Writing With Quiet Hands: How to Shape Your Writing to Resonate with Readers

by Paula Munier

Commit to Your Writing Craft!

To write with quiet hands is to embrace the journey all writers must take: from seeking inspiration and shaping raw material to cultivating a personal support network, navigating the various pathways to publication, and committing to a lifelong practice. In Writing with Quiet Hands, author and literary agent Paula Munier helps you hone your words into well-crafted stories and balance this satisfying work with the realities and challenges of the publishing world.

You'll learn how to tame your muse, manage your time wisely, and treat your practice with the seriousness it deserves. You'll develop a distinct voice, write with style and substance, employ the tenets of strong structure, and engage your readers by injecting narrative thrust into your stories. You'll explore the finer aspects of craft, refine your work, and boldly bridge the gap between published and unpublished. From drafting and revising to querying agents, you'll discover the secrets to writing artfully, and publishing bravely.

Fulfilling and rewarding writing careers are forged from the successful marriage of craft and business know-how. Are you ready to embark on your journey, armed with both grace and grit? Are you ready to write with quiet hands?

"Writing with Quiet Hands is loaded tips and tools, firsthand experience, and down-to-earth advice from a writer, editor, and agent who's seen it from all sides. Paula Munier gives it to you straight as she dissects the inspiration, perspiration, and dogged determination it takes to set and meet your writing goals. This book will keep you sane." --Hallie Ephron, New York Times best-selling author of Night Night, Sleep Tight

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Crafts

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2015

About the author

PAULA MUNIER is the author of the bestselling Plot Perfect, The Writer’s Guide to Beginnings, Writing with Quiet Hands, and the acclaimed memoir Fixing Freddie. The first novel in her mystery series, A BORROWING OF BONES (Minotaur, 2018) was inspired by the hero working dogs she met through Mission K9 Rescue, her own Newfoundland-retriever-mix rescue Bear, and her lifelong passion for crime fiction. In her fabulous day job as Senior Literary Agent and Content Strategist for Talcott Notch Literary, she represents many great writers. Her specialties include crime fiction, women’s fiction, upmarket fiction, MG/YA, high-concept SFF, and nonfiction. She lives in New England with her family, Bear, Freddie, and a torbie tabby named Ursula.

Reviews

[Julia Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

WRITING WITH QUIET HANDS is an excellent resource for writers. While the book focuses on the importance of approaching writing as a craft, the book reveals Paula Munier's voice. Writers need an encouraging voice and Paula's is that. It was as if she was sitting by me, saying: Here's what you need to know and you can do this! No doubt that quiet hands write much better when soft, learned, and encouraging voices are present! Great read!

[Cindy Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to write with quiet hands? Paula Munier reveals the answer using her observations and extensive experience as a literary agent, writer, editor, and writing teacher. “This holy trinity of good writing—competence, confidence, and creativity—are the keys to writing with quiet hands,” she says.

Munier talks about how to address writer’s block, the fear of starting a new manuscript, the challenges of revising a work, and how to develop writing discipline and nurture good habits. She provides exercises for honing your craft and drawing inspiration.

Munier is effective in weaving her personal experiences with her professional insights. Whether you’re an established writer or you’re just starting out, this ruminative and inspiring book offers plenty of help so you may write with quiet hands.

[Luke Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely encouraging read for writers at all stages of their careers. I've been writing for most of my life and still found it a motivation to keep going and to always aim to improve. Also, interesting info on what editors are looking for as most of the time, you hear what the agents are looking for and editors don't get a mention.

Definitely a book to refer to for a kick up in the bum whenever you need it.

[Martin Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're interested in writing fiction, this book has great insights about everything from the craft to getting published. Author Paula Munier is a seasoned writer, editor, and literary agent, so her perspective is broad.

[Billie Hinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book on writing craft. Her chapter on narrative thrust is essential reading!

[Matt Buongiovanni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will be a quick review—what a lovely read! Munier interweaves her (generally, very good!) writing advice with stories from her own life as a writer, editor, and literary agent, giving real-world examples of the value of the practices she preaches. Her style is accessible and welcoming, and the writing exercises she recommends throughout the chapters are all simple, but very effective. I have been getting back into writing fiction recently, and this book was an invaluable help in getting back into the groove of things. I am sure to revisit it regularly.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Writing with Quiet Hands" is a wonderfully helpful book for writers that are a bit further along in the process. From strong first lines to dramatization to voice to plot to characterization to dialogue to conflict to revision to (gasp!) publication, Munier guides the reader through her experiences as an agent and a writer. I particularly appreciated the exercises that appeared in each chapter, as well as Munier's unbelievably clear prose (she practices what she preaches). If a writer is not fortunate enough to work with Paula in person, then I think "Writing with Quiet Hands" is a very good investment. It really helped take the edge off my bazillionth rewrite, not just technically, but in terms of motivation.

[Alicia Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rife with terrific advice and encouragement for the writer who has committed to their craft and is ready to become published. Also highly recommended for anyone who wants to further their craft and delve into their deepest writing mind. This book is filled with activities and ideas to help readers do just that. Paula Munier is a writing genius, with a great sense of humor to boot. Not only do I put this book on my shelf feeling more inspired, but I now have a toolkit with which to courageously approach my writing as a craft.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best writing craft book I've read this year, and one of the best I've read ever. Munier covers several aspects of the business of writing, including the editor's perspective and the agent's role. Her advice on query letters is priceless, not to mention all the spot-on tips on creating and revising every aspect of the manuscript. Munier has worn all the hats she explains in this book (journalist, editor, agent, author) and so has the expertise to make the reader listen. Highly recommended if you're a serious writer.

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot what a great craft book this was until I was prompted to share some of my highlights. Feel free to browse and then rush out and buy—and read! Seems like most my writer friends are in that in-between season and weird head space right now, especially as we feel Covid will never be vanquished. Shake it up by getting into this excellent writer glow-up. And yes, Paula, I still say your publisher is missing out by not making these available on audio. Excellent!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

De muy agradable lectura, hace un recorrido completo por todo lo que implica el oficio del escritor, desde el compromiso personal con la escritura hasta las últimas instancias de publicación e incluso lo que viene después. Creo que lo mejor que tiene este libro está en que pone el foco en las cosas correctas. Aparte de ofrecer mucha información útil para quien desea una carrera literaria, también plantea al lector la necesidad de sincerarse consigo mismo a la hora de responder a la pregunta de por qué escribe. Y ya en las primeras páginas la autora recuerda que "ser un escritor no se trata de volverse rico y famoso, así como contraer matrimonio tampoco se trata de volverse rico y famoso -aún cuando esa sea la razón por la cual mucha gente escribe o se casa". Muy recomendado para cualquiera que esté recorriendo el camino del escritor.

[Paullette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. This was a library re-borrow, since I didn't have time to read it the first go-round. And truthfully, the Lifetime Television book title and paperback's cloudy cover art didn't lend itself to *Read Now* status. If you're lucky enough to read this on Kindle--so you don't have to see the cover--you will find one of the most pragmatic, useful and unsentimental books on the craft of writing ever published (NOW, the cover blurb from Lee Child amidst the clouds makes sense!). Not to say that the book lacks warmth; in fact, the writing is unabashedly vulnerable and sympathetic, even achingly so. This book is a quiet miracle of practicality and truth, saddled with a misleading cover. Read it anyway.

[Ries Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential

This is one of the very best books on writing and the pursuit of publication I’ve ever read. Honestly? It might be *the* best. No nonsense, friendly, helpful, practical, and often charming, this was as helpful to read as it was delightful.

[Wendy Beckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing with Quiet Hands: How to Shape and Sell a Compelling Story Through Craft and Artistry by Paula Munier was a good read. I met Munier at the "Books by the Banks" event in Cincinnati and was drawn to the title. Strangely enough, I think the title is misleading and the subtitle is more accurate (and is what hooked me). At first I thought it would be about journaling, soul-searching, or spirituality perhaps. Nope. It is a great book for "boots on the ground" writing work from the perspective of someone who's been on all sides of the publishing relationship: editor, agent, and author. Munier has great insider tips and great quotes from famous writers and nonwriters for inspiration. I recommend this for beginning to intermediate writers who are looking to hone their craft or just looking to learn more about the production of writing.

Full disclosure: I was represented by Gina Panettieri, the head of Munier's agency, Talcott Notch. Through no fault of Panettieri or the agency, the book was never finished or published. I did not know of Munier's connection to the agency when I bought the book.

[Briar Rose Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

"It was ok" pretty much sums it up. Underwhelming.

It's not bad, but it's rather dry in a lot of places, and doesn't really have a new set of information that you can't find anywhere else, or even a new perspective, which I was hoping for based on the title.

It's ironic that the subtitle is "how to shape your writing to resonate with readers," because of all the instructional books on writing I've gone through, this one resonated with me least.

In fact, maybe my underwhelm is because the title was so misleading - it makes you think of cultivating a sense of effortless ease in writing, while making readers organically listen to you.

That's simply not what the book is about. It's a very basic top-to-bottom instructional book on craft that is quite cookie cutter to all the others. What made it worse than all the rest was all the constant quoting of other works and materials - about a third of the book is quotes or example references that she uses to make her point, and that is tiresome.

I can see, through her writing, how Ms. Munier might be an excellent agent to work with. However I'm not a fan of this published work.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I retired, and admitted I’d like to become a writer, my friend gave me this book. (Thank you, Roberta!) It’s a practical guide listing the steps to authorship. It covers everything from making a practice of daily writing, to finding your voice, dealing with criticism, overcoming pitfalls, marketing your book and getting published. Lots of anecdotes color the advice given, making it an easy and fun read. I’ve marked up the margins with notes that I’d like to come back to. This will be very useful when my active retirement life slows down, and I actually make time to put pen to paper!

[Marie Gerken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read on writing. Very thorough content concerning all aspects of the writing life including the endeavors to find an agent and get published. Paula Munier’s voice is one that is supportive, motivating, and honest. Her book offers many helpful resources, words by other authors, and writing practices with significant ideas to sit with as one writes with quiet hands. This is definitely a book to read slowly to digest the content. I look forward to opening this book often to reread in segments while practicing the craft.

[Sharon Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to savor. It is a guiding light in my new foray (thank you, Wordle) into mystery fiction writing, after non-fiction academic work. It is inspiring, practical and helpful in all the right ways and at all the right moments. My copy is now dog eared, with personal notes written from the inside cover to the last page. As a first career healthcare provider and teacher, the book normalizes all of my questions. Thank you, Paula Munier. When I reach that point, will you be my agent? 😊 Much appreciation!

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing with Quiet Hands is an excellent book for anyone choosing to be a "professional" writer. By that I mean anyone who wants to pursue writing to be published. Paula knows what she's talking about; she clearly has years of experience in the filed that we writers want desperately to break into. I'm going to add her advice to that I have accumulated, and will continue to do so.

[Mark Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book launched me back to writing aside from journal writing. The title alone speaks to me personally, but the content is clear and catapults me to my laptop every time I pick it up. I had no idea when I picked it up that 2 years later, I would be working with an editor on my debut contemporary domestic suspense manuscript.

[Kenneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who is a writer in the blog space, trying to create in the book arena, "Writing with Quiet Hands" is very useful for both helping the creation process, and looking at the business side of writing. I am looking forward to continuing the lessons learned in the book .

[Kate Vogl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw her at an online conference. She said she wrote this for authors who are close to selling/getting an agent for their work but who just haven't yet, for those who are just missing the mark. Good tips here on characterization, point of view, big picture considerations, and great tips on setting.

[Dan Slone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was great. A nice comprehensive way of thinking about the whole process of writing and being a writer. I like Paula's writing on the craft. She has had a bigger impact on my writing style than anyone else.

[Jacqueline Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to have Paula as an Alglonkian Workshop leader where she shared so many of her insights that are found in this book. This is a must-read for anyone to wishes to write and have a manuscript ready for submission. It's a book you will go back to again and again.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a writer, read this. You won't regret it.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good writing book for my reference shelf.

[Janelle Trees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I will return to it, as the exercises are useful and the good-humoured, workman-like tone makes it easy and enjoyable to approach and learn from. Thank you Paula.

[Alton Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It speaks with wit and wisdom about every aspect of the writing craft. Read it and be inspired. Follow it and be renewed.

[James Bauguss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat helpful, but there are many better books on writing out there. The author constantly plugs her clients (she is an agent), great for them but annoying to the reader.

[Tim Suddeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of tips and advice on writing and being a writer. Loved the quotes.