As Carolyn See says, writing guides are like preachers on Sunday—there may be a lot of them, but you can’t have too many, and thereR...
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Feb 17, 2009
Erik
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Honestly, I don’t know Carolyn See from a bump on the log. But her literary how-to is just likely her only piece of writing that will make its mark on me – or pass under my eyes, for that matter. Reflecting on her forty-some-odd-year writing career, See condenses it all down into three succinct sections. The “Before” section is her best as she distills her recipe for writerly success into a simple prescription, humorously referred to as her “18-minute chili”: write a thousand words a day, five d
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Jul 31, 2009
Salma
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Few writing books succeed in keeping you from dozing off. Abrupt? Yeah. But the truth. IMHO. Bradbury's "Zen" is an exception. So is Ayn Rand's "The Art of Fiction." And this. Carolyn See has packed her heart and soul into this book. It reads as quickly as Twilight, and you actually laugh out loud at every other paragraph (so don't read it in public places, unless you just don't care if people look at you like you're all loony). She covers style, the 'tax man' and other basic
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Feb 28, 2009
Julianne
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A good book for those who are committed to the craft of writing and simply need help getting a foot in the door. Carolyn recommends writing 1000 days and sending a daily note to an admired author, which is why I ended up with a 1000 word poem that took me three (four?) days to write LOL. The bottom line is that Carolyn gives some really good advice about writing and establishing yourself in the literary world if you have the time it takes to really commit yourself. if you are 100% committed,
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Aug 31, 2010
Jess
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I originally left Carolyn See's guide to the writing life with the thought that I'd been stupid, that I'd wasted ten years of my writing life doing and thinking all the wrong things. Certainly this book pulls no punches with respect to the writer who fails to finish her work (she makes pointed use of the term "dilletante" twice), or those sorry MFA graduates who end up teaching creative writing courses at their local community colleges (in, supposedly, some sorry attempt to "const
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Aug 07, 2008
Kate
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Carolyn See has done more than make a literary life for herself. She’s made a life for herself. In the face of doom-and-gloom naysayers, disconsolate critics, discouraging ex-husbands, and others who might have subverted her, See has built a buoyant life of her choosing. At least that’s the foremost impression upon reading Making a Literary Life: Advice for Writers and Other Dreamers. And it’s because of this tone—crackling with humor and a non-pollyannaish brand of optimism—that “writers a
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Sep 08, 2008
Ching-In
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There were some concrete pieces of advice/guidance that I found useful (such as the write a 1000 words a day), but I really wish that she had been more aware of being more inclusive of her audience. There's definitely some alienating examples around what is "foreign" to her, but may not be to all of us (such as incomprehensible Sanskrit or a "rough-looking Chicano" being 2 examples I clearly remember). Also, I found her discussion of the difference between female and male w
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Jan 08, 2009
Rosa
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This was a book that helped me appreciate the writing process itself even more than I previously had, for all it can add to your life besides the finished words on paper. The exact date I read this is easy to remember, for it was two days after I had completed my Managing with Aloha manuscript. From that day on, the practices of writing a thousand words per day and sending "charming notes" would forever be See-isms for me.
Aug 03, 2009
Anna
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A spectacular book on becoming a writer, filled with real-world approaches and habits as well as stories and observations from Ms. See's own experiences.
This book feels like a conversation with a wise and sassy aunt who not only cares deeply about your success, but will also kick you in the butt when you need it.
Who could ask for more?
(I'll now be reading this on an annual basis, along with BIRD BY BIRD.)
This book feels like a conversation with a wise and sassy aunt who not only cares deeply about your success, but will also kick you in the butt when you need it.
Who could ask for more?
(I'll now be reading this on an annual basis, along with BIRD BY BIRD.)
May 10, 2011
Sarah
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A really wonderful, practical guide to making a living as a writer. Carolyn See gives readers a concrete plan for the business of composing a novel and publishing articles in magazines. Her wit and insight make this a surprising page-turner. This is a book that I will refer to over and over again, and would recommend to anyone who is even considering venturing into the world of writing.
Feb 21, 2011
Jillian
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A delightful and useful little book. Some aspects do feel dated already, but some of that is inevitable for a book that addresses nuances of the career field and not just how to write well. (Not sure what's up with all the gender stereotypes though.) Regardless, it's still a worthwhile read, and then some. The writing advice is really sound and I loved her amusing and genuine voice.
Oct 06, 2011
Mary
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This is a great book! It is funny, it is inspiring, and it has a lot of really solid advice about writing. It also tells you what to wear on a trip to NYC and how to pay for same. Step-by-step on how to revise, what you need to keep lists of, a discussion of place in writing that really made sense. If you write, or are thinking of writing, this book is a must-read.
Dec 17, 2008
Marsha
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Really excellent book on writing and publishing. Carolyn has lived it for 30+ years. I took a masters writing class from her at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference - she's brilliant!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to write or who envisions themselves publishing anything.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to write or who envisions themselves publishing anything.
Feb 10, 2010
Kelly
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Carolyn See approaches the writing life with wit, charm and an insane amount of dedication. Do you want to be a writer? She pushes authors to pen 1000 words five days a week, no excuses, until you die. She encourages writers to send appreciative notes to writers they admire as another literary ritual. The book also includes tips on various fiction techniques (setting, character, point of view etc) but See's voice makes the usual writing instruction fresh and interesting.
Nov 20, 2009
Scott
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Carolyn is a treasure, as is this book. If you ever fancied writing, or wanted to know how writers think, take this book to heart. Carolyn offers sage and specific advice to writers, and with a little Q.E.D. to anyone intent on creating anything while staying sane.
Mar 28, 2008
Tom
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See's premise, to make a literary life for yourself set two simple goals: write 1000 words a day for the rest of your life and write one "charming note" to an author, editor, publisher or agent each day, five days a week.
i have a list of authors to write to expressing thanks for their writing (and illustrating) but i don't know if that's a goal i'll keep up with every day for the rest of my life.
i think that 1000 words is doable if you're serious about writing. More...
i have a list of authors to write to expressing thanks for their writing (and illustrating) but i don't know if that's a goal i'll keep up with every day for the rest of my life.
i think that 1000 words is doable if you're serious about writing. More...
Oct 19, 2009
Alicia
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This was unexpectedly, and thankfully, entertaining. The books is divided into three parts. "Part I: Before" was my favorite, the funniest, and the most personally useful, but I found some advice in Part III that I will hopefully someday use as well. Part II, well, we must all find our own way.
Aug 07, 2009
King Dinösaur
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Ms. See has a winning voice and lots of great ideas. I'm following some of them (still haven't latched on to the "charming note" thing, though) and it's helped me a lot, so far. I would recommend this book to any aspiring writers out there.
Sep 27, 2010
Margaret
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I believe it was written as a writer's guide, and it certainly does its job, but I enjoyed considering it a focused memoir. By the end of the book, the reader knows and most likely loves Carolyn See. I did anyway.
Jun 26, 2010
Lindsay
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I was lured in by the Anne Lamott quote on the cover, but this book is not the celebration of writing that I assumed it to be. This is a book for those who would write, not those who actually do.
Dec 24, 2010
Shereese
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Probably one of the most practical, useful, no BS books around. I enjoyed the advice, the references, and the writing. I follow Carolyn See's reviews and believe her to be genuine. Love it!
Jan 17, 2010
Karyn
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Funny, like talking with a good friend who doesn't worry about what she says. Different ideas for developing an author's community and platform, ideas beyond setting up online sites.
Apr 26, 2010
Stephanie
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What a wonderful book for budding writers. I read this book years ago, gave it up and sold it to a resale book shop. I have since repurchased it and have begun rereading it.
Jan 24, 2010
A friend just gave me a boatload of encouraging writing books. I could cry. Ask if you want to borrow any.
Jan 01, 2012
Heather
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Very insightful for anyone with any interest in the writing process, the creative life, or the publishing world.
Sep 30, 2011
Melanie
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Some good advice, but definitely written from a privileged, white perspective.
Aug 05, 2011
Andy
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Carolyn See is witty and lighthearted, but she gives some serious advice about writing. I found her insights into the publishing world particularly helpful and plan to implement many of her suggestions in my own writing life. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in creating and nurturing a writing life.
Feb 22, 2010
Miriam
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Great book! I didn't agree with all of it, but it was still a good read and very inspirational.
