Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul: Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Writers

by Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, Bud Gardner

Book Overview

Being a writer can be a lonely and frustrating experience. The stories in this book-by a wide range of professional writers, novelists, journalists, freelancers, poets and screenwriters-will give... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1558747699
• ISBN13: 9781558747692
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Health Communications
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.3" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Just what the doctor ordered!

When I first saw this book in the bookstore, I thought a bit cynically, wow, those chicken soup folks have a book for everybody. Then I saw a review by one of the people on my favorite's list and thought hmm!. I picked it up that following weekend and have not regretted it one bit. I am enjoying this book so much. I read a chapter every few days so to stretch it out and savor it and make it last. The stories are both enlightening and encouraging. There are well-known writers and not so well-known writers giving their testimonies of how they found their place or voice in the writing world. From Ernest Gaines recounting of writing a book the summer he was sixteen, first writing in long-hand and then pecking out on a typewriter, and binding it and sending it to a publisher only to be sorely rejected to Barbara Jean Fisher's story in the Overcoming Obstacles section was a thrill. Ms. Fisher overcame severe health problems to achieve her dream of becoming published. Elizabeth Engstrom talks of meeting her favorite author and the invaluable advice she received. Barnaby Conrad writes about the youthful Alex Haley and his perserverance to become a writer. These are just some of the stories that will lift up and encourage all writers no matter where you are in your journey.

This Book Rejuvenated My Writing Soul!

I own many books on the craft of writing, how-to pieces and inspirational tomes that are sitting on my bookshelf gathering dust right next to my numerous unfinished manuscripts. So when I saw that the Chicken Soup guys were coming out with a book for the Writer's Soul I figured I'd buy it and add it to my books-to-read-one-day(-whenever-that-is) pile. But before I had a chance to add the book to my book graveyard I read the first story, "Ronny's Book", and I haven't looked back or put this book down since. Each story in the book touches on the highs and the lows, the joys and the sorrows of the writing life. I recommend this book for anyone who is a writer, has thought about writing, or admires writers and what we go through. After reading this book I am so inspired to share my words with the world and dust off my bookshelf and those languishing manuscripts. What a blessing this book has been to me as a writer! Thank you Chicken Soup guys!

YOU REALLY DO OWE IT TO YOURSELF

I can't even begin to express my gratitude for the publication of this book. I knew about this book since March or April and knew it would be a success based on how well the Chicken Soup Series is doing. But I didn't count on how it would make me feel inside. This book was so inspirational it bought tears to my eyes and at the same time brought a smile to my face and laughter through my mouth. This book is a definite for any writer from aspiring to professional to famous. Oh it's truly worth it. I can not begin to say. Within a week I was back at my computer printing all of my work and sending them out to potential magazines. This book is a must for anyone aspiring to become anything others will try to discourage. You have to get it. I'm telling you: after you're done with this book, you will KNOW you can achieve anything. You'll just know.

A Gift for the Writer Within or the Writer in Your Life

If you see a writer when you look into the mirror, you will love this book. As you devour story after story, you will discover how: --Sue Grafton wrote six unpublished novels before she sold "A is for Alibi", the first of 15 best-selling mystery novels. --Steve Allen, a TV personality and author of more than 50 books and 8,000 songs, was accused of plagiarism. --Catherine Lanigan overcame a university professor's cruelty (after 14 years) to publish the bestsellers "Romancing the Stone" and "Jewel of the Nile". --Ernest J. Gaines, who could not go to a public library until he was 15 because he is black, checked out his first book and declared, "I'm going to be a writer" and is now an icon in American literature. --Barnaby Conrad helped shape the young Alex Haley's writing career. Barnaby wrote "Matador" and sold over 3-million copies and he later founded the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. --Gene Perret practiced writing hundreds of jokes for Bob Hope before Hope finally hired him. --Hugh Prather, frustrated with his writing career, began writing personal notes that became his bestseller "Notes to Myself", eventually selling five million copies. --John Tullius' uncle mentored him toward a fulfilling writing career. John founded the Maui Writers Conference. --Lois Duncan wrote her way through college--tripling her income as she learned. And many, many more. Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul is a departure from the other Soup books. Co-author/editor Bud Gardner solicited stories from well-known contemporary authors. The result is a collection of (often autobiographical) stories from the bestsellers: Terry McMillan, Ray Bradbury, Barbara Cartland, Art Linkletter, Clive Cussler, Howard Fast, Garry Marshall, Hal Zina Bennett, Lawrence Block, Dan Millman, George Plimpton, Irving Wallace, and 67 others. Plus memorable cartoons on writing from Charles Schultz, Johnny Hart, Mort Gerberg and more.Bud Gardner has taught writing for more than 40 years. His mission in life is to turn the world onto the value of reading and (better) writing. He believes we don't write because we know what we want to say, we write to know, to learn, to grow, to understand. His students have prospered (selling more than 3,000 articles and 113 books, earning more than $3,000,000 from their writing), his readers have enjoyed, and writers everywhere are the beneficiaries of his work. This book is more than a labor of love; it is monumental collection of the best writing from the best writers. All writers will find this book fascinating and an inspiration. It is the ideal gift for the writer within or the writer in your life. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com

A Must Have

As a woman on the verge of entering the publishing realm, Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul couldn't come at a more opportune time. It's like destiny is trying to get your attention to let you know that if these fine writers have struggled and made it, so can others. As a person who also loves to read I enjoyed being fed by numerous inspirational stories that show the sorrows, joys, and emotional rollercoaster of being a writer. I enjoyed the Terry McMillan story entitled, "Why I Write" because it shows she is sincere about what she does and about getting inside her characters heads and hearts so she can gain understanding. I also was enthralled with Bud Gardner's "A Chat With Alex Haley". The fact that Gardner had the courage to write such a legend and to ask him to speak at a writer's conference is one thing; to have Mr. Haley respond affirmatively just to turn around and do something totally unexpected, scary yet delightful, says a lot about how much a writer's life can be filled with surprises. I really am grateful such a book exists; it's empowering to know others share your feelings about your dreams. I would encourage all inspiring and professional writers to pick up a copy of this book. I believe you will notice immediately the difference that this book will make in your life.