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Fierce on The Page: Become the Writer You Were Meant to Be and Succeed on Your Own Terms

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Produce your best work. Live your best life. Make your greatest impact.

You have everything you need--and you are everything you need--to do the writing you are meant to do. And yet the path to success can be difficult to find and follow.

Veteran author and writing guide Sage Cohen believes that ferocity is your best compass for finding your true way forward. She shows you how to transform your attitude and practices so you

   • Unleash your creativity
   • Cultivate your strengths
   • Overcome resistance, fear, and other obstacles
   • Define success on your own terms
   • Move intentionally toward your goals
   • Become unstoppable in your evolution

In this collection of contemplative and inspiring essays, you'll unlock the secrets to naming your deepest desires, eliminating the challenges that hold you back, and committing to your practice. Fierce on the Page is your trustworthy companion for crafting your best writing and your best life.

Join the conversation about the fierce writing life at fierceonthepage.com.

229 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2016

12 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

About the author

Sage Cohen

13 books57 followers
Sage Cohen is the author of the nonfiction books Fierce on the Page, The Productive Writer, and Writing the Life Poetic all from Writer’s Digest Books and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World from Queen of Wands Press. Sage has been sought out as a literary instructor, writing coach, presenter, performer, and judge. Her prizewinning poems, essays, fiction, and how-to articles have appeared in a wide range of publications. She is a graduate of Brown University and the Creative Writing Program at New York University where she was awarded a full fellowship. Sage is the founder of the WE WRITE online community for poets and writers.

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5 stars
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31 (28%)
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13 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie Raintree.
Author 3 books39 followers
March 10, 2017
This book is now one of my favorite books on writing, right up there with the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, but even with a more accessible and yet poetic approach to the creative life. I marked so many pages of inspiration, I may as well have marked none of them! Sage apparently chose her own name and it is the perfect fit. Fierce on the Page is honest, insightful, forgiving, and inspiring. I will no doubt come back to this book many times. I would classify it as a "must read" for all writers, next to Bird by Bird and Writing Down the Bones.
Profile Image for Story Circle Book Reviews.
636 reviews66 followers
October 3, 2016
I enjoyed everything about this book: the paper it's printed on, the design by Alexis Estoye and most of all the words by Sage Cohen. From the Introduction, "Unleashing the Fierce Writer Within," to the final chapter, "From Impossible to Inevitable," there is inspiration to access your own strengths and "define success on your own terms."

"You Are Your Own Best Expert," Cohen advises in chapter one. She offers wisdom from her own experience of committing to showing up and "writing down what wants to come through."

Many of the 75 chapters begin with a quote such as this one by the poet Hafiz: "Routines are human nature, why not create some that will mint gold?"

At the end of most chapters is a section entitled "Be Fierce" which encapsulates the chapter's ideas and offers further tips. For instance: "Choose a writing buddy with a specific, shared goal or purpose, and commit to a half hour once a week, or even once a month, when the two of you specifically address this single issue together."

Cohen has a "writing promotion buddy" and I thought, what a great idea! Her buddy sent publishing leads to Cohen for her poetry. Cohen found that her buddy's energy and enthusiasm invigorated her own. They talk every week or two to celebrate successes, share tips, and affirm one another.

In "Get Happy First," Cohen realized when seeing a gaggle of geese lifting off "in their symmetry of belonging," that she could be happy without the need for particular things to happen.

"There were no contingencies that I could think of to happiness." That changed everything for her regarding thinking in terms of happiness not being dependent on success but "success could very well be dependent on your happiness."

Several chapters contain pithy pointers such as the chapter entitled: "How Much the Writing Life Can Hold." One of the tips is: "A Writing Practice is a Life Practice" in which Cohen writes: "In my own literary cosmology, it seems to me that we restore ourselves and our world by arranging the fragments of experience, memory, invention, and emotion into a mosaic of meaning through which we transcend the parts and move into unexpected wholeness."

As a divorced mother to a young son, Cohen refers to her new state and all she juggles during a typical day. Besides mothering, she is a writer, an organizer of literary events, and has her own communications business. If anyone knows how to come up a routine that includes her own writing, she does!

Cohen has included an essay, previously published, in which she writes about her divorce and the plans she made to write a blog for other parents who are finding their way "into new incarnations of self and family." As she writes about her own family: "All of us have been stretched in new directions." It's an honest and beautiful essay about finding one's way.

"Is your writing identity expansive enough to include all of you?" Cohen asks. That question resonates with me as does the idea of writing my own manifesto.

Cohen includes her own manifesto about her own writing and teaching identity. Fulfilling goals, making discoveries and expanding a sense of possibility are terms she has used for her students as well as for herself. The manifesto is a distillation of what she believes about writing and what she values. It seems to really sum up what it means to be "fierce on the page."

There's so much more to share but best you get the book and be inspired. Reading a chapter of Fierce on the Page before beginning to write would definitely ignite your writing practice. And it would give you a positive boost for living life fully as well.

by Mary Ann Moore
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
156 reviews
November 27, 2019
Full disclosure, I mostly read the book from front to back, without really taking the time to ponder the advice or thoughts offered. I do intend to go back and revisit the chapters at a slower pace to properly consider the advice and thoughts offered. However, I can say that this was a great book in terms of pushing the reader to find a writing purpose and process that is true to them or works for them. I really liked that the author is not prescribing a particular approach, just providing some encouragement and tools. However, not every chapter was convincing as they relied on personal stories tied in to a lesson or new viewpoint, which can be applied to writing; the link to writing was sometimes a bit stretched.
Profile Image for Liran Tal.
8 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2017
The book is very much focused on the life experiences she had whenever she was writing, from when she was a kid, had breaks, breakups, divorce and the amazing influential good people she attracted to her life that helped her get to where she is.

But it's not just that, there's a brilliant learning curve you get from her writing, questions we should ask ourselves (or in my experience, myself - the unpublished writer) about writing.

I found myself filling pages after pages of a separate notebook with answers to her questions, and engaging on the lovely community website on - Fierceonthepage.com

She's incredibly talented and finishing this book felt great.
There's no clear guide ever on how-to-write, however, in the book she asks wonderful questions any writer or anyone who wants to write should ask himself.

5/5
Profile Image for Candice.
393 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2018
Extremely useful "self help" book on the psychological and practical aspects of writing and how to overcome doubts and move forward. Sage is open about her own evolution and her advice is encouraging and wise.

"As writers, we have a tendency to doubt our choices, question our themes, reconsider our genres, and imagine that every writer on the planet is doing something more important, more impressive, more coherent, and is more likely to result in success."
Profile Image for Aleksandra Janusz.
Author 19 books79 followers
Read
July 25, 2018
Dropped halfway, may pick up later.
Not a lot of things I haven't already known, so not really useful at my level. The narrator's voice is also very commanding, so the chapters on how to be gentle to yourself don't look convincing: first a lot of thoughts on how to find your own process, then a lot about schedules and planners. While I do use them, and I appreciate a good schedule, I can see with my mind's eye the reaction of some other published writers I know. For them mere thinking about wordcounts kills free form that they love, and gives them a sense of guilt. Also, for a book that says that you need not to try so hard, there is a lot of boot camp attitude here, that sounds painful just by thinking about it. And I'm THE person who overdid the boot camp stuff to herself.
For those who like to borrow some energy and know perfectly that all they need is to whip their asses into writerly shape. For the likes of me it's just another self help book, not much substance whatsoever.

(there is a review that mentions a tasteless "joke" - I did not get to that page, so I can't tell if it's there).
Profile Image for Renee.
2,019 reviews30 followers
July 29, 2025
2.5 stars

First, get happy to write.

Well shit; I’m screwed.
Profile Image for Annabel Townsend.
Author 12 books8 followers
July 30, 2019
I think I should stop reading how-to-write guides. I don't like any of them.
Profile Image for Warren Nast.
199 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2017
Excellent devotional book that covers the whole inner life of a writer. This book has heart and I will be keeping it by my bed for that quick inspiration or kick in the pants.
Profile Image for T.L. Cooper.
Author 15 books46 followers
March 26, 2018
Fierce on the Page: Become the Writer You Were Meant to Be and Succeed on Your Own Terms by Sage Cohen gently, steadily, and apologetically pushes writers to recognize, embrace, and project their fierceness onto the page. Cohen offers short essays, stories, and anecdotal evidence of the techniques she describes for finding one's own inner fierceness. I opted to do the exercises in the book as well as read it and found they deepened the experience quite a bit. Most are simple writing exercises that take only a few minutes to do though a few are more intensive. All of the exercises are thought and/or emotion provoking, some more than others. I decided to treat the book like a class and do one chapter a day until I completed it. That worked well for me and gave me time to really digest each chapter before delving into the next. Sometimes I couldn't resist peeking ahead to see what was coming up. Cohen writes in a fiercely engaging way that feels vulnerable and strong at the same time. Her guidance feels gentle even with its emphasis on the idea of being fierce on the page. I often discovered myself smiling at the little insights she shared about her life that also gave insight into who she is as a writer. Fierce on the Page reminded me that I be both fierce and gentle with my writing because the key is to be true to myself and the message I want to convey to the world. Fierce on the Page is for any writer who wants to write fiercely enough to let the world hear their roar!

Profile Image for Erika Hayes.
444 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2018
I started this book a little concerned after reading some of the reviews. While I saw some understanding in a few of those reviews, I respectfully disagree with the use of this book for writers. The concepts and ideas presented in short inspirational-packed chapters. I enjoyed the ideas provided and while the author eludes to her divorce and single parenthood often it is because she is being open and is sharing what worked for her. She once states that her move from New York to the west didn't make her "woo-woo" came across to me as if only in New York there is polish and culture. Sadly, it is an elitist mentality that caused me to lose a bit of respect for the writer. Not enough to stop me from finishing the book, or disregarding her ideas and passion, but still I lost a bit of respect for her. It alienated me a bit and left me a bit more skeptical while reading her stories.
It is clear this woman is a poet. She writes like a poet and a few times it felt as if she were forcing her poetry on the readers. I remember in a few chapters stopping and saying, what did I just read? it felt a bit disjointed when the flowery language hit a wee bit too hard.
Overall, the book is very good almost devotional for writers. For sure worth a read. Additionally, you can get a free workbook from her site when you purchase the book.

Profile Image for Sara.
650 reviews15 followers
November 18, 2020
This is the ultimate writer's pep talk book. It is best read in chunks, a section or two at a time, which is why it took me a while to complete it. Then, it is best kept as a reference book.

My writing mentor/ buddy recommended it to me and often references it. My biggest take-away's are that I (and anyone) am "good enough" to be a writer, that I need to prioritize my writing time (even if I can only spare two hours a week,) that I need to trust my own writer's voice (and not try to fit someone else's standard,) and that I need to embrace the writer's life by enjoying the process more than desiring publication.

There are many more nuggets of wisdom here. I appreciate the vulnerability of the author in regards to her personal life, specifically how her divorce shaped her as a person and how poetry helped her navigate this trying time.
Profile Image for Anna Mattaar.
Author 3 books8 followers
April 11, 2019
I borrowed this book from someone without really knowing what it was, except that it was supposed to be good. And it was. Not all chapters felt as relevant to my life or writing, especially the ones that focused on the autobiographical, but a lot of the advice is more generic, about attitude and how to not get in the way of your own progress. It's clear that the author is a poet, and sometimes she seems to lose herself in metaphors that (for me) failed to communicate the point, but overall this was a good read and gave me some inspiration to improve my writing life.
Profile Image for Carma.
237 reviews
September 21, 2019
I accidentally picked up this book alongside another in a different section of a used bookstore, not realizing they were both written by the same person. Sage is amazing. Her writing is genuine, inspiring, honest, and straight forward. Her truth is something I both admire and respect. Structurally, this book has chapters made up of two or three pages - making breaking up topics, and putting it down in the middle of busyness possible. Looking forward to this writers future works, as she's incredibly bright and overall enjoyable to read.
Profile Image for Wendi Lau.
436 reviews39 followers
September 13, 2021
If you question whether you should write, your value as a writer, or who are you to think you can write, you too can be fierce on the page. Follow Sage Cohen toward grace and authenticity. Let her free your inner writer. Neither pay nor publisher define your writer identity. YOU DO.

Who should read it:
You need encouragement and understanding about your writing compulsion

Why should you read it:
To learn to listen.
To practice flow.
To observe ways to spread spirit and writer love

How to use:
Read a chapter. Bask in it. Write, write, write. Repeat.
Refer to regularly for a writing pick-me-up.
“If you’re not meeting your goals…your idea of what you want hasn’t yet been ignited or aligned with your true desire.” (page 81)
”…why not find a way to use words to craft a lifeboat that will sustain what we value most?” (page 208)

Sage Cohen gently challenging the reader and raising the literary sail of the fledgling writer.
Profile Image for Marian Bron.
Author 3 books4 followers
April 3, 2019
Fierce of the Page by Sage Cohen was an uplifting read. It’s a book I picked up hoping to become more intentional in my writing. Cohen offers lots of advice. Everything from organizing your writing space to embracing your failures, fears and audience. There are essays on voice and brand, among others. Most short 2 to 3-page essays that are easily digested. Over all a very positive and inspiring book, well worth a read.
40 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2018
1. "joke" about sexual violence on page 207. Amid multiple paragraphs of praise for the person making the "joke"

2. Felt like I was reading a collection of someone's morning pages. Each point was a breezy-easy platitude followed by a personal memory and mention of the author's divorce.

3. One chapter is a sales pitch for a friends' book about parenting.
Profile Image for Mars.
201 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2023
It offers a lot of advice: much of it standard to any writing book you'll find, any self-help manifesto that ignores the existence of neurodivergence, and even more of it repetitive. It has a few useful gems here and there, but it's largely "believe in yourself" and "try harder, try again" and "give yourself space uwu" over and over.
Profile Image for Holly.
35 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2022
I’m not a spiritual person, but this book hit the sweet spot between practical and poetic. A great book to read slowly, to let each chapter present itself in other areas of your life. I appreciated the concrete actions and the guiding questions that weren’t too pushy or strict.
Profile Image for KR.
143 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2025
There are several genuinely excellent insights here, particularly the portions informed by operant conditioning (not that the author used such vocab). Unfortunately, one has to wade through an annoying writing style and a small side helping of magical thinking to get said insights.
Profile Image for Megan Close Zavala.
453 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2018
This was great! All authors struggling with mindset blocks should check this out. Not every page or tip spoke to me, but many were wonderful.
Profile Image for Gillian Kevern.
Author 35 books198 followers
June 16, 2018
I was recommending this to people when I was only a few chapters in. Good to dip in and out of. Especially good to read while waiting in your car for the AA guy to arrive.
Profile Image for August Schau.
151 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2021
So many excellent ides for helping us each become the writer that we have the potential to become 75 easy to read essays covering so many aspects of the writing life.
107 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2016
Inspirational and some helpful hints thrown in. Friendly, engaging writing style.
Profile Image for Shelly.
638 reviews30 followers
October 6, 2016
Reading this was like having a talk with a very encouraging teacher or mentor. Sage Cohen was full of great advice, and plenty of permission to pick and choose that which works best for you. Being Fierce isn't just about becoming a better writer - it's about becoming a better you.
88 reviews
January 19, 2017
"Fierce on the Page" by Sage Cohen is a heavenly, inspirational writer's book.

I marked on almost every page. I took notes. I was excited and budgeted myself only a chapter a day to make it last longer.

Brilliant, motivating, like a big warm hug, then a gentle push towards writing goals.

LOVED IT!!!!! Sad to finish...Anxiously awaiting her next book.
Profile Image for Terri.
Author 3 books20 followers
October 9, 2016
I first came across Sage Cohen through her book 'Writing the Life Poetic' which focuses on building poetic voice and putting poetry back into our everyday lives. I also had the opportunity of working on my poetry through Sage's online classes a few years back. From these experiences, I come to Sage's works on writing with high expectations of both a pleasurable reading experience and wise, practical advice.

And I am never disappointed. 'Fierce on the Page' is a rare and rich read, structured as a series of 75 reflective essays that offer strategies, perspectives and practices to encourage ferocity in writing and in life.

Sage defines ferocity and the fierce writer in her introduction:

'The fierce writer ensures that the time and energy she invests in her craft pays dividends of insight and evolution. The fierce writer discovers how to come into his alignment with his authority, leverage his interests, and honour his rhythms, to become the truest instrument of his craft.'

From page one of the first essay, 'You Are Your Best Expert', I was lulled by Sage's reassuring voice telling me stories and building on these to make connections. The essays provide a path to navigate the way into writing and into progressing through many aspects of its craft and life.

Each contemplative essay is so thought-provoking. My copy is now full of underlining, connections and possible creations sparked by the reading experience. Sage's practical business writing background is also woven through the pages. There is a blend of wisdom honed from writing experience of all kinds, along with a grounded sense of what works to bring forward new possibilities and how productivity can be enhanced.

Full book review here:
http://www.quietwriting.com/being-fie...
Profile Image for Susan Clayton-Goldner.
Author 23 books185 followers
November 11, 2016
I spent the last two days reading and digesting Fierce On the Page. It was amazing and so different from any other writing book I've read (and I've read a zillion of them) It is part how to, part encouragement, part philosophy and it gives many insights into the life of a writer. Her wisdom will be helpful to me as I'm about to launch my novel on January 18th. It really enabled me to focus on my brand--something I knew I needed to do, but wasn't quite sure how to go about doing. After I finished the book, I sat down and typed out every question Ms. Cohen asked. And then I spent some time formulating and typing my answers. Doing this gave me so much clarity into myself as a writer and a human being.

The book also helped me to look at marketing differently. I've been afraid of it and intimated by it, but the way she described it as a type if sharing--a giving--an invitation to enjoy and embrace what I love, made it seem far less daunting. I highly recommend this book for all writers--beginners through advanced. It was very accessible and filled with wise and useful information.
Profile Image for Karol.
813 reviews18 followers
August 29, 2016
Fierce on the Page made me think about my writing joys, challenges, fears and what I let stand in my way from committing to my deepest writing aspirations.
The thoughtful and reflective collection of essays are inspiring and motivationally driven. I enjoyed reading them like visiting with a true friend.
Profile Image for S.E. Saunders.
Author 5 books5 followers
November 14, 2019
I found a lot of very practical advice throughout the entire book. Practical in terms of the author writing from a place of experience. It was fresh, certainly not boring and it inspired me to keep writing.
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