Writer Off the Leash: Growing in the Writing Craft

by Michelle Griep

Are you a writer at heart? How can you tell? And if you are, how do you go about composing and selling the next Great American Novel.
WRITER OFF THE LEASH answers these questions and more--all in an easy to understand, tongue-in-cheek style. This is more than a how-to book. It's a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn't know how to take their writing to the next level. Award-winning author MICHELLE GRIEP blows the lid off stodgy old-school rulebooks and makes it clear that writing can--and should--be fun.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?

Reviews

[Michelle Griep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you seriously think I'd rate my own book less than 5 stars? Sheesh. If you're looking for some straight-up solid writing advice, this is the book for you, no matter what stage of the game you're at.

[E.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious. Refreshing. Honest.

I love the combination of humor and truth that Michelle has combined in Writer Off The Leash. You'll be smiling from the minute you pick this book up until the minute you put it down. I personally I found many "tweet-able" truths contained within the pages here (and we all know that's an important thing!).

As you dig deeper into Writer Off The Leash, you see the harsh reality of what it means to be a writer. Michelle doesn't shy away from "telling it like it is" nor does she make excuses. Though she sympathizes with the desire to make those excuses. Writing is hard work and you've got to be up to the challenge.

I would recommend this book in a couple of ways. First, I'd recommend it to people who are considering the idea of being a writer. You may be asking yourself, "Is writing something I really want to get in to?" or "What is it like to submit myself to the 'writing life'." This book would be for you. Secondly, I'd recommend it to those who are writers and need a kick-start (or a kick in the pants). Maybe you've been relaxing (dare I say 'laying down on the job'?) and need to be reminded of what it means to be called to be a writer. This book is for you too!

So, do yourself a favor and take a few days to read through Writer Off The Leash. Use a highlighter to make note of her amazing nuggets of truth, and springboard forward from reading it right into your next manuscript.

Originally posted on my blog: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2015/02...
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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

[Charlotte Burt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book of writing tips and advice. In many ways, this reads like a 160 page NaNoWriMo pep talk and is definitely something that I have found useful this week. There are a few gems in this short book and the writer has published many historical romances which seem to be well-liked, so she knows what she is talking about. She is openly Christian and her faith obviously informs her writing process.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there are a number of writing-related books on the market, you will be hard-pressed to find one quite like this. Griep does not sugarcoat anything in this book that is great for beginners or seasoned writers. She has a conversational style that makes this a fun yet informative read. She’s snarky, humorous, and downright entertaining. However, that does not mean that the advice she gives is fluff. She is an award-winning author and speaks from personal experience.

Her latest provides tips on how to determine that you are meant to be a writer. For instance, do you kill off your imaginary playmates and excel at lying (only outdone by politicians)? Griep offers ways to find your marketable niche, combat writer’s block, determine your writing roadblocks and fears, and hook your reader with the ever important first line/first paragraph of your novel.

Griep reminds the reader that “Writing is a psychotic roller coaster ride.” So, hop on, strap in, and enjoy the ride, and read this book!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jordyn Redwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on writing has a little bit of everything regardless of where you're at in your writing journey. The book targets the beginning writer and dispels many myths of the writing life but also gives the nuts and bolts of how to get a novel done. Even as a more seasoned author with four books under my belt-- I found myself nodding a lot in agreement about areas where I can improve my own writing life and I absolutely LOVE Michelle's sense of humor.

If you're looking for a glimpse into the writing life coupled with the nuts and bolts of how to complete a novel and you love to have fun while reading such a book then I highly recommend Writer Off the Leash for you.

I was given a free copy of the book for review. A positive review was not required.

[Deborha Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a writer? Well, I am not a writer, but I still found this book to be a great help to me. Michelle uses her knowledge of writing along with her wonderful wit to bring together a great book. Whether you are a new writer, a writer want-to-be or a seasoned writer, this book will open your eyes to things you never thought about before. I will definitely be recommending this book to writer friends of mine. Michelle is a hoot and a very talented writer....so check out this book and learn from the master....haha, she'll love that part!



I was allowed to read this book early in return for an honest opinion. Trust me, this is a great book!

[Lee Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer Off the Leash is like sitting down with a fellow writer for a long conversation about writing. Her live-wire humor allows serious instruction to fly under the radar. You read, you laugh, you feel encouraged to go write something or get back to your Work In Progress. One consideration: the first six chapters are written to people who aren't sure they are writers or have what it takes to progress, persevere, and secure success. After that, she gets down to discussion of backstory, showing vs. telling, plotting, characterization, synopses, and such. As writing craft books go, this is a fun and easy read.

[Kim Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of craft books but none that I couldn't put down until I'd read the whole book. Written with the author's unique brand of humor, the book covered all the basic aspects of a writer's life, from doubts we entertain to detailed help to break through myriad blocks which plague us. I'm left feeling encouraged that I can produce my own unique stories that will leave an impact on readers. This book is a gust of fresh air that teaches the important points in a fun way rather than a stuffy text to study for weeks. Glad I had the opportunity to read it.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the writing books I've read, and I've read a lot, this is the best one. I wish I’d had it when I first started writing fiction. Michelle's sense of humor makes the book fun to read. Her great explanations and advice make the book a keeper. I’ll refer to it over and over again. She doesn’t just give the nuts and bolts of writing fiction, she gets to the heart of why a writer writes and has the reader ask themselves questions that reveal whether they have a heart for writing. If you have any interest in or already write fiction, buy this book. Seriously, buy this book.

[Betsy Duffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sassy little writing book brings something for every level of writer, from the beginner to the published. Chocked full of good information, writing tips, quotes and insights from other writers, the book presents material in bite-size chunks with bold headings and many bullet points. Michelle Griep’s unique voice and a tell-it-like-it-is style brings a different take on the subject of writing and publishing. A nice addition to your writing book collection.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a keeper for me. There is a lot of good advice in this book and I will definitely be keeping it on my writers resource shelf. Some people may be turned off by the author's voice in this book because she has, what I would call, a sarcastic sense of humor. Personally, I loved that about this book. I have that same sense of humor so I found the book entertaining as well as educational. I highly recommend this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most books about writing make my eyes glaze over. Most say the same old thing--writers write and read, blah, blah, blah. I enjoyed reading Michelle's version partly for her somewhat snarky sense of humor, partly because she gives good advice, and partly because her voice is more than strong, it's a heavyweight lifter in the writing world. **Spoiler alert** In the end she still says writers write and read, but in a highly entertaining way.

[Ralene Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is full of Michelle's witty humor and fun inspiration. I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I didn't consider it much of a "learning" book as much as inspiration and motivations with lots of good tips/reminders. I think this book would be good for intermediate writers who are looking for something to help fuel their fires!

[Ashley Nikole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good tips and tricks I found on these pages! And it was so down-to-earth and filled with many practical ways to improve and hone your craft.
I would certainly recommend it to any writer's who want to improve their prowess with pen and paper!

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous and helpful book for writers! I laughed my way through it and took notes too. An easy-to-read book that will inspire writers no matter where they're at in the journey.

[Emily Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I discovered that Michelle Griep wrote a book on writing, I knew I had to read it. This one has definitely earned a place on my writing craft book shelf. This short read covers a wide range of topics from plot to characters, editing to publishing; and so many other tidbits are also covered in a witty and entertaining way. Filled with advice and tips for writers at all stages in the journey and a touch of inspiration to help you along. I highly recommend this little gem to all writers who are look to grow in the craft.

[KyLee Woodley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Average Writing Book

This book covered just about everything you need to know as a writer. Oh, there are no grammar lessons. It's more like this book shows you how to start your book, treat your manuscript, and and view the "writing world." Michelle's tone and sass makes ready this book an absolute joy.

[Christie Writes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I take a break from writing I like to read a craft book to keep me in the game so to speak. Met this author at a conference and another friend recommended this book. It’s a fun, cheeky read that gave me a mental kick when I was dragging my feet about getting back to writing after an extended holiday break.

[Amasa Henico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so helpful! I now feel so inspired to write more than I have been (which I must say is not very much at the moment). I’m so glad I read this!

[J.M. Kirkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This practical book on writing transformed my novel! I read it as I was editing my completed manuscript, and Michelle challenged me to cut out any scenes or chapters that didn't move the plot along. When I ruthlessly did so, what remained proved far more compelling. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advice in this book for aspiring authors. Michelle gives detailed information that will help you get your book underway and ready for an agent or editor. I highly recommend it!