Novel Thoughts

New Genres I’m Loving Right Now

May 9, 2025May 9, 2025 Novel Thoughts

This post is a reflection on my journey of stepping beyond my comfort zone with new genres. As someone who’s long favoured a specific genre, venturing into new literary territory, like thrillers, mysteries, and fantasy, has been both challenging and rewarding. From the thrill of suspenseful plots to the struggle of keeping up with sprawling narratives, this post captures the experience of evolving as a reader and learning to appreciate stories I never thought I’d enjoy.

How Important is Authenticity in Literature?

April 25, 2025May 6, 2025 Novel Thoughts

Authenticity in literature isn’t just about good storytelling, it’s about responsibility. When writers mine traumas and cultures not their own, especially for profit, the result often slips into exploitation. What’s marketed as empathy can quickly become trauma porn: a spectacle of suffering that flattens lived experiences into consumable tropes. At its worst, it erases the very people it claims to represent. Literature should open doors, not steal keys.

Ebooks, Physical Books or Audiobooks?

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 Novel Thoughts

Physical books, audiobooks, or ebooks, which is the best way to read? Each format offers unique advantages, from the tactile feel of paperbacks to the convenience of digital reading and the hands-free experience of audiobooks. In this comparison, I discuss how I feel about each format and how the variety has revolutionised reading for me.

I’m in a Reading Slump

April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 Novel Thoughts

Struggling through a reading slump when books are a big part of your life is frustrating In this post, I talk about my current book slump, how it’s affecting my reading and what I’m doing to shake it off. If you’ve ever been stuck in a slump, you’re not alone!

Wattpad & Me: From Online Stories to E-bookshelves

March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 Novel Thoughts

Like many teenager girls in the early 2010s, I found myself falling into the world of Wattpad, where free, user-generated stories fueled my love for reading. From angsty bad-boy romances to thrilling fantasy stories, Wattpad became my gateway to a lifetime of literature. What started as late-night scrolling turned into a deeper appreciation for storytelling.