My Story Worth Writing?"

IT STARTS WITH THIS

Creative Writing

As an author, I'm always studying my craft to improve my writing. Over the years I've read dozens of books on Creative Writing, and learnt something from every one of them.

Writing About What Hurts
Books into Movies – The Best and the Worst
Five Reasons To Love Short Stories
Finding Your Tribe

Writing A Non-Fiction Book

If you're thinking of writing a non-fiction book, be prepared for a lot of hard work. Some would say the writing is the easy part.  

First, there's the researching and planning. While you can get away with not planning a fiction book and going with the flow if that's what you prefer, it's difficult to write a non-fiction book without some sort of structure or plan.

Once you have an outline in place, there's the writing of the first draft, editing, re-writing second and subsequent drafts, (and no matter how good your outline is you'll decide to change bits of it), more editing, proofreading, and after the 93rd edit, collapsing in a heap on the floor clutching an empty wine bottle and moaning, 'I never want to lay eyes on this book again!'

The non-fiction authors presented and analysed in the posts on this page have put in the hard yards and become successful in their craft. You and I see a finished book. The author sees him or her self laid open for the world to look at and judge. This is true of fiction as well, but probably never more so than in memoir.  Publishing a memoir is an act of bravery.

I have written a number of non-fiction books, and I enjoy the process, even though it is very different from writing fiction.  The two complement each other and ensure I never get bored!

Types Of Non-Fiction

There are as many types of non-fiction as there are topics to write about, but I have chosen my favourite genres to review, and here's why they're my favourites:

As a former probation and parole officer, I have a longstanding interest in crime, so I've been a True Crime fan for years. And Memoir because I find other people's lives endlessly fascinating and have even written my own, Making The Breast Of It. And now that I'm a ghostwriter of life stories and memoirs, I love to read other memoirs to see how different authors structure and write their memoirs.

Self-Development because I am always trying to improve myself and enhance my life (and have yet to master the art of daily meditation) and as an author, Creative Writing is a given. Along with reading a variety of well-written fiction and non-fiction books, books on the craft of writing have contributed enormously to the development of my writing skills. 

Brutally Honest

In my book reviews, I'm honest. If there's an aspect of a book I don't like, I'll say so. I'd expect the same from someone reviewing my books. But I am never going to review a book that I haven't enjoyed overall; I can't see the point of that. I want you to enjoy the books as much as I have.

I'm also upfront about whether I make money from the book. When I review a book, I use affiliate links for the retail sites when I can. This means that I get a small commission if you buy the book using that link, at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate commissions are a bonus, but just a small portion of my income. I'm an author first and a book reviewer second. I'd love to know your thoughts and opinions on the books, so please leave your comments at the bottom of the review.  

I look forward to seeing you there.

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