I see this author is earnest in his intent--to reassure students they have the skills to write their own stories. But I can't imagine the book's intended audience. There is absolutely nothing subversive in these pages. Students won't want to read a book about how they've been discouraged from finding their authentic voices. And more experienced writers already know nearly all of what this author wrote and will find the padded-on clauses annoying.

Here are some examples: "[F]ailure is a necessary component to success, at least for this writer." Or: "For any passage in your writing, ask yourself, Does this sound good? Does this sound good to me? The original italicized the word good in sentence one and me in sentence two, as if that would clarify the meaning, and the author provided little explanation of how one might *know* what good writing sounds like. Or for those looking for a retread of the obvious: "Every piece of writing is an occasion for increasing self-knowledge."

A couple more sentences that made me wince:

"Make no mistake, all the usual duties of public writing also obtain." (Does he mean apply?)

"The second major reason not to discuss usage in a book like this (all right, in this book) is that usage practices change more rapidly than ever before because of a host of forces." What??

The book's final chapter, Appendix: Bold Statements (and Bald-faced Truths), lists the key points from the previous chapters. If you must read some part of this book, this chapter probably covers everything you need to know. Cannot recommend.

As an editor, I like to read craft books on writing or any writing book to hone my craft in editing books. I enjoyed reading How to Write Like a Writer by Thomas C. Foster. The author's writing style was conversational in tone and easy to read and follow. Mr. Foster provided practical information in an easy-to-understand format with simple and direct information.

The chapters are short but infused with practical information that can be applied immediately to an author's writing. The statements at the end were a great addition.

How to Write Like a Writer is a great addition to potential authors, seasoned authors, or anyone interested in writing. A great reference material to add to your shelf. I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

#HowtoWriteLikeaWriter #NetGalley @HarperPerennial

“How to Write Like a Writer: A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice” – this title says it all and the book delivers.

Best-selling writer Thomas C. Foster, Professor of English at the University of English, Flint, branches out with his latest book from his well-received “How to Read…Like a Professor” series. After teaching writing and literature for decades, he imparts his expertise with an informal approach - accessible, engaging, entertaining, practical, and well thought out. While geared toward non-fiction, the methods he offers work for other genres. From seeing the Introduction’s bold title of “Can’t We Just Text or Something?” the reader may accurately surmise this isn’t going to be a pontificating treatise on rigid writing rules, stuffed with admonitions. Not advocating but also not completely discarding the established steps to wringing out a writing skill set, he provides a less painful path by filling page after page with clear steps and detailed examples of HOW this works. Details, details, details. Never intending this to be a usage manual, he doesn’t shy away from the “truths” (sit back and enjoy the fervent “to you and I” segment). The power of this book is it being the proof of what he proposes – examples, details, evidence, revising…bring the writing alive and prove what the writer’s piece proposes.

The reading experience feels like an informal workshop and not a syllabus-driven college class. His delightful humor, refreshing and often unexpected rhetorical statements, and personal asides with an occasional “ick” and “heck,” are well placed and enjoyable. Where else will a book on writing include in one chapter Elmore Leonard, John McPhee, “emailocene,” the Mycenaean Greeks and their clay tablets, Bob Dylan, and the Doors? Wait until you get to the chapter on revisions! The practical exercises are clear and not overwhelming, with congenial guidance for the fearful writer.

From cover to cover, this book was exactly what I had hoped for and more. I am not a writer, not even so much as having a diary tucked away somewhere in my 73 years. No blogs, no journaling, no daydreams of writing the next Great American Novel. But I do harbor hopes of writing better, if only for a book review. So, who is the intended audience? Everyone. It succeeds at so many levels. For the erudite reader/writer, it may be entertaining and perhaps raises an eyebrow or two. For the aspiring writer, hoping to say something memorable for the ages, it imparts practical steps and merciful encouragement. For the student, young or old, definitely – go boldly, Know Yourself, and look for Harold Bloom and Dr. Seuss, as well as a delightful story with the Wizard of Oz and Moby Dick. For someone who merely wants to write better, it is perfect.

I am grateful to NetGalley, Harper Perennial, and Professor Thomas C. Foster for early access to this book. This book I will reread and reference often. Thank you. My opinion is all my own.

I appreciated reading through this book by Thomas Foster. As an aspiring writer interested in venturing outside of the non-fiction realm, I enjoyed how laid back the author's approach is. I think the advice is reasonably standard, and agree that quality writing is going to involve some "unlearning" of what we all went through in school. As a parent of young kids, I laughed aloud at the example of the thank you note.

I noticed the attempt to be inclusive by varying the use of "she" and "he", but in the end it is a bit distracting and may have been better using some more neutral language (they, themselves, etc).

Thank you to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the opportunity to access this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

How to Write Like a Writer comes out in September of 2022; Harper Perennial provided me an early galley for review

I have been an amateur writer, dabbling in the craft, for the better part of close to five decades. Some of my favorite courses in high school and college were those of the liberal arts, where I could stretch my creative muscles on essays and papers. And the filing cabinet next to my desk in my man-cave is full of folders with partial literary indeavors I've attempted.

I am also no stranger to books on writing. Over the years, I've read plenty. One shelf of my many bookcases is devoted to tomes on the subject. So, How to Writer Like a Writer instantly appealed to a fundamental element of my nature.

I enjoyed Foster's approach to the topic of writing. It was done in a methodical manner but was also infused with a sense of wit to go with the wisdom. It was like sitting through an enjoyable composition course with a professor you would want to hang out with after class.

The advice and guidance were pretty standard, based on the many books I have read on writing. By that, I mean that this is tried and true, evergreen instruction. It is the kind of stuff we writers need to be reminded of every now and again. For those reasons, I very much would recommend this book to anyone looking to polish their own craft.

This book is packed with tips that will help writers of all levels. Mr. Foster has a great sense of humor, with a personal style that is strong and entertaining. I look forward to referencing back to it in the future. Thanks for letting me check it out!