Reader Response
It's great and very true. Persistence, yeah! I read it as soon as I got it and have already lent it out.
Seattle, WA
There's a lot that's valuable in this book, but what pleases most about the book is its tone of hopefulness. As a writer, I don't feel him trying to sell me on hope. I hear him really talking to me in a hopeful way. His tone as much as his information convinces me sticking with writing is worth it. I look forward to using the book in classes and to recommending to others in my work as a writing coach.
San Francisco, CA
It was just what I needed, for the last few years have been very frustrating. The stories in your book about the writers and what they went through helps me remember I am not alone.
Saco, ME
This book is like my Bible. It is so well written. Just what I needed!
San Francisco, CA
I am quoting from it in class these days. We all need necessary HOPE.
Dayton, OH
The writing is smooth, lively and clear, the punchlines are zingers, the stories are hopeful and it's fascinating.
San Diego, CA
You could make trout fishing interesting!
Philadelphia, PA
I promptly bought [The Writer’s Book of Hope] to share with my writers' group. We read excerpts before each meeting as the publishing world can seem very far removed from frigid Butte …
Butte, MT
The Writer's Book of Hope gave my spirits a boost. It's honest and realistic and hopeful . . .which is why I've been recommending it to all my writer friends.
Kenmore, WA
I have just finished reading your latest book, and wanted to tell you how much it has helped me put things into perspective. There has never been any doubt in my mind that I want to write - and whether or not I ever enjoy any kind of commercial success that I'll continue writing for as long as I can, it's my single greatest pleasure in life. Just knowing that many of the authors you talk about in the book have experienced the same sense of insecurity, uncertainty and frustration is, as you said, a great sense of hope. I've just added your book to the recommendation page on my website, the first book I've added. Once again, I loved the book and the next time I get a case of AFD Syndrome, I'll reach for The Writer's Book of Hope to chase it away.
Brisbane, Australia
I finished my umpteenth revision of a novel in June of last year and I received a contract from a New York agent but since then not much has happened. For the past several months I have been hard at work on my next effort and, though it is going well, the last couple of weeks I have been in such a slump about it - just thinking "who am I kidding - get a real job". Then I was at the library and I saw your book, The Writer's Book of Hope. Thank you SO much. It really was just the lift I needed and, despite my trepidation, I shall persist.
Gloucester, MA
Thank you so much for your recent book The Writer's Book of Hope. I am an MFA student and will graduate in May. By reading your book, I've been able to find inner peace with my writing and the joy of the process. Please continue to help us all keep hope alive.
Louisville, KY
I could not put your book down. Every chapter was exactly what I needed to hear. ... I called my friend (a fellow writer) and told her about your book and I told her she had to drop whatever she was doing and buy your book. I said I can't let her borrow my copy because I plan to read it again so that the lessons sink in. ... Again, thank you for a great, useful, inspiring book.
Oakland, CA
For months, I have been slowly crushed by the weight of my anxiety of writing my first book. I have published my words before, locally and nationally, in respected and well-known places that people recognize and read. But those words represented other people's thoughts and concerns, and for me, the glory of a byline. This book, however, is something I truly care about - a matter far different than just 'byline'. I will be referring to The Writer's Book of Hope frequently ... For the first time in nearly seven months, I feel like I have some inner control over this writing project and have actually begun working on it (just a bit) again. What relief! What hope!
Columbus, OH
The Writer's Book of Hope is fundamentally different from & better than - others of its genre. It really gets to the heart of the matter, don't deny its demoralizing force, yet see a clear way out of the morass. The lists of famous writers who were rejected - & in some cases, insulted - by publishers & editors is balm to the weary.
Sydney, Australia
I recently read The Writer's Book of Hope, and found it inspiring, encouraging and insightfully helpful. I wanted to thank you for your words and your willingness to share them with the world.
Washington, DC
Thank you so much for writing The Writer's Book of Hope. I found it when I especially needed it, frustrated by being close to publication but experiencing rejection for some ridiculous reasons. I am so grateful for your encouragement to keep slogging on.
Eatonville, WA
I just wanted to tell you how wonderful I think this book is and how helpful it's going to be to me. I was relieved to know that I'm not some evil whack job that takes on a whole different persona when I'm writing and I was grateful for the information on the pub people. I loved your book. It was very smart, humorous and a wealth of information.
Olathe, KS
Thank you for your wonderful book The Writer's Book of Hope. Most helpful indeed. I have several friends who are writers and I purchased copies for them, too. Your words are most helpful and encouraging. You made me smile and helped me keep going when I felt a bit otherwise.
Phoenixville, PA
It gave me encouragement. I think you reached a good balance between not giving false hope but also giving hope for writers to pursue their dreams.
Dayton, OH
The Writer's Book of Hope is by far the most important book on writing that I've ever read.
Naperville, IL
I chanced upon The Writer’s Book of Hope early this year. Unlike other similar books I had read which I never finished because I found them simplistic and even self-indulgent, I savored your work from start to finish. In fact, it has encouraged me to send out new proposals to more agents
Manila, The Phillipines
Thank you so much for writing both The Courage to Write and The Writer's Book of Hope. I've just recently made the move to a full-time writer, and your books have helped make the transition easier as I battle the anxiety and frustration that accompany the writer's life. Your books will remain on my bookshelf forever.
Pittsburgh, PA
Finding your book came in the nick of time. Reading the many examples of yourself and other writers going through the same struggles I'm going through really made me feel better about my own situation. I was very glad to find that in addition to examples that gave one hope, your book contained a ton of very practical advice. (I found your advice on why literary agents respond to the query letters they get to be very helpful.) You definitely did your homework when it came to researching other writer's experiences. I've been writing about how much I like your book on my blog.
Flint, MI
I ADORE The Writer's Book of Hope. I have returned to it many times over the past couple years in the course of writing and publishing my first book I teach aspiring writers and often quote from the book and recommend it. I especially like the chapter on the NY "Publishing Tribe."
Cincinnati, OH
I just wanted to thank you for The Writer's Book of Hope. I've never liked the idea of books about writing but I skimmed through this and bought it immediately afterward. It's by far the most helpful and inspiring cluster of words I've read yet (and I've read it twice so far). Your book really helped me take a step away from the desk for a small period and really look at why I was doing what I was doing and feel better about it all the way around. I've been plugging both Courage and Hope to everyone I know who writes for both desire and need. There's no doubt it'll be as helpful to them as it was to me. I wouldn't be surprised to see your name show up in the acknowledgments from a lucky new writer or two in the time to come.
Kalkaska, MI
Thank you for The Writer's Book of Hope. It came to me as a gift from my husband, after I quit my job to write full time. Your book helped me not only have hope, but made me feel as if my decision was not so crazy after all. And, I'm enjoying myself!! Sometimes I pick up your book, open it randomly, and read a paragraph or two. I always get something from it.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Thanks for your book offering HOPE for writers.
Savannah, GA
I just wanted to thank you for The Writer's Book of Hope. I really needed to read this book right now. It really helps to know that all writers go through this trying, maddening stuff that I keep thinking is just reserved for me. But reading about some of my heroes feeling the same way I do makes it more bearable. You've done a lot of struggling writers a great service with this book
Calgary, Alberta
I wanted to take a few minutes to say "thank you" for The Writer's Book of Hope. I read it last week in just over two day's time and found it to be by far the truest book on what a writer experiences that I have ever come across. Thank you for your insight on the value of persistence and for the glimmer of hope.
Springfield, OH
I checked out your book, The Writer's Book of Hope at the American Library in Paris yesterday. I devoured it in one night. Your book has given me the impetus, the will, to continue. I'm rushing out to buy it as well as The Courage to Write. That way, I can underline the many passages that speak to me. Many, many thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom.
Paris, France
I have just finished reading The Writer's Book of Hope. Your writing is very inspirational for me. Your words are so encouraging I selected many sentences and phrases and printed them on 8" x 2 1/2" table tents. There is a different phrase on each side. I have placed them in a variety of places all over the house. In this way through your book, you have become a daily encourager.
Minneapolis, MN
Thanks so much for writing The Courage to Write and The Writer's Book of Hope. I was at a point in my career where I felt my latest baby...I mean novel...was ready to send out into the world. I just couldn't seem to polish it up and get it out. I thought I was seriously crazy, until I happened onto Hope at my local library. I read it, then went looking for Courage After one chapter of that, I decided I had to own both books. I think I might just be able to send my creation out into the world thanks to you. Many heartfelt thanks
Chattanooga, TN
I was at a point in my career where I felt my latest baby...I mean novel...was ready to send out into the world. I just couldn't seem to polish it up and get it out. I thought I was seriously crazy, until I happened onto The Writer's Book of Hope at my local library. I read it, then went looking for The Courage to Write. After one chapter of that, I decided I had to own both books. I think I might just be able to send my creation out into the world ...
I just read The Writer's Book of Hope and it left me feeling...well...hopeful. Thanks for taking the time to write it and to be an Encourager. I appreciated many of the tales and have many post-it notes of quotes to encourage me in my daily writing.
The book has indeed offered hope. I only thought that editors or agents didn't like a book based on its merits, but that has been proven wrong. I don't have that much talent, but now I shall pour on the determination and see how far that gets me.
I just finished reading The Writer's Book Of Hope and it has inspired me to no end. I do not know what is going to happen tomorrow, but today I am going to write, because "writers write."