REVIEW: Astrology for Writers

R E V I E W  _About My Reviews_

Astrology for Writers
by _Corrine Kenner_
_Llewellyn Publications_
Paperback: 336 pages
Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
ISBN-10: 0738733334
ISBN-13: 978-0738733333
TOP LINE (formerly Bottom Line)

As an astrologer and writer, I was eager to see what the talented and accomplished Corrine Kenner would come up with for this book. I have used astrology to create characters in the past and found it quite interesting -- although I also found that I tended to get a bit bogged down in the astrology part to the point where my character became much too complex. Characters need to be multidimensional, of course, but I felt that I was drowning in personality traits, motives, feelings, thoughts, and behavioral tendencies. I hope to try again sometime!

Anyway, Astrology for Writers is useful and instructive in many different ways. Kenner provides marvelous, detailed information about each planet and sign, also delving into the asteroids (e.g., Ceres, Pallas Athena, and Juno), the Black Moon Lilith, and the North and South nodes -- so the astrology component is well covered. In segments titled "Creative Guidance" and "Twenty Questions" we receive a wealth of insights, tips, and prompts that we can use in creating characters, plots, and settings.

I do think perhaps this book might overwhelm someone who has little or no knowledge of astrology before picking it up. The astrological information is so comprehensive and detailed. I think the ideal reader would be someone like me -- already familiar with astrology and writing, and interested in combining those fields.

PUBLISHER'S PRODUCT SUMMARY

Enhance your storytelling with the cosmic drama of the stars!

The nighttime sky has inspired writers and astrologers alike to spin stories on the strands of starlight. Discover that inspiration for your own creative writing in Astrology for Writers, the essential guide to understanding the core concepts of astrology—the planets, signs, and houses—and discovering how they correspond to the elements of fiction.

Unleash your creativity with a wide range of ideas that help you add astrology to your writing practice. Learn how to use the planets for characters, the signs of the zodiac for plot and themes, and the houses of the horoscope for settings. Develop unique characters based on mythic archetypes, use astrological imagery and symbolism for your descriptions and dialogue, and put theory into practice with writing prompts and examples. Invite the gods and goddesses of astrology to enter your writing and share their stories through you.

Corrine Kenner

THE AUTHOR

Corrine Kenner specializes in bringing metaphysical subjects down to earth. Her work on the tarot is widely published, and her classes and workshops are perennial favorites among students in the Midwest. Corrine is a certified tarot master, and she holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from California State University, Long Beach.

Corrine is the author of Tall Dark Stranger, a handbook on using tarot cards for romance, and Tarot Journaling, a guide to the art of keeping a tarot diary. She was also the creator of Llewellyn's Tarot Calendar. She is a contributor to the 2005, 2006, and 2007 editions of the Llewellyn Tarot Reader. A former newspaper reporter and magazine editor, Kenner edited Llewellyn's popular Astrological Calendar, Daily Planetary Guide, and Sun Sign Book. She is also the author of Crystals for Beginners.

Corrine has lived in Brazil, Los Angeles, and the Twin Cities of Minnesota. She now lives in the Midwest with her husband Dan and her daughters Katherine, Emily, and Julia.

You can find her website at www.corrinekenner.com.

BASIC INFORMATION

Part I: The Planets (pages 9-152)

"We'll begin our study of astrology for writers by looking at the planets -- the major players in the drama of the night sky. In this section, you'll learn how to develop fictional personalities based on planetary characteristics. You can assign one planet to each member of the cast, or mix and match them, just like real life." ~ Corrine Kenner

In Part I we are given information about the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses who inspired the names of the planetary bodies in our sky. The Roman names (e.g., Venus, Mars, and Saturn) are the names that we readily recognize as applying to the planets. Beginning with the Sun ("The Star of the Show") Kenner provides several pages about each planetary body. We also learn about planets in aspect and other astrological information.

Part II: Signs and Stories (pages 153-250)

"As the planets revolve around the Sun, your characters will move through the signs of the zodiac, and their stories will unfold. We'll follow the plot, and discover what obstacles and conflicts keep them from reaching their goals. We'll also study the ways that the symbolism of the same twelve signs can be the foundation of story structure, theme, and symbolism." ~ Corrine Kenner

This section covers the signs of the zodiac, followed by a Mix-and-Match Character Creator, a section on the Twelve Labors of Hercules, and several pages about the Hero's Journey. We are told how we can use The Elements, Duality, and Modes of signs in story and character creation.

Part III: The Houses of the Horoscope (pages 251-296)

"The twelve houses of the horoscope provide a backdrop and setting for the drama of human experience. If you're searching for the setting of your next story or scene, you don't need to look any further than a horoscope chart." ~ Corrine Kenner

This part of the book contains a chart showing each house, rulership of that house, ruling sign, and ruling planet. Kenner also provides a couple of pages on each house, including how that the nature of that house could influence scenery and setting in a novel, story, or poem. A section on "How to Read a Horoscope Chart" is also included in this section.

Part IV: Quick Reference Guides (pages 297-313)

"Use this section to clarify concepts as you incorporate astrology into your creative writing practice." ~ Corrinne Kenner

At the back of the book, Kenner includes a Recommended Reading list.


In accordance with the FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, I hereby disclose that this product was provided by the publisher for free. Other than the occasional review copy, I receive no monetary or in-kind compensation for my reviews.  The substance of my reviews is not influenced by whether I do or do not receive a review copy.