Claire Cook

What’s New

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To me, reviews are just opinions and the reason I never leave negative reviews. What I don’t like someone might enjoy. When I enjoy a book I leave a positive review, and if I think the book will be of great help to writers I will mention it here. I just finished reading Never Too Late – Your Roadmap to Reinvention by Claire Cook. I enjoyed this book. It is her first non-fiction and shares her experiences as a best-selling author and her views on reinvention. It is written in a conversational and warm tone, as she talks to the reader and shares her wisdom through many years of hard work and dedication to the craft. She shares many personal and significant experiences that many writers will appreciate. The book is great for aspiring writers who are looking for an honest and real view of what navigating these waters feels like. In addition, it will benefit people who are on a journey of reinvention and betterment of their lives. As most of you know, Claire Cook is the author of many novels and she has a unique style. One of her first novels was made into a movie – Must Love Dogs.

I added her book to my website under the recommended reads on writing. In addition, I added a FAQ on writing and indie publishing. I am planning on sharing a few posts on what I am doing to get back on the saddle and sort of renew my vows to myself and my work/life. I see it as a way of reinvention or starting a new page. There is no such thing as jumping out of your skin into another but you can certainly shed off what doesn’t serve you anymore. It is one journey with many roads, detours, and wherever you need to turn, backtrack or rest along the way, there is a place to reflect, breathe, and figure out your next step. After all, it is your journey and you make it whatever it may be.

Writer’s Wisdom 23

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Writing, Just Do It!

Best selling authors agree on this.  You can take as many creative writing classes and seminars, read books on writing, but if you don’t do it, your knowledge is just that – knowledge.

There is no minimum or maximum amount of pages to write a day.  It is different for everyone, and you should find what works for you.  Best selling author Eloisa James, writes 20 pages a day.  She says that, “writing is hard work; it is tough.” (interview with Borders).  John Grisham from 5-8 + pages a day.  I recommend Janet Evanovich’s book:  How I Write, Secrets of a Best Selling Author.  It is full of information, and real life advice on writing – excellent book for aspiring authors.

One of my favorite quotes, is from best selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, and has become inspiring to me:  “Over, under, around or through, there’s always a way to get where you want to go; you just have to find it.”

We have to find our own way in writing, our own path.  Debbie Macomber is one of the greatest inspirations in writing.  As told in an interview with Borders, she was dyslexic, and learned to read in the 5th grade.  She is a best selling author, and in her own words:  “I Loooooove to write.”

Author Claire Cook is another inspiration.  She knew all she wanted to do was to write, but it took her 25 years because she was afraid of the big step.  Her recommendation to aspiring writers:  “Just try it; small steps every day take you there.” (Borders)

And who can say it better than one of my favorite authors – The Donald.  In an interview with Borders, for his book Think Big and Kick Ass, he said:  “Keep your left up; never ever quit.” – Donald Trump.

So, if you love writing, but are procrastinating, stop now, go pick up your pen, (or mouse), and let it flow; don’t think about it, just do it!