This month has been filled with a lot of books about craft. I’ve been reading up on self-publishing, blog writing and increasing my word count. I stumbled across the book “I Am A Writer: A Story About Finding Your Inner Author” by C. G. Cooper and I want to recommend it, especially if you are starting out and still feel like you are suffering from impostor syndrome.
The style of the book is more like a short story, we follow Sherri, a character who wants to be a writer. She is guided through the book by her would-be mentor Daniel. Sherri shares the insecurities that a lot of new writers share. She thinks there is some arbitrary finish line she must cross before she can call herself a writer. With each chapter, Sherri learns a lesson that puts her one step closer to becoming a published author. The story is interesting and inviting, while also providing the reader with useful information about writing. After reading several stories on craft, it was kind of refreshing to read one that was actually written with a narrative, rather than being written like a “how-to” guide.
Many of the lessons shared are simple thoughts that I discovered as I worked toward a writing career, but the story and the lessons are written in a way that is easy to absorb and the book itself is short enough to be read in one sitting, as the book is only 74 pages. Cooper covers topics like figuring out your voice as a writer, finding a writing group to provide and share feedback with, and getting in a consistent habit of writing each day.
At the end of each chapter, there is a “Practice.” Each practice builds upon what you have already learned, and gives very practical advice about what it takes to be a writer. Cooper builds you a step by step process for getting started, and though this book is by no means a comprehensive outline about writing a book, it would certainly be a valuable addition to any budding writer’s toolbox.
The Taming of the Muse 