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52 Weeks of Writing Author Journal and Planner: Get out of your own way and become the writer you're meant to be
‘I’m doing soul searching as an author on a level I didn’t know was possible.’ Become the writer you’re meant to be! Tired of getting in your own way and not having a sustainable writing practice? Then the 52 Weeks of Author Journal and Planner is for you. 52 Weeks of Writing : 52 Weeks of Writing brings together every lesson writing coach and writer Mariëlle S. Smith has learned over the years. Wary of comparisonitis and unhealthy competition, she designed this undated author journal and planner to help writers develop a practice that honours their own needs and desires. Ready to become the writer you were always meant to be? Pick up your copy of the 52 Weeks of Writing Author Journal and Planner and start immediately.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
489 pages, Paperback
Published November 25, 2019
About the author
Mariëlle S. Smith
46 books158 followersMariëlle S. Smith is a writer, editor, and writing coach.
Next to her non-fiction work, she is currently working on a YA fantasy series, and has co-written LGBTQIA* sexy romance under a pen name.
She recently moved to Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, where she organises private writer's retreats, is inspired 24/7, and feeds more stray cats than she could have ever imagined.
Next to her non-fiction work, she is currently working on a YA fantasy series, and has co-written LGBTQIA* sexy romance under a pen name.
She recently moved to Cyprus, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, where she organises private writer's retreats, is inspired 24/7, and feeds more stray cats than she could have ever imagined.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 5, 2020
5 stars and strong encouragement to buy this as a gift for yourself and for any aspiring writer you know. Full of quotes, prompts and encouragement to pause, reflect upon and capture your thoughts, this journal planner will gently prod you into taking action and moving forward towards your goals: goals you thought were only dreams. By taking action and celebrating your progress, you will be amazed at what you can and will accomplish.
This book reaches you on different levels and via various methods. Naturally some exercises involve repetition but each week is a different experience.
This book reaches you on different levels and via various methods. Naturally some exercises involve repetition but each week is a different experience.
March 30, 2020
I've been following 52 weeks of writing for a couple of months now. Each week you are encouraged to get into good habits by setting goals. There is a weekly chart where you can schedule when you are going to try and fulfil these goals and then the following week there is a review process.
The journal and planner is designed to make you evaluate where you are going with your writing and what is stopping you. There are some great writing prompts and you never know where these will take you. One of them, for example, led to a piece on memory for my MA course.
Having used the online version, I feel the printed version that you can physically write in would be more effective. The only downside that I can see is the huge size of the book which makes printing costs expensive.
I will continue with the journal as many of the exercises are quite enlightening and I sometimes found that the goals I set were not actually the goals I really wanted to set for myself, so it has created a noticeable difference in both what and how I write.
The journal and planner is designed to make you evaluate where you are going with your writing and what is stopping you. There are some great writing prompts and you never know where these will take you. One of them, for example, led to a piece on memory for my MA course.
Having used the online version, I feel the printed version that you can physically write in would be more effective. The only downside that I can see is the huge size of the book which makes printing costs expensive.
I will continue with the journal as many of the exercises are quite enlightening and I sometimes found that the goals I set were not actually the goals I really wanted to set for myself, so it has created a noticeable difference in both what and how I write.
March 17, 2020
This was not only my first book by the author, and she has a lot of other helpful books, but also the first writing help book I have read.
I didn't do the entire 52 weeks, but I did go through the entire books and ended up using a couple of the prompts. Nevertheless, I'm going to be using this journal in the future project I start, because it was a really exciting experience.
I won't enter in particular aspects of the book, because you should discover the tips and prompts on your own, but I have to say that it was very pretty and easy to use. To be honest I don't know what I was expecting when I saw the title since I have seen different planners in book stores and they were basic and not fun to use at all.
Mariëlle S. Smith did a brilliant job with keeping this author journal and writing planner interesting to use. Of course, it had that feeling that I had someone on my corner encouraging me. Kind of like what I would imagine a writing coach could be in a book.
It had moment's of hard work that are all about the writing, and then there were these moments of pause. Both sections are extremely important when we are writing, at least when I'm doing it, so I loved seeing them in this journal. Combined with the quotes, prompts and moments that allow us to reflect about our accomplishments and goals, I had not only fun but was also pumped to write.
I loved that it got me to write down my goals, because I always have them on my mind but by putting them down it makes thing as real as writing the book itself. I was really impress and I'm going to check out the other books this author has, because I'm always looking forward to learn and get better.
Overall, if you are a fellow writer and want a planner and journal that is not only pretty but also very useful, I do recommend this one. And if you don't know how to start, this journal can definitely be the beginning.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Mariëlle S. Smith for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
I didn't do the entire 52 weeks, but I did go through the entire books and ended up using a couple of the prompts. Nevertheless, I'm going to be using this journal in the future project I start, because it was a really exciting experience.
I won't enter in particular aspects of the book, because you should discover the tips and prompts on your own, but I have to say that it was very pretty and easy to use. To be honest I don't know what I was expecting when I saw the title since I have seen different planners in book stores and they were basic and not fun to use at all.
Mariëlle S. Smith did a brilliant job with keeping this author journal and writing planner interesting to use. Of course, it had that feeling that I had someone on my corner encouraging me. Kind of like what I would imagine a writing coach could be in a book.
It had moment's of hard work that are all about the writing, and then there were these moments of pause. Both sections are extremely important when we are writing, at least when I'm doing it, so I loved seeing them in this journal. Combined with the quotes, prompts and moments that allow us to reflect about our accomplishments and goals, I had not only fun but was also pumped to write.
I loved that it got me to write down my goals, because I always have them on my mind but by putting them down it makes thing as real as writing the book itself. I was really impress and I'm going to check out the other books this author has, because I'm always looking forward to learn and get better.
Overall, if you are a fellow writer and want a planner and journal that is not only pretty but also very useful, I do recommend this one. And if you don't know how to start, this journal can definitely be the beginning.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Mariëlle S. Smith for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
March 14, 2020
Not only is this a beautiful item to look at, it's jam-packed with tips, inspiration, and a "you can do this" attitude.
Who is it for? Well, in the author's own words: Not for the faint of heart!
And by that she means this is for the writer who isn't looking for someone to hold their hand and tell them it's all going to be just fine. Instead, it's for those who feel their writing isn’t progressing, at least not in the
way or at the pace they want it to, and they need someone to ask the right questions—which are never the easy ones —while providing them with a safe space where they can chew on their answers.
This feels more like a workbook to me, with an easy-to-read font and an elegant design. It's like having your own writing coach in book form. This is more than a simple notebook or to-do planner - because we all know how easy it is to write that list, but it's just as easy to move the goalposts and get nothing done.
The beauty of this is that you can start it anytime - you're not restricted to a regular calendar year, and so day 1 really is the day you start to use it fully.
From the very first week, the reader/writer is challenged to think about how writing makes them feel. Usually, I'd skip these "feel-good" sections and move on to the nitty-gritty, but then I realised that this is just as important as getting words on paper (or screen ;) ) I love the idea of setting long-terms goals, not just in my head, but actually thinking about them and committing those goals by writing them down - in permanent ink, not pencil cos that'd be too easy to erase. Yeah, I know that trick too well ;) You might think writing these things down could lead to disappointment if the deadline passes without you, but for me it actually focuses my mind on the goal. Throughout this planner there are opportunities to look back and see how you've done, to work out why things didn't go to plan, and also to celebrate those milestones that you hit. With inspirational quotes to spur you on, this is a resource every writer should have.
I'll be recommending this to all my writer friends.
Who is it for? Well, in the author's own words: Not for the faint of heart!
And by that she means this is for the writer who isn't looking for someone to hold their hand and tell them it's all going to be just fine. Instead, it's for those who feel their writing isn’t progressing, at least not in the
way or at the pace they want it to, and they need someone to ask the right questions—which are never the easy ones —while providing them with a safe space where they can chew on their answers.
This feels more like a workbook to me, with an easy-to-read font and an elegant design. It's like having your own writing coach in book form. This is more than a simple notebook or to-do planner - because we all know how easy it is to write that list, but it's just as easy to move the goalposts and get nothing done.
The beauty of this is that you can start it anytime - you're not restricted to a regular calendar year, and so day 1 really is the day you start to use it fully.
From the very first week, the reader/writer is challenged to think about how writing makes them feel. Usually, I'd skip these "feel-good" sections and move on to the nitty-gritty, but then I realised that this is just as important as getting words on paper (or screen ;) ) I love the idea of setting long-terms goals, not just in my head, but actually thinking about them and committing those goals by writing them down - in permanent ink, not pencil cos that'd be too easy to erase. Yeah, I know that trick too well ;) You might think writing these things down could lead to disappointment if the deadline passes without you, but for me it actually focuses my mind on the goal. Throughout this planner there are opportunities to look back and see how you've done, to work out why things didn't go to plan, and also to celebrate those milestones that you hit. With inspirational quotes to spur you on, this is a resource every writer should have.
I'll be recommending this to all my writer friends.
March 14, 2020
Do you have ambitions to write a book, but struggling to get organised? 52 Weeks of Writing is an author planner to set you on your writing path.
A bit of background about me; I'm a book blogger as well as a writer. I've not published any of my works yet but do plan to publish the pile manuscripts I've written so far. So, this journal caught my eye to see if I could get myself more organised.
I began using this journal as I began my latest manuscript. After 6 weeks, I'm not using the journal as I'm supposed to because I keep forgetting to prioritise it. It has nothing to do with the journal itself but more to do with forgetting to update and refer to it. As I've mentioned, I've written a handful of books already, so I'm used to fitting writing around my daily routines. I do like the motivational quotes to boost my creativity but prefer to use online tools to track my word count and progress.
For me, I'm too far gone using my own tried and tested ways (or lack of) to get the job done so the journal isn't for me. It's the same reason I don't manage to keep a diary for anything other than appointments and notifications. Even so, the prompts and motivational quotes cause pause for thought and are a useful inclusion. If I decided to write a memoir, I can see the benefit of analysing my thought process to produce a personal keepsake to reflect the writing journey.
However, for anyone who's thinking of writing a novel for the first time, the prompts and organisation ideas within the journal offer a solid starting point. It is perfect for someone who sees writing a book as a year-long project. The journal allows the writer to record their inner thoughts. Additionally, it encourages the writer to reflect on their progress and re-evaluate their goal and ambitions at quarterly intervals… to decide how to reward and celebrate each milestone along the way.
To sum up, If you have ambitions to write a book or know of anyone who's talked about writing a book, this journal would be a perfect gift to them or yourself.
3.5 stars
***review copy generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
A bit of background about me; I'm a book blogger as well as a writer. I've not published any of my works yet but do plan to publish the pile manuscripts I've written so far. So, this journal caught my eye to see if I could get myself more organised.
I began using this journal as I began my latest manuscript. After 6 weeks, I'm not using the journal as I'm supposed to because I keep forgetting to prioritise it. It has nothing to do with the journal itself but more to do with forgetting to update and refer to it. As I've mentioned, I've written a handful of books already, so I'm used to fitting writing around my daily routines. I do like the motivational quotes to boost my creativity but prefer to use online tools to track my word count and progress.
For me, I'm too far gone using my own tried and tested ways (or lack of) to get the job done so the journal isn't for me. It's the same reason I don't manage to keep a diary for anything other than appointments and notifications. Even so, the prompts and motivational quotes cause pause for thought and are a useful inclusion. If I decided to write a memoir, I can see the benefit of analysing my thought process to produce a personal keepsake to reflect the writing journey.
However, for anyone who's thinking of writing a novel for the first time, the prompts and organisation ideas within the journal offer a solid starting point. It is perfect for someone who sees writing a book as a year-long project. The journal allows the writer to record their inner thoughts. Additionally, it encourages the writer to reflect on their progress and re-evaluate their goal and ambitions at quarterly intervals… to decide how to reward and celebrate each milestone along the way.
To sum up, If you have ambitions to write a book or know of anyone who's talked about writing a book, this journal would be a perfect gift to them or yourself.
3.5 stars
***review copy generously received courtesy of the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources***
March 29, 2020
I was intrigued by the concept of this weekly journal and planner, so I couldn’t help but take a peek inside. I struggle to think of myself as a writer. I blog, I write reviews, I’ve been writing a five-hundred-word magazine article every month for eight years and I enjoy an informal writing group, with delicious homemade cake served on the side, but am I a writer? Maybe if there is anything else hovering in the corners of my mind, this might be the tool to help me focus and achieve something with my writing.
It has been a long time since I looked at writing regularly in a diary, although to a certain extent blogging is just a diary written to share, but I am a great believer in the healing power of writing down both the good and the bad. From the beginning this journal/planner admits it is a process ‘not for the faint of heart’ and I agree 100%. Although I have not been able to work my way through the entire process, it is obvious that to achieve results there is work to be done, in the mind as well as with the pen or keyboard, and some things might feel uncomfortable at first.
The author shares her journaling experience and the changes it made to her life and this really gives you that grain of courage to make a start. With the repetition of looking at similar themes and ideas every week it is easier to stay focussed and not lose sight of goals. Setting and achieving them is down to you, but with this book by your side, anything feels possible.
If you think there may be a hidden writer within, this may be just what you need to see for sure. Why not use this as an opportunity to start something new and exciting.
It has been a long time since I looked at writing regularly in a diary, although to a certain extent blogging is just a diary written to share, but I am a great believer in the healing power of writing down both the good and the bad. From the beginning this journal/planner admits it is a process ‘not for the faint of heart’ and I agree 100%. Although I have not been able to work my way through the entire process, it is obvious that to achieve results there is work to be done, in the mind as well as with the pen or keyboard, and some things might feel uncomfortable at first.
The author shares her journaling experience and the changes it made to her life and this really gives you that grain of courage to make a start. With the repetition of looking at similar themes and ideas every week it is easier to stay focussed and not lose sight of goals. Setting and achieving them is down to you, but with this book by your side, anything feels possible.
If you think there may be a hidden writer within, this may be just what you need to see for sure. Why not use this as an opportunity to start something new and exciting.
March 18, 2020
If you’re serious about being a professional author, this may well be one of the most useful tools you can pick up. The author is a writing coach who not only knows her stuff as an author, she has helped countless other authors reach their goals, and this planner could be a very useful tool for many. Figuring out short and long term plans, breaking down goals into manageable chunks and taking time to self-reflect are all essential skills for anyone who wants to be a professional in any field, and the advice and skillset provided in this planner are very well directed to helping writers figure those things out.
Now, I’m not saying this is going to be for everybody. I personally am hopelessly ADHD and can think of nothing worse than having to sit down on a daily or even weekly basis and reflecting this deeply on my writing. I use the WordKeeperAlpha app to track my word count and that’s about the upper limit of what I can manage.
However, if you’re the kind of person who really enjoys journals, planners and inspirational quotes and you genuinely want to get serious about writing as a career, I absolutely think this could be extremely useful. I don’t know that I’d recommend it in ebook form because I think it’s something you would absolutely want to sit down with and write in with a pen, but certainly take advantage of the Look Inside feature to see if it’s something you would find useful… and then order yourself the paperback. I’ve looked at a fair few author planners on the market and this one is right up there in terms of structure, tracking and planning. I’m giving it five stars, but with the caveat that you probably already know if this kind of approach is going to work for you… and if it’s not, then don’t buy it and kick yourself when it doesn’t magically transform you into an organised person who meticulously fills out a journal. Not everyone is wired that way.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title for review via Rachel’s Random Resources.
Now, I’m not saying this is going to be for everybody. I personally am hopelessly ADHD and can think of nothing worse than having to sit down on a daily or even weekly basis and reflecting this deeply on my writing. I use the WordKeeperAlpha app to track my word count and that’s about the upper limit of what I can manage.
However, if you’re the kind of person who really enjoys journals, planners and inspirational quotes and you genuinely want to get serious about writing as a career, I absolutely think this could be extremely useful. I don’t know that I’d recommend it in ebook form because I think it’s something you would absolutely want to sit down with and write in with a pen, but certainly take advantage of the Look Inside feature to see if it’s something you would find useful… and then order yourself the paperback. I’ve looked at a fair few author planners on the market and this one is right up there in terms of structure, tracking and planning. I’m giving it five stars, but with the caveat that you probably already know if this kind of approach is going to work for you… and if it’s not, then don’t buy it and kick yourself when it doesn’t magically transform you into an organised person who meticulously fills out a journal. Not everyone is wired that way.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title for review via Rachel’s Random Resources.
March 17, 2020
One of my aims for this year was to make more effort in writing again. My enthusiasm and motivation had fizzled out so when the opportunity came to take a look at this planner and journal from Mariëlle S. Smith I couldn’t say no.
This book is what it says on the cover, a journal and planner. It is set out well, and is split into weekly sections. At the beginning your set yourself some long term goals, but also goals for the 52 weeks of the journal. At the end of each quarter there is space to review these goals so that you can make the best out of what you have learnt over the previous three months.
The weekly sections start with a quote, they then feature prompts for you to set goals and to plan out your time for the week ahead. There is space to reflect on the previous week, whilst it ends with a prompt.
Once into the swing of using the planner aspect of the book and to an extent the reflection areas, the area I have found the most beneficial to my writing has been the weekly prompts. It has made me think more about why I am writing and has given me a boost in doing so, something that is increasing with each week.
I have found that using this planner and journal it has made me more accountable to myself in making the effort to write.
In a time now where we are being encouraged to limit our social contact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to sit down and start writing that book you have always wanted to. And 52 Weeks of Writing, I think, will really make the difference.
This book is what it says on the cover, a journal and planner. It is set out well, and is split into weekly sections. At the beginning your set yourself some long term goals, but also goals for the 52 weeks of the journal. At the end of each quarter there is space to review these goals so that you can make the best out of what you have learnt over the previous three months.
The weekly sections start with a quote, they then feature prompts for you to set goals and to plan out your time for the week ahead. There is space to reflect on the previous week, whilst it ends with a prompt.
Once into the swing of using the planner aspect of the book and to an extent the reflection areas, the area I have found the most beneficial to my writing has been the weekly prompts. It has made me think more about why I am writing and has given me a boost in doing so, something that is increasing with each week.
I have found that using this planner and journal it has made me more accountable to myself in making the effort to write.
In a time now where we are being encouraged to limit our social contact, this is the perfect opportunity for you to sit down and start writing that book you have always wanted to. And 52 Weeks of Writing, I think, will really make the difference.
January 1, 2020
I absolutely loved this journal and can’t wait to apply everything in it to my 2020 writing journey. This isn’t just your average, run-of-the-mill calendar with cute quotes. It’s a beautiful and inspiring journal written by an author and coach who understands what authors need to help them reflect on why they write, how to examine and overcome obstacles, and inspire them to keep pushing forward with their writing.
The journal is both visually stunning and laid out in a user-friendly format that’s easy to work through. I couldn’t decide which was my favorite part, the inspirational quotes that begin each week or the fabulous prompts that end each week. The prompts do double duty by encouraging writers to actually write while also helping them to understand their processes, motivations, and to grow as a writer. These prompts alone were worth the price of this book.
The journal is both visually stunning and laid out in a user-friendly format that’s easy to work through. I couldn’t decide which was my favorite part, the inspirational quotes that begin each week or the fabulous prompts that end each week. The prompts do double duty by encouraging writers to actually write while also helping them to understand their processes, motivations, and to grow as a writer. These prompts alone were worth the price of this book.
December 26, 2021
From the start, I knew 52 Weeks of Writing would be very different from the other craft books gracing my bookshelves. Reading about the author’s creative journey in the Introduction motivated me to implement a daily journaling habit focusing exclusively on writing. Everything from the themed quotes at the beginning of each week to the thought-provoking questions to the tracking sheets bears the imprint of a seasoned author and coach. While completing the exercises, I could easily imagine Ms. Smith at my side, encouraging me to dig deep and reveal my innermost thoughts.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
March 17, 2020
Such an interesting volume! I wish I’d had this book when I first began my writing journey. Each week contains the bits of wisdom that I’ve had to learn through trial and error
The lessons and suggestions are so positive and inspiring. As an example, reflections about incomplete goals ask, “did you ask too much of yourself?” (i pondered this question a lot this week as COVID-19 created a mess of my work and mothering.) Too often, we hove goals the power to determine our self-worth. Reframing the question in this way reminded me that I am the person in the center of my life. If I don’t achieve a goal, it’s likely that the goal didn’t serve me or I didn’t choose the right goal for where I am in life.
This is one example among many. I would definitely recommend this journal to anyone on a writing journey. Not only will it serve as an accountability partner but it will elevate your writing by helping you to use introspection as a tool for creation. I’m a big fan. Kudos to Ms. Smith for creating a beautiful, useful system to inspire and organize the writing experience.
The lessons and suggestions are so positive and inspiring. As an example, reflections about incomplete goals ask, “did you ask too much of yourself?” (i pondered this question a lot this week as COVID-19 created a mess of my work and mothering.) Too often, we hove goals the power to determine our self-worth. Reframing the question in this way reminded me that I am the person in the center of my life. If I don’t achieve a goal, it’s likely that the goal didn’t serve me or I didn’t choose the right goal for where I am in life.
This is one example among many. I would definitely recommend this journal to anyone on a writing journey. Not only will it serve as an accountability partner but it will elevate your writing by helping you to use introspection as a tool for creation. I’m a big fan. Kudos to Ms. Smith for creating a beautiful, useful system to inspire and organize the writing experience.
December 3, 2019
This isn't your ordinary writer's workbook. It's a planner, and a journal and a challenge all in one. I particularly like that there are check-in exercises where you can review what you did prior and examine if it worked a lot. I'm a scrum master/agile practitioner and I loved that there were aspects of agile processes built into this book - reviewing, breaking tasks down into smaller pieces, etc.
Really worthwhile!
Really worthwhile!
March 17, 2020
A clear inspirational workbook for writers who are struggling to achieve their aspirations. The content is full of inspirational quotes, practical planning measures and advice on goal setting. The guidance is reiterated each week, and the would-be writer is encouraged to check back at the end of the planning periods, which vary to see how they are doing, and then reassess their writing plans and goals.
To get the most out of this method of working you need to be willing to follow the guidelines exactly. There is a motivational foreword to the book. which bears re-reading frequently and online access to an interactive Facebook group.
The advice is good, but the onus is firmly on the individual to work daily towards their goals and to ensure they are realistic in the first place.
Interesting to read, and worth trying, especially since it is at time of this review free.
#FreeBook
To get the most out of this method of working you need to be willing to follow the guidelines exactly. There is a motivational foreword to the book. which bears re-reading frequently and online access to an interactive Facebook group.
The advice is good, but the onus is firmly on the individual to work daily towards their goals and to ensure they are realistic in the first place.
Interesting to read, and worth trying, especially since it is at time of this review free.
#FreeBook
December 4, 2019
There are several things I liked about this book. It has a weekly breakdown and reflection. The weekly reflections focus on what worked and/or the inhibitors to progress. At the end of the book, there is a goal overview which is great for connecting incremental progress. It is an empowering system that I will use for all my projects. I received this copy as a preview.
March 16, 2020
It’s amazing what free writing can do. Just jotting down whatever comes to head and heart can bring certain things to the forefront that need addressing in our lives.
Journaling thoughts affects our personal lives, our creative lives, our spiritual lives, etc. It brings clarity and helps us reflect. I’ve always enjoyed journaling, so the thought of blending my personal journaling with the craft of writing appeals to me.
This book serves as a writing coach. Someone who encourages, helps, and motivates you. And I need that in my writing life. Desperately. I love how the book is organized, enjoy the stimulating memes, and the thought provoking questions. This journal will help me find my focus and stay on track in my world of writing. I’ve never been one to write down my goals, and document my plans, but using this tactic may spark something I’ve been lacking.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Journaling thoughts affects our personal lives, our creative lives, our spiritual lives, etc. It brings clarity and helps us reflect. I’ve always enjoyed journaling, so the thought of blending my personal journaling with the craft of writing appeals to me.
This book serves as a writing coach. Someone who encourages, helps, and motivates you. And I need that in my writing life. Desperately. I love how the book is organized, enjoy the stimulating memes, and the thought provoking questions. This journal will help me find my focus and stay on track in my world of writing. I’ve never been one to write down my goals, and document my plans, but using this tactic may spark something I’ve been lacking.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
March 16, 2020
52 weeks of writing has been compiled by Mariëlle S. Smith, writing coach who has managed to publish eight books since 2018 which as a person like myself who can’t even finish one seems like a huge feat!
I want to point out this book is not a how to write manual. It’s something that will help you identify what is getting in your way of writing, help you set goals and recognise when you might be setting yourself up for failure.
I found myself reflecting on what is holding me back, I still haven’t quite gotten to the bottom of it yet but I hope with the use of this book I will do soon!
There are also some helpful writing prompts along the way if you’re struggling with your creativity.
52 weeks of writing is a handy book that feels like you’ve got your own personal writing coach.
I want to point out this book is not a how to write manual. It’s something that will help you identify what is getting in your way of writing, help you set goals and recognise when you might be setting yourself up for failure.
I found myself reflecting on what is holding me back, I still haven’t quite gotten to the bottom of it yet but I hope with the use of this book I will do soon!
There are also some helpful writing prompts along the way if you’re struggling with your creativity.
52 weeks of writing is a handy book that feels like you’ve got your own personal writing coach.
March 21, 2020
Probably best in spiral
While the concept and layout is good, it didn't need to be repeated every week in the ebook format. Minor quibble, but I would have rather had larger, clearer fonts.
Will try using this format over the next year and see how it works for me.
While the concept and layout is good, it didn't need to be repeated every week in the ebook format. Minor quibble, but I would have rather had larger, clearer fonts.
Will try using this format over the next year and see how it works for me.
April 19, 2020
A great resource for writers who need a little organisation.
Full of helpful hints and tips for new and established writers alike.
Full of helpful hints and tips for new and established writers alike.
March 30, 2020
This is such a brilliant resource for new writers or established authors alike.
Along with being a planner which is always useful, the book contains exercises for you to delve into why you write. A question I think it is so important to aspiring writers, what are your aspirations? What do you want to achieve?
It helps you to creative a solid writing habit, setting aside time to hone your craft. Writing is just like any other endeavour, although the results aren’t always so tangible. Along with prompts and encouraging quotes this book will become like a journal, to be used all the time to note your ideas and progress.
For added encouragement there is also a Facebook you can join. Use this group as an accompaniment to the book to maximise your writing.
I shall definitely be recommending to my writing group.
Along with being a planner which is always useful, the book contains exercises for you to delve into why you write. A question I think it is so important to aspiring writers, what are your aspirations? What do you want to achieve?
It helps you to creative a solid writing habit, setting aside time to hone your craft. Writing is just like any other endeavour, although the results aren’t always so tangible. Along with prompts and encouraging quotes this book will become like a journal, to be used all the time to note your ideas and progress.
For added encouragement there is also a Facebook you can join. Use this group as an accompaniment to the book to maximise your writing.
I shall definitely be recommending to my writing group.
December 5, 2019
So this is a workbook, and I've been reading through it, but of course, haven't finished the whole 52 weeks yet. I love the cover and simple, direct font, which is easy on my eyes. I have the physical edition and like it. There’s weight to it in my hand. For workbooks, I find that I actually do them if they're physically present on my desk, versus digital, which I can more easily ignore. Now I can’t wait to get started going through the 52 weeks. I was thinking of starting on New Years, but now I’m wondering if I don’t want to just go for it right now. Reading through the Clarity and Goals sections of Week 1 made my skin tingle. This is like having a coach in a book! And I’m all about coaching on my own time, which is usually 2 am these days. (Night owl house, partner works graveyard.)
Reading the questions, this is more than just planning your work timeline and keeping track. This is also about getting down to the heart of why you write and staying on your own personal true north of where you’re going, energetically. This helps with burn out and was one of the reasons I grabbed this when I heard about it. But there’s also a lot of practical tracking, like weekly check in and quarterly check in on goals, depending on how long they are out.
Reading the questions, this is more than just planning your work timeline and keeping track. This is also about getting down to the heart of why you write and staying on your own personal true north of where you’re going, energetically. This helps with burn out and was one of the reasons I grabbed this when I heard about it. But there’s also a lot of practical tracking, like weekly check in and quarterly check in on goals, depending on how long they are out.
December 10, 2019
As a writer, planning is something I ‘know’ I should do but I just never seem to do it in any consistent way. Enter this planner and 52 Weeks Of Writing can be summed up by 52 wows! The very first section got me digging into things I hadn’t really thought about, or given myself the time to think about. It’s an aesthetic planner, with lovely fonts that make it a joy to use. My top tip would be to read the introduction several times before you start to use it because you’ll then get the best value from the weekly sections, which lead into quarterly etc. Now I’ve gained such welcome insights into my writing life, I’m actually excited to plan for 2020!
December 5, 2019
I am a fan of Smith's journal series, so when this one launched I grabbed it. As a writer myself, the only thing I love more than a journal or a planner is a planner that is also a journal all in one! I am a big believer in mindful productivity and a planner with a journal helps keep me on track with both work and my mental health in its pursuit. Each week of this journal starts with a quote that speaks to the writer's insecurities and immediately inspires them to catapult past them. I really enjoyed that. And I loved the help in both planning and tracking my writing life.
Highly recommended for any author or anyone looking for an author gift!
Highly recommended for any author or anyone looking for an author gift!
February 6, 2020
A beautiful and inspiring journal /planner
I was lucky enough to meet Marielle at a writers conference on Edinburgh earlier this year. Since then she has coached me on blurb/synopsis writing and has been a wonderful source of support and encouragement. When I heard she was publishing this planner I knew I had to get a copy. The layout is stunning. It's very classy. I am not a natural diarist or planner, I am more of a chaotic panster so using the journal as intended was not going to happen for me. But I found the quotes, the writing prompts and the reflection questions very helpful and will continue to refer back to them as the year progresses. I particularly like the clarity questions that give me the prompt to remember why I am a writer. If you are a planner though, and are able to use the journal as intended day by day, week by week then in 52 weeks you will be able to look back on an incredibly rewarding year of writing, I'm sure.
I was lucky enough to meet Marielle at a writers conference on Edinburgh earlier this year. Since then she has coached me on blurb/synopsis writing and has been a wonderful source of support and encouragement. When I heard she was publishing this planner I knew I had to get a copy. The layout is stunning. It's very classy. I am not a natural diarist or planner, I am more of a chaotic panster so using the journal as intended was not going to happen for me. But I found the quotes, the writing prompts and the reflection questions very helpful and will continue to refer back to them as the year progresses. I particularly like the clarity questions that give me the prompt to remember why I am a writer. If you are a planner though, and are able to use the journal as intended day by day, week by week then in 52 weeks you will be able to look back on an incredibly rewarding year of writing, I'm sure.
January 17, 2022
I received an advance review copy of this book. From the beginning, I could see that it was written in a detailed and thoughtful fashion. Answering the questions contained in the workbook could lead to breaking through blocks in effective writing practice. It is a worthwhile investment for any writer. I will certainly be working through it throughout this year.
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