Is there a gap between where you are and where you want to be in your writing life?Maybe you have a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts or a story idea you’re struggling to develop. Maybe you’re frustrated with your writing progress or overwhelmed by creative doubt, burnout, or writer’s block. Maybe you just can’t seem to sit down and write.No matter the roadblock standing between you and … between you and writing success, here’s the good news: You’re capable of becoming the writer you want to be—and that work can begin today. In this actionable and empowering guide to personal writing success, Kristen Kieffer shares 25 insightful chapters designed to help you:
• Cultivate confidence in your skills and stories
• Develop a personal writing habit you can actually sustain
• Improve your writing ability with tools for intentional growth
• Discover what you (really) want from your writing life—and how to get it!
By the end of Build Your Best Writing Life, you’ll know how to harness the simple techniques that can help you win your inner creative battles, finish projects you can be proud to share with the world, and work with focus to turn your writing dreams into reality.
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I recommend this, especially for beginning writers or writers struggling to finish their projects. Though there were a few worldview things I didn’t agree with – including a couple of swear words – overall, it was freeing and helpful.
I especially like the practical activities to do at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend not skimming through quickly or in a line at the checkout where you don’t have access to your journal. The helpfulness, which to me is the main goal and achievement if this book, is only reached when you take your time to work through almost every chapter and every question, applying to yourself. Even if you’ve begun your writer’s journey and already have the publishing and marketing systems in place like I do, it’s still a good idea to reevaluate and see if something isn’t working.
One main idea I disagreed with: while I agree that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to other authors, especially to the successful ones, there are things that I believe very strongly should not be in Christian fiction, and therefore, this statement is incorrect: “The comparison trap is a deadly creative roadblock because it’s built on the belief that there is a ‘right’ way to be a writer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Creativity is creativity precisely because it results from originality and innovation. There is no best story, writing style, publishing path, or creative process.” I do believe that there are some “wrong ways” to be a writer; therefore, there is at least one “right way” to be one.
Another minor disagreement: “If writing energizes you, then write.” Though she goes on to qualify it, this statement could be used as an excuse to abandon any project as soon as it gets too hard. Just because I don’t feel like putting in the work on a draining project doesn’t mean I can quit – and this applies to relationships and commitments as well as to writing projects. I am glad she came back and pointed out that there will also be resistance (which is not the sentient being the author described in chapter 4) and hard work in writing. There are ways to move past it and work out the root problems of your block. But what if you’re no longer excited about your project? Should you abandon it? Not necessarily – take a break, yes. Abandon or quit completely? Not usually.
Favorite quotes (I highlighted about 73 passages! Here is just a sample):
“’The problem is that bad writers tend to have the self-confidence,’” said Charles Bukowski … “’while the good ones tend to have self-doubt.’” The reason for this lies in the nature of doubt, which highlights areas of uncertainty. Bad writers rarely feel uncertain. They believe their work is beyond reproach and therefore entitled to praise from readers, critics, and industry professionals. But no writer should aspire to confidence born out of arrogance. Good writers are good writers because they heed their doubts. Uncertainty breeds humility, and with a healthy creative mindset, humility allows good writers to view their doubts as opportunities for growth.” (p. 15-16)
“Building your best writing life isn’t easy. But if you commit to putting in the time and effort necessary to become the writer you want to be, you will become that writer.”
“The healthiest response to doubt is action.”
“…doubts are essential to growth. Without them, you wouldn’t question the quality of your work or seek to improve your writing and storytelling skills.” It sounds like humility to me.
“An imperfect story is always more enjoyable than one that is never finished.”
“The trouble with inspiration is that it’s the sugar high of creative energy. Tasting the power that comes from crafting something out of nothing can be an addictive experience, but inspiration strikes hard and then retreats, leading to a crash in creative energy.”
“Your time isn’t captive. You are its master – and only you get to decide how to spend it.”
“All progress is good progress.”
“Writing isn’t a competition, and neither is publishing. Rather, writing is a marathon of the mind.”
(I received this book for free from the author. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was my decision to write a review.)