How To Write a Novel in 20 Pies: Sweet and Savory Tips for the Writing Life

by Amy Wallen, Emil Wilson

Providing comfort food and inspiration for the aspiring novelist, How To Write a Novel in 20 Pies offers novelist and writing coach Amy Wallen’s insider secrets on living the writing life. Filled with chapters about writing, revising, submitting to an agent, and book promotion, this book combines Wallen's experienced writing advice with the brilliant illustrations of Emil Wilson, including recipes for literary success and the full recipes for 20 sweet and savory pies.

As a novelist, memoirist, and associate director of the New York State Summer Writers Institute, Amy Wallen has a few things to say about the writing world, many of them irreverent and snarky. From her perspective as a teacher, mentor, and published author, her belief is that the way to survive the hard knocks of writing a book and trying to get published is to bust a gut working, laughing, and eating pie.

With chapters including "Oh Agent, Where Art Thou?", "Revising, Rewriting, and Reimagining," and "The Joy of Rejection," Wallen balances out the challenging stages of the writing process with both sweet and savory goodness, featuring recipes for chocolate pecan pie, salmon and portobello pie, and the recipe for the best cherry pie ever.

Throughout the book, Wallen demystifies the vagaries of the publishing business, providing delicious recipes that will keep your belly full even when you're staring at an empty page. Her writing advice is neatly paired with the brilliant illustrations of Emil Wilson, who shares her sharp wit, sardonic look at the demands of the writing life, and her mad love of pie. Combined, the stories, lessons, images, and recipes will provide encouragement and camaraderie for the novel-writing journey, from putting pen to page, to finding an agent, to celebrating publication—all with a piece of pie.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir, Food, Cookbooks

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Joy Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was beautifully presented, so enjoyable to read and I couldn't be happier I picked it up. I don't want to give a word of it away, but I will tell you the recipes looked delicious.

[J.E. Rowney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a novel (pardon the pun) way of giving some great writing advice. I haven’t tried any of the pie recipes yet but I’ll certainly be adding some of the writing tips into my daily routine. Would recommend this book as a gift for new or improving writers.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much and had such a fab time reading HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN 20 PIES. Both in writing and baking, with equally fab illustrations for both. Plus recipes!

Author and writing coach Amy Wallen and illustrator Emil Wilson have cooked up one delicious book for writers seeking advice on topics such as writing, editing, landing an agent, publishing, and book promotion. It's the book I need as I clear space to complete my own memoir.

And the inclusion of making 20 different pies, with recipes, colorful art, and helpful tips, added depth alongside the writing lessons. They helped me better understand the principles involved in completing a book, as well as stirred up my interest in baking. When Amy said her fav concoction is chicken pot pie, I knew I was in the right place, as it is my fav too.

Highly recommended for writers and pie bakers of all levels. A sweet and savory treat!

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author and illustrator of this book work very well together. Both the tone and graphics feel light and breezy, and the author writes with humor about writing and publishing…oh, and about pies. Early on she notes that both activities require just three ingredients, these are idea, ink and paper or flour, liquid and fat. Sounds easy? Well, not exactly and not always. Still, both are activities worth pursuing for those who are interested. It is simply that practice is required.

Around the humor, there is a lot of useful information in these pages. Much is said about the writing process. There are also some good looking recipes.

Also a word on the graphics. I loved an early one called Famous Artists and Their Pies. Featured were those by Hemingway, Austen and others. It was funny and clever. I smiled at another one set up like a board game that was entitled So You Think You’re Finished with Your Novel game.

This book would make a great gift for any aspiring writer, even if you are that person.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel for this title. All opinions are my own.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I don't know that reading this book will turn me into a best-selling novelist, it's fun and full of solid, basic info every writer should know and take to heart. It's also heavy on pies, pies you make and pies as a metaphor for the writing process. Trust me, it all makes sense as you read. And, oh, lots of recipes for said pies, too.

I liked the premise of the book, a sort of not just "do as I do" type lesson but also a "don't do as I did" one. Author Amy Wallen shares what worked and didn't work for her when she set out to write her first novel. I'm a sucker for a writer with a sense of humor and Wallen has it in spades and the cartoon illustrations by Emil Wilson are cute and full of humor.

I'm not going to offer up a list of the ideas/suggestions, sorry. For that you'll need to read the book. Wallen begins with what I'll call the "I want to write a book" stage, and goes through the stages or writing, rewriting, then writing some more, repeat. Perseverance is the key, to be simplistic. One of the things I especially liked was that Wallen takes you though not just the writing process, which can be a long, solitary task, but finding and agent, query letters to said agents, and a reminder that you have to impress the whole team at a publisher, not just one overworked agent. Nor does Wallen stop there. She goes on to talk about the various "fun" post-publication events, which are also work, such as local appearances, book fairs, and being prepared for questions that an audience might ask. In other words, writing the book is just the beginning.

Bottom line, there's a great deal of solid, helpful information to be found here by aspiring writers. It will help you see beyond your dream of writing a book and give you guidance on not just what to do but what not to do. Thanks #NetGalley and #AndrewsMcMeelPublishering for sharing this helpful guide to getting published. Now, I'm feeling the urge for something sweet. Hmm, a pie, maybe?

[Ruby Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most useful and unique books I've ever read. As a writer, I love the craft advice and as a baker I love the pies. The illustrations are so gorgeous and charming -- I will be investing in a hard copy of this. Highly recommended for writers, bakers, and artists. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like eating humble pie - in a really good, encouraging and inspiring way. As a wannabe writer & editor, I truly appreciated Wallen's wisdom and wise-cracking. How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies is part cookbook, part how-to guidebook to the writing life, and part memoir, plus some fun illustrations. It starts at the very beginning (writing a novel) and ends at the publication of the novel, with 20 delicious pies along the way. (I actually haven't tried any of the recipes yet but I'd like to, as it's pie season here in the Midwest.) Humor and practicality is a great combination, and Wallen pulls it off splendidly.
My main bone to pick with this was actually the illustrations. I didn't love Emil Wilson's style of drawing people in this book - however, I did like the rest of his drawings. He has a fun, quirky style, just not one I'm a fan of when it comes to people.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to writers and authors who need a dose of encouragement and humor, with plenty of practical advice and an insider's view of publishing.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy!

Half cookbook and half writing guide, this book is also filled with delightfully illustrations and plenty of self deprecating humor. You will be inspired both to get in the kitchen and try your hand at a new pie recipe as well as to get your butt in the seat and write that novel already!

[Carla Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like Lorelai Gilmore, I have always had a thing for pie, and words.

This book is the perfect combination for a word lover—or pie lover as recipes are included—to indulge in. Word count growth, long-awaited novel completion, and weight gain are to be expected—all delicious outcomes as one devours the pages, and pies suggested, within.

HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL IN 20 PIES has earned a place of honor on my favorites shelf. The only question is does this fabulous read belong in the how to write section or the cookbook section??? A second copy might be necessary…

My rating: five pies along with five stars!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks very much to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this unique gem of a book. I love genre mixing when it works, and boy oh boy does it work here. In thinking about what I would write for this review, I realized that this book itself is essentially a pie, with three ingredients:

1) useful and heartfelt craft-of-writing advice;
2) recipes for delicious-sounding pies; and
3) cute and humorous illustrations.

I've been reading lots of craft-of-writing books lately, and many are retreads of well-worn material. Not so, here. The author has plenty of novel (ha) suggestions for wannabe authors such as myself, several of which I plan to put into practice immediately, but the book is not just a checklist of things to do. The author takes us along on the journey to publishing her first novel (and, to a lesser extent, her memoir and this very book), sharing the things she learned along the way. The prose is easy to read, conversational, and friendly.

Re: pies, I am not a pie maker, but this book had me searching for leaf lard on Amazon, so I guess I may at least give it a try. The recipes sound delicious.

Re: the illustrations, I realized while reading this that I wish that all books had illustrations. In any event, this one does, and they're wonderfully charming. Some of them should be reproduced into prints so I can hang them in my office for further writing inspiration.

I will be recommending this book to all of my writer friends and ordering a hard copy ASAP.

[Cynthia Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

More reviews: https://cynthology.blogspot.com

The whole point of this part writing craft, part cookbook, and part memoir is to draw parallels between the process of writing a novel and that of baking a pie from scratch. On the surface, the concept of the book is so simple. You might think it won’t fit on the shelf of writing craft books. But its strength lies in its simplicity, in the warm and friendly vibe it gives out. The author’s style, so approachable, reassures us that novel writing is possible and, if we persevere, we could do it too.

I found this book adorable; even the dedications hark back to the theme. At regular intervals, the pages are peppered with helpful icons that tell us, Eat Pie Here.

The chapters have creative names such as Pie as Saving Grace, Pie Butt in Chair etc. Easy As Pie and Other Lies reminds us of the misconceptions that writing is easy.

None of the information that the author shares is new. She tells us we have to write a lot and often, that we must be loose with our ideas and not hang on to anything too tightly, that we must read like writers. She shares one important thing that other writing books don’t reinforce often enough, that we should save the bits we cut in a Trash file, in case we think we need them later. It is sound advice, but it feels diluted because of all the other fun stuff.

Along the way, she hands out writing advice particularly relating to the long, slow road to publishing, and offers recommendations on which books to read to know more about the craft. She also takes us along on her own journey towards publishing MoonPies and Movie Stars, her first book, and relates her experience of teaching the craft of writing to students. Above all, she reiterates that she learned how to write a novel by writing a novel.

The 20 recipes in the book include Basic Pie Crust, Chicken Pot Pie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Mushroom Hand Pies, No Guarantee Peach Pie etc, including a recipe for making Humble Pie, the only recipe for which I have all the ingredients. The author shares her pie making journey too, the successes and failures in the early days, and how she practised and got better.

The illustrations, mostly with a red colour palette, were delightful and inviting, and complemented the book well. Emil Wilson has done a great job. The characters drawn by him look like Teletubbies but wear black glares and pretend they are into cloak-and-dagger stuff. There are sweet drawings of a book and a pie dancing together, and of a pie offering therapy to a book writer.

There is a fun boardgame for the writing process and interesting illustrations about famous authors and the imagined ingredients of their pies. For instance, Hemingway’s pie is made of booze, fish, game, cigar and more booze. Agatha Christie’s pie – Who knows?

The author has even included a comic strip about this book and why the publisher might have agreed to publish it, hoping to get pie, of course. On an amusing side note, the publisher is called McMeel.

If you’re looking for hard core writing advice, this book isn’t it. But as a pie cookbook-cum-writing craft book, it is a sweet, savoury and fun read.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You may want to throw pie in that publisher's face. But why waste a good pie?" -From How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies

3 stars

I had to read this book based on the title and illustrations alone. I needed to see how pies and novel writing were woven together, and that picture of pie was wicked cute. Let me tell you, the illustrations continue throughout the book, and they got me through some hard times. The blob like people, food, pie pie charts kept cheering me to keep going; they are absolutely adorable.

Readers might have a better time going into this book knowing it is largely part memoir, part pie recipes, and really what to do with a book after you have written it. There are some surface level sound bites of how to write a novel like 'keep writing' and how do you know when to stop editing- who knows, just keep editing it again and again while you eat pie and cry. Really, most places focus on the novel she wrote, and what she did with it. Some out-of-place student and writing group anecdotes also pop up. An editor and really a sensitivity reader probably should have been utilized in places, which is not something I thought I would ever being saying about a book about novel writing and pies, but there are numerous cringey parts. The phrase "miscarriages of books" makes an early appearance in regards to unpublished boooks, leading the way for "whore" and "slut" to be used, ending with a cameo of her teaching a Buddhism class because she once spent a month in Tibet and her husband told her too. It's a lot. Like I said, the illustrations got me through. If you go in looking for a sort of tongue-in-cheek look at the process this author went through making her book, you most likely will have a pretty good time. Some of the very few tangible tidbits of advice given, like submiting to multiple agents when they explicitly ask you not to, I don't agree with at all. I didn't try any of the recipes, mostly because I was traumatized early on after googling what "leaf lard" was; but I imagine some might find parts frustrating to use, as sometimes steps go out of order-like telling you to grease the pan after you have poured the mixture in. Good luck future writers, and pie makers. I walk away worrying I didn't give enough pies to people who have read my book (I've given out 0 pies though).

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

How To Write a Novel in 20 Pies is a guide for aspiring and current writers for writing and life, collected and presented by writing coach Amy Wallen. Released 18th Oct 2022 by Andrews McMeel, it's 240 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

The author/educator (she is that, both published as an author and experienced as a facilitator and leader-of-workshops) is humorous and compassionate. She gets it. The premise of this book could have been absolutely stultifying; do this - then that - then that other thing (/monotone in a bullet point list)... This is emphatically not that; not even to the smallest degree. She uses her own experiences to guide readers through the process from beginning practice to actually sticking through the process. Unusually for writing workshops in my somewhat limited experience, she is -genuinely- funny. Just the first chapter elicited a few chuckles along with the insightful and practical information dense instruction.

The art and illustrations by Emil Wilson are quirky and humorous and suit the text very well. Additionally, there's pie. I was admittedly skeptical of the whole pie-as-writing metaphor, but in this case, I freely admit to being wrong.

It's full of useful information: how to train up writing endurance, how to (maybe) find inspiration, what to write about, how to find a group and how to support and help one another, etc. In short, the sort of things one would expect to learn in a writing workshop. It also contains actual, mostly sensible, recipes for literal pie: chicken pot pie, everything pie (leftover pie), mushroom pie, lemon meringue, etc.

I can't honestly say how well the pie recipes work since I didn't try any, but the writing parts of the book are useful and accessible.

Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love novels and I love pies so I knew right away I wanted to read this book. I did and it was delicious in so many ways. Just looking at the delightful cover all done up in shades of raspberry and apple with a charming illustration of a big slice of pie topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream enticed me inside. To say I gobbled it down is not as clever a pun as many in this witty book, but gobble it I did—page-by-page, and one by one, each of the "Sweet and Savory Secrets for Surviving the Writing Life."
"How to Write a Novel in 20 Pies" author Amy Wallen, reveals these secrets in her friendly, funny, and welcoming voice. Her advice is practical—write, rewrite, get in a writing group, rewrite again, read, write some more—and full of good humor that leans to the snarky sometimes, but isn’t that what we like about pies that are both sweet and tart at the same time? I especially appreciated her “from my own experience” stories and anecdotes. This is a writer who’s been there—and not just a brief stint, but seriously, and for a long time, and who’s tried different approaches from teachers and classes and workshops and groups and mentors and conferences and on and on—all the ways we writers learn our craft and learn to “survive the writing life.” How reassuring it is, too, to read Amy’s real-life experiences with agents and editors and publishers. While other writers might scare us with their painful stories of rejections at every level, Amy tells her experiences, painful as some of them were, with generosity and again, great good humor.
Emil Wilson’s whimsical illustrations of people (I love their little ears and pastel bodies), bring even more lightness and humor to this book. Pies dancing with books, a pie-altar, “People You Meet in a Writing Group,” the “Famous Artists and Their Pies,” page and so many more clever and engaging images add to the enjoyment.
While I appreciate all the pie recipes, I’m a pie-eater, not a pie-maker. So I’ll just get myself back to my desk and keep writing and never mind the pie-stains on my messy pages.

[McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Generally speaking I enjoyed this, however, if you've read a lot of writing books I'm not sure how much of the actual writing advice is actually going to be useful to you. I supposed it depends on if you read it once and implement it or if it takes you reading something several times. The most unique thing about this was the combination of writing advice with baking pies. The illustrations were great and some of the recipes look delicious. I didn't actually try any because I don't trust the oven in my new apartment yet, but I may still get there. As a side note, the authors humor didn't really mesh with my own and like I said, I didn't find a whole lot new in terms of writing advice. However, if you're new to reading writing books, then yes, give this a go.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part memoir, a little how-to-write, and a cookbook for pies. The central theme discusses how "perseverance" is a critical element in writing. The book focuses more on encouragement than craft, like many other books. This gives tips on how to keep going despite all the obstacles, the time it takes to write it, the struggles to find an agent, and the struggles to get an editor to push a book. The author threw her experiences, thoughts, and feelings about her writing process and journey into the book.

This book combines the author's experienced writing advice with over 200 lovely illustrations, recipes for literary success, and recipes for 20 sweet and savory pies. One of my favorite chapters is "The Joy of Rejection" because rejection is easy to let us believe we are not good writers. I love the five stages of rejection: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, perseverance, and pie-severance. I think this book is very inspiring in helping people write and move their work along in any journey stage.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a charming, strange book. The writing advice was sincere and not overly detailed, more of a overview of the process of writing a novel with some notes about making pie when you get stuck. This was definitely geared towards beginners, so I didn't find any new gems in here- though it did make me want to try and bake a pie.

By the time we got past the writing chapters and into the publishing chapters it started to feel very tedious and discouraging. Getting published is a tedious and discouraging process, of course, but she made the whole thing feel hopeless. There wasn't much advice about getting through this part, despite describing it as awful and painstaking, other than eating pie. It would have been nice if that section had had more depth. Alternatively, maybe it would have been better to dive deeper into the writing practice and reserve only a chapter for what happens when you're done the thing, since hardly any beginners make it to that point anyway.

[Sara Pauff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in the query trenches with one novel manuscript and trying to write a first draft for another, so this book was exactly what I needed at this moment. Inspiring, humorous, with helpful tips for anyone who wants to write a book and lots of delicious-sounding pie recipes to provide comfort along the way. The illustrations are wonderful too and made me chuckle throughout. I wish the book had addressed self-publishing, as that's a route that more and more writers are going these days, but since the author went with the traditional publishing route, I can understand the omission. Reading this book was a good reminder that I chose to be a writer because I love it, and since writing is the only thing in the entire publishing process I really have control over, I should focus on enjoying it, and keep persevering. Pie helps, too. The black and blueberry pie I made was delicious, and I'm eager to try several of the others.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book amused me, the pictures are amazing, and half of it I want to quote to my writing students.

Amy Waller writes a humourous account of writing with the analogy of writing being similar to making pies. As she also bakes pies, she includes anecdotes about learning to make the pies, her experiences with the pies, and includes the recipes. Throughout are hilarious and cute illustrations to support, enforce, or lend humor to the text.
As I'm interested in the writing process but not publishing, that part dragged for me but more from my lack of interest than her writing. Very Anne Lamott vis a vis Bird by Bird, but tastier.

#arc
#netgalley
#howtowriteanovelin20pies

[andie z (amzreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute and clever writing handbook, comparing the process of writing a novel to the process of baking a pie. The illustrations are fun and beautiful, and some of the pie recipes look delicious and I’ll definitely be trying them out. The writing advice is nothing groundbreaking, but Amy Wallen has such a humorous and engaging writing style, and it makes this a very enjoyable read.

I have at least one friend who will definitely be getting this as a gift in the future!

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable and quirky book for first-time writers. The pie approach is not only amusing but also gives an alternative to “going outside and walking around” as an alternative “palate cleansing” activity in time for what I think is the pie season par excellence, aka Fall. Although it’s directed more toward those interested in novel writing, I feel that some of its lessons can be used in dissertation writing (my case), especially the part on rejection! Highly recommend it!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charming, imaginative juxtaposition of writing wisdom and baking lore--the cross-pollination of metaphor as well as actual recipes--is full of surprises, and a visual delight. Novelist, teacher, editor and humorist Amy Wallen (Moon Pies and Movie Stars, Dime Stories) and designer and illustrator Emil Wilson, both former students, team up in this clever volume, the perfect gift for the emerging novelist with a culinary bent.

[Kristen Fogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

How fun (and delicious!) this one is. One part practical application (for aspiring or seasoned writers), one part witty observations (how I love those illustrations), another part yummy cookbook. It’s just a fun read, and I love how you can grab a slice anywhere in there—no need to read the chapters in order. It’s the perfect read to pass around or give as a gift.

[Tamara Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific coaching book for writers. Noting new, but we all need a push now and then. The style is fun, light and breezy. I bought it first on Kindle but went back and bought a paperback so I could see the drawings. I've tried 2 of the recipes, and they were EXCELLENT. Even if you don't cook this is a clever book.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I don't make pies, so I didn't read most of the recipes, but really enjoyed the info about how to write a novel. Amy's writing is funny (without being annoying), and made me feel like I was right there listening to her talk. Emil's drawings were cute, and helped make the info memorable.

[Sara Niemiec · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic read. The author is sincere, encouraging, and helpful. The whole time I read this, it felt like she was sitting next to me, talking. I have a much clearer idea of what to expect on my journey to getting published. This is one book I'll always keep handy and refer to often.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read this book off of netgalley for my honest review. This book was a good book to show you how to write a novel using the picture of pies. It tells story and the how to make novels and some recipes for pie. Great book! I recommend this book to everyone.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a treat…in so many ways.

[Holli Davila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Came for the writing tips…leaving with a deep need to bake pies? Funny. Charming. actually helpful. I’m implementing ideas from this book immediately. I feel like a made a writerly friend.

[Laura Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

No interest in baking pies. 😕 Not very useful .