From budding bloggers to bestselling novelists, your fellow writers share their best advice, writing tips, time management strategies, and personal ups and downs in the business of writing. These stories will motivate you, entertain you, and keep those words flowing!
Bestselling novelist J.A. Jance explains how her next book rights a wrong done to a friend killed in Vietnam. Award-winning Young Adult novelist Sarah Darer Littman talks about her “second book blues.” Read how bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan was mentored in the writing world by someone she had first mentored in the TV world, and how Jenna Glatzer overcame her agoraphobia to ghostwrite Celine Dion’s biography. Marc Tyler Nobleman explains how he unmasked the true creator of the Batman series.
With chapters on overcoming your fears, beating writer’s block, accepting rejection, and making time to write, you’ll feel like you’re at a first-class writers’ conference. Additional chapters cover how to use writers’ groups and mentors effectively, tried and true methods to find new inspiration, and how writing can change your own life and others.
Jack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Encouraging Every now and then, I need a little dose of encouragement. The "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series encourages me. As a writer, I take extra encouragement from this edition. These true stories inspire me to keep on keeping on. If you are a struggling writer, step away from the keyboard and read this book.
As a blogger I was naturally drawn to this Chicken Soup for the Soul book. It actually took me quite a while to develop this review - simply because I was absorbing every single story and evaluating it for relevance to my situation. I started writing on my blog just for fun - sharing motivational tips with my employees and friends. Then my blog became so much more - the world started to be interested in what I had to say. After a while I begin to feel more like a writer - which I never in a million years would have considered myself. Now I want to write more and differently - but have been quite nervous. I am sure some of the nervous energy is built up from a fear of rejection. These stories really help to create an appropriate perspective and mindset. Life is all about challenges and changes - change is scary but you can't survive in this world without changing. I would rather be in charge of the change rather than a victim of change. Therefore, I will definitely make writing more a part of my future and hopefully that of my children. My favorite story in this collection? "Treat the Rectangle Carefully"... Check it out - there are so many awesome stories to keep you enthralled for a very long time...
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book on an impulse when I saw it on the shelf at Barnes & Noble and boy I do not regret it. These stories have given me so much inspiration for my writing that I have joined a online writing community and have started writing a short story to post there. Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul for rekindling my passion for writing.
Today’s nonfiction post is on Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers and is edited by Jack Canfield et al. It is 405 pages long including information about writers and the book series. It is published by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing. The cover is white with title and information in blue and a woman’s hand writing. The intended reader is someone who is looking reasons to keep trying in the writing field. There is no language, no sex, and no violence in this book. Any age can read this. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- 101 Motivational Stories for Writer, from bloggers to bestsellers. From budding bloggers to bestselling novelists, your fellow writers share their best advice, writing tips, time management strategies, and personal ups and downs in the business of writing. These stories will motivate you, entertain you , and keep those words flowing! Bestselling novelist J.A. Jance explains how her next book rights a wrong done to a friend killed in Vietnam. Award-winning Young Adult novelist Sarah Darer Littman talks about her “second book blues”. Read how bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan was mentored in the writing world by someone she had mentored in the TV world, and how Jenna Glatzer overcame her agoraphobia to ghostwrite Celine Dion’s biography. Marc Tyler Nobleman explains how he unmasked the true creator of Batman series. With chapters on overcoming your fears, beating writer’s block, accepting rejection, and making time to write, you’ll feel like you’re at a first-class writers’ conference. Additional chapters cover how to use writer’s groups and mentors effectively, tried and true methods to find new inspiration, and how writing can change your own life and others.
Review- I had never read a Chicken Soup book before. Just never crossed my mind or my desk before. But when I was processing this book I read one of the chapters. After that I had to read more and I am going to be getting more in the Chicken Soup series. All writers have similar problems. We get busy, the story is too hard, and the rejections just keep coming. But in this book no matter what you are facing as a writer there is someone who understands. From the guy with over 200 rejections to the mom trying to handle the pain of a child with cancer there is someone who will get you. Be prepared to cry but I think that is normal for this series. If you are looking for a way to connect with other writers who are not that different from yourself and have the same problems then give this book a try.
I give this book Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
Writers share advice, tips, strategies, and special stories about their writing journeys. Contributors run the gamut of the writing spectrum and include columnists, journalists, poets, freelance writers, technical writers, bloggers, and award-winning authors.
The stories, each just a few pages long, fall into one of eleven topical sections: Facing My Fears; With a Little Help from My Friends; Making Time to Write; Take My Advice; Wrestling with Writer’s Block; The Healing Power of Words; Mentors Who Mattered; Reflections on Rejection; Finding Inspiration; Try, Try Again; Writing Changes Lives.
With stories designed to both entertain and motivate, all readers, whether they are writers or not, will find something here to touch their soul.
Also included are brief biographies of each of the contributors and the authors.
Are you a writer? Have you ever expressed your excitement about characters you’ve created, the drudgery of writer’s block, or the torturous publishing hoops you’ve jumped through to friends or family members that don’t write? If so, you’ve probably gotten strange looks. Nobody understands you, or your passion, like a fellow writer does.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers advises and entertains with a myriad of topics from fear, to finding a mentor. In true Chicken Soup for the Soul fashion, these engaging short stories for writers are inspirational, education, and motivating.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This book was nothing short of incredible. I had never even thought to pick up a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul or any variation thereof. Am I ever grateful that a copy came in the mail. I received this book as part of a "first reads" giveaway. And all I can say is, knowing what I do now, I wouldn't hesitate to grab this book off any bookshelf and read it. If you've ever considered writing (even for a second) read this. Even if you've never considered writing I would suggest it. It might change your mind.
Special thanks to Sebastian Cole for giving away copies.
How thrilling to read a “freshly” released book; this book is definitely inspirational. It offers comfort, and the courage to continue with the struggles of being a writer. As a blogger/writer, I have first hand experience as to how difficult it can be to write when you really don’t “feel” like writing … especially when it feels like it will never lead you to where you’d like to be (but aren’t). When feeling discouraged, one can turn to the many tales, in this book, and find motivation. It can be done!
I really enjoyed this book, another in the Chicken Soup series that I own. True to the title, this book has plenty of inspirational stories no matter at what stage you might be in your writing life. All of the anecdotes share the same common theme--be persistent and never give up. This book would be perfect to take off the shelf whenever you may need motivation for writing; I am keeping it for just such an occasion.
This is such a great and inspirational book to read for writers. A lot of useful advice and encouragement in there. I plan to write to a few of the authors in there too. I really appreciated all the bios authors in the back as well. Anyone who is thinking of writing or is currently obsessed with writing should give this book a try. It is like having a group of cheerleaders around you saying, "You can do it! You can do it!" Loved it!
Some of the stories were very well written and inspirational. I will read those stories over again and again. A few of them were dull. Overall, this is a great read for anyone with a passion to write.
Interesting book for new writers to review. I read one chapter per day through the summer and found the stories both educational and, yes, inspiring as well.
This is a beautiful, inspirational book. I've read the entire thing on Kindle, but am thinking of buying a print copy as well because I know it's one I'll want to dip into again and again. The book includes 101 short pieces where writers from a wide variety of backgrounds share personal insights into their writing journeys. The stories are grouped around 11 themes: Facing my fears, a little help from my friends, making time to write, take my advice, wrestling with writer's block, the healing power of words, mentors who mattered, reflections on rejection, finding inspiration, try try again and writing changes lives.
Whether you're a seasoned writer or someone who is wondering whether to venture forth into writing, you'll find plenty of encouragement from these stories.
This book just blows the reader's mind away. The book has stories which are full of courage, motivation, endurance and patience. This book has a magical ability to motivate and push the readers into doing something that they have wanted tofor a long time. The stories also create a different perspective and a different mind set. And as usual this book has so many emotions that you will feel confused as to what you should feel. If you are looking for inspiration and motivation then do read this book.
I enjoy reading most of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and this one was just as good. The book talks about inspiring writers and helping them to succeed without giving up. It definitely helps from a writer's perspective because there are many times where giving up would be the best and easier route.
The stories in this book are so inspirational and quick to remind you that every writer struggles. From the super famous ones to the ones that have names you've never heard. Writing is a hard life, but can be a rewarding one. These stories were very motivational and I am so glad I took the time to read this book.
This book has been a good journey, reading about the lives of writers and authors who has had to struggle through hardships and rejection letters in order to get published. In a way it had helped inspire me to pick writing back up.
Me encantó, para quienes nos gusta escribir es un libro al que podemos volver una y otra vez para inspirarnos, tomar consejos o simplemente para disfrutar con una taza de café.
I just finished reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers - Budding or Bestselling - From Books to Blogs." I loved it!
Well, of course, I would. I'm a writer! I'm not yet a published writer, but I am a writer.
Sometimes the dream of ever achieving publication seems just that: a dream. Sometimes I wonder what's the point of scribbling away in a room by myself into the wee hours of the morning. I haven't a clue as to what's the most popular show on television - who has time for TV? There's an essay to write, a blog post to edit, a flash fiction to craft... or a chapter to fashion for that novel that continues to challenge me. It seems at times almost overwhelming; at times, almost absurd.
What's the point? Does anyone care? Am I even any good?
"Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers" delivered the goods - it inspired me. It lifted me when I surely needed a boost.
It reminded me I'm not the only person sealing herself off from family and friends, desperate to steal precious minutes from an already crowded day in an attempt to write down a few words - even if those words never achieve publication. It's not just me who wears a blank expression during discussions of Jimmy Fallon's latest monologue or the new episode of some show called 'Scandal.' You see, I'm a writer. I haven't the time - I've got thoughts and images dancing around in my head, and I've got to quickly get them down on paper before they dance away. I love you, Jimmy - but for the foreseeable future, you and I will have to postpone our late night meetings. I've got a story to write!
Yes, I'm writer. Published or not. It's what I do. What I love. I couldn't not do it.
This book reminded me what it means to be a writer. It has nothing to do with publication. It's just who I am. Each writer in this collection of stories had something valuable to share with me: write what you love; never give up; don't despair when rejection slips begin to accumulate; don't listen to the naysayers. Believe in what you do. Believe in yourself.
And keep writing. Always.
If you love to write, if you could use some encouragement from others who are also afflicted with the 'writing bug,' you might wish to get a copy of this book. Keep it by your bedside for those evenings when the 'right' words just won't show up - or when the spectre known as Writer's Block makes an unwelcome appearance. The stories in this book might give you the lift you need. They might remind you, fellow writer, that you're not alone.
If even one of the stories in this collection inspires you on a dark night to soldier on with your writing, then I'd say the book is worth the price you pay for it. And, you never know: you might be the next writer whose work ends up in a similar book, offering optimism and support to another struggling writer.
Who knows? It could happen. Life, as they say, is stranger than fiction.
It's funny how I ended Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers at this very day. Early this morning, one of my clients sent me a copy of a listener review for Wonderland Podcast. The listener praised the podcast, but the review also ended it with "the show notes was awesome." I'm never really big on praises; I just brush them off whenever someone say I am a good writer because many times I feel like I suck at what I do. Despite having a few published articles on a magazine and newspapers here and abroad, I still feel like I'm nothing compared to all the other writers I know. Maybe I'm just being hard on myself, I don't know.
Anyway, I love this book. Even if it took me a long time to finish it, I don't mind. I feel honored to have read it.
I remember when I was in college and went on-air to share a (very) personal story. One of the hosts said that a lot of people commented on my story, but I never really got to know what people said about it. A few years later, I put that same story into writing as a part of our Feature Writing class. It took me an entire week to finish the article because everytime I would remember it, I would stop writing and just cry. A year later, a teen glossy published that same article, becoming my first published article. It also jumpstarted my career with the magazine. I wasn't part of the company now, but I remember how people were 'touched' by my story, no matter how personal it may seemed. What made it even more special was that the magazine published it on the month of May, just in time for Mother's Day. Not a lot of people know my story, especially my relatives, but through my article they finally understood. It's amazing how a piece like that can affect and change people, and this experience, along with the recent comment I received from that listener/reader, made me love my job even more. It definitely made me feel that I am doing something right; that maybe I wasn't so bad as I thought. There are a few stories I've written myself but I can never find time to dedicate my time with it. Maybe, just like the other authors in the book, I'll get there someday.
This book is filled with short stories of inspiration for writers and was a joy to read. This book is great for writers who are just starting along the path to publication as well as those who have books out there for the public to enjoy. If you are a woman, you will be glad to know that the majority of the contributors in this collection are women. Instead of reselling this book, I plan on taking it to my next writers group meeting and giving it to a deserving writer. I will instruct them to pass it along.
This book was very compelling. It contains around 100 short stories about the real life experiences of writers. Some of the experiences covered in this book are about accepting rejection, finding time to write, never giving up, finding inspiration in people and objects and writing about your own experiences. Writers can use their own experiences and knowledge into the world in order to accomplish their goals and inspire others as well. This book definitely inspired me to write as I delved deeper into each writers stories.
This book is pretty motivating for insecure writers like me. I'm just starting out and quite shy with my work. However, this book had inspired me a lot. Earlier, I used to wonder about what people would think of my work, and never shared it openly. But, after reading this book I realized that it doesn't matter if someone doesn't like your work. Keep writing for the few who actually do. This book is highly suggested by me for anyone who wants to start writing.
A great book to keep around to re-read from time to time as a refresher for writers of all levels. Included are entries from budding bloggers to bestselling novelists. They share advice, writing tips, time management strategies, and their personal struggles in the business of writing. The information provided is informative, entertaining and motivating.