Writing from Personal Experience: How to Turn Your Life into Salable Prose

by Nancy Kelton

Discusses how to write, prepare, submit, and sell stories from personal experiences, and gives advice on ideas, first drafts, and manuscripts

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

211 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 1997

Reviews

[Linda]

I took a writing workshop with this author on this subject matter, and ironically, it was during the most difficult period of my life (unforeseen and unexpected loss of a loved one). I didn't plan it this way (I had signed up for the class long before the tragedy), but I decided to show up anyway -- it was absolutely an incredible experience for me. I was able to get a lot of emotion down on paper. The overall tone of this book is very conversational, which is perfect for the subject; you immediately feel attached to writer and want to share your own stories. Each chapter ends with an exercise.

[Susan Cronk]

I purchased and read this book several years ago. It is still a part of my reference library today, and I recommend it from time to time. It is a very inspiring book for writers, regardless of whether they plan to publish or not.

I would strongly recommend writing instructors to integrate this into their course with respect to nonfiction writing, or for activities directors who want to add a writing element to their programs. I am considering using it for a writing program at our local retirement community to help the residents preserve some of those wonderful memories.

I would love to see this as an e-book so I can carry it with me on the Kindle.

[Beth Hazel]

Read in 2012

[Alexis]

Read because I'm teaching a journalism/ creative non-fiction class to teens. There were some good exercises and ideas in this book, but a lot of them were applicable to beginning adult writers (not me) and a lot of the exercises would work a lot better for older people.

Still, it might be worthwhile for a beginning adult writer, and I did take some notes from it.

[Jessica]

Another great reference book for first-time authors. It's full of tips for creative inspiration but mainly focusses on developing the art, craft and habits of writers. The author is an experience workshop giver and this book is a compliation of all she's learnt from dealing with students of the craft. I found some useful tips on character development.

[Jaclyn]

Great advice and exercises for beginning writers or those just diving into personal essays. Even though I'm not just starting out, I still found a lot of good ideas and inspiration. A worthwhile read for anyone looking to get serious about personal essays.

[Megan]

With (above)
May 31, 1999

[Faith]

I found this book very helpful especially to a beginner writer. This book provides exercises and assignments and is very helpful to a writer's career.

[Kellyanne Higgins]

My aunt gave me this book. It's an inspirational read, and I've referred to it often.