This is the book I wish I’d had before I started writing my first novel. I know it sounds like a cliche but it really is a must have guide for anyone who wants to write. It has great advice for inspiration. Of particular importance is the section on getting children to write, and how to encourage young minds. Any parent of a child that wants to write should have this book. Simple tips, like the ‘word jar’ to hold words to be taken out and used as prompts to write a story, or the ‘long word list’ for when a child learns a new word.

Over the course of ten chapters SJ Banham gives advice on just about every aspect of writing, from inspiration to publication. There are creative writing exercises for all ages, advice on fiction, non-fiction, poetry, legacy writing, et al. All of which are delivered with an authorial friendly voice.

A passage early on struck a chord with me. ‘I had heard from my careers officer that to be a writer you must have lots of qualifications and money. I had neither. I often wonder how many young minds are thrown off their intended path because of one person’s ill-conceived thoughts influencing them’. So often we are told what we can’t do, well, this book will tell you that you can do it. So what are you waiting for? Get the book and unleash the author in you.

TG Trouper

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a lifetime amateur writer, I am always looking for helpful books on the subject of writing. My personal collection has several in this category. I also moderate a monthly writing group at our library branch, so I am always eager to find books on the subject to suggest to my friends there.

Banham covers a wide range of topics over ten chapters - from the inspiration to plans for publication. She hits upon various different format as well - fiction, nonfiction and even poetry. There is a little bit of something for everyone in this one.

The longest chapter by far is the one dedicated to fiction (though it does also include sections on inspiration and process - two key aspects of creative writing). As someone whose creative writing mostly falls into the fiction bucket, I certainly appreciated this part of the book. The chapter on troubleshooting also had several useful pointers and tips.

Banham's gentle approach and voice are welcoming and very encouraging. She opens herself to the reader through her own experiences with the hope that they can enlighten those just starting on their writing journeys and to reignite the fires in those who have stepped away from the craft for awhile. She also makes it a point to present potential writers with options; she reiterates often that what might work for one writer might not for another. This is an important point that I don't see often enough in these kinds of books.

NetGalley, Martin Maenza

Packed with tons of information. This book is a great resource for people new to creative writing, as it hits on a lot of pertinent topics.

I enjoyed the Take Away Tips at the end of each chapter. And I was a particular fan of problem/solution chapter toward the end of the book.

A valuable resource for those ready to dip their toes into the world of creative writing.

NetGalley, Erica Baxter