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I'm Still Writing
Thoughts and inspiration from some of the greatest female writers to challenge, encourage, and develop your writing!
In I’m Still Writing , beloved female writers, both past and present, share their thoughts on the joy and struggle of writing. Their words will nurture and challenge your writing, inviting you to dive deeper into your creativity and find power on the page.
Author Virginia Ann Byrd has gathered the words and wisdom of women writers―from different backgrounds, traditions, and times―pairing them with thoughtful reflection questions and inspiring writing prompts. From Jane Austen to Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende to Virginia Woolf, 52 authors offer their wisdom on every facet of writing―from finding inspiration to the nuances of craft and the particular burden faced by female artists.
Divided into weekly chapters, I’m Still Writing is a joyful chorus of women’s voices and a wise guide on your own writing journey. This book will nourish your creativity and help you learn from the very best as you build a thriving, expressive writing practice.
In I’m Still Writing , beloved female writers, both past and present, share their thoughts on the joy and struggle of writing. Their words will nurture and challenge your writing, inviting you to dive deeper into your creativity and find power on the page.
Author Virginia Ann Byrd has gathered the words and wisdom of women writers―from different backgrounds, traditions, and times―pairing them with thoughtful reflection questions and inspiring writing prompts. From Jane Austen to Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende to Virginia Woolf, 52 authors offer their wisdom on every facet of writing―from finding inspiration to the nuances of craft and the particular burden faced by female artists.
Divided into weekly chapters, I’m Still Writing is a joyful chorus of women’s voices and a wise guide on your own writing journey. This book will nourish your creativity and help you learn from the very best as you build a thriving, expressive writing practice.
- GenresWritingNonfictionEssays
160 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2023
8 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 5, 2023
Are you a writer? Or, like me, do you like to read about writing? I’m Still Writing by Virginia Ann Byrd is an inspiring tool for either person. Designed to kickstart creativity, this book is a collection of words and wisdom of some of the world’s best women writers. I love the format of the book even though I read straight through instead of savoring the weekly samplings.
Each of the 52 chapters includes a vignette from a successful writer on some aspect of the art of writing. Isabel Allende speaks of the value of leisure activities. Louisa May Alcott shares her disappointment and her success. Virginia Woolf challenges writers to strive for their own rhythm. Following the quotation are two more sections to engage the reader/writer: Listen and Write. With a series of questions, the reader is challenged to dig deeper and practice the material offered by the author. At the end is a pen-to-paper assignment.
Of course, not every chapter was personally exciting or inspiring, but I found most of the excerpts to be motivating. This book will be an asset to writers who need to read about, to learn, and to practice their craft. Ms. Byrd offers the perfect guide. So grab this book and then sharpen your pencils and write!
Each of the 52 chapters includes a vignette from a successful writer on some aspect of the art of writing. Isabel Allende speaks of the value of leisure activities. Louisa May Alcott shares her disappointment and her success. Virginia Woolf challenges writers to strive for their own rhythm. Following the quotation are two more sections to engage the reader/writer: Listen and Write. With a series of questions, the reader is challenged to dig deeper and practice the material offered by the author. At the end is a pen-to-paper assignment.
Of course, not every chapter was personally exciting or inspiring, but I found most of the excerpts to be motivating. This book will be an asset to writers who need to read about, to learn, and to practice their craft. Ms. Byrd offers the perfect guide. So grab this book and then sharpen your pencils and write!
April 11, 2023
I'm Still Writing: Women Writers on Creativity, Courage, and Putting Words on the Page is a collection of female authors expounding on the craft. Each author excerpt closes with the sections Listen (additional reflections about the excerpt) and Write (a practical exercise tailored to each chapter's focus).
Virginia Ann Byrd has chosen insights from 52 women writers, and she admits she welcomed the opportunity to platform authors who contradict each other in how they approach writing, as there is no one single "right" way to write. She offers this book as a helpful resource, not a burden, and she structured it so readers could pace themselves by reading one chapter a week, if they wished, dwelling on the craft highlighted by that particular chapter.
Each chapter is quick to read, a perfect gift for aspiring or practicing writers, whatever the time commitment they have to offer to the practice; the exercises are short, not meant to be the only writing accomplished in a week, and Byrd encourages readers to skip around by topic of interest, if desired. The authors included here range across time period, genre, and style; of the 52 names, nine were previously unfamiliar to me. Topics include Memory, Audience, Making a Living, Editing, Leisure, and more.
For readers who like to reflect on the craft, or for aspiring writers, this is a welcome addition to your shelves, a slim introduction to a range of skilled authors.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
Virginia Ann Byrd has chosen insights from 52 women writers, and she admits she welcomed the opportunity to platform authors who contradict each other in how they approach writing, as there is no one single "right" way to write. She offers this book as a helpful resource, not a burden, and she structured it so readers could pace themselves by reading one chapter a week, if they wished, dwelling on the craft highlighted by that particular chapter.
Each chapter is quick to read, a perfect gift for aspiring or practicing writers, whatever the time commitment they have to offer to the practice; the exercises are short, not meant to be the only writing accomplished in a week, and Byrd encourages readers to skip around by topic of interest, if desired. The authors included here range across time period, genre, and style; of the 52 names, nine were previously unfamiliar to me. Topics include Memory, Audience, Making a Living, Editing, Leisure, and more.
For readers who like to reflect on the craft, or for aspiring writers, this is a welcome addition to your shelves, a slim introduction to a range of skilled authors.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
November 21, 2022
I’m Still Writing is a compilation of stories with keywords to guide the reader for specific writing tasks… While these are profiles of prolific female writers, this book isn’t exclusively for women. It’s a guide to get over self doubt, writing blocks, obtaining ideas, and more. My favorite way to find inspiration for my writing is to learn the writing process of other writers. For example Celeste Ng gave a wonderful process of reverse outlining. These sort of tips are throughout this non-fiction book. I recommend all writers to consider this book as a writer’s reference.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2022
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"You have full permission to cheerfully ignore any piece of advice that doesn't work for you, no matter how illustrious the writer who shared it."
"I'm Still Writing is" a quick, easy read that focuses on writing advice from a diverse panel of women writers. I don't mean diverse in the usual sense - though they are - but rather in the authorial sense, IE, the types of writers included. There are poets, literary authors, SFF authors, etc., as well as a wide range of time periods represented, and it was nice to see that variety included. While I recognized most of the authors, even if I hadn't read from them, I also learned a lot of new names.
Each entry is about a page long, and broken into three sections: the advice, "Listen," and "Write." The advice section, as I'm sure you can figure out, is the actual piece of advice from the author in question. The type of advice is widespread, from super practical to sort of meta, and some of the pieces of advice directly contradict each other. I really loved this aspect of the book, because there is no "correct" or "incorrect" way to write. The "Listen" section kind of explains the advice and builds on the ideas, though this is the section I found the last value in. The "Write" section provides an actual writing prompt based on the entry.
I enjoyed this and found a ton of ideas to try out in my own writing! It's certainly not the most in-depth guide I've encountered, and I wouldn't say it really offers anything new, but the structure is super friendly and the prompts actually make you want to write.
"You have full permission to cheerfully ignore any piece of advice that doesn't work for you, no matter how illustrious the writer who shared it."
"I'm Still Writing is" a quick, easy read that focuses on writing advice from a diverse panel of women writers. I don't mean diverse in the usual sense - though they are - but rather in the authorial sense, IE, the types of writers included. There are poets, literary authors, SFF authors, etc., as well as a wide range of time periods represented, and it was nice to see that variety included. While I recognized most of the authors, even if I hadn't read from them, I also learned a lot of new names.
Each entry is about a page long, and broken into three sections: the advice, "Listen," and "Write." The advice section, as I'm sure you can figure out, is the actual piece of advice from the author in question. The type of advice is widespread, from super practical to sort of meta, and some of the pieces of advice directly contradict each other. I really loved this aspect of the book, because there is no "correct" or "incorrect" way to write. The "Listen" section kind of explains the advice and builds on the ideas, though this is the section I found the last value in. The "Write" section provides an actual writing prompt based on the entry.
I enjoyed this and found a ton of ideas to try out in my own writing! It's certainly not the most in-depth guide I've encountered, and I wouldn't say it really offers anything new, but the structure is super friendly and the prompts actually make you want to write.
sat-aside-for-now
January 11, 2023If you are a writer, this book is invaluable. I'm writing this review without having finished reading the book, but I have a valid reason for doing so, I promise! The reason is the absolutely brilliant way this book is formatted and the way it is intended to be read and interacted with.
I'm Still Writing consists of 52 chapters, with each short chapter consisting of 3 parts: Quote/Advice, Listen. and Write. Each chapter features advice from a different female author, and the Listen section is meant to allow you to reflect on the advice. The Write section provides a prompt for the reader to complete. There are 52 chapters to coincide with the 52 weeks of the year, meaning you complete 1 prompt a week. This book is meant to help writers make writing a habit and to help hone their craft.
Because I'm a writer (and I'm also struggling with writer's block), I've chosen to read and use this book as intended: week by week. After I'm done I will definitely be writing another, more comprehensive review. But as of now, having worked through the first 2 chapters, I can honestly say that I love this book and I feel comfortable providing feedback and recommending it to all of my fellow writers. Providing this feedback now, before publication and not at the end of the year when I'll have finished working through it, will help get this book into as many hands as possible, so other writers can benefit from it now.
**eARC provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Essentials, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
I'm Still Writing consists of 52 chapters, with each short chapter consisting of 3 parts: Quote/Advice, Listen. and Write. Each chapter features advice from a different female author, and the Listen section is meant to allow you to reflect on the advice. The Write section provides a prompt for the reader to complete. There are 52 chapters to coincide with the 52 weeks of the year, meaning you complete 1 prompt a week. This book is meant to help writers make writing a habit and to help hone their craft.
Because I'm a writer (and I'm also struggling with writer's block), I've chosen to read and use this book as intended: week by week. After I'm done I will definitely be writing another, more comprehensive review. But as of now, having worked through the first 2 chapters, I can honestly say that I love this book and I feel comfortable providing feedback and recommending it to all of my fellow writers. Providing this feedback now, before publication and not at the end of the year when I'll have finished working through it, will help get this book into as many hands as possible, so other writers can benefit from it now.
**eARC provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Essentials, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
February 17, 2023
I'm Still Writing
Women Writers on Creativity, Courage, and Putting Words on the Page
by Virginia Ann Byrd
Pub Date 28 Feb 2023
St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Essentials
Nonfiction (Adult)
I am reviewing a copy of I'm Still Writing through St Martin's Press and Netgalley:
I'm Still Writing shares thoughts and inspirations from some of the greatest female writers of the past and the present!
In this book, some of the most beloved female writers of the past and present , share their thoughts on the joy and struggle of writing. Their words will nurture and challenge your writing, inviting you to dive deeper into your creativity and find power on the page.
Author Virginia Ann Byrd, has taken the time to gather the words and the wisdom of generations of female writers from different backgrounds, traditions, and times pairing them with thoughtful reflection questions and inspiring writing prompts. From Jane Austen to Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende to Virginia Woolf, 52 authors offer their wisdom on every facet of writing from finding inspiration to the nuances of craft and the particular burden faced by female artists.
This book is divided into weekly chapters, and is a beautiful chorus of women's voices to guide your own writing journey. If you are looking for a book to nourish your creativity, I'm still writing definitive fits that bill.
I give I'm Still Writing five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Women Writers on Creativity, Courage, and Putting Words on the Page
by Virginia Ann Byrd
Pub Date 28 Feb 2023
St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Essentials
Nonfiction (Adult)
I am reviewing a copy of I'm Still Writing through St Martin's Press and Netgalley:
I'm Still Writing shares thoughts and inspirations from some of the greatest female writers of the past and the present!
In this book, some of the most beloved female writers of the past and present , share their thoughts on the joy and struggle of writing. Their words will nurture and challenge your writing, inviting you to dive deeper into your creativity and find power on the page.
Author Virginia Ann Byrd, has taken the time to gather the words and the wisdom of generations of female writers from different backgrounds, traditions, and times pairing them with thoughtful reflection questions and inspiring writing prompts. From Jane Austen to Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende to Virginia Woolf, 52 authors offer their wisdom on every facet of writing from finding inspiration to the nuances of craft and the particular burden faced by female artists.
This book is divided into weekly chapters, and is a beautiful chorus of women's voices to guide your own writing journey. If you are looking for a book to nourish your creativity, I'm still writing definitive fits that bill.
I give I'm Still Writing five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
January 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and love the concept--women writers about writing. As a woman writer myself, I was super excited to receive an early copy in exchange for an honest review. The basic concept is that the author quotes a female author from some other source, then reflects upon it, then offers an exercise in writing based upon it. This is a little different than what I expected--for some reason (probably my own fault) I thought writers were actually writing something fresh, some new advice. So I was a little disappointed they were quotes pulled from other sources such as articles they'd written for magazines. As I read many of these magazines already, I felt like I'd likely already read a lot of it. That said, it is nice to have great bits of advice and thoughts on writing gathered in one place. It's organized into 52 entries so you can do one a week.
Overall, this was a good book, but wasn't quite the fresh take I'd hoped for in this book by women writers for women writers.
Overall, this was a good book, but wasn't quite the fresh take I'd hoped for in this book by women writers for women writers.
July 5, 2023
Very different than I expected. Good nonetheless. It editorially combines quotes/excerpts from 52 female authors from throughout history on writing. I don’t know why I expected it to be a little bit more than a couple paragraphs from each author or even some original content from them. But alas…then each excerpt is followed by a “listen” portion that was more of a question to the reader about what the author’s excerpt stated, and then a “write”portion that was a prompt based off of the excerpt.
I like the idea of it. But not all of the excerpts spoke to me and not all of the prompts were things that I found valuable. Which I suppose is to be expected in a book like this.
I naturally feel more meh about it but I do think it would help writers who enjoy or use prompts. Some of the ideas were quite elementary and some were more profound. I guess this just wasn’t my taste.
I’d say the best part was getting a taste books that authors I enjoy have written about crafting, creating and writing.
***thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
I like the idea of it. But not all of the excerpts spoke to me and not all of the prompts were things that I found valuable. Which I suppose is to be expected in a book like this.
I naturally feel more meh about it but I do think it would help writers who enjoy or use prompts. Some of the ideas were quite elementary and some were more profound. I guess this just wasn’t my taste.
I’d say the best part was getting a taste books that authors I enjoy have written about crafting, creating and writing.
***thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
January 15, 2025
Virginia Ann Byrd’s I’m Still Writing offers an intimate glimpse into the author's thoughts and experiences, woven through a series of reflective and personal essays. The writing style is heartfelt and sincere, which resonates well with readers who appreciate raw, unfiltered emotion.
However, while the book has its moments of poignancy, it occasionally feels repetitive, and the narrative sometimes lacks a cohesive structure, making it challenging to maintain engagement throughout. Some sections could have benefited from more in-depth exploration or a stronger editorial hand to enhance clarity and flow.
Overall, I’m Still Writing is a commendable effort with genuine emotion, but it falls short in delivering a fully compelling and polished read. Readers who enjoy personal musings might find it worthwhile, but those looking for a more structured narrative may feel it misses the mark.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
Virginia Ann Byrd's delightful book with the subtitle "Women Writers on Creativity, Courage, and Putting Words on the Page" may be just what the writing coach ordered. Fifty-two writers are presented here with a quote from them about some aspect of their writing process, encouragement, or crafting process, after which Byrd includes a short follow-up with some aspect of the quote to reflect on, and then offers a writing exercise that ties in as well.
This is a book of encouragement that I believe will work nicely for those who are just beginning to write or those who want/need the support of a writing class but aren't currently in one. Her friendly writing style along with the company of so many remarkable writers could easily be just what you need to get your story on the page. Read a chapter a week, follow the suggestions and write, then write about the writing you've done as it ties into the author's original topic, and you'll be on your way!
This is a book of encouragement that I believe will work nicely for those who are just beginning to write or those who want/need the support of a writing class but aren't currently in one. Her friendly writing style along with the company of so many remarkable writers could easily be just what you need to get your story on the page. Read a chapter a week, follow the suggestions and write, then write about the writing you've done as it ties into the author's original topic, and you'll be on your way!
October 28, 2022
This is another great craft-of-writing book, albeit somewhat different than other ones I've been reading recently. I'm Still Writing includes 52 thoughtful quotes on writing from prominent female writers, past and present, and associated writing prompts, meant to be tackled one per week for a year. I think this would be a great supplement to other writing exercises and prompts you might be using to spark your creativity. I will definitely recommend to other writers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
December 10, 2022
I'm Still Writing features advice/reflections on writing from 52 brilliant women. The book makes each piece of advice accessible with a "listen" section analyzing the advice and a writing prompt to help you put the advice into action.
This was an inspiring read - you can take the prompts that speak to you and practice. Or you can simply enjoy the thoughtful collection of quotes and rumination from a range of impressive authors including Octavia Butler, Joan Didion, Ann Patchett, and more.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
This was an inspiring read - you can take the prompts that speak to you and practice. Or you can simply enjoy the thoughtful collection of quotes and rumination from a range of impressive authors including Octavia Butler, Joan Didion, Ann Patchett, and more.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.
April 8, 2023
Writers, this is a book to keep at your desk! Divided into 52 chapters, this can be tackled weekly or whenever you are seeking inspiration. Each chapter is divided into a quote from a successful female author, followed by a summary and action step. I read this as an ebook, but it would make a much better book to keep at your bedside or desk. I found myself gravitating to the quotes more than the exercises in this book, but it is worth it's value for the collection of quotes and advice. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for a digital copy.
January 1, 2023
Everything about this book, made me want to give it a try: the cover, title, and details. This is a wonderful book, made with great details and advice. I enjoyed reading this book.
My thanks to St.Martin's Press and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book. I recommend this book for all readers!
My thanks to St.Martin's Press and NetGallery for a digital copy of this book. I recommend this book for all readers!
December 18, 2024
I'm Still Writing is a guide with quotes from writers, themes, and prompts for inspiration for weekly writing, with quotes from Zadie Smith, Julia Alvarez, Toni Morrison and other women writers who have made a big impact through their writing over the years.
July 21, 2023
Interesting read of other authors/writers viewpoints
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews