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A review by bran_the_writer
Shut Up and Write the Book: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Novel From Plan to Print by Jenna Moreci
5.0
So, I received an E-Arc for this to give an honest review. Below are my thoughts.
I'm writing this review as someone who has previously planned, outlined and completed a manuscript following most, if not all, of Jenna's advice. This is the first "on writing" book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to actually complete a book. It's helpful, full of personality and most of all, Jenna wrote this in a way that feels like she's rooting for you to get the job done- even if you're not rooting for yourself!
As I've said, I'm a fan of Jenna's YouTube content, so when I heard she was literally "writing the book" on the subjects she covers, I knew what to expect. Jenna did not disappoint. Her usual wit, clever analogies, sarcasm and helpful anecdotes are all here with a heap of her usual snark(which I treasure). As is her style, Jenna lays out the hard truths, so if you like that, you'll love this.
Another thing I appreciate about this is that the author zeroes in on her points and stays there. I didn't have to sit through a long-drawn-out intro or wandering passages about her past and pontification on her career. She knows what you're there for and she sticks to the point. She's got stuff to do, and you've got a book to write. She even goes so far as to leave you breadcrumbs to follow for more tips/research on writing if you'd like, but she clearly had a goal in writing this: To provide readers with actionable information and not waste our time. I love that.
The formatting of this book is also very reference friendly. I found the way the author divided and organized everything she had to say was not only helpful, but easy to jump back to. When I get my hands on a physical copy, I'm looking forward to highlighting and marking this book up like a subway- it'll be like having saved clips from Jenna's YouTube channel- but with no ads.
You might see the terms "snark' or "sarcasm" or "hard truths" and assume Jenna might be dismissive of your journey in this book- don't worry, it's never that. As a matter of fact, reading this gave me more confidence in writing than a lot of other help books out there (at this point that's par for the course, but whatever). Jenna's very considerate of *your* place in *your* writing journey. She's here to help, not judge. In other words, this author's not the patronizing theater senior looking down on the freshman as a baby who can't keep up. She's pulling you out in the hall with to run your lines with a little tough love and an occasional flick to forehead for motivation.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for what it's meant to be and how it accomplishes that. It's a perfect tool to keep handy and get some enjoyment out of. it's humorous, informative, and leaves you with everything you need to shut up and write your book.
I'm writing this review as someone who has previously planned, outlined and completed a manuscript following most, if not all, of Jenna's advice. This is the first "on writing" book I'd recommend to anyone who wants to actually complete a book. It's helpful, full of personality and most of all, Jenna wrote this in a way that feels like she's rooting for you to get the job done- even if you're not rooting for yourself!
As I've said, I'm a fan of Jenna's YouTube content, so when I heard she was literally "writing the book" on the subjects she covers, I knew what to expect. Jenna did not disappoint. Her usual wit, clever analogies, sarcasm and helpful anecdotes are all here with a heap of her usual snark(which I treasure). As is her style, Jenna lays out the hard truths, so if you like that, you'll love this.
Another thing I appreciate about this is that the author zeroes in on her points and stays there. I didn't have to sit through a long-drawn-out intro or wandering passages about her past and pontification on her career. She knows what you're there for and she sticks to the point. She's got stuff to do, and you've got a book to write. She even goes so far as to leave you breadcrumbs to follow for more tips/research on writing if you'd like, but she clearly had a goal in writing this: To provide readers with actionable information and not waste our time. I love that.
The formatting of this book is also very reference friendly. I found the way the author divided and organized everything she had to say was not only helpful, but easy to jump back to. When I get my hands on a physical copy, I'm looking forward to highlighting and marking this book up like a subway- it'll be like having saved clips from Jenna's YouTube channel- but with no ads.
You might see the terms "snark' or "sarcasm" or "hard truths" and assume Jenna might be dismissive of your journey in this book- don't worry, it's never that. As a matter of fact, reading this gave me more confidence in writing than a lot of other help books out there (at this point that's par for the course, but whatever). Jenna's very considerate of *your* place in *your* writing journey. She's here to help, not judge. In other words, this author's not the patronizing theater senior looking down on the freshman as a baby who can't keep up. She's pulling you out in the hall with to run your lines with a little tough love and an occasional flick to forehead for motivation.
I'm giving this book 5 stars for what it's meant to be and how it accomplishes that. It's a perfect tool to keep handy and get some enjoyment out of. it's humorous, informative, and leaves you with everything you need to shut up and write your book.