Are You Actually Going To Write A Book Or Just Talk About It?: An Aggressive Guide To Writing, Creativity, And Actually Getting Things Done

by Brandon Scott

Have you been meaning to write a book all your life?

Do you have a story in your head that won’t go away?

Well, isn’t it about time you did something about that?

Written by professional writer, blogger, and television critic Brandon Scott, this book will not only teach you how to write a book but also what it really takes to be a writer.

Presented with short, actionable instructions and easy-to-read references, it’ll take you through the steps to not only write one book but to always be able to write a book.

It may not be your fault that you’ve still not completed your book.

There’s simply a mindset, a routine, and learnable skills you’ve been missing.

So, let’s change all that.

Let’s make you an author.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2020

Reviews

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a selection of blog posts, it’s fine. But for me it was lacking real depth. However I don’t think I can criticise it too harshly as Scott has written a book, and I have not.

[Jery Schober · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loosely connected blog posts, written in a conversational style. Supposed to be an ass kick to get writing, but annoyed me for the most part.

I don't like dogmatic advice that is geared solely towards plotters and some of the advice was not helpful - how is a first time author supposed to know how long their book will be and how long their average chapter length is? It's their first frikkin' time writing chapters in a novel, so tell me how to plan for and with something that is totally unknown?
And I still fail to see the relevance of blogging, aka writing non-fiction (which is something authors "must" do to get into the groove for their writing career) for novelists. Whole different game.

On the pro side, short, easy to read chapters and an emphasis on the work ethic of "butt in the chair and write, there is no way around it".

[Tim Pieraccini · Rating 2 out of 5]

This suffers greatly from clearly being a series of blog posts (with perhaps some new material interspersed), and, as others have pointed out, therefore not flowing too well. Things which might be helpful as one-off posts seem vague and off-topic here. Admittedly I've been writing for quite possibly longer than Brandon Scott has been alive, and have completed a dozen novels, so I'm not really the readership he was aiming for, but I do think his later book Are You Actually Going To be Prolific...' is sharper and more to the point. There is useful stuff here, but it gets a bit buried.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK. This book is very close to a one star publication. This is an 'aggressive guide.'

Actually it is a bloody self evident guide. Yawn. It is attempting to be meaningful and deep. It is actually superficial and obvious.

If you want some really really really really basic triggers for writing discipline, then this is your book. But otherwise - give this one a miss. There are - literally - hundreds of better guides to and through writing.

[Sara W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book served its purpose for motivating me to write. For that, it deserves 4 stars. I have other books for writing techniques and structure (Save the Cat, etc) which are better "craft" books, but this one did have a few helpful chapters I've gone back to repeatedly.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pep talk for aspiring writers. Conversational style (writer talking to you, reader). Blog post style with homework assignments.

[Christine Lalonde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as in depth as other writing books, but it was useful and a quick read.

[Dr. Vaishnavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest guide to become a writer with excerpts of his own experiences as he became a good writer himself in his life which is well reflected throughout the book.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just say I devoured this books and it’s teachings. Honestly it’s the best reference book on writing I have ever read. It’s gets straight to the point and makes it fun. The style is very up beat and aggressive at the same time. It’s definitely one I will be referencing to the most. I highly recommend this book to any writer. Whether you’re starting out or if you’re a professional and needing a boost.