I have numerous flags and tabs marking passages that resonated with me as I read this. I think it is a helpful book, and one that was a little inspiring and motivational too. Now I just have to see if some of the tips and tricks end up working for me.

Lots and lots of good advice in this book for beginners and seasoned writers alike — for any author who’s been plagued with fear, worry, or anxiety about their writing, for anyone having trouble with getting started, getting finished, procrastinating, blocking, or hitting the wall. The book contains a lot of concrete and practical strategies for getting past the roadblocks and for feeling better about oneself in the process. I highlighted a lot! I read this immediately after hearing Ssrah Painter interviewed on Joanna Penn’s “The Creative Penn” podcast. I’m not even sure exactly what kind of fiction Sarah Painter writes, but this book is extremely well done.

Not much new here but it was inspirational and that was just what I needed.

This book only took me a few days to read, but I intend to use it very much in the future when I hit a rut (and I encourage every other worried writer to do the same!). Writing advice books are plentiful, but few resonate with me, and most are simply a time-suck. My issues with writing have always been boiled down to a lack of confidence -- not a lack of willpower or want. I always want my first draft to spill out of me, effortless and pristine, and instantly become discouraged when my writing is not as good as [insert amazing author here]. I often fear that the thing I am creating will be such a piece of trash once it's finished that it will have been a total waste of time. This book is wonderful in that it helps you realize that all writing, whether usable or not, is still practice, and that practice eventually leads to a finished draft, and that draft can be fixed. Other helpful topics include writing habits, scheduling time to write, and remembering that this process is a very long one, and we must be patient with ourselves.

Also, if you like to binge on books like these, the author has included a helpful list of further reading. I'd like to add another to that list: Become a Fearless Writer by Nina Harrington. I think when read in conjunction, the combination could be powerful.

Short and to the point with some pretty solid advice. Will work with these and see how it goes

This was a quick read, with enjoyably short chapters that stayed focused and offered actionable, good advice.

There’s a mix of practical advice for the person who is already writing and wants to be more efficient at it, and advice for the person who has trouble finding the time, or getting over the fear, or setting writing goals, etc.

I fall more into the second category than the first, since I have so many fears associated with actually sitting down and writing. I put off writing this book review for ages, because sometimes depression and anxiety like to team up and convince me that the world would be a better place without my attempts at writing. It’s a very “tortured artist” kind of mentality and I fully admit that. I’m not terribly embarrassed by it, though, because creativity is hard, and I’m vulnerable in my writing, and sometimes it takes time and practice and self-care to be able to open up and write.

Sarah Painter’s advice is excellent for getting unstuck, and helps keep your motivation up when you feel like life is getting in the way. I’d recommend this book to any writer who is struggling to keep their writing momentum going, who is looking for a mix of inspiration and actionable steps.

This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com

This was a quick read, with enjoyably short chapters that stayed focused and offered actionable, good advice.

There’s a mix of practical advice for the person who is already writing and wants to be more efficient at it, and advice for the person who has trouble finding the time, or getting over the fear, or setting writing goals, etc.

I fall more into the second category than the first, since I have so many fears associated with actually sitting down and writing. I put off writing this book review for ages, because sometimes depression and anxiety like to team up and convince me that the world would be a better place without my attempts at writing. It’s a very “tortured artist” kind of mentality and I fully admit that. I’m not terribly embarrassed by it, though, because creativity is hard, and I’m vulnerable in my writing, and sometimes it takes time and practice and self-care to be able to open up and write.

Sarah Painter’s advice is excellent for getting unstuck, and helps keep your motivation up when you feel like life is getting in the way. I’d recommend this book to any writer who is struggling to keep their writing momentum going, who is looking for a mix of inspiration and actionable steps.

This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com