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Build Your Best Writing Life: Essential Strategies for Personal Writing Success by Kristen Kieffer
truebookaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't make any strong new year's resolutions for 2020. What I did do was make a promise to myself to really put the work in on my novel in 2020. This book couldn't have come around at a better time. The first part focuses on the creative mindset and how it can be achieved, realizing there really is no right or wrong way to do things. The key is to recognizing what works, but also remembering it is hard work.
Later in the book, the focus is on publishing and marketing. Essential tools and tips here for when that time comes in the writing process. One of the things I really loved in this book was the Writing Road Map section at the end (with three very helpful examples). This book is going to be an indispensable resource for me as I embark on my planned writing journey in 2020.
Later in the book, the focus is on publishing and marketing. Essential tools and tips here for when that time comes in the writing process. One of the things I really loved in this book was the Writing Road Map section at the end (with three very helpful examples). This book is going to be an indispensable resource for me as I embark on my planned writing journey in 2020.
lulo's review against another edition
4.0
Throughout the book, the author brings in what others have brought to the conversation. She gives a new perspective on old words of writing wisdom.
The practices and activities given are grounded and realistic, looking at finding what you can do without telling you what you must accomplish to be successful. The book is also formatted accessibly. It's easy to jump between chapters as they take your fancy.
The book goes through the full writing process, from idea capture to marketing. Each aspect she goes through, she caters to a wide range of writers, instead of one traditional writer's path. The only real complaint I have is that she attempts to have the spectrum of applicability of "If You Want to Write" without having any of the experience and depth that makes that book appealing. It does also sound a bit like a scrivener advert for the first half, though.
The practices and activities given are grounded and realistic, looking at finding what you can do without telling you what you must accomplish to be successful. The book is also formatted accessibly. It's easy to jump between chapters as they take your fancy.
The book goes through the full writing process, from idea capture to marketing. Each aspect she goes through, she caters to a wide range of writers, instead of one traditional writer's path. The only real complaint I have is that she attempts to have the spectrum of applicability of "If You Want to Write" without having any of the experience and depth that makes that book appealing. It does also sound a bit like a scrivener advert for the first half, though.
tracyfox's review
5.0
Build Your Best Writing Life: Essential Strategies for Personal Writing Success is an altogether different and refreshing kind of writer’s craft book. It focuses on helping the writer create their own process through personal exploration to develop the ideal writing life that works on an individual basis. In addition to the introspective prompts and exercises, Kristen offers practical advice about the business of writing, from choosing a publishing path to building an author platform and marketing. Writers of all sorts will benefit from the guidance provided and gleaned from Kristen’s own experience. I know I certainly will put this guidebook to good use.
truebookaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't make any strong new year's resolutions for 2020. What I did do was make a promise to myself to really put the work in on my novel in 2020. This book couldn't have come around at a better time. The first part focuses on the creative mindset and how it can be achieved, realizing there really is no right or wrong way to do things. The key is to recognizing what works, but also remembering it is hard work.
Later in the book, the focus is on publishing and marketing. Essential tools and tips here for when that time comes in the writing process. One of the things I really loved in this book was the Writing Road Map section at the end (with three very helpful examples). This book is going to be an indispensable resource for me as I embark on my planned writing journey in 2020.
Later in the book, the focus is on publishing and marketing. Essential tools and tips here for when that time comes in the writing process. One of the things I really loved in this book was the Writing Road Map section at the end (with three very helpful examples). This book is going to be an indispensable resource for me as I embark on my planned writing journey in 2020.
whit2ney's review against another edition
4.0
I know the author enough to expect this, but it was refreshing to see mental health championed in this guide. I’ve always felt repelled by the “blood, sweat, and tears” types of writing books—the kinds that essentially suggest that if you aren’t going hard every day on your writing, you might as well give up. Conversely, Kristen guides her fellow writers on how to set reasonable, achievable goals that will help avoid burnout, frustration, and quitting.
Also, Kieffer’s chapters (I’m sure every chapter) have some sort of activity or list of questions to answer. I read most of this on a plane, so I’ll need to go back to some sections to answer the questions on my phone or in a Word doc. Her questions are very meaningful and helpful to help you understand where you’re stuck and where you’re succeeding.
Whether you’re new or veteran to writing and publishing, there is something to learn from Kieffer. She provides enough information that makes sense and feels doable to everyone. As someone who has experienced multiple bouts of writer burnout, I found some solace in the pages.
If you get the ebook, just know that you need someplace to take notes. If not, you’ll need the print version so you can bookmark, underline, etc. There’s so much in this book. It’s not just a bunch of blog posts; these are steps to set good writing habits and get your book out there. I’m confident that if you have a pain point concerning the author’s life, you’ll likely find an answer or closure in Kieffer’s book.
Also, Kieffer’s chapters (I’m sure every chapter) have some sort of activity or list of questions to answer. I read most of this on a plane, so I’ll need to go back to some sections to answer the questions on my phone or in a Word doc. Her questions are very meaningful and helpful to help you understand where you’re stuck and where you’re succeeding.
Whether you’re new or veteran to writing and publishing, there is something to learn from Kieffer. She provides enough information that makes sense and feels doable to everyone. As someone who has experienced multiple bouts of writer burnout, I found some solace in the pages.
If you get the ebook, just know that you need someplace to take notes. If not, you’ll need the print version so you can bookmark, underline, etc. There’s so much in this book. It’s not just a bunch of blog posts; these are steps to set good writing habits and get your book out there. I’m confident that if you have a pain point concerning the author’s life, you’ll likely find an answer or closure in Kieffer’s book.
_chelseawrites's review against another edition
5.0
There are some writing books that don't just teach you about writing; they widen your perspective about life and infuse your creativity with a sense of purpose. This is one of those books. I loved it and found it so useful. Especially as I began to plan out where I want my author platform and writing life to go, this was my guidebook.
anidharker's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
As someone who is terrible with baby steps and often in denial during self-reflection exercises, this is exactly the kind of advice book I needed in my life. I needed my action steps spoon-fed and Kristen delivered.
anidharker's review against another edition
5.0
As someone who is terrible with baby steps and often in denial during self-reflection exercises, this is exactly the kind of advice book I needed in my life. I needed my action steps spoon-fed and Kristen delivered.
anatoli's review against another edition
5.0
The title ‘Build Your Best Writing Life’ is certainly relevant for this book. It represents a journey, from starting with remedies for the symptoms of creative skepticism and procrastination, through the discovery of what drives your writing, and finally to making the goals and a road-map to achieve personal success. The word ‘build’ in the title is the key. A foundation for writing is prepared, and each subsequent chapter adds information to construct the mindset and decision one needs to make to be successful.
Personally, I learned many of the early lessons the hard way. The middle of the book provided me with direction and solidified my understanding of my potential, and the final chapters have given me the ideas for the goals I want to pursue. I discovered much newfound self-awareness by doing the exercises. An excellent resource for both a new and seasoned writer. Five of five on Goodreads.
Personally, I learned many of the early lessons the hard way. The middle of the book provided me with direction and solidified my understanding of my potential, and the final chapters have given me the ideas for the goals I want to pursue. I discovered much newfound self-awareness by doing the exercises. An excellent resource for both a new and seasoned writer. Five of five on Goodreads.