Thank You, Ariel Gore!

In my publishing class, we recently discussed Ariel Gore's book How to Become a Famous Writer Before You're Dead.  How-To books tend to be boring, but this book is a fun easy read.  She tells you the truth about writing and publishing that she has learned from personal experience and interviews with other established published authors. The book even comes with exercises to put the advice into action.

What I like most is that her advice is genuine, and although some of it may seem obvious, other bits are things I would never think about. For example, Gore advises you to make a fool of yourself. Your first publications will be imperfect, but that's how things go. Live and learn, and use it as a stepping stone to become a better writer and publish more.

I really love Gore's funny snippets of advice. She writes, "be an anthology slut" because the competition to be published in an anthology is usually less than a literary magazine or journal, and even a small publication in an anthology is publishing credit. Stepping stones, people, stepping stones! Also, I liked her advice of choosing a good vice. Heavy drinking and smoking doesn't have to be your vices as a writer. In fact, it would be better for you in the long run to choose something like yoga classes or fizzy water as your vice. That way, you can live longer and enjoy your fame as a published author.

I obviously really enjoyed this book. It has definitely earned a spot on my bookshelf. On a side note, Gore has a blog where she posts information about writing workshops. She also does manuscript consultations with anyone who people who are serious writers.

Anyway, go grab a copy of this book.  I don't think you'll regret it.

BK