Writing isn't easy. There aren't any shortcuts. There's no right way to write a novel.
But there are wrong ways, not to mention mistakes that we all make as we're starting out. I can't speak for Jane, but I can tell you that I just read a craft book that would have saved me quite a bit of time had I had it in my hands when I first got serious about writing.
Beth Revis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe series. She's also one of the smartest, savviest marketers I know, so when she wrote a book of writing advice, I looked forward to reading it about the way I look forward to a good creme brûlée. Which is to say, a lot. I know Beth wasn't going to tell people the only way to write a book, because she'll be the first person to tell you that the way to write a book is your way. I also knew that she would be brutally honest, and I knew that in addition to a trilogy with a major publisher that debuted on the New York Times list, she has indie-dubbed, and also written something in the vicinity of ten books she didn't sell. She knows of which she speaks.
PAPER HEARTS: SOME WRITING ADVICE is a fantastic resource, whether you're a new writer starting out, a writer who's struggling to finally breath through, or a published author continuing to focus on craft and doing things in a smarter way.
My second book came out last week with a major publisher, and I've been blogging about writing for years. I learned a LOT from reading Beth's book.
- Additional ways to get inspired and keep my confidence
- New plotting techniques
- That we all need validation and that it's not selfish to want to write
- A lesson or two about professional jealousy and comparison
- How to define high concept and how to put it in perspective
- The difference between telling, showing, and good showing
- Making stronger, more likable characters
- Never trust absolutes
- There's more than one way to get published
And the best part? I enjoyed reading PAPER HEARTS. It's written in a clear, easy, no-nonsense style that makes you feel like you're sitting down with a friend to talk writing over coffee.
You want this book. Trust me on this.
PAPER HEARTS: SOME WRITING ADVICE
by Beth Revis

Buy on Barnes & Noble | Buy on Amazon
Thanks for telling me about this one. I will have to check it out.
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