The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life - by Stephanie Vanderslice (Paperback)

About the Book

"Based on her Huffington Post blog of the same name, [the author] shares the secrets and tools to developing a successful, rewarding writing practice in a way that inspires the reader to persevere through the inevitable lows and even the highs of a literary life, so that anyone can pursue the path to realizing their artistic dreams"--

Book Synopsis

The desire to create, to write, to fulfil our artistic dreams is a powerful human need. Yet the number of people who make a living solely by their pen is actually quite small. What does that mean for the rest of us, the self-described writing geeks, who are passionate about writing and who still want to sustain successful literary lives? What does it really mean to find time to build a rewarding writing life while pursuing a career, being a partner or raising a family, in the distracted, time-deprived, 21st-century? In The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life, based on her Huffington Post blog of the same name, Stephanie Vanderslice shares the secrets and tools to developing a successful, rewarding writing practice in a way that inspires the reader to persevere through the inevitable lows and even the highs of a literary life, so that anyone can pursue the path to realizing their artistic dreams.

Review Quotes

The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life is for every writer at every stage of his or her writing life because even the most experienced writers know those nagging questions-Can I write? Should I write? -never disappear completely. Writing can be a lonely craft but Stephanie Vanderslice inspires, informs and motivates with warmth, humility, and compassionate humor-writers who are fortunate to read this guide (and it is a book I'll be urging my writerly friends and students to read) will hear Vanderslice's voice cheering them on when those nagging questions visit, and that encouragement is a valuable gift.
Julia Fierro, founder and director of The Sackett Street Writers' Workshop and author of The Gypsy Moth Summer

The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life welcomes you into the world of writing, offers you a seat by the fireplace, and doles out brilliant advice to the writer who wants not only to build a successful writing career but, more importantly, a fulfilling writing life. This is a deeply generous book, brimming with sustenance, practicality, and honest, hard-earned hopefulness. Take these lessons to heart.
Julianna Baggott, author of the Pure series and The Seventh Book of Wonders

Stephanie Vanderslice is the warm, friendly writer-next-door, sharing her decades of experience as author and teacher. She understands what it takes to be a writer-psychologically and practically- for the long-term and here generously shares her wealth of advice. Practical, witty, and well-organized, The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life is a good helpmate for beginning writers setting out on a creative journey.
Heather Sellers, Professor of English, University of South Florida, USA

About the Author

Stephanie Vanderslice is Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Arkansas Writer's MFA Workshop at the University of Central Arkansas, USA and is the Chairperson of the Creative Writing Studies Organization. Her column, The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life appears regularly in the Huffington Post. She publishes fiction, nonfiction and creative writing criticism including Can Creative Writing Really Be Taught?: Resisting Lore in Creative Writing Pedagogy, Teaching Creative Writing to Undergraduates: A Guide and Sourcebook Rethinking Creative Writing.