cdlindwall's review against another edition
5.0
Compared to going to Columbia, I saved myself $99,985 with this book. What a bargain!
But truly, some pretty solid advice for creating a fully fledged writing life on one's own. One of my fav writing books I've read this year. It's more about organizing a productive and fruitful writing life, which is what I struggle with the most.
But truly, some pretty solid advice for creating a fully fledged writing life on one's own. One of my fav writing books I've read this year. It's more about organizing a productive and fruitful writing life, which is what I struggle with the most.
rosetyper9's review against another edition
5.0
This is the writing book I've always wanted but never knew I needed. It goes into fantastic detail on how to make your own writing process better. I loved each section: writing, reading, and community. I will be referring back to this book often and will re-read it over and over.
dmturner's review against another edition
4.0
I picked DIYMFA up at the 2016 Writer's Digest Conference in New York, and got to hear the author talk as well. She is sincere, hard-working, and very supportive, and she has nurtured a strong community.
The book is a very readable, thorough, comprehensive (at times intimidatingly) reference for writers, full of common sense, good rules-of-thumb, and useful acronyms. I worked my way through it taking notes and am now reviewing my notes. I would say it is most useful for novelists (literary types and/or genre writers). It's not elegantly written, unlike a number of others I've read, but then the goal was not to impress readers but to provide help. Like any good writing book, it's as useful as you make it. It would be a good acquisition for any writer who is prepared to spend some time with it.
The book is a very readable, thorough, comprehensive (at times intimidatingly) reference for writers, full of common sense, good rules-of-thumb, and useful acronyms. I worked my way through it taking notes and am now reviewing my notes. I would say it is most useful for novelists (literary types and/or genre writers). It's not elegantly written, unlike a number of others I've read, but then the goal was not to impress readers but to provide help. Like any good writing book, it's as useful as you make it. It would be a good acquisition for any writer who is prepared to spend some time with it.
browneyesblue84's review against another edition
5.0
This book gives encouragement and the nudge that you need to write. I made myself read it because I stopped myself from writing. I felt like my work was terrible. No matter how hard I tried it was not good enough. Yes, I can say that I wanted to give up. The reality is that I could not. It’s in my blood and under my skin. I am a writer and have always been one. The author is a professor at The New School University. She did an awesome job with this book. I am back on my grind so to speak. It’s time to dust off the old manuscript and try again.
adambwriter's review against another edition
5.0
Helpful, fun, engaging. More thoughts to be posted soon at Roof Beam Reader.
mr_mouse's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Really excellent for someone early in their writing journey to about two books in. Highly recommended.
jwdonley's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best book I've yet read on writing. It addresses not only the process of writing, but also provides structure to how to approach reading as a writer and how to build/maintain a community of both readers and other writers. I can see myself returning to this book for guidance for years to come.