Title: How to be a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead (Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights)
Author: Ariel Gore
Writing books and magazines used to be in my staple reading diet. I devoured them. But, I’ve pretty much abandoned the habit in the last few years.
I guess, after a while, all the advice just began to sound the same to me. There was nothing new, nothing revealing, nothing that excited me enough to want to actually WRITE.
Then I saw this book at the library a few months ago. I decided to borrow it just for the heck of it.
And, without expecting it, I actually enjoyed reading this book. It inspired me. Gave me lots of ideas and food for thought. But most importantly, it allowed me to explore my writing roots AND got me back to writing.
I also love how it enabled me to explore my strengths and weaknesses as a “rising lit star”… and it helped me to re-focus my writing dreams. And, since finishing this book a couple of months ago, I’ve been on that personal writing journey.
Some of my favourite quotes from the book:
“You must write the thing you most want to read.”
“Embrace your genius.”
“You don’t have to be good at something to do it. Put your heart in to your work, don’t take yourself seriously, and practice!”
The only regret I have about this book is having to return it to the library. I wish I can have it in my own bookshelf to refer to whenever I need to remind myself of certain writing goals and dreams.
Note to Australians: Buy How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead: Your Words in Print and Your Name in Lights from Fishpond. They offer free shipping for orders over AU$50.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Matt 07.06.08 at 11:29 pm
“I wish I can have it in my own bookshelf…”
You know, you can just click on that Amazon link right there and make that little dream come true.
I agree: this book is a breath of fresh air in the saturated how-to-write market.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on July 7th, 2008:
Hi, Matt: Believe me, if Amazon’s shipping fees to Oz isn’t so huge (& if I didn’t have a massive Books Wish List!), I would’ve made the order ages ago.
It’s still in my Wish List though. So, who knows one day? Maybe when I’m ready to re-read it. 
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Kari 07.07.08 at 1:23 am
I think I could surely benefit from reading this. Consider it added to my list!
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on July 7th, 2008:
@Kari: Cool. It is definitely a good read. Hope you find it useful too.
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toni 07.07.08 at 12:30 pm
I saw this book at National Bookstore a few weeks ago. The first chapter looked interesting, but I didn’t know if the rest of the book was. I guess I’ll be revisiting the book at National. Will get it if it’s still there. Thanks for the reco Shai!
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on July 7th, 2008:
Hi, Toni: So good that you can books like this now at National (memories! ;-))… I used to find it very tough finding writing books. Anyway, let me know if you read it. I’ll be interested to know if you find it useful.
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