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How to Write Good: A Guide for the Aspiring Independent Author
From the preface:
It feels a little strange to be writing a book about writing before I've successfully established myself as a professional writer. (Some people might even call it chutzpah. Or hubris. Some people are jerks.)
In my defense, this is not one of those “how to be awesome just like me�-type guides. One; because I am modest like that, and two; because as far as I know there are no cheat codes or short-cuts when it comes to writing.
To be a writer, you need talent, luck, and a tendency towards masochism. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something (probably a self-help book, cough cough).
What this book does contain is a collection of essays about what has worked for me, personally, as a self-published author, which I have organized by subject. I do not claim to be perfect, and I would not dare presume to call myself a great writer, but since most of my readers do seem to enjoy my writing I'd like to think that means I'm at least somewhat qualified to discuss the topic.
Prior to this book being published I had posted some blog entries about independent publishing, and a couple of youcoerced encouraged me to write a book about my suffering experiences.
I have always secretly wanted to write a guide like this ever since I first read Stephen King's On Writing. I am certainly no Stephen King, but perhaps you will get something out of this book in spite of that—even if it's only a laugh at my expense.
I'm willing to settle.
It feels a little strange to be writing a book about writing before I've successfully established myself as a professional writer. (Some people might even call it chutzpah. Or hubris. Some people are jerks.)
In my defense, this is not one of those “how to be awesome just like me�-type guides. One; because I am modest like that, and two; because as far as I know there are no cheat codes or short-cuts when it comes to writing.
To be a writer, you need talent, luck, and a tendency towards masochism. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something (probably a self-help book, cough cough).
What this book does contain is a collection of essays about what has worked for me, personally, as a self-published author, which I have organized by subject. I do not claim to be perfect, and I would not dare presume to call myself a great writer, but since most of my readers do seem to enjoy my writing I'd like to think that means I'm at least somewhat qualified to discuss the topic.
Prior to this book being published I had posted some blog entries about independent publishing, and a couple of you
I have always secretly wanted to write a guide like this ever since I first read Stephen King's On Writing. I am certainly no Stephen King, but perhaps you will get something out of this book in spite of that—even if it's only a laugh at my expense.
I'm willing to settle.
- GenresNonfictionWriting
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2013
1 person is currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Nenia Campbell
59Ìýbooks20.9kÌýfollowers
Hi there. I'm Nenia! I'm an author of several villain romances, and creator and moderator of Unapologetic Romance Readers.
I read a lot of amazingly trashy books that I would be happy to rec you. Coffee flows through my veins like ichor. Also, check out what I've written sometime!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 26, 2014
Today I got to experience that awkward moment when you become GR friends with someone, and you are in the process of reading their book. Luckily, Nenia is awesome, and even if I had not enjoyed this, she would not have given me grief for it. I know this not because I am now friends with her, or from previously reading her blog posts and reviews, but because about a third of this book covers how not to be a psychotic author who harasses reviewers.
Someone mentioned that Nenia's book should be port of call for new writers because it tells them what not to do in social media. And this is so.
“Someone rated my book one-star without leaving a review. Can I ask them why?�
No.
Words of wisdom for the 21st century: "Do not be the writer who called “bully!"
The writing style was conversational and I whipped through it in no time (it's only 640 locations).
I'd actually like to see a followup; Nenia on her writing process.
She says, "When I first began publishing I would only sell about a dozen or so books per month. Days would go by where I did not sell a single thing. I tried not to think about this too deeply, but that is a bit like trying not to think about polar bears when someone tells you not to think about polar bears. Next to impossible since it is now all but staring you in the face. I would get really down and wonder if I was wasting my time. Now I sell ten times that many books, but it took several months of patience and perseverance, and writing even when I didn't feel like it. Especially when I didn't feel like it."
I'd like to hear more about this (yes, I am hooked on time management books).
So yes, I agree, I think anyone who self-publishes should read it, but also it was just interesting seeing things from the author's point of view. 3.5 stars, rounded up for nailing the BBA behavior.
Someone mentioned that Nenia's book should be port of call for new writers because it tells them what not to do in social media. And this is so.
“Someone rated my book one-star without leaving a review. Can I ask them why?�
No.
Words of wisdom for the 21st century: "Do not be the writer who called “bully!"
The writing style was conversational and I whipped through it in no time (it's only 640 locations).
I'd actually like to see a followup; Nenia on her writing process.
She says, "When I first began publishing I would only sell about a dozen or so books per month. Days would go by where I did not sell a single thing. I tried not to think about this too deeply, but that is a bit like trying not to think about polar bears when someone tells you not to think about polar bears. Next to impossible since it is now all but staring you in the face. I would get really down and wonder if I was wasting my time. Now I sell ten times that many books, but it took several months of patience and perseverance, and writing even when I didn't feel like it. Especially when I didn't feel like it."
I'd like to hear more about this (yes, I am hooked on time management books).
So yes, I agree, I think anyone who self-publishes should read it, but also it was just interesting seeing things from the author's point of view. 3.5 stars, rounded up for nailing the BBA behavior.
August 11, 2013
Truthfully? I don't really want to become an author at this very moment. I mean, yeah, it's kind of my dream to be able to entertain people with my stories, but that career isn't set in stone.
You must be wondering, "then why the heck did you read this guide meant for authors?'
Several reasons, actually:
1) I'm interested to know what it's like if you want to become an independent author.
2) I want to write good!
3) It was free on Amazon and I wanted to try out one of Nenia's books.
The segment I appreciated the most was the controversial issues of whether or not an author should write books and negative reviews and all that jazz. I'm sure all of us have dealt with or even witnessed an event with a BBA here on GR; they seem to be everywhere. Frankly, I'm sick and tired of all this drama, like everyone else.
The solution? Shove this book right into their easily-offended faces!
Also, for those of you who totally suck at grammar like yours truly, this book provides a good, brief summary on the rules of grammar. Plus, tips for promoting and marketing your book.
I'm glad I read this guide. A very informational and to-the-point reference.
You must be wondering, "then why the heck did you read this guide meant for authors?'
Several reasons, actually:
1) I'm interested to know what it's like if you want to become an independent author.
2) I want to write good!
3) It was free on Amazon and I wanted to try out one of Nenia's books.
The segment I appreciated the most was the controversial issues of whether or not an author should write books and negative reviews and all that jazz. I'm sure all of us have dealt with or even witnessed an event with a BBA here on GR; they seem to be everywhere. Frankly, I'm sick and tired of all this drama, like everyone else.
The solution? Shove this book right into their easily-offended faces!
Also, for those of you who totally suck at grammar like yours truly, this book provides a good, brief summary on the rules of grammar. Plus, tips for promoting and marketing your book.
I'm glad I read this guide. A very informational and to-the-point reference.
January 6, 2019
"How to Write Good: A Guide for the Aspiring Independent Author" is an advice book for writers written by a popular Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ reviewer named Nenia Campbell. Ms. Campbell is an author of a number of self-published novels. She is also an active and very honest member of Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. Her reviews make it clear that she has no f*cks to give for books she doesn't enjoy. Her authentic opinions have gained her both haters and fans. Personally, I am one of her fans. I enjoy reading her scathing, hilarious, and insightful reviews.
As a reader, I have a lot of authors I admire as people, but that doesn't mean I always admire their books. For example, the YA authors Julie C. Dao, Alexa Donne, and Roshani Chokshi are all wonderful people who I admire as people. But that does *not* mean I automatically five-star their work. There is a tremendous amount of danger in honesty, especially online, and especially when people have the means to retaliate. Ms. Campbell has navigated this path as an indie author, and her book about writing is all the more rewarding for it.
I would definitely recommend "How to Write Good: A Guide for the Aspiring Independent Author" to all the aspiring authors and writers I know. This book is funny, smart, and well-written. The advice is solid, and Ms. Campbell discusses problems and pitfalls I haven't seen other books mention before. If you're thinking about self-publishing and beginning a career as an indie author, then I hope you'll check out "How to Write Good" before you hang up a digital shingle and start selling your work. This is a fun and useful book, and I fully agree with *all* of the advice Ms. Campbell shares in these essays. She speaks from experience, and it shows.
My one caveat with this book is that it is *very* short. I'm a slow reader, but I finished this book in one sitting, and that is due to the book's brevity as well as its accessible and witty prose. If Ms. Campbell were to publish a much longer, much more thorough book on the topic of writing, I would buy it and read that as well. I wanted more content -- more pages -- in "How to Write Good," but that is not to say I was disappointed with the pages I had. I just wanted *more* -- and if Ms. Campbell ever writes more on this subject, then I will happily read it.
Five stars. Great writing advice. Recommended for all indie authors and writers.
As a reader, I have a lot of authors I admire as people, but that doesn't mean I always admire their books. For example, the YA authors Julie C. Dao, Alexa Donne, and Roshani Chokshi are all wonderful people who I admire as people. But that does *not* mean I automatically five-star their work. There is a tremendous amount of danger in honesty, especially online, and especially when people have the means to retaliate. Ms. Campbell has navigated this path as an indie author, and her book about writing is all the more rewarding for it.
I would definitely recommend "How to Write Good: A Guide for the Aspiring Independent Author" to all the aspiring authors and writers I know. This book is funny, smart, and well-written. The advice is solid, and Ms. Campbell discusses problems and pitfalls I haven't seen other books mention before. If you're thinking about self-publishing and beginning a career as an indie author, then I hope you'll check out "How to Write Good" before you hang up a digital shingle and start selling your work. This is a fun and useful book, and I fully agree with *all* of the advice Ms. Campbell shares in these essays. She speaks from experience, and it shows.
My one caveat with this book is that it is *very* short. I'm a slow reader, but I finished this book in one sitting, and that is due to the book's brevity as well as its accessible and witty prose. If Ms. Campbell were to publish a much longer, much more thorough book on the topic of writing, I would buy it and read that as well. I wanted more content -- more pages -- in "How to Write Good," but that is not to say I was disappointed with the pages I had. I just wanted *more* -- and if Ms. Campbell ever writes more on this subject, then I will happily read it.
Five stars. Great writing advice. Recommended for all indie authors and writers.
December 29, 2014
This is a very difficult review to write. There are many many things about this book that I like, but there are also a (very) few things I don't like and I'm torn between the 'Accentuate the Positive, Eliminate the Negative' axiom that I try to live by, and the 'Honesty is the Best Policy' path that lets people know what's what and, if necessary, what to do to improve.
Sigh.
I like the author; she's friendly and helpful and fun and smart in a way that goes beyond mere intelligence. From the snippets she publishes about herself, both here and in this book, I can extrapolate from my own shy uncomfortable childhood to perceiving vulnerability, and a desire for validation from peers and friends in the author. For example, right now, the desire to delete what I've written is almost overwhelming as I recognise the side of me that wants to please above all else. Maybe I should delete; what's my perception of the author got to do with the price of coffee and why should it have any place in a book review? Well, I guess because it's going to colour how I review. Right or wrong - it's just how I am.
But enough of the psychobabble - I love this book - but not especially because of the goodness or badness of it, but because there is a True Heart that beats inside the book and the author. That's not to say.. ah, wait!.. here's a great way to put it: it's a brilliant book crying out for a good editor. Yeah, that captures every reservation I have really. If anyone is really really really interested in a bunch of minor typos - let me know. Actually, some of them are quite funny really, like the inappropriate 'dong' on page 61, which is, of course totally unrelated to the 'ass hymens' on page 60.
..and if that don't make you want to read the book - check for a pulse now!
On with the good stuff:
The author's style of writing is warm and personable and welcoming and I would have enjoyed reading the book just for that.
The information is useful and timely (for me) because I may well need to self-publish myself and then spend an inordinate amount of time building up a huge fan base on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ so that my genius can be recognised and appreciated by the hordes of potential fans that.. #pauses to look up 'soliloquy'# ..anyway, a boy can dream.
I love the humour. Here's an example: look up 'semper ubi sub ubi' and imagine how this could possibly fit into a book about writing, and if you can't, imagine the kind of mind that can fit this in, and make it work, and then image a whole book like that.
Or alternatively, save yourself some time, do yourself a favour, and buy this book.
That'll do for now.
Sigh.
I like the author; she's friendly and helpful and fun and smart in a way that goes beyond mere intelligence. From the snippets she publishes about herself, both here and in this book, I can extrapolate from my own shy uncomfortable childhood to perceiving vulnerability, and a desire for validation from peers and friends in the author. For example, right now, the desire to delete what I've written is almost overwhelming as I recognise the side of me that wants to please above all else. Maybe I should delete; what's my perception of the author got to do with the price of coffee and why should it have any place in a book review? Well, I guess because it's going to colour how I review. Right or wrong - it's just how I am.
But enough of the psychobabble - I love this book - but not especially because of the goodness or badness of it, but because there is a True Heart that beats inside the book and the author. That's not to say.. ah, wait!.. here's a great way to put it: it's a brilliant book crying out for a good editor. Yeah, that captures every reservation I have really. If anyone is really really really interested in a bunch of minor typos - let me know. Actually, some of them are quite funny really, like the inappropriate 'dong' on page 61, which is, of course totally unrelated to the 'ass hymens' on page 60.
..and if that don't make you want to read the book - check for a pulse now!
On with the good stuff:
The author's style of writing is warm and personable and welcoming and I would have enjoyed reading the book just for that.
The information is useful and timely (for me) because I may well need to self-publish myself and then spend an inordinate amount of time building up a huge fan base on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ so that my genius can be recognised and appreciated by the hordes of potential fans that.. #pauses to look up 'soliloquy'# ..anyway, a boy can dream.
I love the humour. Here's an example: look up 'semper ubi sub ubi' and imagine how this could possibly fit into a book about writing, and if you can't, imagine the kind of mind that can fit this in, and make it work, and then image a whole book like that.
Or alternatively, save yourself some time, do yourself a favour, and buy this book.
That'll do for now.
September 15, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this writer's guide. It is full of advice to writers in general, but specifically to self-published writers. There are helpful hints on a range of topics from writing, editing, marketing and how to handle criticism. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a writer/aspiring writer.
August 13, 2013
Quick read, with a lot of interesting perspectives on important topics in the literary world now - and I was also able to get a few laughs out of it, so all in all, a really great read for aspiring writers.
January 23, 2021
Great advice for writers
There’s a lot of practical advice here that I haven’t seen in other writing books, probably because it is addressing the new mediums of self publishing, light fiction and reading fiction on phones. Well, new in the sense that the audience for such has grown.
It doesn’t cover the same ground that Strunk and White does (the author does recommend reading S&W in a list of books at the end) but that’s a good thing. If I wanted advice about punctuation and the serial comma, I would just read S&W.
Instead there is a lot of useful advice re: logistics: blogging, fan fiction sites, posting stories online and self publishing, along with the pitfalls of the aforementioned. Getting exposure, reviews and marketing your work are all things that I didn’t really think about and in the past were done by other people. Great advice about not writing outside your comfort zone and outside genres you are comfortable with. It addresses responding to negative review and trolls and the concomitant psychological stressors of getting instant or near instant feedback, and how to develop a healthy relationship with writing.
There’s a lot of practical advice here that I haven’t seen in other writing books, probably because it is addressing the new mediums of self publishing, light fiction and reading fiction on phones. Well, new in the sense that the audience for such has grown.
It doesn’t cover the same ground that Strunk and White does (the author does recommend reading S&W in a list of books at the end) but that’s a good thing. If I wanted advice about punctuation and the serial comma, I would just read S&W.
Instead there is a lot of useful advice re: logistics: blogging, fan fiction sites, posting stories online and self publishing, along with the pitfalls of the aforementioned. Getting exposure, reviews and marketing your work are all things that I didn’t really think about and in the past were done by other people. Great advice about not writing outside your comfort zone and outside genres you are comfortable with. It addresses responding to negative review and trolls and the concomitant psychological stressors of getting instant or near instant feedback, and how to develop a healthy relationship with writing.
August 4, 2013
Too many books! I can't keep up!
August 6, 2013
I'm not an aspiring independent author but I found this little guide to be interesting. The author shares with her experience and offers advice.
April 25, 2014
3.75 stars.
Nenia´s beginners guide for writing & anger management when you want to become a self-publishing author.
Nenia´s beginners guide for writing & anger management when you want to become a self-publishing author.
October 15, 2023
Four dollars in my bank account for the next two days and I say to myself, "More than enough for one of Nenia's books!"
This book provides a lot of food for thought and basic etiquette for independent authors, aspiring or already published. As someone who is considering going independent with my writing, I made grabby hands at this book and said, "Gimme!"
Definitely check this book out if you're interested!
Can't wait to buy the rest of Nenia's books. :D
This book provides a lot of food for thought and basic etiquette for independent authors, aspiring or already published. As someone who is considering going independent with my writing, I made grabby hands at this book and said, "Gimme!"
Definitely check this book out if you're interested!
Can't wait to buy the rest of Nenia's books. :D
August 28, 2013
A short, easy read that will help answer some of an aspiring author's questions about the business. Quirky and funny, I enjoyed this book and will probably refer back to some sections when I write my own. Well-priced and well-written.
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