Saturday, September 9, 2017

I Should be Writing by Mur Lafferty




Are you a beginning writer? This book may be for you.

Let’s begin with the summary:

Don't just dream it, write it! I Should Be Writing is a writing workshop in a journal, full of helpful advice and encouragement for the person who wants to finally write the story they've always dreamed of creating. Let award-winning podcaster Mur Lafferty, who in the past has interviewed authors including John Scalzi, Neil Gaiman, Gail Carriger, Adam Christopher, and Kameron Hurley, guide you through the nuts-and-bolts process of honing your craft, including which writing myths to ignore, how to refine your creative process, listening to your inner muse while ignoring your inner bully, and more. 
This book also contains writing exercises that will help the blossoming writer strengthen the writer’s muscle of writing every day. These include everything from situational writer's prompts to lists of ideas writers should try to jot down between writing sessions.

With this helpful guide, you can make the phrase, "I've always wanted to write a story..." a thing of the past. Because you should be writing!

And now, my review:

Written with an encouraging, wholesome tone, this writerly how-to is perfect for beginners. You’ll find a pep talk in every chapter. The author encourages readers to embrace their passion for writing, own the title of writer. Some writing non-fiction books include graphic language and/or excerpts that include violence—not this one.

It’s a fast read, with the basics of plotting, setting, editing, and definitions of traditional publishing versus indie (self-publishing). Plus, as promised, there are tons of writing exercises in the back to get you writing.

Lafferty includes his advice to follow “only one rule.” You’ll have to read the book to discover what that rule is.

For the right audience, this book is a great tool. If writers are on a trajectory of 10,000 hours plus, with 1 hour to 3,000 hours being a beginner and the "plus" being someone who has achieved at least some success in publishing and who is consistently writing and publishing, then this book is for those in the 1 hour to 3,000-hour folks who are learning the basics and who could use encouragement to push on.

I recommend it.

I recommend it.

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