Good stories, good advice. ( )

New York Times bestselling author and British Academy Award nominee J. Michael Straczynski has spent a lifetime going through the steps from wanting to write, to being successful and how to stay there; Given his list o f writing accomplishments I knew if anyone was going to write a book like this, he'd be one to pull it off. I'm happy to report that I was correct in that assumption.

I have read many many writing books and articles and this is a breath of fresh air from the usual run of the mill instruction manual on how to write. He offers up his own experience with what works, what doesn't work, how to handle failure, how to decide your priorities etc. There is some very valuable tips in these pages. I do wish it was a little less redundant but given the wealth of knowledge Straczynski gifted his readers I can over look that.

Highly recommended for anyone who has even thought of trying to write, whether it be novels, poetry, screenplays or blog posts, you'll find useful hints that will open your eyes and make you feel more confident.

3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4 in the interest of fairness to the greatness of the book.

I was provided an advance e-copy from netgalley and publishers in exchange for my unfiltered opinion. All thoughts are mine and not influenced by anything other than myself. ( )

I received an early copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I've read many writing books. Straczynski's new release approaches the subject of writing from a fresh angle: his own life, with his diverse experience in Hollywood and in publishing, as he discusses the tenacity and work necessary to "make it" within the industries--and then how to hang after that. His tone is easy and conversational, and the book is a fast read.

I've adored the man since I was a Babylon 5 fan as a teenager, and this book increased my esteem for him even more. As a writer myself, one who is definitely at the "trying to hang on" stage, this book felt both timely and personal. Straczynski gets it. Even with all his success, he's still working hard because he loves what he does, as challenging as it is at times.

He begins with a Stephen King quote that I hadn't seen before: "In the end, you don't even do it [writing] for love, although it would be nice to think so. You do it because to not do it is suicide."

That sets the tone for the book. Everything here is for people who NEED to write, even though it's hard, enough though life and rejection grind you down. Even more: even when writers grind down themselves. As he notes, "A writing career can survive rejection, ridicule, starvation, and loneliness, but fear or complacency will kill it every time."

He doesn't claim to possess any shortcuts or special methods. He actually, with exasperation, describes people he's dealt with time and again who insist otherwise. When it comes down to it, the book is about tenacity and hard work. Other writing books address that, sure, but Straczynski's words really resonated with me. This is the kind of volume I think I'll reference again in the future when I need his honest outlook to motivate me. ( )