Writing Ain't for Sissies

by Erina Bridget Ring

When stay-at-home mom Clara Perkins fulfills a lifelong dream by writing her memoirs, she is stunned by the reaction of her family who fears she will reveal a family secret. Their behavior sends Clara into a tailspin, but when she seeks help, she is shocked to find the counselors she consults turn out to be more psychologically troubled than she is! How Clara conquers her fear of "going public" brings about her greatest challenge and her ultimate triumph when the long-held family secret is revealed.

162 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2016

Reviews

[Bambi Rathman]

When Clara Perkins accomplishes her life long dream of writing her memoir and having it published, all craziness starts to happen. "What was I thinking when I decided to write a memoir? Even worse, having it published?" Her Aunt Sarah is absolutely against this book being published but she's hiding a secret as to why that is. Clara starts to question whether she should go through with publishing her book. This is a fast read with some mystery, suspense, surprises and some crazy therapists thrown in. I was turning the pages to find out what the family secret was. I wasn't expecting what it was when it was revealed at all. It certainly proved that "Writing Ain't For Sissies" with what Clara went through! I want to thank Ms. Ring for the copy of the book and to say that enjoyed reading it very much!

[Books]

Another enjoyable book by Erina Bridget Ring. In Writing Ain’t for Sissies we meet Clara. Clara has just finished writing her memoir and is getting it ready for publishing. Needless to say, Clara’s anxiety is through the roof.

From family that doesn’t want Clara to publish her memoir for some unknown reason, to therapists that have more issues than she does, the story is an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

I truly enjoyed this fast and easy read. If you’re looking for a story to keep you entertained from start to finish and can be read in one sitting, this is the book for you.

[Barbara Waloven]

This was a quick witted quick read with great characters. Have you ever wondered what an author might go through after writing their first book? Does your family have secrets that even you don’t know? Have you ever experienced a panic attack? These, and so much more, are colorfully covered within the pages.

[Nancy Novacek]

Holy Cannoli Book Buddies!
You have to read this book. Yes, you really do!
I put off reading book 4 by Erina Bridget Ring because I read the title 'Writing Ain't for Sissies' and WRONGLY assumed that it was about her struggles writing a book. I couldn't have been more wrong!
Lesson learned!
Read a book synopsis - after all that is what they are there for. Right?
This is such an awesome book. The main character, Clara, wrote a book about growing up the youngest in a large family. Read the families reaction. See if you have the same reaction to Aunt Sarah as did. (I wanted to smack her) Learn the astonishing and shocking family secret. (It's gasp worthy) See the trials of finding a therapist - I don't know if this was funny or sad but shows you what to look out for.
The only bad thing about this book is that it came to an end. I actually awed when it was over.

Books by Erina Bridget Ring:
📚 Knit 2, Purl 2, Kill 2: A Caretaker's Story of Survival
📚 Breakfast With the FBI
📚 Diapers, Drama and Deceit: The Mothers f Easthaven
📚 Writing Ain't for Sissies

[Renee Simmons]

Who knew and who didn’t ? Clara has always been a stay at home mom, and was very shy. When her children were grown and her and her husband became empty nesters, she decided to write a memoir of her childhood, being the youngest of a large family, she remembered her life being happy and her family very close. Even though her mother died when she was 5 years old, her Aunt Sarah was there to help raise them. But Clara started having anxiety about her book being published and felt as if she was missing something in her book. When her Aunt became very upset with her for writing about her family, her anxiety got worse. She knew she needed some help. Her doctor suggested a therapist, …. Big mistake! . What was going on? Her Aunt keep talking about her making family secrets public…what family secrets? She didn’t know any family secrets…or did she? This book will definitely keep you guessing and rooting for Clara to rise above her insecurities and share her wonderful memories of of family’s love. Unles Aunt Sarah gets her way!

[Linda]

This is a fun little book I read in one sitting. You meet Clara who has written a memoir about her childhood, and her family wasn't consulted. Aunt Sarah is quite unhappy about it and will do anything to block it. Her older relatives are whispering to each other behind her back. Why? On top of that, Clara is having panic attacks. Finding a therapist is proving to be a problem, but with hilarious results. Author Erina Bridget Ring has written a fun tale about family secrets and self-discovery. Read this on a rainy afternoon with a cup of cocoa and take yourself away for a couple of hours on a delightful adventure into family dynamics and secrets that almost can't wait to be revealed.

[Amber Hash]

First of all, I’m going to start off by saying that if I ever get a therapist, I hope they aren’t as crazy as the ones I read about! So insane!

I really enjoyed Clara, as I felt like I was sitting beside her the entire time. I was so fully invested in this book, that I read it in under four hours. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down! Literally!

I was really starting to not like Aunt Sarah, but I changed my mind as I kept reading. That plot twist though!!!!!! I don’t want to give anything away, so you’ll have to read the book for yourselves, but I’ll tell you, this book was an awesome read! I’d give it a 10/10 stars if I could! Well done Erina!

[Claudia Reed]

A story that had me turning pages from the first. This author writes easy to read, engaging tales about life situations. Clara, a stay at home mom whose children have left the nest, writes a memoir of her own growing up. As publishing grows closer and in the face of family opposition, Clara becomes increasingly anxious. In seeking help for her anxiety and seeking the reason for the family opposition to the book, she encounters some rather eccentric people. There is also a family secret to discover.
This book will make you smile, shake your head in wonderment, and maybe bring you to tears in places.

[Dana Halek Damato]

Writing Ain't For Sissies by Erina Bridget Ring is a very quick, compact little book.

Clara Perkins writes a memoir about her childhood and really opens a can of worms by doing so. First, she is having anxiety attacks and the counselors she sees are stranger than anyone would believe. Then her family turns against her because they fear she has revealed a family secret. Clara must sort it all out and get her book published.

This is an entertaining story that I finished in one sitting.

[Margaret Yelton]

I found this to be a quick easy read that I throughly enjoyed. At times I laughed while reading it, and at other times I kind of tried to figure out what the outcome was going to be. Why was Clara's aunt so upset by the book? The answer certainly wasn't one that I was expecting. I have read several books written by this author and each one is as enjoyable as the previous ones have been. I would most definitely recommend this book to others. I received a copy of the book as a gift and am under no obligation to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own.

[Cathy]

A page turner

This was a page turner from beginning to end. Clara wrote her first book … a memoir about her childhood. Her aunt Sarah is very upset about this. Clara is having anxiety about her family’s opposition to her book. She tries several therapists, who do not help. She publishes her book, has a book signing. Then finally finds out why her aunt is opposed to this book. Excellent read.

[Dyana]

This book made me wonder what other Authors go through when they publish their memoir! All kinds of things start happening when Clara decides to publish her book. Her Aunt suddenly acts as though there is a secret that shouldn't be revealed. Clara gets anxiety and starts seeing therapists that need therapists themselves! You will never guess what the secret actually is. I'm not telling!

[Linda]

Just finished this book and it’s a winner. A family at odds about a memoir that was written and family secret they are trying to hide. I’m not a fast reader but read it in two days because it had my attention right away. Erina Bridget Ring you have a natural gift of storytelling and grabbing the attention of your audience.

[Tina Barnes]

A great read!!!

This is a 5 star book. I read it in one evening and literally could not put it down. I was pulled in immediately to Clara and felt like I was right there with her as she went through everything. Would definitely recommend this book. Thank you Erina Bridget Ring for a fabulous story.

[Nancy Pumphrey]

When Clara Perkins writes a book she is mystified by reactions of her family. Panic attacks result and have her going to therapists with unbelievable sessions. Erian Bridget Ring never disappoints as she brings everything together with humor and secrets. This book should be on everyone’s list to read. I rate this book 5 stars.

[Michelle Coblentz]

Clara writes her first book, which is a memoir. Her Aunt is totally against the book being published, but won't say why. The closer it comes to the publishing date, the more stress Clara seems to suffer. A great read with some laughter and sadness.

[Doreen Lamar]

Absolutely loved this one as much as her others I have read. Her books are entertaining and keep you engrossed in them. I must say they always seem to have a twist that you did not see coming as was again in this case. Quick fun read. Highly recommend

[Teresa M Bawa]

This was another quick read. Was a great story. But poor Clara who wrote a book had to go through so much after writing her memoir. And I totally e enjoyed the bits of humor when she went to see the therapists.
This was a nice read. Pick it up and enjoy.

[Lorri Humberd]

This was a very compelling and enjoyable read

This book was a compelling, fun and easy read. I enjoy this author's style which is to pepper her story with humor and human emotions which are very relatable. I recommend this book.

[Lisa]

Quick fun read about the difficulties in writing a first time book that happens to be a memoire that your large family doesn’t want published Also has some insight into being an indie author and all that entails Panic ensues! And the ending twist- brilliant!

[Mary Anne]

This is the first book I've read of Erina's and I absolutely loved it!

[Judy Morris]

What a very humorous book. It was so enjoyable to read. It just reads so smoothly. It is a great pleasure to read it. Great job Erina

[Vicki Versetti]

This book was one I could not put down. I would recommend this book to everyone.

[Janet Smith]

This was a fun read. The author engages you from page one and keeps your interest throughout. I enjoyed it!

[Sherry Brown]

Another great book from Erina Bridget Ring. It’s full of surprises with a twist I didn’t see coming! Enjoyed the characters and it was a page turner from the beginning to end!

[Brittiny Harrand]

I won this book in a giveaway. It didn't keep my attention well but it was short so I read it quickly. Mostly I just kept thinking; what a b**** (about the aunt).

[Michelle Keene]

Writing ain't for sissies... And neither is seeing a therapist! This book was a non stop read! Crazy from start to finish but in a whirlwind good way. Don't be a sissy... Read it you'll love it

[MAEVE POWER]

Great Read!!! It's a must read for anyone looking for something new-

[Denise Marie]

BOOK REVIEW: Writing Ain't for Sissies by author, Erina Bridget Ring

Clara Perkins, a first-time author, wife and mother~ with a memoir to publish. But things take a turn when certain family members aren't quite as supportive as she'd hoped with her choice in bringing "her story" into the world...

Shocked by the lack of enthusiasm for what should be an exciting time for Clara , and complete outrage by even the thought of exposing their family by her Aunt Sarah, the stresses build, anxieties peak, and Clara finds herself riding the tail of yet another problem...the unending search for help through all the madness.

Phone calls, scheduled appointments, comfy chairs, and an endless supply of tissues bring Clara nothing but more stress and confusion as therapy proves not to be as needed by her, as it is for the very therapists she's been referred to. A revolving door of the unproductive, unbalanced, and somewhat looney, all while trying to bring a novel to its final destination, into the hands of her readers.

Ms. Ring has created, yet again, a clever and surprising narrative~ one of mystery, the unexpected, and yes, humorous. It's a courageous, heartwarming and suspenseful journey that will lead you to a startling yet satisfying end...

I thank the author for my copy of Writing Ain't for Sissies. A story I enjoyed and recommend to anyone looking for a spirited, entertaining read.

4 Stars

#WritingAintforSissies
#ErinaBridgetRing

Wild Sage Book Blog

[JeanneK]

Writing Ain’t for Sissies by Erina Bridget Ring is a delightful easy to read story which is about Clara Perkins who writes a memoir and her family who is terrified some deep dark family secret will be revealed to the world. Clara is so overcome with anxiety she begins seeing therapists who clearly have emotional issues of their own. The author is a very talented storyteller and doesn’t disappoint her readers with this book. It has all the elements of mystery, suspense, humor, is heartwarming and readers will be shocked and surprised by the ending. I rated it a five.