How to WRITE When Everything Goes WRONG: A Practical Guide to Writing Through Tough Times

by Allie Pleiter

Is your muse yelling “SOS”? How do you keep the words pouring onto the page when your real life feels like it’s under attack? Every writer knows how stress and personal crises can strangle your creativity. Help is on the way in this brilliantly practical guide. Inside, you’ll find advice - Gets you through the thick of your crisis - Gives you tactics that will energize you to keep writing - Teaches you to use your stress to inspire your writing - And much more! As the author of over 30 books and the creator of The Chunky Method of time management for writers, Pleiter has met deadlines in the midst of some imposing traumas. With candor, insight, and the wisdom of experience, she shares practical and inventive strategies for how to stay afloat and creative amid life’s stormiest seas.

Genres: Writing

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Kristy Horine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Allie Pleiter at the October 2023 Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and purchased three of her books after taking her class on The Chunky Method.

I had no idea then that just ten days after the conference, an absolute avalanche of crises would bury my family. A cancer diagnosis, a surgery, two deaths, and significant spine issues rushed in on us.

It was then that I understood why I had been compelled to buy a book I didn't even know I needed. The Lord knew, though, and I found great comfort between the pages of How to Write When Everything Goes Wrong.

Reading through the book, I felt as if Allie hooked her elbow through mine and helped me travel a path she knew already. Through her encouragement, I've discovered one small thing I can have control over when everything else is out of control, I've chosen friends for my inner circle, and, while I haven't quite hugged an armadillo, I've discovered that writing to process instead of writing for publication is okay for now.

A great book I would recommend to everyone.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I convince you to add this book to your collection? It’s short—only 105 pages. It can easily be read in one sitting, but at the same time it could take you days—maybe longer—if you are at a place where you need to absorb and ruminate. Part testimony and words of encouragement and part mentoring and instruction, this book lets you sit down across from Allie with a cup of hot chocolate and console one another. And because it’s organized along bullet points with subheadings, it serves well as a go-to reference book when life’s dramas stop you cold.

The title of the book is only slightly deceiving. Yes, writers (and speakers) are the target audience, but the lessons she learned and shared in the book provide “A Practical Guide…Through Tough Times” for anyone.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Write When Everything Goes Wrong by Allie Pleiter
What a great book for authors and speakers. This book will help those who are going through a tough time but still want to—or have to—get some writing time in. Suggestions on when and if to go public with their struggles and if so, how much to say.

Using her own life experience, the author also talks about when and if to write or speak about that time. There are so many great points in this book. I'd also recommend it for authors who aren't going through deep struggles as many ideas are useful in daily life.http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Karen Cerny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was getting bogged down in dealing with personal issues that distracted me from working on my writing projects. This book from Allie Pleiter may seem by some to be "heard that before", but she presents the tips and advice in a concise and practical manner that makes it a useful and quick reference for those struggling to keep their writing momentum. She writes from experience having written through her own tough times. What she has gained through her experience with publishing over 40 titles and coaching numerous writers is invaluable for writers of all levels. Thank you, Allie!

[Catrina Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirational

A truly inspiring read! If you are a writer who is feeling stuck because of life’s difficulties, this book may just be what you need.
It was for me. Personal challenges were holding me back, but not any more! Allie’s experiences, insight, expertise -and coaching-are just what I needed. May you, too, find the wisdom and validation you need to press through the pain and get back to your writing.

[Kathy Brown]

I don't do the star ratings, but every writer needs this little book, because sooner or later something big and distracting comes to us all. Easy to read and full of practical advice. The lessons learned are applicable to anyone, artist or not, in crisis, but the books "gets it" as far as how creative work can particularly suffer when the artist is overwhelmed with real life.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little book loaded with sage, heart-filled advice.

[Crystal Routley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource.

So much of this book is relateable and so on point. Thank you for the great tips and encouragement. I really enjoyed it.

[Donna Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Pleiter offers sound advice presented in a thoughtful, straightforward style.

[Catherine Richmond]

A must-read for every writer!

This is the book I wish I'd read before my life spiraled out of control. Just as you should learn to swim in anticipation of an encounter with deep water, I recommend read Allie's book to be ready for tough times. When disaster hits, you might not have the time or energy to read this. Allie provides strategies for various personalities and different situations. And one terrific tactic - a Fort of Fours - for conquering everyday stress.