Bandersnatch

In my most recent IWSG post I shared that I wish I was a part of a group like The Inklings. Several reached out to me to find out who that was, or where they might learn more. I am currently reading Bandersnatch and recommend it to anyone interested in C.S. Lewis, his brother, J.R.R. Tolkien, or any of the other members of their writing circle.

The Inklings met each week to read and discuss each other's work-in-progress, offering both encouragement and blistering critique. How did these conversations shape the books they were writing? How does creative collaboration enhance individual talent? And what can we learn from their example?

Featuring full-page illustrations by James A. Owen, Bandersnatch offers an inside look at this group of Oxford, and a seat at their table at the Eagle and Child pub. It shows how encouragement and criticism made all the difference in The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and dozens of other books written by the members of their band. You'll learn what made these writers tick, and more: inspired by their example, you'll discover how collaboration can help your own creative process and lead to genius breakthroughs in whatever work you do.

This book is written by Diana Pavlac Glyer, an award-winning writer, who has spent more than 40 years combing through archives and studying old manuscripts. She is a leading expert on C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Inklings. Her book The Company They Keep changed the way we talk about these writers. While that book was aimed at readers of those authors, Bandersnatch offers current writers insight about the Inklings and their creative process, telling their story in a way that is accessible and very practical. Her scholarship, her teaching, and her work as an artist all circle back to one common theme: creativity thrives in community.

How about you? Have you read this book? Are you a fan of any of these authors?

National Book Lovers Day 2026

I hope you're enjoying an excellent read today!

If you've never heard of this celebration, National Book Lovers Day harnesses all the excitement bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration on August 9th. *Bibliophile – a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books.

A day for all those who love to read, National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find your favorite reading place, a good book (whether it be fiction or non-fiction) and read the day away. This unofficial holiday encourages bibliophiles to disconnect from technological distractions, cancel plans, and spend the day reading. People typically observe it by visiting local libraries or curling up with a good book However, why should we only celebrate for a signal day? I hope you're able to enjoy reading every day. If not, at least give yourself the weekend to partake.

Curious about the history of this day, or how others are spending it? Check out: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-book-lovers-day-august-9/  For even more information For more information on the history and traditions surrounding this unofficial holiday, check out the National Book Lovers Day page on Wikipedia or read the National Book Lovers Day Overview provided by National Today.

How About you? WHAT ARE YOU READING?

IWSG: Regrets and Wishes

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. You can also join us on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG, or on the Facebook page.

Now, IWSG hosts have changed up the format in an effort to make it more fun and interactive. Every month, they will announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Don’t forget to visit others that day to see their answers. Want to join, or learn more? Visit our - Sign-up List.

AUGUST QUESTION - As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?

MY ANSWER - For my regrets, it would be all the times that I listened to the inner critic or others which drove me to give up writing at multiple points in my life. For wishes, it would be to find an amazing mentor, join a writer's group like The Inklings, and to inspire a new generation of authors to enjoy reading as well as to find their own voices. 

How about you? As a writer/author what is something you regret? Or something that you wish you'd done differently in your writing process?