Geek’s Guide to the Writing Life, The: An Instructional Memoir for Prose Writers

by Stephanie Vanderslice

The desire to create, to write, to fulfil our artistic dreams is a powerful human need. Yet the number of people who make a living solely by their pen is actually quite small. What does that mean for the rest of us, the self-described writing geeks, who are passionate about writing and who still want to sustain successful literary lives? What does it really mean to find time to build a rewarding writing life while pursuing a career, being a partner or raising a family, in the distracted, time-deprived, 21st-century? In The Geek’s Guide to the Writing Life , based on her Huffington Post blog of the same name, Stephanie Vanderslice shares the secrets and tools to developing a successful, rewarding writing practice in a way that inspires the reader to persevere through the inevitable lows and even the highs of a literary life, so that anyone can pursue the path to realizing their artistic dreams.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Inspirational

182 pages, Paperback

Published December 14, 2017

About the author

A Huffington Post writing life blogger (The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life) and university creative writing teacher, I write fiction and creative nonfiction (memoir) and have published many books and essays on creative writing in higher education. Represented by Anne Bohner at Pen and Ink Literary, my fictional territory remains the German and Irish neighborhoods of Queens, NY in the last century, where I grew up.

Reviews

[Stacey Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve taken classes from Dr. Vanderslice so I can attest that she believes—and lives by—the wisdom she imparts in these pages. I’ve got my own book coming out in 2019 thanks to her wisdom and encouragement, much of which is accessible here. The book is practical, humorous and inspiring. I highly recommend it!

[Yulenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational and informative book. It was beautifully written, thorough in its research, contains a amazingly helpful appendix and all in all, will serve any writer very well. As someone who knows little to nothing about publishing or even higher education in relation to writing, I found myself soaking up each chapter. It's obvious that Stephanie Vanderslice chose and wrote each chapter carefully, with much consideration to what budding writers are really curious about.

I think that reading the book made wanting to write become very real for me, which is perhaps why I took such a long pause in the middle of reading it. I got a little intimidated. When I picked it back up again, I had begun to write more everyday, and finishing the book made me feel good and not lazy.

I will be referring to this book countless times as I move forward with my writing. I've been taking all of her advice to heart, and the Appendix has become my best friend. If by some chance, Stephanie is reading this right now: Thank you so much. This book in incredible in the knowledge it imparts, and the encouragement it willingly gives.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

NWP friend and colleague, and writing program director extraordinaire, Stephanie Vanderslice comes through again with a lovely personal guide to building a writer's life. A love letter to her husband and her community, this book is also a little like having a personal mentor to carry around in your pocket (or your purse). Do you know someone who wants to be a writer? Give them this book.

[J.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Like Bird by Bird mixed with up-to-date, expert Creative Writing Pedagogical Theory from a Tama Kieves-level personal coach and motivator," says this workshop egotist!

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to write? Read this book.

I loved this book. I was hooked from the start when Stephanie says, "You don’t always choose writing. Sometimes writing chooses you". This is true! This book goes over everything from "Making the Commitment" to start writing to accepting a publisher's decision, whether it is yes or no. There are even resources in the back that cover additional further books to read and finding an agent. This book is great. It shows us that we don't have to be "cool" to write. So, let out your "geek" and start writing!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanderslice's book is just as satisfying and entertaining as the beloved blog of the same name. By taking what is funny, creative, and inspirational from her writing style and applying it in a solid read, I was able to build the confidence to embrace my own writing strengths and better comprehend what it means to be a geek.

This book outlines it in a clear and empowering manner. Being different, slightly awkward and OCD can create assets that make embracing the writing life more tangible. My wife is a published writer and encouraged me to read this book since I enjoy writing recreationally. The author highlights the struggles of not being "the cool kid" and offers support, exercises, and resources to help anyone on the fence about taking their writing to the next level.

Always caring, funny, and creative. This book is a real treat for new writers, avid readers, geeks, nerds, and husbands of writers!!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read. I went to grad school with the author so it was also a little bit of a trip down memory lane. The writing life is hard and lonely; it helps to know others are out there trying to do the same thing. And the appendix is full of good resources!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended—especially for beginning writers, but also for writers who suffer from recurring bouts of insecurity.

In Vanderslice's own words:

...writing life books are kind of like pep talks; we all need them once in a while to remind us of the difficulty and the importance of what we're trying to do.

This particular "pep talk" covers the nuts and bolts of what it takes to have a writing career. It includes everything from making the commitment and doing the work, to connecting with readers and finding your tribe, continuing education and making a living, and even platform building and finding an agent. Plus it has an appendix chock full of valuable resources. What I especially like is that the book is written in a way that's as warm, compassionate, and funny as it is practical, well-organized, and informative. Vanderslice comes across as a friend. Her guidance comes from a place of honesty, integrity, nurturing, and experience, drawing from years as a Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Arkansas Writer's MFA Workshop at the University of Central Arkansas, and from publishing fiction, nonfiction, and her regular column for the Huffington Post called "The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life."

[Lesley Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Writing is something I love to do, though these days I only seem to have enough time to quickly jot down notes and half the time I barely understand what they say they are that rushed.

I love the encouragement and information in this book. Believe in yourself and others will too. How to manage your time so you can fit in time to write, information such as connecting with readers, furthering your education, publishing and more.

I highly recommend this book to other writers, those who want to write and those who feel they don’t have the time to write.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. It reminded me of two different books: Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic," in its consideration of writing and creativity, and Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project," in its minutely practical approach. As I am not looking to get anything published, I wouldn't have expected to have been as caught up as I was with this book. It turns out, however, to have been one of those topics that are interesting even if you are not planning to put it to use. As a reader, it is fascinating to find out about the whole tumultuous process of bringing a book to fruition.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun guide to the prose writing life! Stephanie Vanderslice explores different aspects of finding that balance between writing, family, and work. I especially enjoyed her discussion on the "growth mindset" and that the best writers are successful because they are willing to be taught. I can tell you that besides creative nonfiction, I also write poetry, and some of this advice may not be so helpful to poets, but there is plenty of material for all kinds of writers.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love words? Love stories? Feel committed to the act of putting words on the page? This is the book for you. Often, I find that books on writing are too impractical to actually make a difference in my writing life. This book discusses the practicalities behind being a writer, and Vanderslice's discussions of her own writing life add flavor to the pages.

When you are ready for the next step, this is the book you should read!

[Pippa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this rather disappointing, but it was probably because I wasn't the target age for it. (It's really aimed at students and very young writers.) I'd hoped that there would be more clear pointers to ways you can make a living through writing, but the author is a professor in an American university, and is not dependent on the pennies she earns from writing, so - even though she is very committed to it - there is not a lot of practical information.

[Dee Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could sum the book up in one sentence, I would say that it's the perfect marriage of motivation and reality for any up and coming writer. I borrowed this from the library but it's a must buy as a resource for a writer.

[Galit Balli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and enlightening book to read. I highlighted so many paragraphs in this book, that almost the entire book became colorful :D
Review on this book will be later on :)

[Ashley Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has recently felt compelled to write, I found this book both informative and encouraging. I have read a few other books on the craft so far, but I really like the broad overview that the author provided on publishing. Her writing style is witty and she kept me engaged for the entire book. She was also very adamant that anyone can be a writer, not just a select few. I treasure these words and will keep them close when feeling discouraged.

“Before we part, let me remind you once more, you don’t have to be cool to be a writer. You do not have to be anointed. And I am living proof.”

The appendix was also immensely helpful. I’ve discovered a few more books on the craft that I’ve very excited to pick up. Whether you are a new writer or more seasoned, I’m sure you will discover a resource that you didn’t know existed.

Here’s another one of my favorite quotes from this book:

“Reading is like filling a well with rich, nourishing water you can dip into whenever you write- a deep well filled with every word, every sentence rhythm you’ve ever absorbed swirling around in there waiting to be pulled up by your particular bucket. You want your bucket to plummet to the depths, not to bounce around half empty at the surface.”

[Jacqulyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since Dr. Vanderslice was my grad school advisor when this book was published, I expected to enjoy it, relate to and even remember class discussions related the content including building your platform, what it takes to get an agent, how to actually publish a book once you've determined that yes, you are a writer and have actually written it. What surprised me is how candid, knowledgeable, and accessible the words, the concepts, and the inspiration are from start to finish - and that I took a highlighter to so many passages throughout this firecracker book about writing, living, and being.

Whether you're curious and interested in writing as a profession or an avocation, approaching burnout in a job that's paying the bills but not satisfying creative impulses, somewhere in academia as a student, staffer, or instructor, or a combination of any of these and more, spend the few hours it takes to read this and remember, be encouraged, and learn again what it means to say yes to a literary life, to accept yourself as a creative maker, and then get back to writing.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable insight into the writing life by an author who knows what she's talking about (even her husband is a writer). This book is a refreshing break from all those how-to's for style or structure. Stephanie encourages you, spurring you on to keep writing, with realistic guidance.
(Spoiler: Writing may never solely pay your bills and thats okay)

[Guy Choate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've taken a two-year break from writing and cracked this book open to inspire me to start writing again. It's working. Vanderslice writes with the accessibility one would hope to get from a committed teacher, but she's also a committed writer and can speak knowledgibly about the processes of writing/publishing. I enjoyed following the ups and downs of her project's journey.

[Jennifer Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, useful, kind, and companionable. I enjoyed it a great deal and found it useful. I especially think that my students will love this book. I intend to gift it to graduating creative writing students.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, thoughtful, honest advice on writing and the publishing of writing. I’m passing this one along to my son’s friend, who has been writing a novel.

[Chelsea DeVries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Very easy read with a plethora of information and encouraging to anyone living the write life. Appendix also contains other titles to check out on craft and process

[Justin Nickels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Vanderslice was my college advisor for most of my college, so it was nice to check back in through her book and get some general industry advice.

[Jennifer Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very encouraging to me as an inspiring author. I was able to identify where I am on the journey to becoming a published writer and what my next steps should be. The author clearly laid out practical advice which I will refer to in the coming stages. The most lovely aspect of this book was feeling validated as a writer which allowed me to take ownership of that title.

[Debra Hale-Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both a good read and a practical one for writers who want to write their own book or other works of literature. It gave me some great ideas as I return to the freelance writing I once did and enjoyed.

[J. Jobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, just as expected

Dr. Mrs. Stephanie Vanderslice is the Mom of creative writing. Do you have parents who are less than supportive? No problem. Stephanie's your mom now. And she believes in you, she sees your value, she reminds you why you started. In these kind, honest, helpful pages, Stephanie explains everything from why the mean kids should be ignored to what it's like to live the writing life--including the best detailed explanation of the publishing process I've read yet. If you're a writer and you need a hug, this is your book. 5 out of 5, will read again.