A Writer's Guide To Persistence: How to Create a Lasting and Productive Writing Practice

by Jordan Rosenfeld

Practice. Polish. Persist.

Your writing journey can take you many hiking through steep mountains, traversing unknown territory, hurdling both roadblocks and rejections. Even the siren song of fame and fortune can distract you from your true to express yourself in an authentic and meaningful way, and to share your words with others.

A Writer's Guide to Persistence is your road map through the rugged terrain of the writer's path. You'll discover advice and techniques for cultivating a fruitful, deeply meaningful writing life by practicing your craft, polishing your work, and persisting through even the toughest challenges.

Inside you'll

   • Practical ways to balance writing with the rest of your taming your busy schedule, increasing your productivity, and committing to a writing practice
   • Advice for developing authentic finding your voice, writing bravely, and breaking the blocks to creative flow
   • Methods for stretching your skills through craft and revision
   • Thoughts on pushing through rejection and doubt, submitting strong, nourishing yourself to avoid burnout, and keeping your mind and body fit
Filled with journaling exercises and much-needed motivation, as well as insights from best-selling writers in a variety of genres, A Writer's Guide to Persistence will help you find the joy and purpose inherent in a writer's life. Your journey to publication and success may take a lifetime, but you can sow the rewards of writing with every step.

"A compassionate and intelligent guide for any writer who's just starting out or one who needs the understanding and encouragement of a great writing coach. Rosenfeld offers practical solutions for every concern, from how to find the time to write to getting through writer's block." --Patricia V. Davis, best-selling author

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2015

About the author

Jordan Rosenfeld is author of the novels Fallout, Women in Red and Forged in Grace and seven books on the craft of writing, including the brand new Sound of Story: Developing Voice and Tone in Writing, How to Write a Page-Turner, the bestselling Make a Scene, Writing the Intimate Character, A Writer’s Guide to Persistence, Writing Deep Scenes and Write Free. Her freelance writing has been published in hundreds of publications, including: The Atlantic, The New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, Salon, Scientific American, The Rumpus, Writer’s Digest Magazine, The Washington Post and many more. She is also a freelance manuscript editor, writing coach and teaches online classes. Jordanrosenfeld.net. She blogs about midlife, creativity and writing at the Substack "Writing In the Pause."

Jordan holds an MFA in Fiction and Literature from the Bennington Writing Seminars, and a BA from the Hutchins School at Sonoma State University. Her essays and stories have appeared in literary journals such as the Blue Moon Review, Night Train, the Pedastal Magazine, Pindeldyboz, Opium, LitPot, Smokelong Quarterly, Spoiled Ink, the Summerset Review, Void Magazine, Zaum and in literary anthologies. Her fiction has also been performed by actors as part of the Page on Stage project in Santa Rosa.

For three years, Jordan hosted the literary radio program Word by Word: Conversations with Writers, which received an NEA Chairman’s grant for literary projects in 2005, on NPR-affiliate KRCB radio. She interviewed authors such as T.C. Boyle, Aimee Bender, Louise Erdrich, and Mary Gaitskill.

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review for a quick read. I think it's difficult for me to really cover everything that Jordan Rosenfeld incorporates in this book, but I will say that I really appreciated everything she incorporates in "A Writer's Guide to Persistence." Not only does she offer expansions on challenges that writers of all levels face in the process, she offers concrete explanations on how to tackle such barriers and summarily addresses them per the various steps in the writing process. There are plenty of writing exercises to be had here (many of them I decided to complete in my Writing bullet journal) as well as physical/mental/emotional exercises to help refresh the writerly mind and take it away from the pressures that may keep one from writing as productively as they may.

The lists of resources in this book are especially helpful for connections to the process and removing distractions in one's writing pursuits. Everything from apps to websites are noted in various measures here, so there are plenty of connecting points not only on a personal level for one picking up their writing pursuits, but also in building connections with others who are in similar processes and experiences. I definitely liked the book and how easily accessible and organized it was. I'll definitely come back to it from time to time if I ever need a refresher on the topic. I would definitely recommend it for those who may feel like they want a good narrative on building and rekindling their processes, as well as those who may be stuck in various stages of the writing process (whether you're trying to start a narrative or push yourself through a particular stage, including the process of publishing your work). It's a good resource and certainly worth owning in a writing library.

Overall score: 4/5 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of pragmatic, useful advice on how to write. I know that makes it sound like a craft book, but it's not. It tackles all of the off -the-page issues writers face: how to be productive, manage your time, let go of perfectionism, and avoid burnout. It's gentle, but it will also call you on your bullsh**. I'm going to add the chapter on recovering from rejection to my intro creative nonfiction syllabus.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished it! I had to. It would be a bad sort of omen to cast over my writing aspirations not to finish a book about persistence in writing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take their writing seriously.

[Ana Rüsche · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Writer´s guide to persistence" é um livro maravilhoso para quem escreve!

Muitos dos exercícios propostos pela autora já utilizei em grupos de criação com resultados excelentes. São perguntas sinceras e diretas para quem decide colocar caracteres no papel.

O livro trabalha questões como autenticidade, vocação, motivações para escrever. Enfim, muito além do óbvio conselho do "senta e escreve", a obra procura vasculhar os motivos dos desânimos e das dificuldades. Propõe uma reflexão em torno de hábitos, desejos e a busca por um escrever espontâneo e fidedigno com a história pessoal de cada pessoa.

[Erika Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I read a lot of books and many are on the craft of writing. I underlined, added notes to margins and highlighted my way through this thoughtful and motivating book. Rosenfeld touches in scary subjects for writers all while encouraging and offering advice rather than lecturing on what a newer writer should do. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is considering becoming a writer. Her strategies and suggestions are helpful, insightful and will lead you to a path of consistent writing...if you are so inclined.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I studied this useful guide to the writing life at length, visiting and re-visiting it and taking notes. It made a great companion to Word Work by Bruce Holland Rogers, as each book approaches similar themes and insights from different vantage points.

However, where Word Work is more mystical, A Writer's Guide to Persistence is more down-to-earth. Everything about this book is designed for maximum use value. The chapters are short and easily digestible, as are the sidebars with perspectives from different writers and the reflective exercises peppered throughout the book.

Perhaps the most elementally earthy aspect of this book is Jordan Rosenfeld's unique emphasis on incorporating movement and exercise into your writing practice. Most simply, Rosenfeld addresses the health risks of long periods of being sedentary, and the health benefits of stretching; she also digs a little deeper by exploring the relationship between physical movement and the creative process.

Julia Cameron stressed the vital need for creative people to take a daily walk in her Artist's Way series (to which this book is a worthy, modern heir) and much has been made of the clarifying effects of walking on thinking. Rosenfeld goes beyond the daily walk and considers the effects different kinds of physical movements have on the movements of our thoughts and emotions. Feeling "stuck"? Limber up and release tension and emotional blocks with some yoga. Feeling repressed or seeking an infusion of joy? Dance. Feeling disempowered as you pursue publication? Do something that makes you feel physically powerful, like lifting weights.

While it seems like these kinesthetic metaphors shouldn't always work, they usually do; our bodies, the animals we are, need to act things out sometimes to shift our perspectives and moods. Sometimes getting energy and blood flowing is all our brains need. As writers, we frequently need reminders to come back into and inhabit our bodies; we forget that they are not mere vehicles for our minds, but are inextricably linked to them and are source points for the subjectivity we work so hard to cultivate and refine.

Rosenfeld makes clear that hers is not a craft book. This is not a one-stop shop for the beginning writer; it isn't even really a good book for a beginner. A Writer's Guide to Persistence carves out a particular, and extremely useful niche: it is a guide for developing a lasting writing practice after successfully beginning the writing journey.

For the absolute beginner trying to move from a space of not creating to a space of starting the work, there is still no better book than The Artist's Way. But for those who have begun, and graduated to the next phase, but are having trouble maintaining their desired levels of productivity and commitment to their creative practices, Rosenfeld's book is superior to any of Cameron's sequels to The Artist's Way, especially for writers.

Something I've learned, and something A Writer's Guide to Persistence reinforces, is that the early stages of starting a creative life are more mystical and psychological, while the latter are more concrete, more dependent upon establishing habits and routine. In the beginning, there is this profound sense of discovery and transformation on very deep levels as one moves from not creating to creating. But this process of self-discovery can only go on for so long until it hits up against the need to actually do something, and do it regularly.

The psyche is like an onion; there is always another layer to peel. There gets to be a point of diminishing returns in investigating the deep inner reasons for various blocks and resistances. Some amount of introspection is required, and some therapy may be necessary for some of us; however, just as much as the myth of the "tortured artist" is destructive and false, so too is the idea we have to iron out every neurosis or inner weakness to be able to write.

The steps that Rosenfeld lists for "creating a lasting a productive writing practice" mirror the points emphasized by Bruce Holland Rogers:

(1) Build rituals and routines that are the most conducive for you creatively. This includes deciding the best environment and time of day for your writing, as well as learning what props and activities help invite you into the right state of mind.

(2) Set concrete, attainable goals, whether word counts or amounts of time. Find ways to hold yourself accountable and find other people who can as well.

(3) Build a connection with a creative community, cultivating and honoring those relationships that help you achieve your creative goals. Seek the company of other writers. Seek feedback and critique, and learn how to accept it with humor and insight.

(4) Take time to study and work on your craft.

There's much more to Rosenfeld's book than can be captured in these categories, though. Like Holland Rodgers, she frequently examines the inner aspects of building a solid writing life. The reason books like hers even need to exist is that becoming a writer is a path strewn with significant psychological obstacles.

To write, you have to face and overcome countless fears. You have to learn to start asking for your own space and time and be confident enough to set firm boundaries around them. You have to trust your own voice and experience to be able to write authentically, but also need to learn from more experienced writers how to fix your writing flaws and succeed at your craft.

To be a writer, you have to learn how to fight off any number of psychic obstacles, from inertia and fatigue to negative thinking and perfectionism. You have to be brave enough to express things you've spent the rest of your life censoring. You have to reach deep and hold on to the confidence to keep writing when society is all too willing to dismiss your path as frivolous.

To keep writing, you have to keep going even when you're raw from your ego constantly getting injured. Covered with lacerations from the barbed wire of rejection, bruised from bumping up against the rock of dead ends, stabbed by the knives of others' envy, and dehydrated from the requirement for continuous effort at times when a well or oasis can't be found, the writer's ego is constantly being challenged to give up.

There is a reason a lot of people like the idea of doing something creative, but never act on the idea. If it was possible to leap straight from A to Z, many more people would do it. But getting from A to Z requires living in uncertainty and risking that the zenith of success will never be attained. It asks that you spend hours, days, and years feeling stretched and deeply uncomfortable just to hunch along in tiny increments like an inchworm.

No book can make navigating this path as easy as following a set of linear steps. That's why so many who bestow writing advice always fall back on the concrete, and say simply, "write every day" or "get your ass in the chair." The problem for many of us is that we know that is what we need to do, but we're at a loss as to why we're not doing it. Many of the fears we brush up against remain in the shadows, and even when we scare them into the light, they're not easily banished.

To figure out how to get your ass in the chair more regularly is neither a matter of brute force, bootstrap discipline nor of delicate psychic tweezing. It is a balancing act, an act of self-creation and self-development that must happen alongside the creation and development of a work of fiction if both are to be fully realized.

Ultimately, while the path of writing requires solitude and the capacity for solitude, it also requires support and community. Books like A Writer's Guide to Persistence are only one of many categories of guides writers will need along the way. We need craft books and classes; we need webs of relationships with writers and non-writers alike. Perhaps my favorite idea in Rosenfeld's book is the "Creative Support Team," those people who are most instrumental in keeping us writing. While the concept isn't novel, Rosenfeld's language for it and way of thinking about it has forever impacted how I think about my life and the people in it.

Her book makes clear that to be a writer is about much more than learning a new set of skills; it is a practice and a path. That we need help to make it a reality is not a sign of weakness, but a reflection of the challenge and commitment required. Perhaps the greatest gift of this book, and what makes it one I would recommend to all writers—especially those who aren't absolute beginners on the path, but have already stumbled, and found themselves struggling to get themselves to write—is that it relieves the reader of the fear that her difficulties are a sign she is not meant to write.

A Writer's Guide to Persistence shows how becoming a writer is linked to personal growth and development in undeniable ways, and requires an effort toward healthfulness and mastery on many fronts. It's hard, in the same way getting fit or losing weight are hard. But it's attainable. Some of the process will remain a mystery, but much of it is simple, requiring only the continuous effort to put it into practice regularly. This book is an excellent guide and source of encouragement, a manual to reference until you know your routine by heart.

[Alison Stegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a keeper. I was so fortunate to have it waiting in my library bag recently. I’d received a rejection from a literary agent I really liked, one who seemed pretty interested in my work too. But, even after some promising toing and froing, it was a ‘no’ with some lovely compliments and encouragement. Of course, in those moments all you can take in is the word that begins with N and ends in O.

Because I’ve been doing this for a while, I can roll with most rejections without being over burdened, but this one caught me off guard and got me down. I opened this book and found the encouragement I needed—a word in season. I was able to bounce back pretty quickly.

I’m going to order a copy for myself as I think it’s one that will be useful time and time again, not just for bouncing back from rejections but also for building a healthy mindset for the long haul.

[Carlos Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found much of this book pretty irritating and cheesy, but it contains quite a few useful ideas and therefore I don't regret reading it. Most importantly, it's inspired me to establish a daily writing practice; if that sticks for a few months, I'll come back and upgrade the three stars to four :-)

[Robin Mccormack · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many takeaways from this book and gave me the kick in in the butt to persist rather than resist when get stressed out and don't want to write.

[M.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not a novel observation that the ability to persist is a key skill in a writer’s bag o’ goodies. But how? How do you keep persisting as you're being pelted relentlessly by the rejections and voices in your head?

Jordan Rosenfeld’s A Writer’s Guide To Persistence tackles this question from the roots on up. It has three parts: ‘Practice’, ‘Polish’, and ‘Persist’. Each of these main divides have several smaller sections, like ‘Push through perfectionism’; in each of these Rosenfeld discusses the issues that hold writers back, and gives concrete suggestions for overcoming them. She also has a ‘Work it’ exercise in each section designed to jump-start you on the topic, and a ‘Move it’ exercise designed to get you physically moving, since breathing and physical activity can help fight off our negativity and boost our production. In some of the sections she also has guest writers share some relevant personal experiences on the topic at hand, in sidebars titled ‘Persistence is personal’.

In the ‘Practice’ third of the book, Rosenfeld breaks down the fears and the excuses that keep us from an effective writing practice. We’ve all said things like: ‘I would write if only X’,‘I can’t write unless I have Y’, ‘Maybe I just don’t have anything interesting to say’, ‘What if nobody ever reads what I write?’ and so on. She shines the light on all of these and many more, and then helps you build defenses against them. She gives advice for building your own ‘creative support team’, finding the time and space to write, and constructing a plan to reach your goals.

In ‘Polish’, Rosenfeld helps you defeat the demons that keep your writing from flowing, and your craft from deepening. She helps silence the voices that stop you from writing things that scare you, and encourages you to push your abilities and develop your skills. And she explains why revision isn’t an indication of failure or bad writing, but a necessary part of creating good art.

With that brave foundation in place, ‘Persistence’ helps with the roadblocks that you will encounter when you’re trying to put your work out into the world. Just got your twentieth rejection on the same piece? She explains how rejection can help you. Did you just spend several weeks volunteering at a conference, but didn’t manage to get even one agent to look at your manuscript in the process? She explains why all that effort was not wasted, even if it seems like it was right now. She helps you tell quality feedback (critique) from harmful feedback (criticism), and know what to act on and what to leave behind. She helps you recognize sabotage, both from yourself and from others, and defend against it. She discusses when and how to submit, how to deal with those inevitable rejections and how to know when to self-publish.

What makes the book work for me is the insight Rosenfeld has into writers’ fears and self-destructive reactions; for almost every topic in the book, Rosenfeld gave voice to a fear or concern that I’ve had, or that one of my writing friends has had. Every time Rosenfeld mentioned one of my fears, my brain cried ‘Yes! That’s it exactly!’. That insight alone is powerful: so many of us think we’re the only ones to ever have such-and-such fear, and because of that we’re not worthy of membership in the writing club; to see that others share our struggles gives hope and encouragement. Maybe we’re not so strange after all, and if they can overcome it, so can we. And to that end, she uses her insight to break down the relationship between our fears and our self-destructive behaviors, and provides solutions.

If you’ve never had the voices of doubt whisper to you, never had internet trolls slam your deeply personal work ‘til you want to crawl into a hole, and never had a stack of rejections make you question whether your dog can write better than you, you probably don’t need this book. But for the rest of us, it’s an excellent source of strength and guidance for the days when we want to put all our writing through the shredder and gorge ourselves on chocolate.

[Michelle Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a comforting friend who won't take your excuses or your crap. Rosenfeld provides no nonsense antidotes for the fears, frustrations, and rejections that get in the way of your writing practice. I will reread many of these chapters again and again.

I liked this book so well that I emailed the author while in the middle of it, to tell her how helpful I was finding it. She responded the same day to say that my comments made her day. It reminded me that authors are people, too. They need to know their work matters. If someone's work has mattered to you, drop them a line and let them know. Writing is hard.

[Otto · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Writer's Guide to Persistence by Jordan Rosenfeld addresses familiar obstacles faced by writers, from self-doubt to procrastination. Rosenfeld explores voice cultivation, courageous writing, and the value of a supportive community. Although its insights aren't entirely groundbreaking, the book radiates warmth through its uniquely optimistic lens and Californian take on harnessing inner peace for writing.

[Kelly Rochotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book offers a lot of good advice for new writers, even those who have been in the craft for many years. There are some parts in which it gets a little self-helpy, but that's only in the beginning. I would highly recommend this to any writer of any genre who needs a pep talk to finish/start/edit/send out something for publication.

[Deborah Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan Rosenfeld is the author of A Writer's Guide To Persistence: How to Create a Lasting and Productive Writing Practice

I bought Jordan Rosenfeld’s Persistence book a couple of years ago and it has had a significant influence on my writing practice. I kept a notebook to record the volume of important points that caught my attention in each chapter. The book builds strategically from Chapter 1 through Chapter 25. The journey changed and strengthened my practice.

I particularly enjoyed the process of defining “Why I Write” then developing “My Writer’s Code Agreement” with myself. The closing message is worth keeping; Persistence means you don’t ever give up, you consider no effort wasted, you keep writing, and you go on resolutely.

The Goal of the book is to impress writers with the importance of creating a productive writing practice that will last. It’s a strategic plan that’s consistent, unlocks your direction, and authenticity, for your essential pathway.

I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It’s unique, it’s complete, and it will inspire you no matter what your experience level is.

Thank you Jordan Rosenfeld, much appreciated!
Other books by Jordan Rosenfeld:
• Writing the Intimate Character: Create Unique, Compelling Characters Through Mastery of Point of View by Jordan Rosenfeld
• How To Write A Page-Turner: Craft a Story Your Readers Can't Put Down by Jordan Rosenfeld
• Make a Scene Revised and Expanded Edition: Writing a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time by Jordan Rosenfeld
• Writing Deep Scenes: Plotting Your Story Through Action, Emotion, and Theme by Martha Alderson and Jordan Rosenfeld

[Luiza Quental · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generous and encouraging - though I've yet to implement much of what the book recommends, the main takeaway is viewing writing as a way of life, and the craft itself as larger, deeper, and more forgiving than any one project or product. Shifting the focus to the process allows for a sustained relationship with writing, and, ultimately, with ourselves. I believe in this. There's some unlearning to do, deep unlearning, but there are practical lessons the book offers to this end, as well as stories that stuck with me. One I really loved was about learning the difference between the impossible and the difficult, finding the limit, and working there. When you're working at your limit, writing at your limit, the results can sometimes be discouraging because you'll likely fall a lot. For someone like me, who started writing mainly for praise, and discovered other possibilities in it later on, falling is not fun, to say the least. I try to remind myself that I'm at the difficult place, the place right next to impossible, and cut myself some slack while still trying and staying and not retreating into easier, more comfortable spaces. That isn't to say we should always be at that place, that it is the only place it is possible to grow. It's not. But sometimes, you need these much more challenging experiences to sort of "graduate" to a higher level. Got a bit off topic there, but it was something this book helped me think about.

[V.]

Another one abandoned at 52%. At first, I did not notice that this book was written by the same author of Make a Scene: Writing a Powerful Story One Scene at a Time. But even after I realized, I still wanted to give it a chance.
In the first chapters, I thought this was a bit more digestible and up to my expectations than the previous one, but the feeling didn't last long. The style of this author is very... unique to herself and I don't like it, it makes me feel very confused.

The book is supposed to explain how to create a lasting writing practice and achieve your related goals, but the only section where the author talks about this so far is in the first part of the book. And that's almost 100 pages that can be summarized in 10 bullet points (the chapter titles). I didn't find the rest of the information provided particularly useful, as it was mainly personal anecdotes of the author. So, I'll create my own writing practice with what I already know (nothing taken from this book, sadly). On to other adventures.

[Judy Cyg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I keep several books on my bookshelves that I consider necessary regarding fiction writing. They fall into two categories--how to improve (Donald Maas, Larry Brooks, James Scott Bell, among others), and encouragement.

Jordan Rosenfeld's Persistence is my favorite of the last category. I've reread it when I felt discouraged by lack of sales, overwhelmed by family explosions, constantly interrupted by real life, filled with self-doubt, or finding myself beginning one story after another, and leaving my characters in mid-word or mid-scene.

Each time I reread her book, I feel renewed, recharged, inspired, energized.

I work hard at my fiction writing. I study craft, rewrite, am determined to improve, and as Captain Nesmith says in Galaxy Quest, "Never give up, never surrender."

Just what Ms. Rosenfeld says, but tailored for writers, authors, journal-keepers, dreamers.

Highly recommended, more than once.

[Toni Suzuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this one could have used a bit of rearranging and reframing. There were several times where I re-checked the title because I couldn't see how some of the topics related to being persistent as a writer at all, and I think some restructuring would have helped that. The movement break sections also seemed a little off. It was almost as if the author had a lot of extra slightly off-topic advice and decided to throw it in anyway.

That being said, there's some good advice in this book, especially for writers who haven't read a lot of craft books yet. I don't think there's necessarily anything new to be had here, but it's a good one for new writers or writers who haven't delved very deep into the writing craft book genre yet.

[Ramona Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent rescourse for an established writer who needs reminders on why they write and how to do it well. The author starts with asking the reader to focus on their "why" and then proceeds through every aspect of writing from time management to revision to critique groups to publishing. Her writing style is positive and encouraging yet firm and honest. At the end of each chapter there are expercises both writing and physical ones. I loved her message and found the book motivating. I highly recommend it for writings of any level and genre.

[Kathryn McGean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like the right book at the right time. It was a tough week in writing land and instead of throwing in the towel on ever writing again lmao I read up on sticking to it. Full of great written and physical activities to talk a writer off their ledge. A library book borrow that i'll be holding on to for a few more
weeks to work through some exercises and make
notes.

[Blaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, and a potent add to anyone's collection. The author's advice applies to any artistic pursuit, not merely writing, but does do a lovely job of casting it all into focus. Solid and foundational, encouraging and understanding.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is plenty of practical advice for all writers in this book. There are chapters on submitting, publishing, productivity, and more. I learned many new things. Most importantly—never give up. Be persistent. You don’t want to be caught wondering what could have been.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a writer I took something out of each chapter and I transferred the majority of the end-of-chapter exercises into my writing journal. I will keep this book close by my desk and refer to it when I feel myself dragging anchor.

[Sinead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good solid read with lots of practical advice. Rosenfeld tackles all the usual things that can demotivate a writer and cause them to struggle. A useful book to have on hand when the going gets tough writing.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like having your own wise cheerleader encouraging you to find your own unique voice and following through with conviction. This book is a keeper, especially when you're having doubts about your writing or career.

[Jacob Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great little gems for writers and it addresses a lot of the blocks I’ve faced before. I bookmarked a number of pages that either sparked a new insight for me or reminded of something I used to do but forgot about. Grateful I found this!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent resource for writers (and probably anyone with a creative pursuit), that helps build resilience, motivation and support. Just as relevant and important now, you'd barely notice it was published 10 years ago

[C.J. Beaumont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the only thing that stopped me from burning all my manuscripts and giving up entirely. It's totally worth the read if you're a struggling author.

[Holli Keel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful advice.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good motivation in this book for writing. I especially love her advice to create a writing practice for yourself and not for publishing or making money.