Tag: books on writing

Book Review: V is for Vulnerable

Post author By Peter Lyle DeHaan
Post date February 22, 2013

By Seth Godin and illustrated by Hugh MacLeod (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Self-proclaimed as “an ABC for grownups,” Seth Godin’s book V is for Vulnerable may look like a kids picture book, but it’s really a creative package to encourage adults “to see the world differently.” In it, Godin shares simple truths to help readers stretch themselves, becoming more of who they were made to be.

V is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone: An ABC for Grownups

In addition to learning that “V is for Vulnerable,” Seth teaches that “Effort isn’t the point, the impact is,” and that “Heroes are people who take risks for the right reasons,” along with 23 other alphabetically ordered insights.

Creatively illustrated by Hugh MacLeod, a clever drawing reinforces each of Seth’s 26 points. These pictures serve to both enlighten and to entertain, adding substance and depth to Godin’s concise coaching.

Buy a copy of V is for Vulnerable: Life Outside the Comfort Zone for yourself and another one to give to a friend (that’s what I did). Read it today and then reread it each year to refresh its message. I know I will; it’s that important.

(The text of this book, sans pictures, is also included in Appendix 2 of Godin’s book The Icarus Deception.)

Book Review: How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

Post author By Peter Lyle DeHaan
Post date February 15, 2013

How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing (A Field Guide for Authors)

By Rachelle Gardner (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

In How Do I Decide? Rachelle Gardner gives an unbiased explanation of the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. She starts with a brief review of how publishing has changed in the past 15 years, followed by a summary of the basic tenets as publishing currently stands and then into an exposé of the emerging self-publishing option.

Book Review: How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

As the chapters unfold, Rachelle shares the strengths and weaknesses of both publishing opportunities, connecting them with the personal strengths and weaknesses, the individual likes and dislikes of each writer who is weighing these options. In doing so, Gardner does not attempt to steer readers towards one conclusion over the other but gives an open-minded presentation of each in a balanced manner.

After explaining both options, Rachelle unveils a detailed checklist to guide readers in selecting the publishing option that best matches their personality, experience, goals, and strengths. The book concludes with a valuable resource list that covers all aspects of book publishing.

Having followed this discussion for several years—and as someone who is simultaneously exploring both options—this concise book is the best resource I’ve seen. I highly recommend it as a starting point for any writer seeking publication, as well as published authors wishing to better navigate the rapidly changing path of book publication.

[How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing (A Field Guide for Authors), by Rachelle Gardner. Published by RL Gardner Publishing, 2012, ASIN: B00B4JRNN8, Kindle; $3.99]

Book Review: Every Writer Needs a Tribe

Post author By Peter Lyle DeHaan
Post date November 2, 2012

Every Writer Needs a Tribe: A Practical Guide to Finding (and Writing For) Your Audience

By Jeff Goins (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Every Writer Needs a Tribe is essential to book for all writers who desire others to read their work. Merely writing a great book is not enough. A writer needs a platform, an audience, a tribe of followers who connect with the writer, understand his or her focus, and are predisposed to read the writer’s work.

Jeff Goins shares how to realize this objective. As promised, it is indeed “a practical guide to finding and writing for your audience.” This is not a theoretical pursuit, but a real world process that is achievable. Jeff explains how he built his tribe, instructing how other writers can do the same thing.

Every Writer Needs a Tribe is a short e-book. It is quick to read and packed full of useful instructions. Containing twenty-three concise chapters, it moves writers through a basic understanding of the need for a platform and the importance of a tribe. At times counter-intuitive, Jeff shares his experience in a straightforward manner that is easy to follow.

Along the way, Jeff shares practical advice about getting permission, building a list, focusing your writing, blogging, writing with a purpose, and many more topics relevant to writers.

Every Writer Needs a Tribe is an essential tool for everyone who wants to be a writer and every writer who wants more readers.

[Every Writer Needs a Tribe: A Practical Guide to Finding (and Writing For) Your Audience, by Jeff Goins. Published by Sterling & Stone, 2012, ASIN: B0086X5Z80, Kindle.]

Book Review: Unleash the Writer Within

Post author By Peter Lyle DeHaan
Post date July 13, 2012

Unleash the Writer Within The Essential Writers’ Companion

By Cecil Murphey (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Unleash the Writer Within is an introspective exposé of what it takes to be an effective writer. This book is not about the technical side of writing but instead the psychological aspects behind being a writer.

Penned by prolific and world-renowned author Cecil (Cec) Murphey, Unleash the Writer Within contains the personal insights of someone who truly knows the challenges of being a writer and has survived to talk about it.

Cec uses personal stories to add substance to his observations, proving his words are not theory but real-world tested and readily applicable. His style is transparent and vulnerable, drawing readers in and connecting on a personal level.

Cecil begins with a forthright discussion on “Why do you write?” He doesn’t desire the safe answer or the expected response but, the real reason, the honest reason of why we write. In doing so, he exposes his inner self for the enlightenment of readers, thereby setting the tone for the rest of the book.

Along the way he addresses important topics such as our inner critic and finding our voice. He touches on dealing with writer’s block and knowing when to step out of our comfort zone, as well as the dangers of comparing ourselves to others, be they more accomplished than us or less so.

He ends by saying, when you’ve done the best you can do, it’s time to let go; don’t hold on to it forever (but don’t release it too soon either).

Among the book’s back matter is a discerning list of 27 “Aphorisms for Writers,” one for each chapter of the book.

Just as the subtitle promises, Cecil Murphey’s Unleash the Writer Within is truly “the essential writers’ companion.” If you are a writer (or seek to write) this book is essential for you.

[Unleash the Writer Within: The Essential Writers’ Companion, by Cecil Murphey. Published by OakTara Publishers, 2011; ISBN 978-1-60290-307-4; 151 pages.]

Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.

Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.

Tags authors, books on writing, reviews