Customer Reviews

The Writer's Survival Guide

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Most writing books try to be heavy on practical stuff--these three steps to pull yourself out of a funk. These five steps to bolster your confidence. Try one of these six things when you're suffering from writer's block. In contrast, "The Writer's Survival Guide" is rather "soft," or abstract. Yet this in no way prevents it from being helpful!

This book covers issues I haven't seen dealt with anywhere else. Where else can you find out how your friends are likely to react--good and bad--when you get your book published, and how to cope with that? If writing is still a roller coaster ride for you, rife with depressions and difficulties and confusions, then you owe it to yourself to read a copy of this book. If you still aren't sure whether you want to be a writer, or under what terms (full time? Weekends? The occasional weeknight?), then this book should be able to help you find your answer.

The writing is rich and evocative; it would be difficult to read it and not connect with what the author is telling you. Abstract concepts are conveyed in ways that apply to your everyday life and work. Ms. Simon provides interesting and surprising insights into our feelings and actions. She also takes into account both the heavily dedicated die-hard writers, and the "weekend warriors"--something that few writers do. The book is presented in a conversational and friendly tone that makes it easy for you to absorb its lessons.

So if you're still debating whether or not to be a writer; if you aren't sure how to handle the emotional rollercoaster that writing can be; or if you're having problems sitting down to write, this book could help. If you aren't sure what sort of education you need to be a writer; if you don't even know where to start; if you aren't sure how to handle criticism; or you think you've contracted that ill known as "writer's block"--this book might help. If you worry about rejection slips and wonder what success would be like, Ms. Simon can fill you in on the details.

I feel as though I should walk out on the street, find an aspiring writer, hand them my copy of the book, and make sure they read it. Right now.

I found this title at the bookstore and felt I must have it. My instincts were correct. As a new writer, I have all these issues to deal with, issues I probably wouldn't have if I had never written a story, such as insecurity, worry about someone stealing your story, finding time and place to write, etc. Her book is definitely easy-reading and affirming. Reading this book was like having a mentor, guiding me through the walks of the writer's life. I highly recommend this to all novice writers.

The Writer's Survival Guide fills a much-needed gap in the marketplace. Inspiring and comprehensive, it details every aspect of the writing life - emotional, creative, practical and professional. What's more, it provides effective solutions to many of the difficulties writers encounter. On top of all that, it's an entertaining and absorbing read - humorous, poignant and universal in its treatment of the subject matter. It is a book every writer should have in his or her library. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

From page one, Rachel Simon's The Writer's Survival Guide has an inspiration in my daily writing routine. It truly is amazing how one quick fix of a sentence or paragraph sparks my imagination hurrying me onward to my next creative thought. This book is a must for every serious writer.

Finally, a book about the psychological barriers which writers create and attempt to overcome in the holy pursuit of the word. A great instructive and inspirational book for novice writers.

An excellent book full of tips, commonsense and reassurance. At times reading it is like talking to a Dutch Uncle. I highly recommend it. Ms Simon touches all the highs and lows a beginning or even experienced writer has undergone. Get it, read it, savour and recommend it.