I already have Corrine Kenner’s previous book Tarot for Writers which I thoroughly enjoyed, so I was delighted to see her write another one, this time connecting Astrology to the writing process.

The introduction to this book gives a brief insight into Astrology and how it has continued to fascinate us through the years. It also sets the scene as to why writers should use astrology to assist in the writing process. Kenner explains in this intro how the Planets, the Zodiac Signs and the Houses of Horoscopes can all assist a writer in developing well rounded characters with interesting story lines.

Part 1 begins by looking at the individual Planets and how each of their aspects affect your story line. For example she tells us of the Sun that it represents the centre of your character. She says: `The Sun symbolises your character’s core sense of identity and conscious awareness.’ She goes on to tell us that the Sun reveals within a story line the character’s destiny, drives and desires.

As part of each piece on The Planets, she gives us examples of Archetypal Roles. There is a guide to character creation with regards to the influence that particular planet has, along with its strengths and weaknesses.

I particularly liked the section on `Goals and Motivation,’ along with the quick reference guide as to how the planet position in the signs of the Zodiac affect your characters. For example she tells us that the Sun in Aires shows your character’s primary mission in life will focus on leadership and initiation.

Kenner adds towards the end of each section 20 questions which are designed to get you thinking and writing about your character, and how that particular planet may influence them. But also this section allows you to explore your understanding of that planet too.

After The Planets comes the section on `Auxiliary Lights.’ This covers asteroids, comets etc. Kenner explains how these finer points of astrology help you form well rounded characters.

I really enjoyed the section on the signs of the Zodiac, my own being Pisces. I recognised myself in her breakdown of this sign. I loved the small section called `Costume Department,’ and thought that Kenner had nailed the character’s dress right on the head.

Part 3 covers the Houses of the Horoscope and in this she explains how they help us set the scene for the story line to take place.
The last section covers how to read a Horoscope Chart. Now to me a chart looks like a foreign language, but Kenner explains it in an easy to follow way that even someone like me who has no knowledge of astrology at all, could understand.

Kenner has come up with some great writing prompts in this book that will not only get you thinking about your characters but also how astrology helps paint a clearer picture of them for you.

If you liked Tarot for Writers, then you will love this book too.

Astrology for Writers by Corrine Kenner is a book for writers that need a little bit of help in the creativity department from time to time. This book guides you on how to use astrology to create characters, and essentially entire stories based off of astrology.

Astrology for Writers is a book that teaches about astrology and also gives creative guidance to writers and artistic visionaries as well. The basics such as the planets, the signs of the Zodiac, and houses of the horoscope are covered on a basic knowledge. It is enough information to help with understanding how to use astrology for writers at least. If you want to learn more about astrology in a more in-depth manner, there are many other books available for that.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it taught me more about astrology, and of course how to use it with writing. As a Leo writer, I found that many of the things mentioned in my chapter about Leos are quite true. I like to write about hobbies (and other things I enjoy), and I’m direct and to the point in writing. I also noticed that my families and friends are generally like their astrological sign as well. I’ll be using this guide for future stories when doing character creation. It is truly a great reference for inspiration and creativity for writers. I highly recommend it.