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About Writing
Gareth L Powell is an award-winning and widely lauded author at the forefront of current speculative fiction. His passion for the genre, along with a refreshingly open and honest relationship with his fans, shows why he is such a unique talent. In About Writing , Powell shares his insights and tips from the world of fiction. More than just an instructional how-to, this is a practical, inspirational field guide, and a unique, invaluable insight into what it takes to be a successful author. “Brilliant.” – The Guardian “Genius.” – Barnes & Noble “When you have an imagination like Gareth Powell’s, you must write or paint or otherwise vent that imagination through art so your head won’t explode.” – New York Journal of Books
- GenresWritingNonfiction
178 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2019
37 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 21, 2019
A short but fascinating read distilling years of wisdom into a single, easily-digestible volume, this is both valuable and deeply inspiring. Whether you read it cover to cover or dip in a chapter at time, and whether you're actively pursuing a writing career or simply interested in understanding a little of one (very talented) writer's process, there's a lot to enjoy in these pages. Gareth's kindness and positivity come through clearly, and there's something endearingly matter of fact about his advice - he's not promising you the world, but you somehow come away feeling like he believes in you, and genuinely wants you to succeed.
Lovely stuff, and very much recommended - it's as inspiring and relevant to me as a reviewer and blogger as I imagine it would be to a novelist.
Lovely stuff, and very much recommended - it's as inspiring and relevant to me as a reviewer and blogger as I imagine it would be to a novelist.
July 5, 2019
I think this has to be the first time I have teared up reading a book about the craft of writing. Gareth's words made me feel a lot less alone in my own journey. He covers a wide range of topics. Provides a slew of helpful tips. I would say this book should be considered a necessary addition to any writer's toolkit located right next to the batarang. You have to read this. You will be glad you did.
April 11, 2023
great insights from a full time writer
Good practical advice for aspiring writers who want to go full time. TL;DR going full time is bumpy and lumpy so have backup financial plan.
Though there is plenty of repetition from other writers about tips ( write regularly, manage mindset, read widely), it is still incredibly valuable to hear a first hand account from someone who is working his trade as we speak.
I also loved the extensive book suggestions.
Recommended for sci-fi writers.
Good practical advice for aspiring writers who want to go full time. TL;DR going full time is bumpy and lumpy so have backup financial plan.
Though there is plenty of repetition from other writers about tips ( write regularly, manage mindset, read widely), it is still incredibly valuable to hear a first hand account from someone who is working his trade as we speak.
I also loved the extensive book suggestions.
Recommended for sci-fi writers.
March 29, 2021
Like a cross between a pat on the shoulder and a kick up the ass for writers, or maybe an understanding but firm talking to, this book may have dislodged me from my uncreative stupor that I've been trapped in since we reentered full lockdown. Gareth communicates his experiences and suggestions for writers in a very approachable way whilst being very clear that choosing to write is by no means the path of least resistance. If you're struggling with your writing, whether you're stuck or doubting yourself, About Writing might be the boost you need to get going again.
August 1, 2019
Well, it inspired me to write more, so it works! One of the few books of this kind that sidles up to you and chats... none of that saintly passing-on-of-advice-to-the-plebs you get from some writers. Bravo!
September 25, 2024
i write gud now
July 12, 2022
This second edition of 'About Writing' adds depth and further advice from Powell to writers. Thought provoking and easy to read, it is more than a simple reprint of the earlier version. If you have read the first edition, this is worth a look, but if you have bought this edition, the first is not required.
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Review of first edition: Powell's guide to being a writer is great because the advice is simple: stop telling people you are going to write a book and write the damn book already.
An interesting book, which gives a clear sense of the potential pitfalls and rewards of being a professional writer
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Review of first edition: Powell's guide to being a writer is great because the advice is simple: stop telling people you are going to write a book and write the damn book already.
An interesting book, which gives a clear sense of the potential pitfalls and rewards of being a professional writer
April 11, 2021
I love when authors I respect share snippets of their life with their readers. As a writer myself, I could relate to what Mr. Powell shared and appreciate that he too, has struggled. In fact, I found his words to be very inspiring and have written nearly every day this week. I feel as if he is there personally cheering me on. I took away much from what he shared and if I ever get the chance to meet him at a conference, I'm buying him a cuppa or drink of his choice to thank him for giving me renewed hope in my abilities as a writer.
November 16, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book filled with clear, sensible and genuinely helpful advice for writers. Powell consistently reinforces the fact that different things work for different people, but provides heaps of evidence and experience and excellence throughout which will help writers of every persuasion.
This is a seriously practical and useful book, which also happens to be neatly and enjoyably written and organised.
This is a seriously practical and useful book, which also happens to be neatly and enjoyably written and organised.
January 8, 2020
An excellent book on writing that I feel like I'll come back to time and again. It lives up to its title of being a field guide, giving just the right amount of digestible advice without any extrenous information.
January 17, 2020
Quick, one-day read that also functions well as advertised: a "field guide" that you can easily carry along. Not much new or earth-shattering, but its organization helps make it a quick reference.
January 1, 2021
This short book is pitched as a field guide for writers. It's focussed more on establishing the right mindset and good writing habits needed to be a successful author, rather than being a technical how to guide on technique and craft. There's plenty in here for experienced and new writers alike, covering a wide range of topics ranging from dealing with writer's block, time management, tips to boost your creativity, finding an agent and how to navigate the world of social media and conventions. Most importantly, there are some excellent tips on how to maintain your confidence and self-belief as a writer on what can often be a lonely road. Practical, encouraging and inspiring I've taken a lot of things from this book that I'll be applying to my own writing. This book should be added to the 'must read' pile of anyone considering a career as a creative writer.
October 28, 2019
This is a bite-sized book packed with incredibly useful advice for writers, particularly novelists. It is clear that it's a series of blog posts — not to its detriment in any way— and I think there could have been some editing to prevent repetition. It is very practical and has helped me (along with Gareth on Twitter [If you're a writer, follow him, he's incredibly generous with his time and expertise]) to organise my own writing.
July 12, 2022
Powell's guide to being a writer is great because the advice is simple: stop telling people you are going to write a book and write the damn book already.
An interesting book, which gives a clear sense of the potential pitfalls and rewards of being a professional writer.
An interesting book, which gives a clear sense of the potential pitfalls and rewards of being a professional writer.
July 8, 2022
I pre-ordered a copy of Gareth Powell’s About Writing as soon as I saw that it was being published this year. I am a regular follower of the author on social media, and I hoped that this manual would provide a valuable insight into what he has learned writing and publishing at least a dozen novels (there are probably more, I can’t keep up!).
Suffice to say, I was not disappointed. I read About Writing in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. The book was concise, very accessible, and felt like a trusty field companion to anyone wandering through the safari of their early writing career.
Gareth has a uniquely no-nonsense way of putting his points across and delivering necessary hard truths which you need to hear if you are going to pursue writing as a career. He doesn’t sugar coat or massage the ego, but instead delivers a series of practical, hard-hitting tips and things that he has learned through actually putting in the hard work and experiencing failure (as well as success). The result is like having a tough but kind mentor by your side.
About Writing covers a range of topics, ranging from the psychology of writers block and coming up with ideas, to the practicalities of publishing contracts, and much more. Gareth shares many life-hacks in this book in order to manage your productivity, come across well over social media and at face-to-face meetings, and produce a hard-hitting elevator pitch in a matter of seconds. His advice also caters to different types of writers, so whether you’re a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’, a genre writer or a writer of literary fiction, you will find plenty of useful tips throughout the book. Of all of the ‘writing advice’ books I’ve read, this is also the only one which deals with the topic of mental health and self-care which was really refreshing to see.
Being a writer, as Gareth acknowledges, is about putting in the work, but with this book by your side you will not only feel inspired and motivated to do so, but will conquer many of the mental barriers to doing so as well as avoiding common pitfalls early writers fall into.
I have read many similar books including Stephen King’s On Writing, Into the Woods by John Yorke, and others. A common theme of these books is that they tend to drift into philosophical musing and speaking in platitudes about the mystic qualities a piece of writing must have. About Writing does none of these things. It’s a mechanic’s toolkit, a collection of pliers and socket wrenches which, if applied properly, will help you to get the job done without a fuss.
Having written one novel myself, this book has spurred me onto finishing my second. I would wholly recommend it to anyone who is serious about becoming a writer.
Suffice to say, I was not disappointed. I read About Writing in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed doing so. The book was concise, very accessible, and felt like a trusty field companion to anyone wandering through the safari of their early writing career.
Gareth has a uniquely no-nonsense way of putting his points across and delivering necessary hard truths which you need to hear if you are going to pursue writing as a career. He doesn’t sugar coat or massage the ego, but instead delivers a series of practical, hard-hitting tips and things that he has learned through actually putting in the hard work and experiencing failure (as well as success). The result is like having a tough but kind mentor by your side.
About Writing covers a range of topics, ranging from the psychology of writers block and coming up with ideas, to the practicalities of publishing contracts, and much more. Gareth shares many life-hacks in this book in order to manage your productivity, come across well over social media and at face-to-face meetings, and produce a hard-hitting elevator pitch in a matter of seconds. His advice also caters to different types of writers, so whether you’re a ‘plotter’ or a ‘pantser’, a genre writer or a writer of literary fiction, you will find plenty of useful tips throughout the book. Of all of the ‘writing advice’ books I’ve read, this is also the only one which deals with the topic of mental health and self-care which was really refreshing to see.
Being a writer, as Gareth acknowledges, is about putting in the work, but with this book by your side you will not only feel inspired and motivated to do so, but will conquer many of the mental barriers to doing so as well as avoiding common pitfalls early writers fall into.
I have read many similar books including Stephen King’s On Writing, Into the Woods by John Yorke, and others. A common theme of these books is that they tend to drift into philosophical musing and speaking in platitudes about the mystic qualities a piece of writing must have. About Writing does none of these things. It’s a mechanic’s toolkit, a collection of pliers and socket wrenches which, if applied properly, will help you to get the job done without a fuss.
Having written one novel myself, this book has spurred me onto finishing my second. I would wholly recommend it to anyone who is serious about becoming a writer.
January 27, 2023
Gareth Powell’s About Writing leaps into the recommended list for anyone thinking about writing a book, or if more experienced, wanting to check their own thinking about doing so. While obviously written by someone who specialises in SFF/horror, it is definitely broad enough to be widely useful, and includes notes on other genres.
The book has the warm, passionate, and pragmatic approach that Powell embodies in his online persona. It mixes short pithy challenges with longer, well argued chapters.
If I was looking for a credible book on how to write novels, I’d expect the following.
The person who wrote it has actually written several successful novels (or shepherded many books to success as editor or agent.)
They have had enough experience of self-publishing and traditional publishing to talk sense about both, and hybrid forms too.
In setting out how they write, they explain why, and they don’t assert that is the only way to do it. (Since, empirically, many highly successful authors write in very different ways).
It should touch on all the challenges of starting and finishing that first book, and also, what comes after.
About Writing does all this and more, and it is hard to fault.
Powell talks about the different bits of being an author. How ideas come, how creativity can be nurtured, how to unlock yourself when stuck. And also the discipline and hard work needed to finish the draft and go on to make the book as good as it can be. Writers must soar to the stars with empathy and imagination then have the hard intellectual work figuring out how to restructure or reframe the vision to make better sense or take fewer words.
A book about writing needs to look at the whole picture. Powell is realistic but not defeatist about the financial challenges of writing and he talks about the business side. There is the vexed issue of promotion and having a public side.
Powell is sound on the personal. Writing books is a mental marathon and you need to look after yourself – the need to stay well read, to look after body and mind, to keep up connectivity offline with your friends and family. But also he’s right that’s there is joy, community and friendship to be found in the writing world.
Finally, Powell gives us a manifesto, a case for creativity and writing stories as a great social good – a case for trying to be optimistic as a means to create a better future – and I love his parable that the Ugly Ducklings just need to get together and be who they are. Swans, nah.
I wish I had had this book when I started.
The book has the warm, passionate, and pragmatic approach that Powell embodies in his online persona. It mixes short pithy challenges with longer, well argued chapters.
If I was looking for a credible book on how to write novels, I’d expect the following.
The person who wrote it has actually written several successful novels (or shepherded many books to success as editor or agent.)
They have had enough experience of self-publishing and traditional publishing to talk sense about both, and hybrid forms too.
In setting out how they write, they explain why, and they don’t assert that is the only way to do it. (Since, empirically, many highly successful authors write in very different ways).
It should touch on all the challenges of starting and finishing that first book, and also, what comes after.
About Writing does all this and more, and it is hard to fault.
Powell talks about the different bits of being an author. How ideas come, how creativity can be nurtured, how to unlock yourself when stuck. And also the discipline and hard work needed to finish the draft and go on to make the book as good as it can be. Writers must soar to the stars with empathy and imagination then have the hard intellectual work figuring out how to restructure or reframe the vision to make better sense or take fewer words.
A book about writing needs to look at the whole picture. Powell is realistic but not defeatist about the financial challenges of writing and he talks about the business side. There is the vexed issue of promotion and having a public side.
Powell is sound on the personal. Writing books is a mental marathon and you need to look after yourself – the need to stay well read, to look after body and mind, to keep up connectivity offline with your friends and family. But also he’s right that’s there is joy, community and friendship to be found in the writing world.
Finally, Powell gives us a manifesto, a case for creativity and writing stories as a great social good – a case for trying to be optimistic as a means to create a better future – and I love his parable that the Ugly Ducklings just need to get together and be who they are. Swans, nah.
I wish I had had this book when I started.
September 13, 2022
I recently read the new expanded edition of Gareth L. Powell’s About Writing. As a writer myself, I’m keen to learn more about the craft and improve. One great way to do this is simply to write (this is, in fact, the most important way), another is to take advice from established writers. For new (and not so new) writers, there’s so much rich knowledge to be gleaned from those who have been immersed in the industry for a long time. Gareth’s About Writing is not so much a “how-to” of writing; this is no technical guide, but it is fascinating and very motivational with matter-of-fact advice on navigating the other aspects of being a writer, such as the process, beating writer’s block, and insights into publishing.
As a practical example, I’ve been struggling a bit with finding the motivation to continue where I last left off writing in my WIP. Every time I went back to the document after having dealt with everything else that the day had thrown at me, I just stared at it. Stared for a few minutes, the cogs and gears in my mind grinding themselves to a halt. Then, I would close the document and do something brainless and unproductive like scrolling through TikTok or watching YouTube. Sometimes this is fine, but when it goes on for too long, there’s a problem. And it had gone on for too long. In About Writing, Gareth’s advice was to train yourself into the habit of thinking throughout the day about what you need to write next, so that when you finally open your WIP, you know what you need to do and don’t waste your writing time trying to think about it when your energy might be low. In short: I tried it, and it worked. I put down nearly a thousand words in my next session, which is at the upper end of what I would normally write in a day.
This isn’t the only piece of advice in the book, of course, but just one example of where it’s helped me recently.
There’s a lot packed into About Writing, and it’s a great kick up the backside, written in a way which feels like Gareth is really rooting for you. This tracks well, because Gareth does so much to encourage and champion both aspiring and established authors, whether trad-published or indie. I get the feeling I’ll definitely be revisiting sections in the book when I need a bit of a pep-talk!
If you’re struggling with your writing, whether that’s desperately trying to see the wood for the trees, feeling overwhelmed, demotivated or lost, give About Writing a go.
As a practical example, I’ve been struggling a bit with finding the motivation to continue where I last left off writing in my WIP. Every time I went back to the document after having dealt with everything else that the day had thrown at me, I just stared at it. Stared for a few minutes, the cogs and gears in my mind grinding themselves to a halt. Then, I would close the document and do something brainless and unproductive like scrolling through TikTok or watching YouTube. Sometimes this is fine, but when it goes on for too long, there’s a problem. And it had gone on for too long. In About Writing, Gareth’s advice was to train yourself into the habit of thinking throughout the day about what you need to write next, so that when you finally open your WIP, you know what you need to do and don’t waste your writing time trying to think about it when your energy might be low. In short: I tried it, and it worked. I put down nearly a thousand words in my next session, which is at the upper end of what I would normally write in a day.
This isn’t the only piece of advice in the book, of course, but just one example of where it’s helped me recently.
There’s a lot packed into About Writing, and it’s a great kick up the backside, written in a way which feels like Gareth is really rooting for you. This tracks well, because Gareth does so much to encourage and champion both aspiring and established authors, whether trad-published or indie. I get the feeling I’ll definitely be revisiting sections in the book when I need a bit of a pep-talk!
If you’re struggling with your writing, whether that’s desperately trying to see the wood for the trees, feeling overwhelmed, demotivated or lost, give About Writing a go.
May 24, 2024
I've read a lot of books on writing and gleaned good information from all of them. They ranged for good to great, but I had this feeling that no book or even my library of books provided me with a complete picture of what it was to pursue a writing career as well as provide effective, pragmatic guidance.
I have also been a part of Twitter's (yes, Twitter's!) writing community for a few years and I had been a Twitter follower of Gareth for several months, bemoaning my frustrations when he slyly suggested I check out his book. From Gareth's frank posts, I thought that was a good idea and decided to buy the Kindle edition and do the Audible version so I could take advantage of Whispersync.
What follows is not based on any loyalty to Gareth, but an honest review of both the book and audiobook combination.
Summary - About Writing is a truthful discussion of the joys, pitfalls and techniques of a trad/self-published author. It's not a book to provide false hopes or formulaic, prosaic "guaranteed" advice. It is a guidebook for hikers looking to cross a continent of writing hurdles. It is biographic throughout without being self-aggrandizing. It's about sometimes hard-won victories and periods of discouragement and the need for income because it's hard to make a living an author today! It's not rose-colored glasses, it's a map with a variety of trails across a difficult landscape.
I won't go into all the details of practical advice and I won't follow all of it (I'm a PC guy, not a Mac guy), but even if you believe you don't need any set of his guidelines (not rules, not formulae), you should listen to this book to buy a clue about the life of a successful author.
Gareth is the kind of guide you'd pay good money for when you're not certain you can make it to the other side of difficult terrain and his pragmatic advice will help your writing.
BTW, Gareth narrated his book and he's a surprising effective. Hey, if you need a narrator with a Bristol accent, maybe you can...
Anyway, if you want to go the distance as a writer, buy this book and, Gareth, if you read this, I apologize if you think I played you up too much, but you're the real deal. Deal with it!
I have also been a part of Twitter's (yes, Twitter's!) writing community for a few years and I had been a Twitter follower of Gareth for several months, bemoaning my frustrations when he slyly suggested I check out his book. From Gareth's frank posts, I thought that was a good idea and decided to buy the Kindle edition and do the Audible version so I could take advantage of Whispersync.
What follows is not based on any loyalty to Gareth, but an honest review of both the book and audiobook combination.
Summary - About Writing is a truthful discussion of the joys, pitfalls and techniques of a trad/self-published author. It's not a book to provide false hopes or formulaic, prosaic "guaranteed" advice. It is a guidebook for hikers looking to cross a continent of writing hurdles. It is biographic throughout without being self-aggrandizing. It's about sometimes hard-won victories and periods of discouragement and the need for income because it's hard to make a living an author today! It's not rose-colored glasses, it's a map with a variety of trails across a difficult landscape.
I won't go into all the details of practical advice and I won't follow all of it (I'm a PC guy, not a Mac guy), but even if you believe you don't need any set of his guidelines (not rules, not formulae), you should listen to this book to buy a clue about the life of a successful author.
Gareth is the kind of guide you'd pay good money for when you're not certain you can make it to the other side of difficult terrain and his pragmatic advice will help your writing.
BTW, Gareth narrated his book and he's a surprising effective. Hey, if you need a narrator with a Bristol accent, maybe you can...
Anyway, if you want to go the distance as a writer, buy this book and, Gareth, if you read this, I apologize if you think I played you up too much, but you're the real deal. Deal with it!
July 25, 2022
In the late noughties, I used to converse on Twitter with a chap called Gareth L. Powell. We were both budding writers back in the day, and I can't really remember how I met him, but we somehow lost touch during one of my many hiatuses from Twitter. I recently discovered that it's possible to search historic Tweets, and quite by accident spotted his name cropping up in lots of replies. Imagine my surprise and pleasure when I discovered he is now a successful science fiction author.
While browsing through his website, I discovered he had written a book about writing, and I decided to buy a copy of the Kindle edition, which was about to be released. When the date finally arrived, I imagined myself being first in line in the Amazon queue, and started reading immediately.
About Writing is a great collection of tips from an established author who has published many novels and short stories over the last decade. Some of them are quite inspiring, and I hope to put more than a few into practice with my own writing. One that immediately jumps to mind is his '55 Story Ideas' approach. I love that.
I don't see About Writing as a 'how to...' manual. Instead, it's more like having a friend you can nudge when you're feeling stuck in some way. The clue is in the title: it's a field guide for aspiring authors. In the same way you might consult a field guide to British birds when you spot a specimen you don't recognise, you can dip in and out of About Writing whenever you need a helping hand. The book is easily digestible, nicely structured with short sections that allow you to quickly dive into a particular area of writing or publishing. I read it from cover to cover, but it's not necessary to do that.
Writers who regularly feel they need a bit of support along their journey will benefit from this guide. I certainly feel I've picked up a few handy tools, and have learnt a few things I didn't know about the business of publishing. I highly recommend it.
While browsing through his website, I discovered he had written a book about writing, and I decided to buy a copy of the Kindle edition, which was about to be released. When the date finally arrived, I imagined myself being first in line in the Amazon queue, and started reading immediately.
About Writing is a great collection of tips from an established author who has published many novels and short stories over the last decade. Some of them are quite inspiring, and I hope to put more than a few into practice with my own writing. One that immediately jumps to mind is his '55 Story Ideas' approach. I love that.
I don't see About Writing as a 'how to...' manual. Instead, it's more like having a friend you can nudge when you're feeling stuck in some way. The clue is in the title: it's a field guide for aspiring authors. In the same way you might consult a field guide to British birds when you spot a specimen you don't recognise, you can dip in and out of About Writing whenever you need a helping hand. The book is easily digestible, nicely structured with short sections that allow you to quickly dive into a particular area of writing or publishing. I read it from cover to cover, but it's not necessary to do that.
Writers who regularly feel they need a bit of support along their journey will benefit from this guide. I certainly feel I've picked up a few handy tools, and have learnt a few things I didn't know about the business of publishing. I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2019
The last book on writing I read was "On Writing" by Stephen King. Gareth Powell's book brings a similar kind of insight into an author's own strategies and processes for writing.
Powell may not (yet) have ascended the dizzy heights that King has, and this gives his pithy observations the added benefit of being closer to the foothills through which the majority of his readers scramble.
Powell also has the advantage of fashioning his career essentially within this century, where conventions, networking and social media form part of the opportunities and the pressures for beginning writers.
The book is presented in very easily digested chunks, some sections barely more than a page, the longest barely a handful of pages long, yet it keeps you turning the pages so that you quickly find you have finished the entire thing.
There are observations here not just on writing but on being a writer - advice for making the most of conventions, on dealing with the Fear and impostor syndrome that afflicts all of us. As Powell says, "Don't let good reviews go to your head, don;t let bad reviews go to your heart."
Throughout Powell's self-effacing nature and genuine desire to help other writers comes through very strongly. I have seen him speak as a panelist at the 2018 Bristolcon and look forward to seeing him again as guest of honour at the 2019 Bristolcon.
I will certainly take note of his advice not just on writing, but on convention breakfasts.
"...eat as much as you can. With luck you'll be able to skip lunch. Also egg protein is great for mopping up any alcohol still sloshing around in your system. And bacon cures many ills."
Powell may not (yet) have ascended the dizzy heights that King has, and this gives his pithy observations the added benefit of being closer to the foothills through which the majority of his readers scramble.
Powell also has the advantage of fashioning his career essentially within this century, where conventions, networking and social media form part of the opportunities and the pressures for beginning writers.
The book is presented in very easily digested chunks, some sections barely more than a page, the longest barely a handful of pages long, yet it keeps you turning the pages so that you quickly find you have finished the entire thing.
There are observations here not just on writing but on being a writer - advice for making the most of conventions, on dealing with the Fear and impostor syndrome that afflicts all of us. As Powell says, "Don't let good reviews go to your head, don;t let bad reviews go to your heart."
Throughout Powell's self-effacing nature and genuine desire to help other writers comes through very strongly. I have seen him speak as a panelist at the 2018 Bristolcon and look forward to seeing him again as guest of honour at the 2019 Bristolcon.
I will certainly take note of his advice not just on writing, but on convention breakfasts.
"...eat as much as you can. With luck you'll be able to skip lunch. Also egg protein is great for mopping up any alcohol still sloshing around in your system. And bacon cures many ills."
January 11, 2020
It’s difficult to assess just how good a book such as this, packed with snippets of advice, is until that advice has been turned onto a blank page. Powell’s advice certainly rings true; it encourages the writer with words to build confidence as well as providing a practical guide to the modern publishing industry based on one genre author’s experience. But to get 5 stars from me (perhaps I’m harsh, perhaps I’m not) it has to contain the advice that helps to take me over the publishing line. It’s already given me the encouragement I need to set pen to paper - or fingertips to keyboard - and it’s provided inspiration for the year. But will the advice it contains finally carry me over the proverbial try line? I desperately hope so, as this is really a fantastic book for any writer to have on their bookshelves for quick encouragement.
July 3, 2024
About Writing by Gareth Powell is my new therapist and writing coach. I’ve read many "how to write" books, each offering some value, but this one stands out.
Powell uses a surgeon’s precision to strip away the layers and reveal the heart of the writer’s dilemma—pretending more than doing. At times blunt, his advice is deceptively simple yet impactful. For instance, his emphasis on writing the story you would tell if you had only time to tell one story resonated deeply with me, providing a powerful framework for my own writing. I found myself immediately identifying with the author and adapting his process. I’m no longer aspiring.
The book is both instructive and endearing, with plenty to revisit as a reference. I’ve read it twice through and know I will periodically return to find details I’ve missed.
Powell uses a surgeon’s precision to strip away the layers and reveal the heart of the writer’s dilemma—pretending more than doing. At times blunt, his advice is deceptively simple yet impactful. For instance, his emphasis on writing the story you would tell if you had only time to tell one story resonated deeply with me, providing a powerful framework for my own writing. I found myself immediately identifying with the author and adapting his process. I’m no longer aspiring.
The book is both instructive and endearing, with plenty to revisit as a reference. I’ve read it twice through and know I will periodically return to find details I’ve missed.
July 31, 2019
I’ve only just started to read Gareth’s work and when I realised that he’d written a short little guide on writing for aspiring authors, I had to buy. I really enjoyed the book, nice bite size chunks make it an easy read and I devoured it in one sitting with many notes taken. Gareth takes you through 3 stages, the first is about Getting Started, secondly Writing which takes up the biggest chunk of the book, and finally Getting Out There. He shares his top tips and experiences and it’s left me feeling fired up to sit down and write. Well worth buying for all aspiring writers to help you and keep referring to as you develop.
October 27, 2025
Rather than a deep dive into an particular element of craft, Powell really has created a handbook--a guide for writers of all stages tracking across the entirety of the writing process and Powell's own career. In easily digestible chapters, he walks from the early days of a writing career, through drafting and publishing, and into sustaining the work across books and years of experience. An excellent resource for anyone just starting out, there's also plenty of insights here to inform and invigorate more experienced creatives. If you're looking for an experienced perspective on a range of writing topics, this is a great book to keep close at hand.
January 1, 2021
This book is about writing which was not a surprise given the title what did though was the sense of warmth I got from this book. It felt like the author wasn't just talking to me, but wanted me to succeed. I liked that. Although this book is focussed on writing novels and short stories for publications I bought it to motivate writing a table-top wargaming adventure to run for my friends. I have already outlined the first few encounters this evening and know where I'm sending them next.
This is a small book that punches above it's weight, and I'd recommend it and will be reading it again.
This is a small book that punches above it's weight, and I'd recommend it and will be reading it again.
October 12, 2022
Compared to 'On Writing' this is much more up to date and relevant. While the best parts of 'On Writing' concerned the writing style and grammar, this book uncovers the process of writing a book into a process. Part, a repeated pep talk (just start writing, FFS), part insights into what it takes (characters, outlines, synopsis, ideas, world building, etc etc).
I'm in no immediate rush to write a book, but this was interesting enough! If I ever start writing one, this will be my go to reference book to revisit.
I'm in no immediate rush to write a book, but this was interesting enough! If I ever start writing one, this will be my go to reference book to revisit.
January 16, 2024
An easy to read guide given the snippet nature of the content.
Provides real encouragement and positivity for aspiring writers without ever getting too heavy on subject.
“A field guide for aspiring authors” is the perfect description.
A few elements repeated themselves throughout, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because there’s “no magic trick or quick fix” to writing a book.
Definitely recommend for newbie authors or authors in general who are in need of a pick me and after some positive vibes from someone who has been there and done it.
Provides real encouragement and positivity for aspiring writers without ever getting too heavy on subject.
“A field guide for aspiring authors” is the perfect description.
A few elements repeated themselves throughout, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because there’s “no magic trick or quick fix” to writing a book.
Definitely recommend for newbie authors or authors in general who are in need of a pick me and after some positive vibes from someone who has been there and done it.
November 4, 2019
A fantastic motivational tome with bite sized chapters covering every aspect of working as a writer from motivation to pitching. So engrossing with such easy to read, conversational style that I bolted through it in a few sessions and once almost missed my stop on the tube because I was so into it. Recommended to anyone who’s ever even vaguely thought about writing as a career and probably helpful for anyone thinking of any creative career at all. Superb.
March 6, 2020
This book is just what the doctor ordered.
I've read Stephen King's On Writing and Terry Brooks Magic, too. But this was a different experience, a unique experience. It was like having your very own cheerleader in the corner of the room. I could hear the muse beckoning as I read. This is an absolute gem, buy it! BUY ITTTTT! If you struggle, like me, this will take the edge off. Thank you, Gareth!!!!
I've read Stephen King's On Writing and Terry Brooks Magic, too. But this was a different experience, a unique experience. It was like having your very own cheerleader in the corner of the room. I could hear the muse beckoning as I read. This is an absolute gem, buy it! BUY ITTTTT! If you struggle, like me, this will take the edge off. Thank you, Gareth!!!!
April 8, 2020
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3366809.html
This is a nicely done short account of the experience of being a writer, with recommendations to colleagues and aspiring writers. Quite a lot of it is self-care in one way or another, and that’s advice we all probably need, especially in these days when many of us are unexpectedly working on our own rather than in a communal environment.
This is a nicely done short account of the experience of being a writer, with recommendations to colleagues and aspiring writers. Quite a lot of it is self-care in one way or another, and that’s advice we all probably need, especially in these days when many of us are unexpectedly working on our own rather than in a communal environment.
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