A collection of love letters to creative souls. For your inspiration and encouragement. "There is a strange beauty in this lonely work; to create is to realize my connection with things greater than myself, and soon enough the work is not lonely at all, but blessed and beloved." Featuring the words of sixteen writers, For the Love of a Word is designed to encourage, inspire, and uplift you in your journey.
I absolutely LOVED the poetry, especially Inkblood and MUSE, but all of the poems were wonderful. Totally my favorite part and just resonated so deeply with me. An Author’s Prayer was encouraging as well!
The letters were eye-opening to me because I did realize I AM a writer. One of the letters talked about feeling like a fake and how we are not one. That letter really hit me because no matter how my writing process and journey is, I’m still a writer.
And I’m going to embrace that. (Thank you authors!)
In fact, this book inspired me to finish my book and I did!
If you’re a writer and need some encouragement, I strongly recommend this one. I wouldn’t mind personally owning a paperback for the days that are rough and can flip through these poems and letters and be reminded to keep going.
*(I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
Most books are geared towards two kinds of people: readers, and writers — who are generally readers by default. This book is different.
For the Love of a Word is a series of poems and love letters directed at writers. It is meant to target the various aches and joys that assail our souls, the transports and the despairs that wring us head to foot. It is a compilation of works by sixteen different authors who want you to know that you are not alone.
The poems are varied in style, some using complex rhyme and meter that I found a delight to explore, others drawing upon free-verse and an economy of words. Almost every one touched off a chord in my writer’s soul. I found myself thinking, “Yes! I know this! And I understand that! These are things I have felt every day of my life.”
The letters, too, are winning: warm, friendly, sometimes chatty, always encouraging. The little sparks kept going off in my brain. “Yes — yes — yes.”
About halfway through, my verdict was “excellent — not merely good; not exceptional, maybe, but excellent.”
And then I got to the letter to extroverts. And the sparks in my brain turned into a fire.
"You don't remember a time when you didn't write stories. From the youngest age memory can recall, you were writing and illustrating stories for all of your friends so they could enjoy them. You wrote because you had to, and you wrote because you loved to see others smile."
This. This is why I write. I never heard anyone say these words that I’ve known so long inside my head. Yet here they were. Shining. Understanding. Imprinting on my brain. This writer knew me.
"They say, “You might be a writer if you binge watch Netflix late into the early morning.” Or, “You might be a writer if you own piles of chocolate.” Or, “You might be a writer if you prefer books to people.” But you know that makes as much sense as saying, “The sky is pink because trees are purple.”
No, a writer is a dreamer that never sleeps, though yearning for rest. Anyone can watch Netflix, eat chocolate, or hide from society. But only a writer will always be burdened with words that need to see the light of a smile. Your smile. Their smiles. One day those smiles come. It is a beautiful day indeed, and on that day you know that you'll never stop writing, despite all the hate that might and will still claw at your soul."
Am I crying? I feel like I might. Only because it’s so much echoed in these words that I have felt so many times.
There are innumerable tips, rants, and sympathy out there for all kinds of writers, but I have never seen a love letter addressing the extroverts among us. This was when I knew that this book really was a gift — to anyone. And that, quite simply, made it exceptional.
It is wonderful to feel that you are understood. There is something in this slim anthology for every writer, and even, I think, any sensitive soul who has loved art — whether in words or other forms.
I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; opinions are my own.
These pieces made me smile, made me cry, made me dream and imagine and think. They gave me warm feelings and determination and inspiration. This collection is everything I needed to read right now. And it has a little bit for everyone: a few pieces of art, beautiful poetry, and powerful letters to writers.
I can't rate this one (I'm one of the authors), but I absolutely loved my fellow authors' contributions. This book is everything a creator, especially a writer, needs. Some of it is geared toward Christian writers, but all of it applies to writers of any faith as well.
For the Love of a Word was full of beautiful, thought provoking poems. Letters from writer to writer giving inspiration for the weary soul.
Relatable, sad, inspiring, heart touching words filled this beautiful little book.
By the end I knew I had seen these authors hearts what a special thing it was.
Beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking words of experiences fill their aching hearts to overflowing.
Aching as in a soul breaking truths but as well as their beautiful true hearts aching for you to realize you're not quite as alone as you thought.
Their hearts longed to connect to yours and make you realize that you, dear one, are special. And you're not alone. And your words mean something. They're worthy to be put on paper.
It was a definite emotional read.
One I recommend to every writer. Every aspiring author, every published author, even if writing has just crossed your mind, I want every single one of you to read this book. It will change your heart.
I did not expect to love or need this book so much.
-Rebekah
Definitely grab For the Love of a Word now!
**I received an ebook copy of this book from the author. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review, all thoughts and opinions expressed are pu
"Healing is not only soft cotton bandages and pastel flowers. Healing is gritted teeth and sharp edges and a scream that cuts through the air like a knife."
"Allow yourself to be afraid, because oh my love, you will be so very, very afraid. But do not let the fear destroy your dreams. Do not let the cruelty of others break you. Grieve for it, always, but do not let it dictate your choices."
This anthology of poetry and encouragement for writers is mixed. There are beginner writers' works in it, and there are very raw words in it. It's full of pep talks and was very encouraging to me, even if I don't agree with everything that was said. In some places, the writing seemed a little /too/ optimistic.
I was almost in this anthology, and part of me wishes I had submitted something, because this is a good anthology of works that feels like a small army of writers who are going to rise up and write things that will shake the world one day.
I would definitely recommend this small book to other writers, especially writers who struggle with self-doubt, hurts, and trauma.
For the love of a word is a book of poetry and love letters, all about the written word and our passion for reading and writing it.
It is a short read and can easily be finished in a single setting. Though I personally think that prose this powerful should be savored. I plan on reading it again much slower.
Struggling writers will find encouragement and support. Seriously if you are a writer suffering from doubt or fear, get a copy of this and read one letter a day, or all at once.
I believe this book can be enjoyed by readers as well. They'll find their own feelings echoed in the poetry about words and the love letters to the writers that fuel their passion.
*I was given a free copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are my own and were reached honestly.*