hissingpotatoes's review against another edition
3.0
This series of essays focuses more on the "making up stories" than "getting through hard times," though the author's point about writing (and reading) being an act of resistance is well taken. The writing advice isn't anything I haven't heard before, but it covers a wide range of topics. The rapid-fire pace of each piece of advice makes this a quick read that offers writers lots to think about for their craft.
ekcd_'s review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
2.0
I never read fiction twice
Cool idea, interesting beginning. Then it got insufferably condescending and sickly silly
Cool idea, interesting beginning. Then it got insufferably condescending and sickly silly
deservingporcupine's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it was released, chapter by chapter on Tor. I usually don’t love writing advice (I’ve tried to get through Bird by Bird at least three times), but this one was written so specifically for this moment it felt comforting and joyful, even as the world feels like neither of those things. This is a book for anyone who loves stories, whether you write them or not.
saucy_bookdragon's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Uplifting and filled with writing advice that emphasizes the love of writing with no right or wrong methods. It helped make me feel a little better about my own writing and I’m definitely going to incorporate some of what Anders suggests into my own writing, particularly listening more to my inner reader than my inner critic.
_clack's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t have the same sense of humor as the author 😭 got me interested in creative writing tho
maddy_walock's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
tacanderson's review against another edition
4.0
I had heard good things about this book (forget where) and had enjoyed some of Anders' works of fiction so decided to get it. The book is a collection of posts originally published on Tor.com, when I found this out, I instantly lowered my expectations. In the past I've not enjoyed books that are a collection of essays or blog posts. But the book quickly reset my expectations. Besides providing a lot of inspiration (which was the point and premise of the book), Anders provides a lot of very practical tips and advice to aspiring writers. I ended up taking quite a few notes, especially in the later chapters.