Blue Sparrow: Tweets on Writing, Reading, and Other Creative Nonsense

by Ksenia Anske

Blue Sparrow was born on Twitter. It's a compilation of my daily ramblings as a first time novelist encouraging myself and others to bite the bullet and do it despite the fear of the blank paper, the insecurities, and the angst every writer faces when trying to bleed the story out. My Twitter followers asked me to make this book. They said they want to carry it around in their pockets and take it out each time they feel stuck, scared, or simply need to smile. They tell me my tweets are encouraging and funny. You be the judge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing

142 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2013

About the author

Ksenia Anske was born in Moscow, Russia, and came to the US in 1998. She is the author of dark fantasy short fiction and 8 novels, and the resident writer of the Amtrak Residency Program 2015 (http://kseniaanske.com). Her novel Rosehead won Honorary Mention in the YA Category in the Indie Ebook Award 2016. Ksenia lives in Seattle.

Reviews

[C.M. Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to do justice the humor, pain, and lyricism that author Ksenia Anske invokes in and with her writing. These may seem like a collection of simple Tweets, and yet, anyone who knows Ksenia from Twitter, knows what a dichotomy she is and how brilliant her writing can be. Think about this: Twitter, Blue Sparrow, Tweets, 140 characters, 140 pages. This lady does not miss a thing when it comes to writing and drawing a reader in in an engaging way.

From encouragement ("Everything has been said already. But it hasn't been said the way you'd say it. So go ahead. Write") to pain ("True horror is not in our stories, it's in our lives. Stories help us process it.") to her famous, spot on humor ("There are only three things I do. I read. I write. And I fart glitter."), this book has it all! Plus, it's adorably illustrated with sparrows throughout. This is a PERFECT novelty gift for anyone in your life. While there's a heavy focus on writing, ANYONE can relate to the words of encouragement she so readily gives out. ANYONE can feel inspired after reading this fun, quick, quirky book of "creative nonsense."

And I guarantee, once you do, you'll want to read more.

[Anum Ammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Now that I’ m an adult, I can finally be the kid I always wanted to be.”

Blue sparrow by Ksenia Anske



So my first read of 2018 is ” Blue sparrow ” which is a compilation of Ksenia Anske ‘s tweets on writing, reading and art. I first saw it on bookstagram and it was love at first sight kind of thing for me and Ksenia Anske was kind enough to send it to me as a gift. To be honest this book got me hooked. Started it yesterday evening and finished it today.

Over all it was an amazing read short, simple yet if you feel them there lies a whole world of feelings and emotions in these simple words and sentences. Being a lover of reading and writing there were so many moments when this book made me say,

” oh, that’s me”

And

” oh, that is what I should be doing ”

Relating writing to flyimg, swimming and never stopping was definitely something that a reader can connect to. In addition being weird, stupid and out of control those were the emotions preached here and to make your readers feel free, to go find their own ways, create ans cherish the world of art around them these are the most appropriate emotions and such were the vibes of these tweets.

The importance of reading and not giving up writing due to naysayers were also some of the emphasized points. Moreover the way she related story writing to sharing the parts of your soul is so relatable and heart felt.

I would like to recommend this book to all readers, writers and people who create art, in short to everyone.

This one is a super simple read yet in its simplicity lies its beauty.

[Aina · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much she sounds like myself. Being such a good writer with advice that is actually helpfulー as I've told herー Ksenia Anske truly was born a creative creature. And not many of us are. This is a fun, inspiring read for aspiring writers, authors, and any sort of writer or reader! It will make you smile and probably find yourself nodding your head thinking, 'That is so true!!!' or 'I never thought about it that way!' And Ksenia Anske is going to really go places! Hey, why not check it out? It's free (:

[Marynold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book that I've read by the wonderful and quirky Ksenia Anske and although this book only has a few pages, she managed to include a lot of inspiring messages for anyone who loves writing. This book encouraged me to write and to believe in myself. I'm happy to have read this little book of creative awesomeness.

[Ron Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want something great and original to read, read Blue Sparrow by Ksenia Anske.

[Rwik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of one liners . Mostly thought provoking. And best thing is , it is free :) Can't ask for more .

[George McNeese · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don’t follow Ksenia Anske on social media, you should. And “Blue Sparrow” is a big reason why. I loved the tweets on being a writer and reader. I’m someone who needs the occasional pep talk. And I share my issues on social media. That’s how I got this book. Ksenia sent it to me. It actually took two days to read from front to back and I loved every tweet she put onto the page. I’m going to go through the book again and highlight the most encouraging tweets. I will quote them on social media as well. If you’re looking for a book that encourages you to keep writing, I suggest you pick up this book.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have been sent this book by Ksenia herself after speaking to her about my recent struggles with writing and creativity in general.

The book itself is funny and inspiring, and heart-warming to know someone else understands the struggle themselves and wants to help others.

The only downside (but not really) is that she now has my name and twitter. I can't get out of writing. She knows... She knows! And I've been warned... SHE HAS A PROCRASTINATORS LIST! I don't want to be on the list...

You love writing? Write everyday. Because if you don't... She'll know.

[Jane Tornatore, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many books on writing (in part to avoid writing my own book). Blue Sparrow is one of my favorites. Ksenia clearly loves writing and reading. She knows writing and the writing process. She lives it...she breathes it. If you want to be infected with the desire to write, read this book. My favorite tweet--"Everything has been said already. But it hasn't been said the way you'd say it. So go ahead. WRITE."

[B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fond of Ksenia Anske and her magically and beautifully weird world. These tweets perhaps are more powerful than a 500-page-book that tells you how to write. Ksenia is aware of the fact that we, people who have stories, already know how to write. We just don't dare to do so. There she steps in and shows us that our story is always there waiting to be written. All we need is to start writing. ”One word at a time”, as Ksenia says.

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty, funny, serious, motivational, and at times irreverent. Ksenia Anske gives the reader a peek into her creative mind. Writing and creating is rarely easy, but the guide can be trusted to lead the novice through the creative process.

Created from the author’s Tweets this is a book that can be picked up and randomly read.

[Christina Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful treat. A veritable compendium of encouragement for writers, readers, for everyone really. To follow your dream. If Ksenia Anske's story isn't inspiring enough, then you must read this!

She has such humor, wit, and an effervescent style uniquely her own. The encouragement she shares throughout to help other writers, to keep following their dreams, felt personal and sincere.

This is the perfect gift for anyone needing a dose of encouragement to get the words flowing again. I politely demand that you buy this book...even if she offers it free. You won't regret it.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the author, I just really loved her book and her message which induced me to write these words.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awesome. This is what you need if you are having one of those days and need something nice, short and easy to brighten you day and make you laugh. This was definitly worth getting and reading. It cheered me up and made me more determined to move forward with my own goals and not to get stuck in the rut that I am trying to escape. Way to go, very enjoyable. Everyone should have to read when they get down.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very quick book to read but it's something I'm going to read through again and again. Ksenia is one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter. She always tweets very positive and encouraging messages to writers, both new and experienced. This book is a collection of some of her best tweets. If you're looking for solid bits of advice to budding writers, you'll find them here...140 characters at a time.

[Amy Sauder]

A collection of tweets on writing, reading, and the creative life. Motivational, inspirational, even instructional (mostly “KEEP WRITING!”). My favorite detail would be that it’s 140 pages long, with 140 tweets. Like an inside joke for us Twitter users :)

As of 6/29/17, you can see all the reasons I love Ksenia Anske on my blog at https://amylsauder.wordpress.com/?p=4... if you're interested in all of her work.

[Louise BDGG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a writer who needs a cheering section, or maybe a swift kick to get you going? Or thinking of writing and need motivation or a good laugh? well this book of tweets is for you :) Ksenia went through all of the above and these pearls of wisdom from her experiences are bound to resonate :)

[Sarah Broadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic guide to life from the wonderful Ksenia! As a writer, it has been a pleasure to read and go back to every now and again when you are stuck in a rut and the words are just not there. Breathe, smile and begin....I just wished I farted glitter too :-)

www.greatbigjar.com

[Aro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet tweets on writing, I'd recommend Anske's collection of encouraging and inspiring words to anyone who is feeling bad about their writing, doubting themselves or thinking of giving up on writing altogether.

[Christen Krumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love for this little book. Loved the "one liner" encouragement. When I get stuck and feel like giving up, this will be one I grab again and again to remind myself to embrace this crazy life and just write.

[Micah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of inspiring tweets from a dedicated new author.

[Valerie O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! It's filled with daily inspiration for writers. Anske's voice is guaranteed to make you smile and think.

[David Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A whimsical, sometimes hilarious, sometimes redundant collection of motivational quotes on writing. A great gift idea for a writer and a book to be used for encouragement.

[Kzwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Although it is very short, every time you read a new quote (if you are a writer) you think "Oooh that my new motto". Its a really enjoyable quick read. Love Love Love.

[Mohamed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet. Liked a lot of quotes. Brilliant

[Heather Mattern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOvED this little collection of writerly tweets. I will treasure these quotes and refer back to them when I need encouragement on those days I ask myself what the hell I'm doing!

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Which one word sums up this book? Inspirational.