Not so much a guide as an encouragement. Often, I feel these “on writing” books from authors are directive, but lack the story of how they came upon such direction. This one not only answers questions, but gives writers ideas on things they should be asking—their characters AND themselves.

I have drawn from my memory since I started writing, so perhaps this hits a bit closer to home for me than most. But it’s lines like “Sense of self comes from meetings with the mirror” (pg 59) that make me consider my character’s voice (how they take to themselves, how they let people talk to them). And “Do not  ignore the failure in your story” (pg 66) that reminds me to keep going when I feel like every word is crap. And the line “Get your heart dirty” (pg 151) reminds me why I started writing in the first place.

Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be told what to do and how to do it. But other times, it’s better to be inspired. This book is that for me.

(Yes, I know my citations are not formatted correct, my dear MLA Format Police. Will I fix it? Nope.)