Patricia Spork

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers: 101 Motivational Stories for Writers – Budding or Bestselling – from Books and Blogs
Authors: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark & Susan M Heim
ISBN: 978-1-61159-909-1
Publisher: Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC
PP. 416

“Chicken Soup for the Soul®” herald’s its 20th anniversary with another informational and inspirational book for writers. “Introduction” is by Brad Meltzer – a New York Times bestselling author. Contributors include poets, bloggers, editors, columnists, journalists, freelance writers, award-winning writers, and other bestselling authors. Writer advice and encouragement provided in 101 personal essays compiled in eleven chapters: “Facing My Fears”; “A Little Help from My Friends”; “Making Time to Write”; “Take My Advice”; “Wrestling with Writer’s Block”; “The Healing Power of Words”; “Mentors Who Mattered”; “Reflections on Rejection”; “Finding Inspiration”; “Try, Try Again”; and, “Writing Changes Lives”.

Celine and Me by Jenna Glatzer explains how a newspaper article led to writing a celebrity’s biography. The Day I Turned Scarlet by Kathleen Gerard acknowledges no one is ever too old for writing workshops. Seeing My Way to Success by Janet Perez Eckles describes how a retinal disease did not obliterate writer goals.

Will Write for Crab Cakes by Roz Warren and Janet Golden highlights advantages of having a writing partner. Complementary Attraction by Cathi LaMarche shares the chance encounter with her soul mate at a critique group. It Worked for Me by Arlene Rains Graber supplies writer retreat plans for uninterrupted writing time.

Stickler for Details by Melissa Face stresses the importance of fact-checking. A Time (Not) to Write by Christopher Allen issues comfort for writers not writing. Stories Along the Way by T.J. Banks reveals how stories and characters “give voice to all the grief, pain and loneliness” (p. 183) after the loss of a loved one.

Making the Story My Own by Diane Hurles differentiates reporting a story and living a story. A Writer’s Vow by James C. Magruder helps answer the question ‘give up or not’ when related to writing a novel. It’s a Poem by Raymond P. Weaver inspires dedication to a lifetime of writing.

Paying the Price to Be Published by Robert B. Robeson emphasizes “Nothing is wrong with fear unless it rules you.” (p. 341). Finding Aricia Fleurimond by Rachel Wallace-Oberle justifies the purpose of some writers “to give dignity and voice to the voiceless” (p. 365).

Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark and Susan M. Heim deliver a superb compilation with  “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers”. Quality contributions (complemented with a quote or proverb beneath each title) in the professionally designed and bound soft-cover book provides a pleasant reading experience. Lay-out is to be commended, since “Contents”, “Meet Our Contributors”, and “Meet Our Authors” aid in locating stories, contributors’ short biographies and authors’ information; “Thank You” is directed to writers of  rejected stories and professionals involved in the book’s publishing process; and “Share With Us” contains “Chicken Soup for the Soul” submission and contact information.

I very highly recommend “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers” to anyone interested in writing or the writing life, and especially to any writer in need of “Muse” reboot.

Patricia Spork, poet and author
http://patriciaspork.com/

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NOTE -  Compensation: Review copy of book.

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