Reading this book is like having your very own writing coach cheering you on ...
349472
Reading this book is like having your very own writing coach cheering you on from the page. I'll be keeping the DIY MFA book on my shelf as a reference for years to come. It's an excellent manifesto for being our own writers and helping us find ourselves in the terrifying career we love so much. From page one it felt like entering into the covers of a writing world where it was safe to have all my insecurities and flaws. It includes concrete processes for harnessing those insecurities and techniques in a way that gives our writing the respect it deserves. DIY MFA is an MFA for real life writing outside the academic bubble. It's all about building the discipline to write by having the faith in yourself to know what's best for you and your writing career. There were so many things on the page that I'd found true over my own study of writing but had never seen written in a book before. It's given me so much more confidence in my skills.

It's a book on how to live the life of a writer, not short term, but long term. It's all about tools for stamina and will be a great reference in times of struggle, burnout, and exhaustion. It's filled in holes in my writing knowledge I didn't know I had. I've always been a follower of DIY MFA but now I'm a devoted disciple.
3283718
If you cant have Jennie Nash as your writing teacher, book coach or struggling-author cheerleader, the next best thing is this book. She writes with humor, understanding, and best of all, offers a way out of the muck. The book is concise so you can read it all at once or you can quickly turn to the chapter that addresses the thing you need to hear about right now. Ill be keeping the book close by so its easily accessible during my next writing crisis.
1690269
Lee Martin has not only a great gift for writing, but a great gift for encouraging and empowering writers. "Telling Stories" is chock full of exercises and advice, with the craft content framed by compelling and beautifully composed anecdotes from Lee's own life as a writer. I teach creative writing to undergraduates, and Lee Martin's "Telling Stories" will be an integral tool for my teaching from this point forward. Written with just the right balance of insight and heart, this book's love of storytelling sent me soaring back to my own desk, inspired and ready to write.
3478545
One of the first things that jumped out at me in You are a Writer, was the amount of nodding along that I was doing.  I could feel where Jeff was coming from, I have felt most of those things myself.  Many of those thoughts are what inspired me to start blogging and get some of "Me" out there into the Universe.  But what good is getting out there if no one reads it?  That is what I feel to be the base message of the book.

Jeff is very positive.  Almost to a fault!  Actually he gives you such a feeling of "I can go do this!" that I just want to write!  That is on of Jeff's great gifts, it is why I started reading his blog, he is so encouraging.

He gets into how to become a "writer", how to be true to yourself, how to get paid for your craft.  He talks about disciplining yourself, practicing the craft, avoiding distraction.  He gives you some hard truths about being a writer, some I knew but had forgotten and must now relearn, for real.  And then he goes into exactly how to do it.

All in all, if you have ever had aspirations of being a writer, or you have dabbled in writing and have given up, or you are a writer who just needs to read about "doing it" once in a while, Grab this book and get started, you will not be sorry.
2742383
If you are like me and believe in your ability to create your own reality, but just haven't really known exactly HOW to do it, this is the book for you!  Boni's writing style made me feel like I was getting advise from a trusted friend.  This easy read always leaves me feeling comforted, hopeful and enlightened, showing me step by step exactly what to do every day to change my world for the better.  I pick it up every time I find myself feeling anxious, worried or negative in any way and Boni always gets me back on track!  A MUST read if you are ready to change your life for the better.
1272207
Wondering if building your own freelance writing business is really, truly possible? Then this book is for you. Not only does Susan give you the steps you can take to make your dream a reality, but she does it in such an encouraging, engaging and entertaining way. By the end of this book, you will feel like you know Susan, and you will know you can trust her sage advice. I remember what it was like just getting started as a freelance writer. It was scary stuff. I only wish I would have had a practical guide like this to help me avoid some of the pitfalls. Like Sue wrote, she can't teach you to write. However, if you have the writing chops, she can show you how to turn your skills into MONEY!
3119738
Part exercise suggestions, part meditations on writing, life and poetry, this is the most fabulous book I've purchased in the past three years, and maybe more.  I enjoyed every moment of it, and have even begun creating word tickets to use for my own writing, as suggested in the book.  The writer moves you through beginning to collect words to putting those words together, and finally, to accepting the need to edit and rewrite.
Short chapters make the book fly by, but you will want
to linger over the pages again and again.  The writer is
with you all the way, giving you stories from her life and
workshop experience, examples of poems by others, and the inspiration and tools to get YOU to write, too!!!
The greatest gift this book gives is the joy there is in the accumulation of vocabulary and our own innate ability to be able to arrange and decorate the page with those words.  Personally I'm crazy for Poemcrazy, and everything the book has brought to me as a poet.  The blessing is, I gain something new every time I go back to read the book.
3312712
I first came across Sarah Painter during her interview with Joanna Penn on The Creative Penn Podcast. I was pulled in by her voice and then listened to her advice and found a kindred spirit! I went right out and bought her book and devoured it in one sitting. Sarah Painter has a calmness about her (though she would probably disagree) that lets you know you are not alone in all these crazy feelings as a beginning writer, and more importantly, it's okay to have them. She has lots of tips and suggestions that take the angst out of writing and puts the direction of your writing firmly in your own hands. Highly recommend this book!  Well done, Sarah, and thank you.
She also has a great podcast called The Worried Writer! (And no, I don't get money for this -- just a fan who has gained a lot!)
3356811
This review is going to be mostly a giant gush about how I feel about this book.
Firstly, you should know, I love this book. I want to frame it in a shadow box on my wall, and then buy another copy so that I can re-read the thing over and over until I have no choice but to buy ANOTHER copy.
I loved the first part of this book, the part where it's King talking about his life growing up. I really really enjoyed it. It often put a smile on my face.
The part about writing, was phenomenal. I don't mean the writing advice itself, but just all of it in general. I appreciated how honest he was about it all. What made me fall in love with this book though, is just the passion that really shone through the pages. I think if you are a writer, or an aspiring writer, this book is one you cannot go wrong with, and while you may or may not get any advice from it, you will (hopefully) feel the same level of love, determination, passion, and motivation that I got out of it. Not just for writing, but other things as well. But especially for writing.
112689
Writing is known to be a solitary effort, and in general those who strive to succeed at it must rely on their own inspiration and discipline as they sit in front of the keyboard every day. But with Write Starts on your desk, you won't feel like you're completely on your own. That's because author Hal Zina Bennett is uniquely gifted at showing up at a writer's elbow, like an old friend dropping by for a cup of coffee. He has the warm, wise, and familiar voice of someone who knows you well--and in a way, he does. With his decades of experience as an author himself (he's published more than thirty books), and also as a writing coach and editor (he's been behind the scenes on hundreds of books, many by authors you know well), he knows what it's like when inspiration and discipline waver. He also has plenty of techniques, tools, and tricks that get the words flowing once again, and renew your confidence in your ability to put something of value on the page.

Write Starts is an invaluable aid for any writer who cares about producing good work, even on those days when it's tough to get started. The short chapters--most are only a few pages long--are just enough to help you shift gears and spark your creativity, without providing yet another opportunity to procrastinate. They cover a broad range of subjects, such as "the importance of good opening lines," "seven ways to steal from real life," and "hooking up with the power that drives your writing," as well as a variety of intriguing writing prompts. The Table of Contents includes a description of each chapter, so you can browse for the subject that suits your purpose of the moment or just open the book to any page and let chance be your guide.

Whether you write nonfiction, fiction, or poetry, Write Starts will itself become a friend you'll keep on your desk and turn to again and again and again. It's packed with solid information that will make you a better writer--and certainly a more productive one. As Dr. Bennett says, "It's all part of awakening the best in  yourself."
129762
I've been a wanna-be writer for a really long time now, much longer than I care to admit. I've been collecting and reading books on writing for over 20 years, and I didn't buy this book. I checked it out from my local library. However, after reading it, I am seriously considering purchasing a copy just to keep by my bedside. Heather Sellers has a way of inspiring me that no one else seems to have. I've been writing every single day since I've read her book, and I'm very happy to finally be doing it. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a little kick in the pants.
1949665
Barbara is a publisher and an author and I have had the profound pleasure of speaking with her several times on the telephone. As all those who have crossed my path on my own journey as a writer, she believes in the gift of paying it forward.
Barbara wrote this book as her own personal account of living with and coping with a brain tumor. It entails her story of having dismissed complaints, yet listening to what her body was telling her, and offers up exercises for paying attention to what your body is saying, your own sixth sense. She is a true inspiration to her readers, and she is a genuine person. She encouraged me to continue my writing, and lifted me up as a human being. I am glad I had the opportunity of knowing her better and reading her book. This is an inspirational self-help book on learning ways of dealing with pain and illness. If you have reached the acceptance phase of this grieving process we are in, I strongly encourage you to add this book to your list of things to do from your journal. Here's to you Barbara, wherever you are, in the spirit of paying it forward.
4007409
You can say I am living proof that Lee's book works. I was compelled to write ("on the page") the exercises, way before this book came to being. I am one of a few who suggested she ought to write this book. From  the very beginning of our meetings, I began the journey to be the writer I  am today. I wouldn't have published if it weren't for her persistent  guidance that sensitive gentle encouraging push writers constantly crave  & need. I am a proud writer to my SELF. I know what I am capable of  doing and I am going to do it. Trash those rejections slips buddy.... I'm  coming through!  Thanks, Lee!
2652873
Laura Oliver's own writing is something to behold--it's glorious. I seem to have a need to share a few samples for your delectation, as in this opening paragraph of a section called "Building a Writing Life":

(On needing to find a place in your home that is just for your writing): "If you were bringing a newborn home from the hospital, would you walk in and drop the baby on the sofa? Would you say to your spouse, 'Just put that thing anywhere' and wander off to the kitchen? If you had bought a new Tesla Roadster, a sporty little number with a price tag north of $100,000, would you park it on the street?"

I have read many "writing" books, and this is among the very best. It will teach you, but it will also make you laugh and sometimes the writing may cause a slight catch in your breath, it's that good. The chapter on "voice" is called "Teaching a Crow to Talk," and I found it most encouraging, as in Ms. Oliver's statement that "discovering your writer's voice is almost always accompanied by a sense of recognition, satisfaction, and completion. Like discovering among a crowd of strangers a lifelong friend."

In a section encouraging journal-writing, the author writes, "Twenty percent of the population actually suffers from a genetic predisposition for not sadness but longing--a wiring of the brain that generates a pervasive sense of something lost. This subtle sense of something missing can even be for something you never had, like a grandmother who adored you, a faithful dog, or great talent. What do you long for? Can you name it? Can you get it?"

Laura Oliver's book is a rare gem of information, wit and encouragement. You'll have a hard time putting it down on first acquaintance.
1577037
I was given this book as a gift, and what a gift!  I was just on the verge of jumping into self publishing when I read it.

_Go Write Now_ is full of valuable advice about telling better stories, writing, formatting, publishing and sucessfully promoting your work through social media.

It opened my eyes to the difference between being a "published author" and a "publishing author."  Pretty subtle, but suddenly I'm in control and I know what to do.

Josh Kilen sees the work of writing as connecting to people through telling stories.  And guess what?  That's his underlying philosophy of marketing, too.  His advice in this area is not only helpful, it is moral.

I had to put this book down several times, because I got so inspired, I had to write!  It left me wth the feeling, "I can DO this."  But more than that, it confirmed my faith that writing is what I am meant to do, and that I am the hero of my own story.
4450672
A book of encouragement, wisdom, humor and strength, qualities every writer needs.  This book will help you become a better writer AND a better reader.  I'm heading to the library to pick up a few of the authors she mentions. Through Pamela Des Barres' inspiring prompts and guidance, I plan to Let It Bleed!
4009350
This is a perfect book for a shy aspiring author like me.  Rayne Hall is all about being genuine.  So much "how to use social media" advice stresses dirty tricks for plastering yourself on people's screens every 20 seconds.  Not Rayne: the things she recommends you do on Twitter are the very things that mean the most to me: show up, have genuine conversations, don't spam, and do a modest amount of just the right promo.

This book presents a high-integrity, warm-hearted way to build a quality platform on Twitter, get people interested in reading your tweets and (hopefully) get them interested in checking out your books.  I wish I'd had this book a year ago when I first started using Twitter.  It would have saved me hours of time trying things I hated -- and failing at them anyway.  Lord, how I favorited and retweeted right and left: "follow these people," "thanks for following," "buy my book, it's the best ever written."  Waste of time, according to the author.  What a relief!

One of the things I enjoyed about Twitter for Writers was that I was there for some of real life examples she uses:  I was at the Twitter party (she'll tell you what a Twitter party is and how to run one) where somebody asked her "Do you shave your nether regions?"  (What's that?  No, it wasn't me!)  I remember the day she offered a free critique of a short story as a contest prize (she'll tell you when contests can help and what prizes to offer)and I still kick myself for not trying my damndest to win it.  So I was fascinated to hear the thought processes behind the things I witnessed - and to hear her candid confessions of mistakes she made and learned from.

Throughout the book, Rayne displays the genuineness and humility she encourages her readers to practice.  Even when she tells us she has become an influencer on Twitter or that her tweets have at times gone viral, she sounds as delightedly amazed as I will be if I ever manage any of those things.  Whether she's sharing failure, triumph or just giving solid advice, she feels like a friend sitting across the table from you.  And the tip on how to get Twitter to show your pictures as pictures instead of embedded links is worth the price of the book all by itself.