Bust Writer's Block Forever by Caryl Westmore

★★★ ☐☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review. 

An aspirational self-help book of encouragement for writers. So you've come to the end of ideas, energy, and time? Writers are readers, right?

You might want to pick up Westmore's challenge to examine why the ideas are not flowing or why you don't have the oomph or can't seem to find the hours you had before.

The author recommends EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), logosynthesis (using positive words), and other therapeutic (and pseudo-therapeutic) tools to unblock your self-image, writing, and forward movement. 

It's interesting, somewhat New-Agey, and worth perusing to find a technique that might work for you. Just don't make a religion out of it.

The Self-Publishing Roadmap Lois Hoffman

★★★★★  The publisher provided a copy for review before publication.

Well, you've written a book and want to share it? But, looking at all the options, do you know where to start? Hoffman offers a steady hand to wade through all the possibilities ahead with the latest edition and updates on self-publishing.

I recommend that you start at the beginning of this "just enough and not overwhelming" book of information. Then go through the process and in the end, you'll have your title, publishing rights, and all the other how-tos settled. And a book in hand.

Highly recommended.

Write for Your Life by Anna Quindlen

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

What if writing in a journal could change your life? Read this book to risk finding out.

Quindlen cites numerous examples of how writing about life is transformational, whether for a group of students self-names the Freedom Writers, or leaving a legacy like Anne Frank does, or walking the journey told by the author.

Quindlen encourages the reader to test the waters - to track what is happening inside us. She also invites us to leave a record of the process of growth and maturity for others. She offers practical tips on owning your writing, ways to begin and persevere, and what to write about.

Whether you're an individual wondering how to muddle to the next part of your journey, a creative writing teacher looking for ideas, or an adult wanting to record your legacy, buy the book and dive into the pages that lie ahead.

Publish with Purpose by Tara R. Alemany

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.
So many of today's books feel aimless. They wander through a story or landscape with half-formed characters and no point to reading them beyond an interesting observation or two.

Alemany aims to change that with her categories of selection - audience, purpose, methodology - to make writing books a purposeful exercise. This results in reading that is more fun, more challenging, and more useful to those who pick up your book.

This book reminded me of explanations of using social media, selling online / in person, and other ways of connecting your expertise to a wider audience. So it's a sales book in that sense.

But its DIY focus is clear. Following its steps will result in more satisfaction in getting yourself and your information to the public. Recommended for writers.