Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts

by Bec Evans, Chris Smith, Oliver Burkeman (Foreword)

Written is a transformative guide that anyone can use to overcome their blocks and build a successful writing habit.

Many people think that there's only one 'right' way to get the writing done - or that trying harder is the key. Award-winning writers, productivity coaches and co-founders of Prolifiko Bec Evans and Chris Smith know this isn't true. Having coached over 10,000 writers, they've learned that productivity is personal. Their unique, results-driven approach is designed to help you find a realistic and sustainable practice that will get you to the end of any writing project, no matter how stuck you feel.

Applying research from neuroscience and psychology, and based on the authors' own practice and findings, Written will show you how to manage your time effectively, how to visualise and set successful goals, how to recover from setbacks, and ultimately how to create writing habits that work for you. Along the way, you'll hear inspiring and relatable stories from other writers who have overcome their struggles to find success. Each chapter ends with practical coaching exercises that you can start implementing right now.

For anyone with a project they need to get written - whether a business book, thesis or work of fiction - this inspiring book offers practical strategies to beat the inner critic, find time, keep motivated and write.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Ebooks

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 5, 2023

About the author

Bec Evans is a writer, coach and consultant who helps writers keep writing.

From her first job in a bookshop, to a career in publishing, several years managing a writers’ retreat centre for Arvon, and now as co-founder of Prolifiko, she’s obsessed with creative persistence. Bec works with individuals, writing groups, publishers and universities to build the skills and confidence to make their ideas happen.

Her new book ‘Written: How to Keep Writing and Build a Habit That Lasts’ was published in January 2023.

Her first book, ‘How to Have a Happy Hustle’ won the startup Inspiration category of the Business Book Awards 2020.

Reviews

[Sarah Haggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels less like a writing craft book, and more like a chat over coffee with a couple of other writers. The main idea behind it is that each writer at each time in their lives will need a different process. ‘Write every day’ will work sometimes for some people, but many others will need to find other ways of fitting writing around busy lives.
Different types of writing process were discussed (everyday, binge, spontaneous etc.) with tips for each one. This was the most useful part of the book for me, and I will certainly be making more notes on process and well as craft from now on.
There was also a hefty section on goalsetting, which I largely skimmed as I used to be a manager in a corporate setting, so I’ve had enough training on goals to last a lifetime! This will no doubt be useful for some however.
I’d recommend this to any writers who struggle to write, or who find their writing output doesn’t match up to their own expectations. It’s not a craft book though, it’s a process book!

[E.R. Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Written" is an excellent book that approaches writing advice from a refreshingly unique angle. Evans and Smith’s primary argument is that there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to writing; writers may even find their needs and methods for writing change over time. For those who struggle to write, this both liberating and empowering since too many manuals promise you that there are magical methods that you just need to embrace even if they don’t suit you or your lifestyle.

Instead this book honestly says you need to experiment and see what works well. Thankfully, this book contains helpful summaries and action items at the end of the chapters so you can review what you learned and take action.

Evans and Smith don’t expect you to just take it from them as some writing book authors do; the book draws on scientific data to reinforce its claims, including their own work. They also incorporate advice (confessions?) from successful writers who provide invaluable insights into their creative struggles and processes. The book’s encouraging and empathetic tone is infectious, and the practical exercises make it a must-read for new or blocked writers in particular. Keep going, they say - and we all should.

I believe "Written" has a bright future as one of the go-to resources to inspire writers with its message of flexibility, experimenting to find out what works best, and its pragmatic advice for improving your craft.

[Hikari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuck somewhere on your writing journey? If so, Evans and Smith want to equip you with the skills to identify your roadblock and overcome it so you can keep creating your masterpieces. Central to their philosophy is that what works for one person may not for another so they provide lots of possible answers so that the reader can try a few and see what suits them.

In a similar vein to Squiggly Careers, this book focuses on the reader coaching themselves rather than providing the magic bullet that will definitely, absolutely and certainly fix their writing problem.

If you’re looking for a book to tell you how to get published, this isn’t it nor is it trying to be. This is a book for all writers, no matter whether you’re just starting out or published as the topics (time planning, goals, starting, managing interruptions, resilience, habits) are relevant to all experience levels. A book to keep dipping into each time you encounter problems with writing as one of the many suggestions or anecdotes may just be the answer you need.

As I’ve been given an ARC, I would recommend that the few remaining swear words are removed before publication - there’s no point in irritating your future readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, it's a really lovely read. Engaging, interesting but not overwhelming.

What have I taken from it?

Lots!

First of all - there's no one way to be a writer. I love the idea of lowering the stakes, and making things bite size - to think that 'showing up' is the goal, not writing 1,000 words.

And I'm struck particularly by the last couple of chapters - that some people need collaboration and support and others don't (I think I'm a bit of both), and how just talking about the fact that you're writing can help you to write. I've always felt that writing isn't for some reason the right thing to do, but I'm now resolved to be open and proud of it.

And finally - the idea that doing more can lead to better quality. I tend to feel I must do one thing at a time - if I start something else before finishing the first thing, that's a kind of failure. But perhaps it's not. I could explore shorter writing, or competitions, for example, while still having a novel draft on the go.

So I resolve to be kinder to myself, to be prouder, to show up and to try my hand at more things without feeling guilty.

[Cody Kaemmerlen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it was free through Kindle Unlimited so I wasn’t expecting all that much. So, honestly, 3-stars is like giving it 5-stars.

Some good general practices, tips and encouragements to keep that pen moving atop the paper. But nothing super profound - but then again I don’t think there’s any way to explain writing that is profound. So I’m probably being harsh, but it happens.

If you’re trying to jumpstart your writing, this will surely help.

[Doc.FaFa · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐
Really didn't like it. It was a mix copy of three or four books that I've read before and full of unnecessary stories of others in each section, which was really boring.
Also the last paragraph totally made me disappointed. The exact copy of the book of Austin Kleon "keep going"
No, it is certainly not a good way of making things written. Sorry for you!

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not particularly helpful. This book can be summed up as "find a writing routine that works for you and keep at it". Well, maybe that's a little harsh since it's better than claiming to have all the answers and the *one* writing routine that works for everyone. But it was quite dull to read and didn't motivate me much.

[Logan Noble · Rating 3 out of 5]

A writing book about building creative habits. The best parts of the book used practical advice and stories to show how writers do that and learn what works for them. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as concrete as it needed to be invaluable.

[Shireen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a proof copy to review. Unfortunately, due to brain injury, fatigue, and big distractions, I finished it months after it was released.*

I believe I first heard about Prolifiko, Bec Evans and Chris Smith's company, on Twitter. I've been through a couple of incarnations of their methods to help writers write. When I first heard a few years ago about their free 7-day Writing Sprints, which ran the first week of the month, I signed up and finished at least two manuscripts, taking them to self-published status. So I was pretty excited to hear about their push to finish Written and said yes when they asked to interview me for the book.

I wanted to reciprocate how they helped me with my writing, from manuscripts to posts, and began reading the PDF proof copy, with the intention to review it when done before their launch date. And like I do with other non-fiction books, I started a Twitter thread on my thoughts as I read it. But fatigue has a habit of swallowing up good intentions. I didn't stop writing tweets for my thread, though, when I could pick up the book days or months later.

I'd intended to skip the Foreword, but Oliver Burkeman's first words drew me in. With that propitious start, I dived into Bec's introduction with her vivid personal story. Her curiosity and self-reflection shine out. Personal stories, well told, engage a reader and immediately make clear the point that the writer is making. This book seamlessly journeyed from the authors' own personal stories to well-known authors' stories of how they wrote their famous books to a diversity of research to clients' experiences in finding ways to write. They also talk about their own research into how to go from wanting to write to actually writing. This book isn't about how to write, it's about how to write. Ahem.

When you have a decent grasp on the craft of writing but stop and start writing and can't get your goals done, how do you craft a writing habit that fits you?

Written is about developing a personal writing system that helps you write more than you are now and to enjoy it. This book doesn't espouse a one-size-fits-all nor does it advise everyone must follow the same rules; it's about learning from the research and others' experiences to develop your own system.

Bec and Chris divided the book into three parts: The Approach; Start Writing; Keep Writing. They spent much time on the structure of their book, and they succeeded in creating one that works. I've read other non-fiction books by well-known authors whose book structures either confused me or sent me flipping back and forth, not to refresh my memory but to restructure it in my mind so that it made sense. I had no such problem with Written.

In the beginning, they distinguish between craft and process -- crucial, although at the end of the book they do skim along the edge of craft. And they bring up some terms that they refer back to in later chapters. Although I visualized and verbalized in the way Lindamood-Bell had taught me during reading comprehension rehab, because of my long fallow reading stretches, I didn't recall some of the terms such as disfluency when referred to later on. It may be a good idea to write down unknown vocabulary. With a PDF, a glossary is a pain to check, so I don't know if they included one or not. If not, it would've been helpful.

I loved the illustrations that introduce most of the chapters. They're not just eye candy; they illustrate concepts the chapter discusses, making them easier to remember and understand. When you finish the chapter and return to the illustration, you'll be able to see more in it. They're also a form of Easter eggs.

At the end of each chapter, Bec and Chris include a Writer's Sandbox. I guess the sandbox metaphor is one of play; it sets up the feeling that writing isn't a chore but something to enjoy, to look forward to, to experiment and play with. Taking the time to do the exercises in the Sandbox -- printing out the resources some of the Sandboxes are linked to -- will help you both understand the concepts and develop your own personal writing system. Sometimes you may have no answers. But that's why having a copy of the book is useful -- when you're ready to tackle some of their harder questions, you'll have the book on hand to review the chapter and play in the Writer's Sandbox again.

Because I've been through brain injury rehab and studied psychology in university, I'm quite familiar with some of the concepts that Bec and Chris cover. Psychological research applies to many areas, I find. But relearning them in order to develop my own writing system is way more fun than strategizing a way to live within the hellscape of untreated brain injury. This book was like moving out of the brain injury house into one where all the cool, healthy kids live and them welcoming me there.

Chapter 7 is on resilience, and that's where you'll find what Bec learned from her interview with me -- and all those many, many 7-day sprints she and Chris held and helped me through. It's strange reading about yourself and another's perception of your own experience: "...we're going to meet someone determined to keep writing under the most extreme circumstances." That was me. I had to set the book aside from a bit before I could read that section. I hadn't thought of my circumstances as extreme before, but I do use adjectives like hellscape, nightmare, awful, when will it end. When you're inside the unthinkable, you get used to it even though you wish daily to escape. I hope my experience will be as helpful to others as I found other interviewees' experiences helpful to me.

This book came out at a time I was facing some major transitions in my life that require a writing process transition as well. I miss Prolifiko's 7-day writing sprints, but this book and their newsletter Breakthough & Blocks fill in the gap somewhat. I'm going to order myself a copy so that I have it on hand when I'm ready to play in some of the Writer Sandboxes I'd left precipitously.

I am pleased that all the visualizing and verbalizing allowed me to build up a big picture of Written, to understand and retain the two kinds of writer I believe I fall into (two kinds for my variety of writings), to remember the one key all great authors hold, and to tie it to essential principles they covered before presenting that key.

I believe Written counters the myths we're awash in about how we should write, releasing us from all the "shoulds" and empowering us to craft our own writing-process style. It can help newbies and experienced. It's useful for when starting out in the writing scene and for when major events require a transition in writing process. Bec and Chris's personalities shine through in this book, enfolding the reader in their friendly yet firm guidance and gently pushing us to become independent writers.

[Akhil Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully crafted short guide on how to cultivate your writing process.

As a writer myself, I can see the enormous value in the range of insights it contains, both on how to approach writing and how to maintain your writing momentum to completion. I only wish I’d had a copy of it before I started writing my own book! (Next time!)

The book is particularly clear on what all writers in their hearts know to be true: there is no one magic bullet to the problem of getting material written. With that in mind, the book covers a wide range of tips and tools to help you find the correct approach that works for you. In this, the authors draw on their own deep experience of being successful writers in their own right as well as on professional experience of coaching and supporting other writers.

The book is extremely well put together. I particularly appreciated the logical of flow of topics; and the series of pictures at the start of each chapter that encapsulate all the core concepts contained in it. It makes it easy to grasp - and to retain - the insights contained therein.

Overall, it’s a book that puts the writer firmly in charge of his/her own writing destiny. I highly recommend it. And as a final point: “Written” is very well written. I found it a delight to read, particularly in the way that story and exposition are skilfully woven together.

I highly recommend this book.

[Sarah Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a writer who has ever experienced writers block, felt like you must be crazy to continue with your piece of writing, compared yourselves to others and found yourself wanting, or just felt like crawling under the table and never getting up again (me – a lot of the time!), this book is like hope in your hand. The key message shared by the authors is to never give up, because good things come to those who do, not those who wait. True enough. There are so many examples of famous authors who have suffered from exactly the same things as us and it was their perseverance to get up every day and keep writing that led them to success. In other words, there is no innate talent for writing, but an innate talent for keeping going when the going gets tough which leads to productive and successful writing later on. Bravo to Bec and Chris for delivering such a powerful message. This book has given me something I didn’t even know I needed, a reason to carry on writing.

[Nathalie Hourihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written offers a warm, encouraging, well-informed, and above all, practical guide to becoming a much better friend to your writing process. For writers of every kind, from budding to blocked, you'll find none of the usual threats that if you don't write every day, at the same time, or for a certain number of pages, you're not cut out to call yourself a writer.

Instead, Evans and Smith guide you to become a better detective to what works for you. Drawing on their personal experience, the confessions of well-known writers, their extensive research examining the productivity of nearly six hundred academics, and case studies of the writers they coach, Written shows you how to start and keep writing, including overcoming obstacles, changing your relationship with time, and when to back off and cut yourself some slack. An ideal companion for what doesn't have to be a solitary struggle.

[Matthew Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, packed with research and insight around what stops writers from writing, how other writers get on with the job, and what to do if you want to write but life gets in the way. It's really well written and easy to read in long sittings or to take bits and pieces of advice from it now and then.

I got to a point reading it where I really thought that reading about writing was a distraction from actually writing, so in that sense, it's possibly too brilliant, but that's never a bad thing. It’s also helped me understand the value of incidental writing, bashing out a page or a paragraph in the car waiting for the kids, in the kitchen waiting for the pasta to cook. And how to turn off the stupid voice in my head that likes to laugh at me.

Great work from a team who knows their stuff.

[SalE · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Written” is a readable, interesting, and useful book. It takes a refreshingly different approach to the self-help genre. Instead of an ego-laden “do just what I did, and you will be as successful as me” approach, the authors recognise that there will be many different reasons, internal and external, why we struggle to write, and that our individual solutions to these will be as varied as the reasons are. They help us to explore our writing process and what gets in its way, and to find an approach to writing that works for us as individuals. Brilliant.

[Simon Linacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read a review copy of Written and can’t recommend it highly enough. It really gets under the skin of the writing process - huge congrats to Bec Evans and Chris Smith on a remarkable achievement that is sure to have a big impact on writers and the written word for years to come

[Tracy O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, a gentle guide to helping you find your own way, noticing your routines and how you write. This is not a book that will tell you 'you must do this if you are a writer' it is an empowering guide to allow you, as a writer, find and set your own routines and ways to write

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

My lower rating is just because the information was pretty redundant for me, since I've read SO many books on motivation. This is an awesome book for a beginning writer and probably helpful for intermediate to advanced writers who are struggling too. My full review will be in Booklist.

[Victor Kouassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone struggling to build and keep up a writing habit. Well researched with lots of tips and advice from many sources and with the firm awareness that you will need to find what works for you, and it helps you do that!

[Kane Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with great tips, plenty of examples and really practical advice. Easy to read - a nice, relaxed, down-to-earth writing style. Certainly not a "one size fits all" approach. Highly recommend it!

[Rachel Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, this is the best practical 'how to' guide on writing that I've ever read (and I've read a LOT!). The authors are brilliant at weaving in their own experience, telling stories that draw you in to their own journeys of writing. It's a book that is grounded in rigorous research from decades of the authors talking to and interviewing writers, as well as reading around the issues of habit/productivity in creativity. Each section has a set of practical exercises and suggestions for you to build your own sustainable writing habits. I couldn't recommend this highly enough.

[Laura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that all writers should read, particularly those who feel they are struggling and need some encouragement. The book is all about recognising what kind of writer you are and changing your behaviour by assessing what works for your writing practise and what doesn’t. It aims to help you to break down and overcome writing blocks and problems and it does a fantastic job in achieving this.

In this book you will learn about breaking the rules and doing your own thing, time management, setting goals, getting started, facing challenges, building resilience, and setting and maintaining writing habits, to mention just a few of the topics that are covered here. It is written in an easy to read, friendly style and is full of actionable tips and advice to help you succeed as a writer. There are plenty of examples of how other writers have overcome their struggles and we also get an insight into the authors themselves and how they have overcome challenges in their writing careers. This is a real gem of a writing book that will be a real help to many.

I recommend this book to all writers: beginner and professional and everyone in between. There is a lot of straightforward advice here that will help everyone to improve their craft and become better, more productive writers.

With thanks to Netgalley and Icon Books for an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Edith Fadul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to be invited to be among the beta readers of Bec's book. The book was truly instrumental in my persevering and finishing my 4th book "RISK: Disaster or Opportunity?" I had struggled with comparing myself with others who write with flair, challenged with schedules due to other responsibilities, other distractions, self-flagellation, etc. But Bec has crystalized practical tips for writers to persist based on science and the experience of many successful authors. Bec writes as if she is just talking across you, and probably offering a warm cup of coffee. A must-read!

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book - I felt it answered a need within me and I came away enriched having read it. What I loved most about it is that it acknowledges that writing isn’t the only thing we do. Instead we have to fit writing around the other things in our lives. It provides practical solutions and strategies to manage this, whilst also maintaining a wide range of options to best suit you and acknowledges that these choices may change over time. I feel liberated from the white noise in my head and empowered to write! Thank you Bec and Chris. I really enjoy all the work you produce.

[Jan Bloxham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Positive self-help books are like junk food for the mind.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the right book finds you at the right time.

I was casually walking around a book display at the local library, on my way to pick up a book on hold, when this book called out to me. Seriously, that's how it felt. I've been bandying about the idea of starting a writing habit for months, discussed it in my coaching sessions, but still hadn't made any progress. The other books I've read about journaling and writing hadn't helped. I've read and listened to plenty of authors and podcasters on building habits. I am very familiar with the concept. Why did this book think it would be any better? The subtitle makes a grandiose claim, and I figured, it can't hurt to give it a try.

I am so glad I did.

Granted, I can't tell you that I've started and kept a writing habit at this time, because I've only just finished the book and have yet to put it into practice. However, I am going to claim that this book is one of the best I've ever read on writing and creating a habit. There are a few reasons for this.

First, it's well written. Nothing profound or outstanding, but it's readable, conversational style without slipping into too much colloquialism or overly casual diction. It's real and it doesn't come across as trying too hard. Towards the end, the authors explain their approach to co-writing so that there's a unified voice. I believe they achieve that aim.

Second, it draws on many the voices of authority in the field of habit-building and pulls them together cohesively and concisely. They're not just regurgitating, either, but skillfully integrating the best advice into the authors' own instructions and narrative. Much like a literary essay, they weave in other authors' writing when and where it makes sense. This is not name dropping or bragging that they've read all the recent research. It's proof they've done extensive research and are experts in the field. They bring the best of the best into one place to serve their audience.

Third, unlike most habit-building books which target everyone and therefore every habit, this book is focussed on one particular habit. The narrow focus means the book has a clear purpose, which means that every example is relevant and connected. It's brilliant. The book feels so clean and tight for honing in on this one kind of habit (which is still broad enough for any and all writers), rather than casting a wide net. Even if you're not looking to write, you just want to build a habit, I believe this book can still serve you. It simply defaults to every example being about writing, but the principles apply to any situation.

Fourth, the "writer's sandbox" tips/exercises/suggestions at the conclusion of each chapter are NOT a regurgitation or simplistic summary of the chapter themselves. I've come across too many books recently that give the chapter outline at the end, supposedly to be helpful when it really just means I can skip all the fluff and cut to the chase. The exact opposite here. The chapters are rich with insight, examples, and explanations, and the concluding suggestions are extensions of the text and are fulsome only when you read the whole preceding chapter. There's no padding to make the page count here. You're getting value on every page.

Fifth, it doesn't profess to have the secret formula. It debunks the myth that there's an optimal way to write, an optimal time, approach, or even the suggestion that one way is better than another. This honesty and the invitation to experiment with the range of styles makes the options all seem feasible, achievable, and attainable. Nothing is lofty. Practical advice and endless encouragement (even if it takes you twenty years, which is likely).

Finally, even if I didn't get much out of the habit building suggestions (though I did!), it would have been worth the time for me for this one word from the acknowledgements. The authors thank their siblings and niblings for their support. Niblings! I've lamented for years a lack of a collective noun for nieces and nephews. Whether or not they invented the word or borrow it from elsewhere, I am grateful to them for passing it on to me. (If they have one for 'aunts and uncles' I'd love to get that, too.)

I was a book short for my list of top five books read this year. Written gets that fifth spot on the shelf for 2023. Now, on to the writing.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Written: How to keep writing and build a habit that lasts” is a practical and inspiring guide for anyone who wants to write more consistently and effectively. Whether you are working on a novel, a thesis, a blog, or a business report, this book will help you overcome the common challenges that writers face, such as procrastination, self-doubt, lack of time, and lack of motivation.

The authors, Bec Evans and Chris Smith, are writing coaches and co-founders of Prolifiko, a digital platform that helps writers achieve their goals. They draw on their own experience as writers, as well as the latest research from neuroscience and psychology, to offer evidence-based strategies and tips that you can apply to your own writing practice.

The book is divided into four parts: Start, Keep Going, Finish, and Beyond. Each part covers a different aspect of the writing process, from finding your idea and setting your goal, to dealing with distractions and setbacks, to revising and editing your work, to sharing it with the world. The book is full of examples, stories, and exercises that illustrate the concepts and make them easy to follow. The book also includes a foreword by Oliver Burkeman, the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Four Thousand Weeks.

One of the main strengths of this book is that it does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach to writing. Instead, it encourages you to find your own style, preferences, and habits that work best for you. The book helps you to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and to tailor your writing practice accordingly. The book also acknowledges that writing is not always easy or fun, and that mistakes and failures are inevitable and valuable parts of the learning process.

The audiobook version of this book is narrated by Russell Bentley, a professional voice actor who has narrated over 100 audiobooks. His voice is clear, engaging, and expressive, and he brings the book to life with his enthusiasm and humor. He also varies his tone and pace to suit the different sections and topics of the book, and to emphasize the key points and tips.

Overall, “Written: How to keep writing and build a habit that lasts” is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills and productivity. It is a comprehensive, accessible, and enjoyable book that will inspire you to start writing, keep going, and finish your projects. It will also help you to develop a writing habit that lasts, and that brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every writer has their own process. What works for one person may not work for another, but often the differences can deter how we approach what we do especially as beginners or those who have not found 'success' yet. Finishing one book, let alone multiples, seems to be a secret magic that only few possess to do. Each chapter builds on a system to organize your process to keep your head on straight if you find ideas or motivation dwindling, to keep going when the project seems fruitless or on a constant stop-and-go. I liked how the authors presented that an empirical way to look at writing with an adaptive mindset, and continuously check in to see what is working, not working, and making changes. And then gave additional ideas on how to support that system with forming a good daily routine or blocks of time to write, small writing challenges, finding community, getting feedback, etc. and making it clear that the tips were optional for you to use.

However, I was a little disappointed that several examples throughout the book were focused on already successful authors or entrepreneurs who could go on full retreats to finish their work by handing their business over to someone else to handle or checking into a hotel room regularly to not be disturbed. Coupled with that, a lot of the examples for published authors were aimed about winning awards, becoming bestsellers, making and breaking deals with corporations, etc. There were also examples of writers having been successful with long varied careers as best-sellers as the end point or rewards if the system works well enough for you. But, all the internet and social media, and even other writing guidebooks, warn not to make writing a full time gig because it may not happen for many.

I do think I'll return to this book and use a lot of the guidance as a reminder to check-in. The writing was very casual and knowledgeable. But the book is trying to mix the of writers who are massively successful into practical advice for those who don't have those advantages (almost as a see if it works for them it can work for you approach), so it is a bit uneven in the tone.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's probably some useful nugget in this book for anyone hoping to write something. Ultimately, the main advice comes down to "be mindful and do what works for you." I think that is correct, but I feel bamboozled having wasted time on this. Would you advise anyone to "be mindless and do what fails for you" ?

The blurb suggests we'll get something based on the experience of people who have successfully coached 10,000 writers. Instead, this is mainly a rehash of mediocre airport books (Mindset, Deep Work, Power of Habits, etc.) with a bunch of neurobollocks {Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience} thrown in for good measure.

Alternatively, for academic writers, a couple of books I have found extremely useful:
How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing
Write It Up: Practical Strategies for Writing and Publishing Journal Articles

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be both inspiring and practical, with a little too much emphasis on practicality. Many people think that there's only one 'right' way to get the writing done, and that trying harder is the key. Award-winning writers, productivity coaches and co-founders of Prolifiko, Bec Evans and Chris Smith, married writers, propose this isn't true. Having coached thousands of writers, they've learned that productivity is different for different kinds of writers. Their approach is designed to help you find a realistic method to sustain your practice that will get you to the end of your writing project, even if you feel "stuck." However, some chapters made me feel stuck, nevertheless. I think it is because of the repetitive nature of their advertising within the meat of the book, about their coaching business, and how it can help writers. I mean, if I buy or even read a writing book about how to be more productive as a writer, I expect the book to give me that information. Instead, there are frequent references to their coaching business and how to access even more tips throughout the book. Although I found this off-putting, they did give good advice about how to undertake and finish a writing project, with success stories to match their methods. If you are a methodical writer that needs a framework for getting your thoughts down, this may be the book for you. The book made me feel a little "challenged," which can be a good thing, I suppose.

[Davis Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read plenty of books on writing. As someone with a passion for writing and an English degree, they've been assigned, and chosen. I'm so glad I chose to read Written. This book is not only practical, but clear and intentional. Evans and Smith both contribute a sense of clarity of purpose, of self, and of long-term habit building that all coalesces into not only an effective guide book of building a consistent writing habit, but just a genuinely interesting read. These chapters don't feel repetitive, and the advice is genuinely applicable. A good mix of reference and read-through, this book overs a genuine guide for working writing into your life as a means of deeply, intentionally building it into your routine rather than merely shoving it in or scrapping large chunks of time. It helps address the mental load as well as the time that writing demands without talking down to the reader. Evans and Smith have made a real addition to the way we consider writing, and offer a look into the writing lives of many people, not just themselves. Though I myself sped through this book, I would honestly recommend doing a chapter a week, to be able to apply the advice and put what's offered into motion. For any writer or writer-to-be seeking a variety of perspectives with clear, actionable steps, I deeply recommend this.