While I don't know that reading this book will turn me into a best-selling novelist, it's fun and full of solid, basic info every writer should know and take to heart. It's also heavy on pies, pies you make and pies as a metaphor for the writing process. Trust me, it all makes sense as you read. And, oh, lots of recipes for said pies, too.
I liked the premise of the book, a sort of not just "do as I do" type lesson but also a "don't do as I did" one. Author Amy Wallen shares what worked and didn't work for her when she set out to write her first novel. I'm a sucker for a writer with a sense of humor and Wallen has it in spades and the cartoon illustrations by Emil Wilson are cute and full of humor.
I'm not going to offer up a list of the ideas/suggestions, sorry. For that you'll need to read the book. Wallen begins with what I'll call the "I want to write a book" stage, and goes through the stages or writing, rewriting, then writing some more, repeat. Perseverance is the key, to be simplistic. One of the things I especially liked was that Wallen takes you though not just the writing process, which can be a long, solitary task, but finding and agent, query letters to said agents, and a reminder that you have to impress the whole team at a publisher, not just one overworked agent. Nor does Wallen stop there. She goes on to talk about the various "fun" post-publication events, which are also work, such as local appearances, book fairs, and being prepared for questions that an audience might ask. In other words, writing the book is just the beginning.
Bottom line, there's a great deal of solid, helpful information to be found here by aspiring writers. It will help you see beyond your dream of writing a book and give you guidance on not just what to do but what not to do. Thanks #NetGalley and #AndrewsMcMeelPublishering for sharing this helpful guide to getting published. Now, I'm feeling the urge for something sweet. Hmm, a pie, maybe?
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