Write It Forward: From Writer to Successful Author

by Bob Mayer

This is a revised second edition of what was originally titled Warrior Writer.

Write It Forward is a one-of-a-kind book focusing on you, the author. In Write It Forward Bob Mayer applies the time- tested strategies of the Green Berets to the world of being a successful author. He has taught thousands of writers over the years, but this new and innovative program probes deeper than words on the page. It is designed to teach writers how to think, plan and become the future best-sellers of the new age of publishing. The benefits you'll gain from this book will extend far beyond your writing and reach into all areas of your life making dreams a reality.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

280 pages, Nook

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Besides my own interests, I read whatever my wife tells me to read-- she's a voracious reader and has wide-ranging tastes as my reviews show (she also always has the TV remote and she's always right about what to watch). I read a lot of nonfiction, mostly for research. Some of my favorite books are Lonesome Dove, Mystic River, LOTR, and an array of science fiction classics including the Foundation series. Our house is covered with books, although I finally broke down and started reading eBooks, strangely enough on my iPhone. Since I carry it pretty much everywhere, it means I always have an entire library of books with me.

I'm a West Point graduate, former Green Beret and a New York Times Bestselling Author. I've sold over five million books. My newest series begins with New York Minute, a thriller set in New York City in 1977.

I love using history and science in my books. My Area 51 series pretty much had me rewriting our entire history of civilization.

Reviews

[Martin Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, this is one of the best—if not the best—books on the business of writing. It’s not the usual pedantic lecture on how to format your manuscript or find an agent or publisher. This book is about the mindset of being a professional author (artistes need not apply). Mayer, whose novels have graced multiple best-seller lists, is a West Point graduate and former Green Beret officer. He demonstrates how the discipline and planning skills he learned in the military helped build his career as an author. He also provides a realistic view of today’s publishing industry. With the contraction of the industry, there are fewer chances for writers to be traditionally published. Even if you do get a book contract, the publisher will do very little to sell the book. Authors—especially independent authors— must take control of their own careers. This is the book that can help you do just that.

[J.F. Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers, must read! Lots of tips for a long term career plan. Definitely useful for writers moving into the full time writing game, taking it beyond the hobby to pro level.

[Lyndon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very extensive "how-to" book that is structured much like a self-improvement book, providing strategies (Mayer calls them tools) that take a writer to his or her next level - whether it's writing, marketing, networking, etc. A bit repetitive at times, but I think that's intentional as the material covers so much ground it's good to cycle back and read something you learned earlier but now with greater context. Recommended and not just for writers.

[Mindi Rosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you seeking to become proficient in fiction writing? You NEED Warrior Writer by Bob Mayer. He lists a number of other resources to consult for various writing projects. Even if you are simply hoping to do more non-fiction or blogging, his information is valuable.

Because of this book, I decided to pursue my novel armed with knowledge and realistic expectations. Does he offer glib encouragement? On the contrary, he provides realistic expectations and non-expectations. For instance, he states that less than 200 authors in the U.S. could support themselves financially on their novels alone. In that case, you might as well play the lottery, as opposed to expecting to hit the NY Times Bestseller list.

Reading the Kindle version of this book was ideal for me, since I could underline, highlight, and make notes to myself about the process of writing. Then, I transferred those "clippings" to my computer files for organizational purposes.

Buy the book!

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Bob's writing and I'm a big fan of his Area 51 series as well as his Atlantis series. Before listening to the Warrior Writer One Day Workshop I read Who Dares Wins: The Green Beret Way to Conquer Fear and Succeed which is a phenomenal book. If you are willing to be honest and do whatever it takes, then this book can show you a path directly through your fears. Fears become stepping stones that keep you moving forward. I'm still learning and applying Bob's Tools from that book and it's a challenging but invigorating process. In Warrior Writer Bob applies the tools from Who Dares Wins to the writer. Really great stuff and I will surely listen to it again.

[Juan Eduardo Castellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advices, great examples. A little repetitive sometimes (editor?) and a little too mucho on the army subject. But hey, he was in the army!

[Barbara Getter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this book via Audible. The narrator was very dry, wish I had just read the hard copy book.

[Michelle Styles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you want to take control of your career as an author? This book gives you the tools to do it. Written from the perspective of a former Green Beret and with a can do attitude, the book combines practical tips with know how. Given Mayer's background, it is unsurprisingly biased towards mirco-publishing. You can tell from the copy editing mistakes and some of layout including the use of micro-fonts for the various important tables, plus the lack of ease with which one can move through the kindle version that the book was self-published. However, the content is such that authors should read it as a way to refill the well and restore creativity. I hope in future editions that the mistakes are corrected.

[Graeme Ing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite different to other writing books in that there is little advice about writing itself. Mayer concentrates on developing the personal and mental skills required for success - in any field. Fascinating that he draws upon the "never say die" attitude mastered by Special Forces in the military. He teaches us how to develop mental stamina, form lasting habits and plan for a career in writing.

No quick secrets here. This is a book that you have to think about and then work hard at its advice. But it is very solid advice. Mental fortitude is vital to be a successful author and this is a necessary and enlightening read.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Mayer lays out a specific plan that is easily moldable to most people and situations. He uses his Army training, which both appealed and made sense to me as a military wife, but he explained each step thoroughly, including the reasoning behind it. This is definitely a book I'll be referring back to every so often to repeat the process and rethink my plans.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, but a little over-the-top. Of course, what do you expect from the title?

[Rob Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the book after seeing Bob Mayer at the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference. His advice is invaluable!

-Rob

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a new writer it is a great start to learning the craft. It is used in Bob Mayer's writing workshops which I highly recommend.

[Charlee Allden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, straightforward and motivational. Great book for writers serious about moving forward.

[Debbie Ledesma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative book about writing and how to get your writing career off the ground.