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On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts
Is your writing life all it can be? Let this book act as your personal coach, to explore the writing life you already have and the writing life you wish for, and close the gap between the two. Gain insights through helpful stories from the authors' established writing careers. Explore twelve simple (but vital) habits-through journaling, writing prompts, bonus activities, and discussion questions. The honest and witty stories help build a vision for a satisfying, sustainable writing life, while the prompts and activities on the twelve vital habits will help you make that life a reality. Also includes extra resources like "tools for the writing life," "recommended reading," "Artist Dates," "resources for writing a book proposal," and "resources for launching a writers group." Sage, surprising, endlessly useful! *** The Masters in Fine Living Series is designed to help people live a mindful life through the power of reading, writing, and just plain living. Look for titles with the tabs read, write, live, play, learn, or grow-and join a culture of individuals interested in living deeply, richly.
164 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2014
14 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Ann Kroeker
5 books96 followersWriting Coach Ann Kroeker leverages over 25 years of writing and editing experience in the publishing industry to equip her clients to reach their writing goals. A published author and coauthor, corporate and freelance writer, book editor, speaker, and poet, Ann has served on the editorial teams of two large online organizations and focuses on serving others in her role as a writing coach. Her clients have signed book contracts, been accepted into prestigious MFA programs, launched their own freelance writing businesses, and landed articles and essays in national publications. She coauthored On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts, and authored Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families and The Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood. Her articles have been featured in a variety of publications including The Indianapolis Star newspaper, and magazines such as ByFaith, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman. A contributor to several books, she was honored to have her work included in Seth and Amber Haines' Mother Letters and the award-winning Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole. Ann's Belgian-born husband and she have four children, ages 15 to 22. Whether at work or play, she lives a life full of wonder and curiosity.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 29, 2023
Ann Kroeker is a personal friend, so I'm extremely biased writing this review, but I don't know Charity at all, so we're going to pretend that evens it out. (It doesn't, not by a long shot.)
This book is wildly practical. There are prompts/suggestions at the end of every chapter, and the advice given is applicable to any kind of writing—poetry, fiction, blogs, essays, whatever.
This is not a book about how to write well, but a book about how to live well while writing. I love a book that is encouraging and full of ideas, and this book is both.
All of the stars for my friend Ann.
Total score: 5/5 stars
This book is wildly practical. There are prompts/suggestions at the end of every chapter, and the advice given is applicable to any kind of writing—poetry, fiction, blogs, essays, whatever.
This is not a book about how to write well, but a book about how to live well while writing. I love a book that is encouraging and full of ideas, and this book is both.
All of the stars for my friend Ann.
Total score: 5/5 stars
January 23, 2019
This was a very practical book, exploring different aspects of being a writer with chapters on Identify, Arrange, Surround, Notice, Write, Send, Promote, Discover, Engage, Plan, Rest, Limit and writing prompts at the end of each chapter. The authors' wide variety of writing experience adds depth to the book, as well as the appendices at the end--full of helpful resources. Struggling with the idea of promotion is something I can relate to: "The idea of promoting my writing has always betrayed an ambivalence. The way I see it, there are two sides to most writers—the proud, confident one that says, “My life, words, and thoughts are good enough to write down and share with others,” and the insecure, embarrassed one that says, “Why would anyone want to read what I have to say?” I wrestle with these sides of myself nearly every time I write, and it colors my perceptions of promotion." I appreciated the way they further explored this specific topic and the way their ideas can be applied to many different kinds of writing.
December 17, 2014
This book is a simple, clear, earnest look at what it takes to develop a writing life. The authors speak from their own life examples and it sounds like both had to overcome many obstacles to establish themselves as writers. Many aspiring authors will relate to their stories. The 12 habits they describe may seem obvious but it really helps to have a fresh take because as writers we are always in the process of beginning again. We need fresh reminders of what we must do daily to keep doing the wonderful art we practice.
March 8, 2021
Excellent steps towards becoming a writer
It you are thinking of becoming a writer, this book will get you in the right track. I started the book when it first came out but out it down because i wasn't ready to seriously right. When I picked it back recently, I find that I had been learning these things along the way. And I am ready to move forward in writing.
It you are thinking of becoming a writer, this book will get you in the right track. I started the book when it first came out but out it down because i wasn't ready to seriously right. When I picked it back recently, I find that I had been learning these things along the way. And I am ready to move forward in writing.
March 17, 2020
Book Review || On Being A Writer by Ann Kroeker & Charity Singleton Craig
From time to time, we search for a particular writing coach who says the things that inspire us to keep moving forward. It’s not just teaching it’s something more, which resonates and calls us onward. I found Ann Kroeker online a couple of years ago and joined her mailing list. She became the writing coach I had been looking for. One of her posts included a note about “On Being a Writer” she and Charity Singleton Craig co-authored. They are an impressive team, and I highly recommend the book.
“On Being a Writer” is 12 chapters with 164 pages of powerful inspiration for the writer’s life. Its intent is to equip writers for a sustainable life of productivity and publication. And, along the way to help us understand ourselves better, learn to set limits and find rest.
Each chapter topic presents a habit of the writing life. The chapters start with a story, opportunities to consider, a journal prompt, a writing prompt, a bonus and a few questions for personal reflection or for group discussion.
I did as suggested; I used the book as my personal writing coach, encouraging me to make tangible progress in practical ways. It’s a powerful and helpful book that I am set to re-read.
I recommend this book. It is refreshing with insights to embrace for the journey.
Thank you Ann & Charity!
From time to time, we search for a particular writing coach who says the things that inspire us to keep moving forward. It’s not just teaching it’s something more, which resonates and calls us onward. I found Ann Kroeker online a couple of years ago and joined her mailing list. She became the writing coach I had been looking for. One of her posts included a note about “On Being a Writer” she and Charity Singleton Craig co-authored. They are an impressive team, and I highly recommend the book.
“On Being a Writer” is 12 chapters with 164 pages of powerful inspiration for the writer’s life. Its intent is to equip writers for a sustainable life of productivity and publication. And, along the way to help us understand ourselves better, learn to set limits and find rest.
Each chapter topic presents a habit of the writing life. The chapters start with a story, opportunities to consider, a journal prompt, a writing prompt, a bonus and a few questions for personal reflection or for group discussion.
I did as suggested; I used the book as my personal writing coach, encouraging me to make tangible progress in practical ways. It’s a powerful and helpful book that I am set to re-read.
I recommend this book. It is refreshing with insights to embrace for the journey.
Thank you Ann & Charity!
November 3, 2020
Ann provides practical and applicable steps to grow your writing life from the ground up!
March 7, 2015
On Being A Writer: 12 Simple habits for a writing life that lasts; Ann Kroeker & Charity Singleton Craig, Ossinging, New York, 2014.(kindle edition)
Are you a writer? do you tell other people that you are a writer? Do you tell yourself that you're a writer? Why do you write? These are some of the opening questions in this book. The authors also state that writing is not about being published, but about writing itself and if you are writing only to try and get published then you may want to rethink. This book is for anyone who writes.
We should write because we love to write and not because we want others to read what we have written, but writing for writing's sake and not for any other reason. I do tell people i write a blog and i am trying to put together a novel, but this book has showed me my failings and how to overcome them and produce a masterpiece.
There are 12 chapters. Each chapter is broken down into the two sections;
First section.
Stories: Each of the two women authors share parts of their own writing history and frustrations too. This is a good place for all of us to begin writing as we all have a past and we can all write about it, whether it was good or bad.
Second Section.
Exploration; Live, Respond, Write, Bonus, Discuss. Here the authors present ideas that allow you 'The Writer' to practice your skills.
Then there are several Appendices to give you more help and guidance on what to do next.
Appendix 1: Tools for a writing life.
Appendix 2: Recommended reading.
Appendix 3: Artist dates
Appendix 4: Resources for writing a book proposal.
Appendix 5: Resources for launching a writing group.
In fact there is everything you need to get started, even a 'How to use this book' guide. It is suggested that you read one chapter a week, followed by using any or all of the material at the end of each chapter to write.
Although i have read this book in more like 12 days than 12 weeks, i will be going back over it to get the best use out of it as it does need to be read slower, spending time with each chapter and writing. Did i say you need to write? Write even if no one ever reads it. Plan out what you are going to write, write it, read it, re-write it, polish it and then only then allow others to read it.
And if you are a writer, then call yourself a Writer! Be a Writer! And write, Write, WRITE!!!
Are you a writer? do you tell other people that you are a writer? Do you tell yourself that you're a writer? Why do you write? These are some of the opening questions in this book. The authors also state that writing is not about being published, but about writing itself and if you are writing only to try and get published then you may want to rethink. This book is for anyone who writes.
We should write because we love to write and not because we want others to read what we have written, but writing for writing's sake and not for any other reason. I do tell people i write a blog and i am trying to put together a novel, but this book has showed me my failings and how to overcome them and produce a masterpiece.
There are 12 chapters. Each chapter is broken down into the two sections;
First section.
Stories: Each of the two women authors share parts of their own writing history and frustrations too. This is a good place for all of us to begin writing as we all have a past and we can all write about it, whether it was good or bad.
Second Section.
Exploration; Live, Respond, Write, Bonus, Discuss. Here the authors present ideas that allow you 'The Writer' to practice your skills.
Then there are several Appendices to give you more help and guidance on what to do next.
Appendix 1: Tools for a writing life.
Appendix 2: Recommended reading.
Appendix 3: Artist dates
Appendix 4: Resources for writing a book proposal.
Appendix 5: Resources for launching a writing group.
In fact there is everything you need to get started, even a 'How to use this book' guide. It is suggested that you read one chapter a week, followed by using any or all of the material at the end of each chapter to write.
Although i have read this book in more like 12 days than 12 weeks, i will be going back over it to get the best use out of it as it does need to be read slower, spending time with each chapter and writing. Did i say you need to write? Write even if no one ever reads it. Plan out what you are going to write, write it, read it, re-write it, polish it and then only then allow others to read it.
And if you are a writer, then call yourself a Writer! Be a Writer! And write, Write, WRITE!!!
January 31, 2015
On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts explores the concept of writing in a refreshingly inclusive fashion, and offers ideas and tips for building and strengthening helpful writing habits.
As someone who writes daily, but who spends more time on corporate writing than on fiction, I appreciated that the authors of this book took a wide view of what it means to be a writer. Often I get the feeling from writing books that only novelists need apply, although my experience has been that the writing I do in different genres only serves to improve my writing in other formats. On Being a Writer invites the reader to explore what a writing identity means to him or her, and the ideas found throughout the book could be usefully applied to fiction, nonfiction, blogging, or any other sort of writing you do.
{Read my full review here}
As someone who writes daily, but who spends more time on corporate writing than on fiction, I appreciated that the authors of this book took a wide view of what it means to be a writer. Often I get the feeling from writing books that only novelists need apply, although my experience has been that the writing I do in different genres only serves to improve my writing in other formats. On Being a Writer invites the reader to explore what a writing identity means to him or her, and the ideas found throughout the book could be usefully applied to fiction, nonfiction, blogging, or any other sort of writing you do.
{Read my full review here}
April 19, 2015
I have read books by Ann Kroeker before and she is a very level headed, intelligent and thoughtful writer. I enjoyed that she made this a little different format for us by bringing in Mrs. Craig. It was so practical and helpful. Each chapter has a perspective from each of the authors and then practical exercises and challenges at the end to take us deeper on our mission to become better writers. The two women have very different backgrounds and that brings a depth to the experiences shared and makes it valuable to a larger audience. They share personal stories and resources that are readily available. If you are a beginning writer or a writer who wants to jumpstart your craft or push yourself to the next level this is a great resource for you.
November 3, 2016
Derived from a writers workshop that the authors conducted, it has good insights into the creative life demonstrated primarily through narrative. Each chapter has application sections to implement. Though the principle of "writers write" resounds through all, the focus is on what one would do to actually have writing as their primary occupation. I didn't underline much, but the ones I did are keepers: "If you wish to be a writer, write" Epictetus; "Reading is the creative center of a writer's life" Stephen King; "You owe it to all of us to get on with what you're good at" W. H. Auden; "Write as if you were dying" Annie Dillard.
June 8, 2015
A very nice and encouraging book. While I would assume it is not specifically intended for women, as a man I found it a bit of a "woman's writer" book. (Not in a sexist way, but in a life stage way. Lots of mom, wife, etc examples. I an neither.)
Good insight, good ideas, and great "now go do it" applications.
A worthy read.
Good insight, good ideas, and great "now go do it" applications.
A worthy read.
Read
February 5, 2016An encouraging read with personal stories of the writing life and helpful exercises.
December 29, 2015
Two authors offer basic advice and encouragement about doing the writing, creating a life that supports it, and creating a community to enhance it. Practical and inspirational.
March 29, 2017
If you enjoy authors' anecdotes about their writing practices and lives as well as good, practical tips for enhancing your own writing practice, you'll likely enjoy this book. Two published authors, who are also writing coaches and editors, detail their own journeys to publication and beyond; the fact that they're also acquaintances in real life adds to the tales they tell (although they don't speak much about their friendship). Includes quotations and practical exercises/prompts in each of twelve chapters. Well-organized, to-the-point, and useful. I especially like the chapter on resting, which is not something writers often consider as part of the writing process. A great addition to my writing-craft bookshelf. I can see this book being a good fit for teachers, workshops/workshop leaders, students, and (of course) the creative writer in your life.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews