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Your First Million Words: Finding the Story Inside You
An overnight success story…twenty years in the making. This is the story of Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Jeff Wheeler’s journey to publication, from writing his first million words to obtaining the publishing deal that ultimately enabled him to leave his career at Intel and has resulted in over four million books being sold. It’s a story of the pivotal moments that have shaped his life and his novels, some of them inspiring and some cringe-worthy, seasoned with meditations on creativity and what drives and quells it. Through sharing his own story, he also provides invaluable insights about the writing process, and the process of becoming a writer. Whether you’re a fan of his worlds or someone seeking practical tips on how to write your own first million words, this book will offer both entertainment and encouragement.
- GenresWritingNonfictionMemoir
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2019
75 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
127 books5,226 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 25, 2020
The blurb is misleading in that it makes you expect writing tips but in fact it's an autobiography -- and I wasn't interested in reading biographic material. It's not bad but it's certainly nothing unusual, just a pretty average life. There are nice parts, for example that it's discussing about imposter's syndrome and other worries that can affect writers. Sometimes it's good to remember everyone's got them. Other than that, this is only a book for fans who are really interested in the author.
April 24, 2020
This is probably the best book on writing I've ever read, because it's not just a book on writing. It's a memoir, a spiritual journey of God's hand in the author's life leading him where he needs to go, and peppered with nuggets of wisdom he received along the way. I identify with Jeff's worldview, both spiritually and in concepts like the power of imagination and the power of words. I've read a lot of the biographies and inspirational books that he quotes, but I'm inspired now to reread some of them.
I love the fact that he discusses other people's journeys to publishing success which looked very different from his own, too. It reminds me that everyone's story is going to be different, and you can't predict how a priori--which helps me get away from rationalizing someone else's success as, "well, they happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, I can't replicate that!" It's true; I can't. But with the added perspective that God is involved, and that imagination and determination together create a mystical force, it reminds me of a quote I've heard from two of my favorite spiritual teachers: "You'll win if you don't quit." --Ashley and Carlie Terradez
I love the fact that he discusses other people's journeys to publishing success which looked very different from his own, too. It reminds me that everyone's story is going to be different, and you can't predict how a priori--which helps me get away from rationalizing someone else's success as, "well, they happened to be in exactly the right place at exactly the right time, I can't replicate that!" It's true; I can't. But with the added perspective that God is involved, and that imagination and determination together create a mystical force, it reminds me of a quote I've heard from two of my favorite spiritual teachers: "You'll win if you don't quit." --Ashley and Carlie Terradez
November 27, 2019
My favourite quote which I'm thinking about a lot at this time in my life (between graduating and getting a career/proper job/PhD etc) but didn't quite have the words for:
"You must want the consequences of what you want."
For me, it is really important to have a clear idea of why I want something and what it will mean when I get there in order to feel any motivation towards doing it or putting in the effort towards a goal. It's an important step in thinking about what I really want that I've been neglecting lately and it was helpful to get this reminder!
There are some really useful tips to improve your writing in terms of characterisation and how to get into the head of your characters, how to take criticism, as well as the importance of motivation/determination/stubbornness to keep going even when you've failed or it gets hard.
There is also quite a lot of religion/God mentioned, with his final advice to be to pray about your writing, which isn't particularly useful to an atheist like me, but there is definitely a place for spirituality in writing and it wasn't overzealous at all.
"You must want the consequences of what you want."
For me, it is really important to have a clear idea of why I want something and what it will mean when I get there in order to feel any motivation towards doing it or putting in the effort towards a goal. It's an important step in thinking about what I really want that I've been neglecting lately and it was helpful to get this reminder!
There are some really useful tips to improve your writing in terms of characterisation and how to get into the head of your characters, how to take criticism, as well as the importance of motivation/determination/stubbornness to keep going even when you've failed or it gets hard.
There is also quite a lot of religion/God mentioned, with his final advice to be to pray about your writing, which isn't particularly useful to an atheist like me, but there is definitely a place for spirituality in writing and it wasn't overzealous at all.
January 27, 2020
This was a very honest book sharing the perspective of hard work. We all hear about dedication and hard work being key to succeeding, and occasionally someone mentions the necessary ingredient luck, but Jeff Wheeler shares a very intimate look into the struggles of becoming a writer. He lays his experiences bare for the reader to experience. It is a heart warming story, a sad story, an embarrassing story.....this is life. This isn't a book about how to write a good story. This is a book about how to feel good with your pursuits in writing.
March 29, 2020
Wow! Really Inspiring!
I’ve enjoyed Jeff’s fantasy books for a while and I’m an aspiring author so of course I was interested when I saw this book. I found it extremely moving and inspiring. It was such a treat to get to peek behind the curtain at his journey. I happen to share Jeff’s faith which helped me relate to his experiences. Those of other faiths or who aren’t religious may not resonate to his story quite as much although the writing principles he shares are sound regardless. Thanks for this, Jeff!
I’ve enjoyed Jeff’s fantasy books for a while and I’m an aspiring author so of course I was interested when I saw this book. I found it extremely moving and inspiring. It was such a treat to get to peek behind the curtain at his journey. I happen to share Jeff’s faith which helped me relate to his experiences. Those of other faiths or who aren’t religious may not resonate to his story quite as much although the writing principles he shares are sound regardless. Thanks for this, Jeff!
March 25, 2020
Good Advice
Jeff was talking to me. Every word was meant for me. I have been "nudged". There is a lot of good advice for writers in this book. For those of us who love autobiographies, this is a jewel which sparkles with Jeff's love of Heavenly Father, family, and church. He even wrote about creating a vision board! My take away is to use what I read in biographies in my stories. I had not thought of doing that. Great idea! Thank you Jeff!
Jeff was talking to me. Every word was meant for me. I have been "nudged". There is a lot of good advice for writers in this book. For those of us who love autobiographies, this is a jewel which sparkles with Jeff's love of Heavenly Father, family, and church. He even wrote about creating a vision board! My take away is to use what I read in biographies in my stories. I had not thought of doing that. Great idea! Thank you Jeff!
February 24, 2020
Moving
A moving memoir with so much wisdom and spirituality mixed in. I went in expecting an inspiring nonfiction book on writing. What I got was a spiritual experience. And it was amazing. Thank you, Brother Wheeler, for inspiring a similarly minded author. I hope I can do what you did some day.
A moving memoir with so much wisdom and spirituality mixed in. I went in expecting an inspiring nonfiction book on writing. What I got was a spiritual experience. And it was amazing. Thank you, Brother Wheeler, for inspiring a similarly minded author. I hope I can do what you did some day.
April 8, 2020
Inspiring
This is an inspirational read, with a good amount of ODD religion mixed in.While it inspires, this is not a book to read of you want a how to book. Just a book to give you hope for your future.
This is an inspirational read, with a good amount of ODD religion mixed in.While it inspires, this is not a book to read of you want a how to book. Just a book to give you hope for your future.
July 17, 2021
The book is based on a quote sometimes attributed to Stephen King: "After you've written your first million words, then you're ready to become a writer." Great advice. And pretty daunting. Especially when most of us writers think whatever we've written is gold.
My filmmaker uncle TC Christensen sent this book to me because he knew I'd enjoy it. And I did. I especially liked reading TC's copy with his notes and dog-eared pages. Fun to see which thoughts and passages resonated with him.
Because Wheeler talks about juggling his writing with his full-time job at Intel (which sounds soul-crushing to me), there are some valuable sections on time-management. Ideas like "we must want the consequences of what we want," using our time as a "zero-based budget," possibility thinking, and some great quotes from Ovid are sections I highlighted and will return to again.
Wheeler is a writer of fantasy novels (I'd never heard of him or any of his books. He's also a practicing member of my faith, talks about his service as a missionary and bishop, and liberally drops relevant quotes from leaders like Henry Eyring and Dieter Uchtdorf. At first, that might keep me from recommending this book to a wider audience, but then I realized that I was never turned off by Natalie Goldberg's frequent references to Buddhism in Writing Down the Bones. In fact, I found it horizon-expanding. And isn't that what we read anyway?
READ IT IF: You're a writer in need of inspiration and motivation.
My filmmaker uncle TC Christensen sent this book to me because he knew I'd enjoy it. And I did. I especially liked reading TC's copy with his notes and dog-eared pages. Fun to see which thoughts and passages resonated with him.
Because Wheeler talks about juggling his writing with his full-time job at Intel (which sounds soul-crushing to me), there are some valuable sections on time-management. Ideas like "we must want the consequences of what we want," using our time as a "zero-based budget," possibility thinking, and some great quotes from Ovid are sections I highlighted and will return to again.
Wheeler is a writer of fantasy novels (I'd never heard of him or any of his books. He's also a practicing member of my faith, talks about his service as a missionary and bishop, and liberally drops relevant quotes from leaders like Henry Eyring and Dieter Uchtdorf. At first, that might keep me from recommending this book to a wider audience, but then I realized that I was never turned off by Natalie Goldberg's frequent references to Buddhism in Writing Down the Bones. In fact, I found it horizon-expanding. And isn't that what we read anyway?
READ IT IF: You're a writer in need of inspiration and motivation.
January 15, 2021
Disappointing.
This is not a guide to writing 'your' first million words, it's a bio about Jeff Wheeler's first million words. Yes, it's kinda interesting, but it's ultimately not what I wanted or thought I was getting. There are a handful of useful tips in there, but nothing worth more than a blog post or two in length.
If you're interested in reading Jeff Wheeler's life story, then this is exactly what you're looking for. But if you're a writer trying to find the story inside yourself and get through your own first million words, I'm not convinced this will be much help.
Here's what I got out of it:
- You can't just want something, you also have to want the process and results of that desire. So as a writer it's not enough to want to have written a story, you also have to want to put in the time and be willing to sacrifice other things in order to get things written.
- Keep practicing and you'll improve. Do things every day and you'll get better at doing them.
- There's no reason to put off pursuing your dreams until later. Time is going to pass whether you're waiting for the perfect time or just starting.
- Procrastination is our default position.
This is not a guide to writing 'your' first million words, it's a bio about Jeff Wheeler's first million words. Yes, it's kinda interesting, but it's ultimately not what I wanted or thought I was getting. There are a handful of useful tips in there, but nothing worth more than a blog post or two in length.
If you're interested in reading Jeff Wheeler's life story, then this is exactly what you're looking for. But if you're a writer trying to find the story inside yourself and get through your own first million words, I'm not convinced this will be much help.
Here's what I got out of it:
- You can't just want something, you also have to want the process and results of that desire. So as a writer it's not enough to want to have written a story, you also have to want to put in the time and be willing to sacrifice other things in order to get things written.
- Keep practicing and you'll improve. Do things every day and you'll get better at doing them.
- There's no reason to put off pursuing your dreams until later. Time is going to pass whether you're waiting for the perfect time or just starting.
- Procrastination is our default position.
June 27, 2022
After recently reading one of Jeff's books 'The Druid' I discovered he had a writing craft book.
Being a writer myself I found this book hugely inspirational as it tells the story of how Jeff travelled through his life with the goal of becoming a writer always at the back of his mind.
It is very clear that he is a deeply religious man but the reference to his religious beliefs did not put me off at all. I always replace 'God' with 'Universe' when authors talk about this.
Jeff also speaks about his Why, which is a reference to a Simon Sinek Ted Talk and is another great insight into the mind of a successful author.
What I found most interesting was his maxim of not writing about sex, violence or being too crude in his books and his books are something that all the family, no matter what age could read. I loved this and realised I actually like reading books about people with morals and principles and don't like the sex and violence in books.
I think all writers, no matter what stage they are at, will enjoy this book.
Being a writer myself I found this book hugely inspirational as it tells the story of how Jeff travelled through his life with the goal of becoming a writer always at the back of his mind.
It is very clear that he is a deeply religious man but the reference to his religious beliefs did not put me off at all. I always replace 'God' with 'Universe' when authors talk about this.
Jeff also speaks about his Why, which is a reference to a Simon Sinek Ted Talk and is another great insight into the mind of a successful author.
What I found most interesting was his maxim of not writing about sex, violence or being too crude in his books and his books are something that all the family, no matter what age could read. I loved this and realised I actually like reading books about people with morals and principles and don't like the sex and violence in books.
I think all writers, no matter what stage they are at, will enjoy this book.
December 11, 2019
I was in a writing rut, but now I'm up and ready to write again! Thanks, Jeff, for this amazing book. It touched my soul—I'm not being cheesy, it really did. He helped me see where my failings are, opened my eyes to areas where I need to grow as a writer. The advice I got from this book was...different, somehow, than the other books I've read. It really made me take a hard look at my writing habits, my writing goals.
I appreciated his openness about his faith. His frank manner allowed him to drive home his points in a way that made total sense. I'll be reading this book again, in the future.
As an aside...I'm of the same faith and was tickled to death to hear quotes from the likes of Joseph Smith, Nephi, Russell M. Nelson, etc. It made my day.
I appreciated his openness about his faith. His frank manner allowed him to drive home his points in a way that made total sense. I'll be reading this book again, in the future.
As an aside...I'm of the same faith and was tickled to death to hear quotes from the likes of Joseph Smith, Nephi, Russell M. Nelson, etc. It made my day.
June 3, 2023
I feel so inspired!
Wow. This was the book on writing I didn't know I needed.
Reading Jeff's story was amazing. I felt the emotional highs and lows and yet I know how the story ends, but I was still gripped by it.
I love the real life examples that taught me important things about writing.
I love that Jeff includes the Savior in this book and the whisperings from the Holy Ghost. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this really resonated with me and helped me see the promptings that have led me to start writing too.
I'm excited to begin, to fail, to learn, to grow, and to continue onwards with hope for the future. I feel bolstered by this book to be able to withstand the hardships of the journey but also enjoy it too.
Thank you for writing this book Jeff. It's just what this aspiring author needed.
Wow. This was the book on writing I didn't know I needed.
Reading Jeff's story was amazing. I felt the emotional highs and lows and yet I know how the story ends, but I was still gripped by it.
I love the real life examples that taught me important things about writing.
I love that Jeff includes the Savior in this book and the whisperings from the Holy Ghost. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this really resonated with me and helped me see the promptings that have led me to start writing too.
I'm excited to begin, to fail, to learn, to grow, and to continue onwards with hope for the future. I feel bolstered by this book to be able to withstand the hardships of the journey but also enjoy it too.
Thank you for writing this book Jeff. It's just what this aspiring author needed.
November 26, 2019
I was unsure of exactly what I was getting into when I started this book. I knew there would be some advice about writing, and there’s plenty of excellent information on that subject. But it is also the story of how Jeff Wheeler went from dreaming about being a full-time author to signing his first publishing contract.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Mr. Wheeler’s head. Though I’m still not finished underlining all the important parts, I can say that if you enjoy Jeff’s writing or want to know what it takes to become a professional writer (or a professional anything for that matter), this book will be a great help to you and an inspiring read.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting into Mr. Wheeler’s head. Though I’m still not finished underlining all the important parts, I can say that if you enjoy Jeff’s writing or want to know what it takes to become a professional writer (or a professional anything for that matter), this book will be a great help to you and an inspiring read.
December 24, 2019
Might be useful
It's a good biographical piece but it seems to boil down to keep on trying until you get it right. I bailed at the 7% mark. I was hoping for detailed advice on how to advance my writing efforts and this wasn't it.
His story is supposed to be inspirational but I'm not sure it works for a lot of people. It didn't for me. My background made his seem wealthy, my age is greater than his and his support network was more than that of all the friends I had combined. None of this is his fault but it doesn't really help, if you're over twenty-five maybe, don't have a supportive friends/family network and enjoy a certain financial security.
It's a good biographical piece but it seems to boil down to keep on trying until you get it right. I bailed at the 7% mark. I was hoping for detailed advice on how to advance my writing efforts and this wasn't it.
His story is supposed to be inspirational but I'm not sure it works for a lot of people. It didn't for me. My background made his seem wealthy, my age is greater than his and his support network was more than that of all the friends I had combined. None of this is his fault but it doesn't really help, if you're over twenty-five maybe, don't have a supportive friends/family network and enjoy a certain financial security.
February 20, 2021
I've never read another book by Wheeler and I don't remember how I found this book, but I'm so happy I bought it.
There is a lot of value in here. Wheeler's advice is applicable in the road to publishing and also many situations beyond writing. Getting to walk his road to that and seeing the roadblocks he's overcome helped me think through my own. I especially love the insight that habits predict our future.
And just saying - by the last few chapters I had to plow through to make sure THAT GUY GOT PUBLISHED!!
There is a lot of value in here. Wheeler's advice is applicable in the road to publishing and also many situations beyond writing. Getting to walk his road to that and seeing the roadblocks he's overcome helped me think through my own. I especially love the insight that habits predict our future.
And just saying - by the last few chapters I had to plow through to make sure THAT GUY GOT PUBLISHED!!
July 1, 2023
Jeff Wheeler is a best selling fantasy author who is also deeply religious and worked many years for Intel. This is a treatise on how he continued on with his dream of becoming a writer in the face of disasters, raising a family, going on a mission, serving in various leadership capacities in the church, and stumbling through years of trying to break into becoming a published writer, even publishing his own e-zine and books. The basic conclusion is to be prepared for the consequences of what you want.
October 9, 2020
As Delightful as His Fiction.
Jeff Wheeler is one of my favorite authors beside the likes of Jane Austen and David McCollough. I love the buried treasures in his works be it a subtle reference to history or the linking of his worlds with Easter eggs. This book is no exception. It is a fun and sometimes painfully raw tale of his journey of becoming a full-time author.
Jeff Wheeler is one of my favorite authors beside the likes of Jane Austen and David McCollough. I love the buried treasures in his works be it a subtle reference to history or the linking of his worlds with Easter eggs. This book is no exception. It is a fun and sometimes painfully raw tale of his journey of becoming a full-time author.
December 5, 2019
Inspiring!
Thank you for this Mr. Wheeler. This book has found me at the perfect time in my life. I feel sure that it will leave others with the same inspiration that it has left me.
Thank you for this Mr. Wheeler. This book has found me at the perfect time in my life. I feel sure that it will leave others with the same inspiration that it has left me.
February 27, 2021
Behind the veil
This has given a lot of insight into this author’s works. Some has actually made it harder for me to suspend my imagination. Sometimes now I saw the tricks and the techniques used and it invaded my escape while reading.
This has given a lot of insight into this author’s works. Some has actually made it harder for me to suspend my imagination. Sometimes now I saw the tricks and the techniques used and it invaded my escape while reading.
December 16, 2021
Well delivered advice for writers (and other artists/creators as well). Of course, Wheeler is a Christian author, so expect that he discusses the role his Christian values play on his writing. This is one I can see myself going back to again.
June 13, 2022
Excellent Writing Memoir
Good way into the mind and heart of Jeff Wheeler. I appreciated his being so open about his path, mistakes , successes and acknowledgement of a higher power at work in his life. Didn’t talk so much about his writing process as much as his overall work philosophy, which applies to every author - every person - who wants to achieve. Also reveals his ‘why.’ Very good. Recommended to all writers or aspiring writers. We’ll worth the read.
Good way into the mind and heart of Jeff Wheeler. I appreciated his being so open about his path, mistakes , successes and acknowledgement of a higher power at work in his life. Didn’t talk so much about his writing process as much as his overall work philosophy, which applies to every author - every person - who wants to achieve. Also reveals his ‘why.’ Very good. Recommended to all writers or aspiring writers. We’ll worth the read.
November 26, 2019
An honest and heartfelt memoir
Packed with quotes and wisdom, Jeff delivers a wonderful epistle of hope to aspiring writers. I burned through it. Recommended.
Packed with quotes and wisdom, Jeff delivers a wonderful epistle of hope to aspiring writers. I burned through it. Recommended.
July 25, 2020
This was a very inspiring book! I highly recommend it, I appreciate how open and humble he is in this book. And he had great advice for aspiring writers.
September 24, 2021
This was a nice autobiography of an author I've come to enjoy.
November 14, 2021
Your First Million Words
This is a very good book about Jeff Wheeler becoming a writer and how he went about becoming a writer it was a very interesting book.
This is a very good book about Jeff Wheeler becoming a writer and how he went about becoming a writer it was a very interesting book.
November 15, 2022
Parts of this book I thoroughly enjoyed. Worth reading once.
October 24, 2025
I found this book inspiring, and I appreciated the author's honesty.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews