Writer's First Aid: Getting Organized, Getting Inspired, and Sticking to It

by Kristi Holl, Cheryl de la Gueronniere (Editor)

A compilation of favorite Web site articles is organized under the categories of getting started, working with a busy schedule, financial obstacles, and reaching personal goals, in a reference that shares advice ranging from the development of good writing skills to finding literary inspiration. Original.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

228 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

About the author

Kristi Holl is a best-selling award-winning author of dozens of middle-grade novels. With additional background as an elementary school educator and instructor of writing for children, Kristi's books are on many recommended reading lists and have been nominated for numerous Children's Choice Awards. Kristi has three grown daughters and lives in Texas.

Reviews

[Jeanne Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is quite different than other books I've read about writing. It's chock full of practical advice and encouragement, not about how to show-not-tell or choose your main character's POV. It's about how to tell if you're ready to take the leap into writing full-time, how to organize yourself without the structure of a boss breathing down your neck, how to negotiate your contract, manage your money, and believe in your best self. A quick read, well worthwhile.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great aid for writers. It's so easy to read and the tips are honest and down-to-earth. Like any book that offers suggestions, some will work for you and others won't, but I'm sure you'll find something that can really make a difference. Under the section Getting Started, there's a chapter on increasing creativity and another on keeping your focus. The section on work habits provides ways of dealing with distractions and time that are on target. The chapter, Too Much Time was fabuloso!
If absence of an agent a chapter on strategies for being your own agent can be a great resource. The last section is about creating the writing life you want. It leads the reader on the path of self-reflection and gives techniques to help you achieve it. I still have some journaling to do with this book to get the most out of it.

It was written in 2006; yet disregarding details that aren't pertinent anymore, the book retains its value as a resource for writers. Way to go, Kristi Holl.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource to read every once in a while--encouraging, helpful, and experienced. A bit dated, though, technology-wise. Also the first half was advice I've heard other places. The best part was the last half of the book, which talked about managing your money and your time and gave advice for keeping motivated and on-goal. Great advice for avoiding burnout.

Worth another read down the road!

[Anita (Hearts and Whodunits) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on writing.

[Matthew Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of useful advice and inspiration, much of which could apply to any endeavor beyond being a writer.

[Amy Senter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas, but didn’t realize how outdated it was. Referenced a lot of technology and things that are obsolete but 2/3 of the book was motivating to get the writing done!

[Beth Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little book on writing. A bit dated, but it had great info for writers. Kristi Holl gave great practical tips for how to get motivated with your writing, money management for the writer, overcoming self-sabotage, and creating the writing life you love. I recommend this book, but encourage the reader to purchase her second book, too, "More Writer's First Aid," which I am reading now.

[Jennifer LovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I have read is pretty good. I haven't read the whole thing yet. I liked the simple yet very helpful suggestions that I found in this book

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AWESOME!!! I highlighted and put sticky notes on so many pages its crazy. This is a book I will defiantly turn to when writing times get ruff and when they are really good!

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great, comprehensive guide in a writer's life on how to prepare a schedule and stick to it. Very inspiring and invigorating. Makes me want to work harder at my job as a writer.

Cat~

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short bits of info on the writing life. Not really something you sit down and read through.

[Linda Runnebaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!! It really inspired me to get organized and START WRITING!! Thank you Kristi. I'm a forever fan! Great book!