Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts--with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors

by Linda Sivertsen

From the host of the Beautiful WritersPodcast comes a heartwarming, how-I-made-tale from a working writer you’ve never heard of, and inspiration and advice from the legends you love.

This book gives aspiring writers and seasoned literary veterans a look into the lives of iconic authors and answers the burning question, “How did they do it?!”

As a young writer in Los Angeles, Linda Sivertsen was hungry to be more like her literary idols. Fame and fortune seemed to happen so easily—and so fast—for them. But how exactly did these bestselling authors bust through all the obstacles and deliver, day after day, year after year, book after book?

When her questions remained unanswered by multiple how-to guides, despite how her writing career was now thriving, Linda decided to go straight to the source: her favorite storytellers across numerous genres. So, Linda co-created the Beautiful Writers podcast, where she began interviewing authors for the secrets behind their careers—and, without realizing it, began building a platform of eager listeners who wanted to learn from their shared idols. With more than two million downloads, Linda’s podcast has since become a bright beacon of inspiration for writers at all stages of their journeys.

Now, in Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts—with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors, Linda shares—and expands on—the best of advice and storytelling from the podcast and follow-up interviews with literary greats, including:

•  Terry McMillan
•  Cheryl Strayed
•  Tom Hanks
•  Van Jones
•  Jenny Lawson
•  Steven Pressfield
•  Elizabeth Gilbert
•  Anne Lamott
•  Mary Karr
•  Seth Godin
•  Abby Wambach
•  Martha Beck
•  Marie Forleo
•  Lee Child
•  Patricia Cornwell
•  Dean Koontz
•  Maria Shriver
•  Dr. Jane Goodall
•  Sabaa Tahir
•  Tomi Adeyemi
•  Ann Patchett
•  Dani Shapiro
•  Danielle LaPorte
•  Tosca Lee
•  Joy Harjo
•  Deepak Chopra

Wrapped around the page-turning, magical, and wonderfully relatable account of the highs and lows of her own career writing bestselling, award-winning books for herself and others, these stories from the trenches are packed with suspense, laugh-out-loud humor, and raw honesty. Their passion and wisdom will help aspiring writers avoid common pitfalls and energize career authors with a treasure trove of writing insights from their peers.

Beautiful Writers is a love letter to reading, writing, and to everyone who reads and writes. It’s the book Linda wished she had when she was starting out. Beautiful Writers will become the evergreen companion for creatives everywhere. Write on!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

304 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2022

About the author

Linda Sivertsen, “Book Mama,” is in LOVE with books—reading, writing, and selling them. Her titles have won awards and hit all the lists as an author, co-author, and former magazine editor and ghostwriter. But her driving force has been to publish sustainably. Naïve and optimistic enough to believe in magic, she’s on a mission to save forests via her role as a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ambassador. When she’s not fostering literary love matches on her Beautiful Writers Podcast (a favorite stop for writers on tour), writing, and promoting Beautiful Writers, or midwifing books at her Carmel or virtual writing retreats, Linda can be found on the back of a horse or running with her dogs. She and her husband live on their ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Reviews

[Jenn Sutkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to believe in your dreams again.


Beautiful Writers is brilliant, unlike any writing book I've ever read. I wish I'd had it when I was a journalist on weekly deadlines. Part page-turning writing memoir, part in-the-trenches advice from your favorite writers (many of whom are friends of the author or guests of her Beautiful Writers Podcast), the stories from start to finish blew me away. They're intimate and raw and hilarious and loaded with insider tips: high vibe without being spiritually bypass-y, if you will. It is sharply (as hell) written. WORLD-CLASS.

I was lucky enough to be an early reader of this book and started it before bed and had a hard time putting it down. I was laughing out loud and saying YES in many spots right away. The stories are SO inspiring. (I had excellent dreams that felt like the universe was conspiring to bring me success.) Linda is a trusted and reliable narrator — she quickly and graciously establishes her friendliness and authority. And I'm not even talking about the fab celebrity author quotes yet! And how she weaves them in. Amazing!

I know the author's work well--having been to one of her writing retreats and as a longtime contributing member of her Beautiful Writers Group membership. But Linda spends so much time helping all of us writers in her community that she rarely makes herself the focus. I had no idea all wisdom and hilarity she's been saving for this book! And not just funny stuff to be funny (I suffer from that sometimes; reeling it in). But truly just perfectly naturally funny in the right places and related to the storyline.

I love how Linda weaves in her own story with her interviewees, all somehow relatable, even when fantastical. Her story is different enough from the celebs that when she breaks away to do their quotes, it doesn't take me out of her story. Their quotes are fantastic (grab your highlighters!), so I'm not mad to break away for a few, but I'm excited to get back to it. I didn't feel that I wanted to jump ahead, though, which can happen in many books with multiple points of view. I don't know how Linda accomplished this balance/magic, but it totally works. Major BRAVA! (It brings to mind a Brian Wilson harmony — it seems perfectly natural until you try singing along with that shit yourself, and then you're like WHOA. Mastery.)

Most of all, this book continues to inspire me while I work on the next draft of my own book! Even in its beta reading stage, Beautiful Writers worked the magic it was meant to work. How lucky am I to get to receive that magic?! By the end of the book (which, incidentally, gets better as you go), I was bowled over. The magical twists and turns and the payoff for her delays and setbacks and hard work and missteps made the ending cheer-worthy. I can't wait for writers everywhere to have this book in their hands. I love the hashtag ideas at the end, too, to connect writers through their own books and processes.

There's a reason I almost always say NO to being an early reader. But everything in my body said YES to beta reading this title, and I'm so happy I did. Except now, Beautiful Writers has ruined me for all other beta reading. ;-)

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savor this book. Take it to heart. Read it when you need encouragement. Read it when you need inspiration. Read it when you feel you can't write another word. Read it when you feel like you're the only writer in the entire world who has lived through being unable to force another word onto paper. Read it just for fun. Read it.

Thank you so much #NetGalley and #BenBellaBooks for making this wonderful guide available.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a full-out banquet of ideas and inspirations on writing and the writer's life. I am savoring it.

I've learned so much from Linda's Writing Retreats and Beautiful Writers Group, and I love the Beautiful Writers Podcast. I can't wait to glean all the fun, wisdom, advice, insight, and did I mention FUN from this new book!

[Brenda Coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a book is an overwhelming proposition, but Linda Sivertsen’s book, Beautiful Writers, has reconfirmed that I’m not the only one who needs encouragement and handholding. My thanks to BenBella for letting me read an advance copy because it arrived when I was afraid to let anyone read my manuscript for fear they’d tell me it was awful, or like a girlfriend I’ve had since high school who told me I should just get a real job! She doesn’t know it but she’s spurred me on to finish my book, get an agent and get it published, and Beautiful Writers has shown me that even the biggest New York Times bestselling authors have been insecure about their writing. My thanks to Linda Sivertsen and her wise book full of the coaches and uplifting friends I've needed. Her book helped me silence the inner and outer bullies!

[Sharon Naylor Toris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for any writer, author, beginning writer, established writer...anyone who needs a fresh boost in passion for the craft. I found it phenomenal to tap into great writers' mindsets and join hands with this author. It's exactly what I was looking for. I'll read it again and again, just like my other favorite writers' books.

[Anne Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep it on your bedside for inspiration, resources, and encouragement!!

Writing, as Linda and her interviewees will tell you, is hard (not compared to coal mining, thank you Cheryl Strayed) and this book will keep you company through the ups and downs. It's helpful and validating and insightful to hear from so many people who have been through this harrowing process before. It's impossible to do it alone and Linda offers herself, as well as dozens of best-selling authors to assist you. As someone hobbling to the finish line with a book that feels more like a boulder, many points in her story resonated, and I've found myself "YES!!!"ing out loud when reading some of the author excerpts. The truth is, you just have to sit down and do it, as another reviewer lamented. If you're looking for a book that will write your book for you... that's not the way books work.

One of the other reviews seems to have criticized the book when society is the problem.
-she complains about the gender bias in the author snippets, that male writers don't have to take on as much responsibility for household tasks as women. Yes, that's right and it sucks, but upending the patriarchy is beyond the scope of this book.

-Linda shared about writing in her closet at 4am, broke, with a husband leaving her. She was a dog walker picking up poop for a living, and scrubbing toilets at Trader Joe's when her first book got published. Both totally respectable and valuable jobs, but hard for me to consider that as writing through a "film of privilege." Sure, her life is certainly more privileged than some, and less privileged than others, but I don't think the book only suggests what is unattainable. Everyone can dream, keep a dream journal, ask friends to read their work, etc. Sure, all of it is eased by having financial freedom, but that's the truth of every creative endeavor in a capitalist system.

-I think Linda shared the stories of praying and seeking help from a guru to expand the tools available to us burgeoning writers. The reviewer who said she'd never do it... well, maybe if you want different results, try something different? I think that was exactly the point of the story: there are sources of help and inspiration that have never occurred to you. There is always something new to be tried if you find yourself beaten by the blank page.

Anyway, I'm not saying this book will change your life because I don't believe books do that. I believe books offer us new perspectives, insights and information after which we can change our own lives. And writing a book is life-changing. So if that's something you want to do, like 98% of everybody, this book is a tool and pep-talk to have in your backpocket/bedside table. High recommend :)

[Kelly Paradis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Writers is part memoir and part snippets from successful writers. I was excited to read this because I am an aspiring writer and I was looking for practical tips on how to get started, which seems to be what the book description and the chapter titles promise. However, I just didn't feel like I got very much out of it in terms of advice. I'm not a spiritual person and so visiting a "guru" or praying for inspiration aren't high on my list of strategies. The short blurbs from writers were occasionally interesting but too short to really get into the details. What I'm taking away is more of a "you just have to sit down and do it" sort of message, and most of the stories speak through a heavy film of privilege.

I was irritated by the part where the author disparages other authors (wealth gurus who drive sh*tty cars or relationship experts in bad relationships). Or the fact that she must be smarter, funnier, or more deserving than at least some of the other authors she was learning about. We don't know what's going on in other people's lives. I don't want to make myself feel better by comparing myself to other people so I can feel superior. Another comment that got to me was that being labeled as "biggest bullsh*tter" was more painful "than pushing out my son during natural childbirth". Ugh.

This is not to mention the gender bias in some of the snippets. Joel Stein comments on how it's "a huge mistake to write in your house" if you have kids. Van Jones says "I'm very lucky that my [ex-]wife is full-time committed to our boys." Tim Grahl talks about how he doesn't care about cleaning his house, he just pays someone to do it. While the women, including the author, talk about how they balance writing and caretaking/home management simultaneously.

All of this is not to say that this book won't resonate with others. You may find just the thing you need in here. I'm a little worried about how different I feel I am from all of these successful writers, but I suppose I said above I wouldn't compare myself!

Thank you to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to access this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Tanmeet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where have you been all my writing life? THis book is an absolute gem. Linda Sivertsen weaves together her own inspiring writing story with incredible perspective from the likes of Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert and more. I felt like I was sitting around a table with all of them soaking it all in. The best part is that I feel like I can open it anywhere anytime and get some inspiration to go on and do the dang thing. They all feel so “regular” and make me feel like I too can be a widely acclaimed author one day too. The writing had so much ease and rhythm to it that it didn’t feel like more “work” to read. When I want to be inspired to write, I want it to flow to me like this book did. Bravo! This will be on my bedside for a good long time.

[Katrina Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never forget this book - the characters, the stories, the writerly wisdom. It's all so entertaining and memorable. I love the author's vulnerability, honesty, sense of humor, and belief in magic. With the world being so heavy these days, Linda's faith in her vision and ability to carry on no matter what (and does she ever face obstacles!) makes me believe in my own magic. Plus, it's so practical -- with countless takeaways. The celeb authors, too. Their experiences are priceless. Beautiful Writers is a page-turning read - and a terrific holiday present for anyone in your life hoping to realize their creative dreams.

Thanks for the ARC, BenBella! You've got in me a new fan!!

[Jaclyn Goldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!!! Prepare to dive into your new writing bible. Every--EVERY--writer needs this spectacular book! And it is decidedly not just for writers: the wisdom shared by some of the most brilliant, successful humans is universal, and Linda's own stories are heartwarming, compassionate, and laugh-out-loud hilarious! Best set aside the whole day because once you start, you won't be able to put this gem of a book down.

[Christina Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS book. OMG I loved every word, every story, every piece of advice. I will apply to my own writing story. The author is SO loveable, I want to devour every chapter again. Thank you for writing this book!

[Rebecca Brenner Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL WRITERS builds from a podcast and is essentially a collection of interviews with famous authors. these famous authors are experts on process and in one way or another conquered the publishing industry. for example, Elizabeth Gilbert told people that she’d travel the world and write for The New Yorker, and then she did! who wouldn’t wanna travel and have people care about your ideas for the sake of being your ideas?! overall an entertaining, inspiring, if not overly idealistic read.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This hefty chunk of advice book might flatter itself to say it's the only one of its kind, but it does feel that it offers much a standard how-to-write book doesn't. (It'll be less unique when the sequel comes out, too.) It covers at least both art and business. It starts with the art of telling yourself you're an author, even before we get to structuring our day or typing time as if we were a working writer, or anything like flushing out a relevant agent. But it also, by dint of copious real-life moments taken from a long-running bookish podcast, looks at the business of interacting with publishing. Here in these sections it is a lot more about the ins and outs of all the hurdles en route to the bookstore shelf, and all the 'bang! crash! I had a hit on my hands' sections of writers' memoirs have been expunged and replaced by a lot more realism.

I kind of thought it was a bit of a weak start, when chapter one demands we realise college degrees are not automatically required by any publisher. And perversely, the box-length pull-quotes from the likes of Cheryl Strayed and Jane Goodall etc give college as a great fount of learning, growth and maturity. But we do ease off any such kinds of sticky wickets, and if on board with our author, her life story as well as the quotes from elsewhere do make for an amenable eye to the writing life, version c2022.

Kudos for the likes of Dean Koontz, Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Gilbert, Lee Child and so on, for those are but some of the names that give voice to the truth here. And there is a sense that they are desperately needed, when the strands of the author's autobiography take her to whack-job astrologists and "woo-woo" gurus and it all goes hippy-dippy LA stuff and nonsense. Mind you, some of the quotes can do the same – there's talk of "unpacking some of the daily interactions I have with my own life" and "step[ping] into your authenticity" before the author boasts of "feng shui-ing [one's] abundance corners".

Such fried head cheese besides, there are still problems here. One is the humongous presence of a god, which drove me to check I'd not downloaded from a specifically religious publisher. Another is the style the author has, mentioning too much of her social life's standout personnel. The biggest problem for many may well be the fact this creator is telling of her journey to seeing her name in print, when for all the years and years of alleged endeavour, her first book was what seems nothing more than a compilation of eco-thoughts from opinionated celebs (currently holding ground on goodreads, with three ratings in twenty-five years).

But still, would you rather learn to sing from some fly-by-night number one chart act, or someone who has kept the career going tutoring for decades behind the scenes? Our author claims to have nurtured and succoured no end of authors and books to the public eye, in one way or another. A lot of them would probably be labelled self-help and/or misery memoirs, if the books from her contributors seem representative ("your life is your best content"). But either way, if you can skirt the issue of this being one rampant self-publicising autobiography smashed into being a guide to publishing, this does have the nurturing and maternal spirit you may well be looking for.

[Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors by Linda Sivertsen from Net Galley and Ben Bella Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers…

Unique and brilliant, Beautiful Writers is not just any other book on writing. The author intertwines her thoughts into a brilliant and diverse collection of vignettes from authors including Elizabeth Gilbert, Ann Patchett, Terry McMillan, Lee Child, and Danielle LaPorte just to name a few. Every author generously shares their lives, and challenges alongside the reader on their journey. This book is such a wonderful blend, part memoir, part guide on the writing life. Each author shares an intimate and often humorous look into the good, the bad and the ugly sides of “the writing life” and offers sound advice and wisdom that is vulnerable, honest, and yet truly inspirational.
This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for inspiration and advice. I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers alike.

[Jennifer Koskinen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Linda's podcast during the pandemic and it's hard to explain just how much it brought to my life. Her brand new book baby is born of all the best parts of that -- friendship, camaraderie, inspiration, wisdom -- packaged to savor the voices, underline, annotate and treasure the wisdom, intimacy and personality of Sivertsen and so many favorite authors.

What's incredible is how the author has woven her own narrative -- the ups and downs, tears and triumphs -- as the framework to share all of the nuggets of writing perspective from famous authors. I love both threads equally and ADORE hearing Linda's voice in my head as she writes (seriously I'm laughing and tearing up right along with her with every step).

If you're a writer, or like reading about writers, or a book-lover who is curious to hear the backstory of just how much emotion, energy, planning, pain, inspiration, negotiating, dreaming and WORK goes into birthing a book baby into the world, this book is like no other in giving so many of those backstories in one beautifully written book.

THANK YOU, Linda for your generous spirit and warm heart. And to you and BenBella for bringing this book into the world (and my life!!)

[Kacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a long time listener of the Beautiful Writers podcast, so when I got the chance to read an early review copy I jumped at the chance (thank you BenBella!)

Part memoir, part advice from your favorite authors, I’ve never read a book in this format before. It’s like all my literary idols got together and gave me their best notes on how to be a writer! Plus you have Linda as your guide walking you through the creative process. I could hear her voice in the pages, sharing her story and cheering you on along the journey.

I loved p. 51 “Trust your ache. You have the ache because you have what it takes. Let the very fact that you want something be enough of a reason. Your desire is the only WHY you’ll ever need.”

Mic drop.
Write on.

[Leigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was awful. It's a saccharine look at the struggles of writing a book and publishing it. Stuffed into the book are short anecdotes from award-winning authors who struggled before they made it big. Every single endorsement is from an award-winning, bestselling author. What about the competent and consistently published ones but DIDN'T get on the NYT bestseller list?

There are better books out there. Strunk and White, Bird by Bird and others, are more interesting and don't drip with cheerleader encouragement.

[Angela Bigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with Linda Sivertsen and her incredible book! The gems she has added to my writing toolbox are indeed - BEAUTIFUL! Linda is funny, thoughtful, deeply honest, spirited and caring. The interviews are wonderful - so much good stuff from these amazing authors. Get this book - that's all there is to it!

Thank you to BenBella for the ARC.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read about the power of perseverance that's dotted with lively anecdotes, writing advice and funny life stories from some incredible authors.

Recommended for anyone who loves fiction - or dreams of someday writing their own.

[Amanda Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Inspiring! Linda’s wise and genuine voice shines through in this part-advice book and part-memoir about birthing her first book.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book, but it kind of disappointed me. It is based on the podcast “Beautiful Writers” and has more big names than an Oscar Awards lineup. It’s not so much a how-to-write book as it is a memoir from the author’s life and an advertisement for her podcast (which I will admit is amazing). But that being said, I’d rather hear it from the names than read it.

There’s very little solid “how-to” information in here. You won’t find info on plotting, character development, etc. You will find advice on going to a guru for guidance, comparing writers to each other (often disparagingly), sexism, and “don’t become a writer if you have kids or a home life” type of advice. I’ve read a lot of how-to books and I’d have to say that, unfortunately, this one falls pretty much on the bottom of my list. But it may appeal to others. Just not me.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a solid how-to book on writing, skip this one. But if you’re looking for some (sometimes) interesting snippets on how these people did what they did, pick it up. Better yet, skip the book and watch the podcast.

Disclaimer: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to BenBella Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to access this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are lots of exclamation points in Beautiful Writers! Lots and lots!

If your writing style involves having expensive horoscopes charted, visits to gurus, free rent and food from a millionaire friend, and a free cruise from another rich friend, this is a great writing guide. For those of us who dumpster dive to get enough food to live on for the month, and are unlikely to have millionaire friends out here in the middle of nowhere, the book is like an old rerun of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

There are writing tips from various authors about things like what great mentors they had, but a lot of the writing tips started to look alike. The memoir part seemed so Hollywood that I just couldn't relate. It's sort of a "throw your ideas out to the Universe and see how the Universe answers' type of how-to. That's okay but it's not for everybody.

Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review Beautiful Writers!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a Writer, looking for inspiration or practical insights into writing this could be worth reading and when I say so, I mean there are stories on the writing life from writers. If you have questions like should you write full time, or get a degree before you consider yourself one- then this has some awesome personal insights to help you decide.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know how much I needed this book until it arrived on my doorstop and I can't stop reading it! Linda writes from the heart and tells the good, the bad, the messy, and the real real of what it's like when you have the burning desire to write, write, write! And then to edit, revise, share, publish, and watch your work take on a life of its own. Thank you, Linda!

[Stephanie Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Perfect for writers at any stage of their journey. Adored the way the author braided sage advice, with expert interviews, with memoir. I got so much from this book as a human and a writer and a fangirl of many of the folks featured in it.

[Shannon Sass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift to me from a friend who knew I had given up my dream to write. I had resigned to just embrace my love of reading, specifically fiction. When I was gifted Beautiful Writers, I wasn't super enthused. To be honest, I was a bit annoyed because my dear friend knew of my desire to escape into the world of fiction. As she and I spent a peaceful weekend at her cabin, I eventually picked up Beautiful Writers, and I couldn't put it down. I was hooked, as my friend knew I would be. I've since ordered a desk I'll be writing at and am in the process of lookimg to work with an intuitive coach for guidance in helping figure out my writing path.

Long ago, I wrote a children's book I submitted to one agent that got rejected with some criticisms. I never resubmitted. After reading Beautiful Writers, I now know better...it's a process, a process Linda Sivertsen solidly articulates, weaving her own incredibly intuitive journey and the journey of other known authors, in an engaging, delightful and humorous way.

[Lee Collver-Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Sivertsen’s Beautiful Writers is THE book for all of us who were told in our youth and throughout our trepidatious young adulthood, “You’re not good enough, you don’t know enough, you don’t have the correct credentials”. On and on rehashing tired, contradictory, dichotomous, illusory statements that a confused, chaotic, and insane world we’ve truly got the power to turn into safety, peace, harmony, truthfulness, respect keeps selling us as truth. Linda Siversten pops the lid and exposes with grace and ease the idiotic and incessant drivel that our modern culture of mediocrity, shaming, and apathy forces upon us. Furthermore, I have never been so excited to learn of current, pro-active authors who gift us a multitude of ways to stand up for ourselves, our children, and life on this precious earth.

Beautiful Writers opens the way for a new kind of genre. A modern manner of communicating which includes written and spoken word to keep us in the present moment, in the current of flow to consciously create a better future in right relationship with all cultural expressions. It’s like one of the letters of the ancient sacred texts, but for our times. And, to see into a brighter future for the people who come after us.

Thank you, Linda, for making it known that each and every one of us on planet LIFE have but one mission, to be the stewards and behave as honoring, respectful guests for the short time we inhabit this life and living. Oh, and I have a reading list to last me the rest of my life too! “I was struck by how easy it is to deny our own value…”(pg. 345) “If you pay attention, all of nature will conspire to help you and show you the way…”(pg. 325) “Taking away labels enables you to see something for what it truly is – its being-ness…” (pg. 322) “I’m here to help me…publishers need you. That unique voice…you’re it. Act like it…” (pg. 353) “Your stories are alive. Your desire has purpose. Your soul knows the song. Follow what you know, one small step at a time.” (pg. 363)

There’s oh, oh, oh so, so, so much more. Read , listen, heed the call, and let your voice be heard all you “Beautiful Writers” who were once ordered to give up. It is the tome of our time. And every voice matters, every life a work of art. We are, “in this together”!!! As Linda always says, “Write ON!”

[Noelle Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Beautiful Writers. I found myself going back to pages again and again. It was so well crafted, beautifully written and truly engaging. I felt like I was invited into a secret club to experience the messiness of writing with all of its hopes, dreams, challenges and well-earned triumphs. I loved the way the author weaved her stories in with the insight and guidance of this diverse group of writers she chose to help her guide the readers on this journey. It was such a page turner and all around fun ride. Yes!

[Rachael O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough positive things about this book. As someone who has a desire to write and publish books this provided incredible inspiration along with straightforward and actionable tools for making writing a priority and getting published. Linda is a great storyteller and her willingness to be honest about her struggles and life experiences makes her writing a joy to read. The personal stories of many successful authors are included in this book and serve as incredible inspiration as well. Highly recommend this for anyone who aspires to be a writer.

[Lyn Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Sivertsen's Beautiful Writers book is packed with anecdotal gems, terrific writing tips, and wonderful stories from all kinds of popular writers explaining their inspiration and writing process, and the often rocky road to publication.

For anyone who loves to read or aspires to write, this book is a MUST READ. I've never read anything so valuable, encouraging, and inspiring about trying to be a writer, and I'm a writer myself. I've read dozens and dozens of books on writing and getting published, but this one is one of my all-time favorites!

Linda is an engaging writer with a well-developed, intimate voice who knows how to tell a story. You will feel like you're chatting with a good friend who's giving you the inside scoop on all things to do with writing and publishing. I'll re-read this whenever I need inspiration or guidance. I'm gifting it to all my creative friends for the holidays!