I don't fancy myself to be a writer, though I do write, but I love reading books about the craft and process of writing. Who better than the Midwestern queen, Maggie Smith? No one. I like that this was more about the parts of creativity and not a follow these rules kind of book. Her Instagram is creative and lovely also.

After reading Maggie Smith's memoir, "You Could Make This Place Beautiful", I knew I would pick up anything she writes in the future.

"Dear Writer" is a much different book, focused on her writing process, writing tips, and breaking down the parts of a poem. Although I don't consider myself a writer, I studied English Literature in my undergraduate degree and I wish I had this book in my hands during those 4 years. I would highly recommend this if you are an English major!

Besides her focus on writing, Maggie Smith always inspires the reader and makes you stop in your tracks with her incredible writing style. This book is not only for the writer but for any human who wants to reflect inward.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this incredible book!

This book really focuses on the writing of poetry, which makes sense considering the author is primarily a poet. But I still found much of it interesting and transferable as a fiction writer and wound up highlighting several passages to refer to again later. It was also nice to get examples of some of the things Smith was talking about via her own (very good) poetry.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Dear Author, Thank you for writing such a warm and friendly collection of your writing experiences and work. It felt like I was sitting down to have tea and a chat with you. I know I will need a hard copy of this book when it is published for my reference library. What honest and lovely advice, too! Thank you.

I've enjoyed Maggie Smith's memoir as well as some of her essays, and as a fellow writer was thrilled to hear she had a book coming out directed specifically at writers. I love how she breaks the book into different issues and offers her own experiences as well as solid advice. This was an excellent read and would make a great gift for the writer in your life!

Maggie Smith is just really good at this. Her calm and direct style is a balm! Her calm and direct style is a balm!

This was the perfect set of essays on creativity, the writer's life, and living a joyful, curious existence—I will return to many of them over and over again in the years to come!

This book is a great resource for new writers or writers trying to expand their craft. I found the book full of practical advice and it was interesting to read. I appreciate the motivating way she writes and it inspired me to implement some of her advice in my own writings. I also appreciate her suggested readings and exercises at the end of each chapter. I really like to have other resources or examples to look at to help me fully understand a concept. I wish I had this book when I took writing courses in high school! Thank you to Atria Books and Net Galley for the advanced copy!

Dear Writer is the rare book on writing that both inspires you to write and covers the craft. Written as a series of letters to the reader, the book is an intimate and honest look at how Maggie Smith writes, using many of her poems as models and guides. Reading this book made me feel like I was listening to the most encouraging friend who fully believed in my abilities, and who was willing to light a lamp to guide my path for the inevitable ways I will stumble and flounder.

Dear Writer is definitely for the writer who has been struggling for years and needs a hand, but it’s also for someone who is just starting and is looking for ideas on how to proceed. Even if you’re not a writer but are a lover of words and the way they fit together, this book is also for you. It’s a kind guide and an absolute celebration of writing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who has been looking to tap into their creativity, this is a book I really enjoyed!

In this book, Smith uses a variety of methods to help her readers not only be more creative, but also be able to pour that creativity into their writing. She gives writing prompts, walks people through her writing process, and gives suggestions on how to get through a writers block and produce a final piece of work. She encourages her readers to be vulnerable with themselves and in their writing, but to also “play” and experience new things to help spark creativity.

Smith has a background in poetry, so a lot of the advice she gives is geared towards how to tap into your creativity to create a poem, but this can defintiely be applied to novel or short story writing.

If you are someone who wants to begin to write more, either just for yourself or for an audience, I defintiely recommend reading this book to help get you started!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review!

Maggie Smith's Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life is an inspiring guide that deeply resonated with me as a writer. Her blend of motivational insights and practical advice provided the encouragement I needed to navigate the creative process. Smith's empathetic approach made me feel understood and supported, transforming my perspective on writing challenges. This book has become an invaluable companion in my creative journey, offering wisdom that I return to time and again. A must-read for any writer seeking guidance and inspiration.

Maggie Smith is a beautiful writer, and it's no surprise that she's written a beauty of a craft book on writing. Her advice is practical, and she presents it in an easy to understand way, breaking down the creative process into ten elements: attention, wonder, vision, play, surprise, vulnerability, restlessness, tenacity, connection, and hope. She then explores each element through a short craft-inspired essay and writing prompt, ensuring that readers capture each element, and the writing process they inspire, in all its essence.

Maggie Smith is an incredible author and I was so excited to read a more prescriptive guide to writing. And that's exactly what this is. Targeted mostly at those who are either in the beginning stages or are looking to uplevel their writing, Dear Writer goes through different types of writing, how to make things better, and provides actionable steps to work on your craft. Mostly for poets (which I am not), I still found plenty for myself to try and implement in my own writing. This will be a great addition to any writer's shelf.

The insights in DEAR WRITER by Maggie Smith are actionable, encouraging, and incredibly relatable. I will be referencing this book just as much for the writing advice and practical ways to break down sentences, line breaks, and word choice as I will for the uplifting nature of it when I’m feeling stuck or hopeless. Can't wait to read Smith's poetry work next!

I didn't just look at or preview or even "read" this book -I parceled it out to myself a chapter at a time, not allowing myself to move on until I had completed at least some of the writing prompts from the chapter I had just finished. I took this as a series of assignments, or gifts, or challenges, or letters I received sometimes joyfully and sometimes with some resistance as I worked my way deeper into my own reflection and writing through the process. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for writers of any kind - I can attest that in my experience this adapts to poetry, fiction and nonfiction writing as I used it to prompt all three while I worked through it, and spending time with Maggie Smith is a joy and delight. If you aren't a writer - buy this as a gift for a writer friend. (But don't get one for for me, I've already pre-ordered my copy, and one for my writer-bestie as well!)

A beautiful book about the craft of writing with lots of practical tips; what she’s learned not just about writing but also about life. Note that the "writer" in question is imagined to be a poetry writer, which is totally fine, just good to know.

Smith’s latest book is a wonderful collection of practical advice for the average writer. Smith encourages writers to not fall victim to the typical advice—you have to write every day to be a writer!—and offers ways to, instead, slow down and pay attention. This book definitely leans more heavily toward poetry (specifically the writing practices outlined at the end of each chapter), which shouldn’t be surprising considering this is Smith’s preferred and primary method of writing, but many pieces can still be applied to fiction and other modes of non-fiction writing as well.

A lot of the advice in here, though nice to hear, felt a little too… “rah rah you can do it!” and it rubbed me weird. Still, scattered with writing prompts, reflections on the practice of writing, and recommendations on further reading, Dear Writer is a wonderful tool in any writer’s toolbox but I would mostly recommend it to those working toward writing more poetry.

Thank you Atria for the early copy in exchange for an honest review! Available Apr. 1 2025

A beautiful book about the craft of writing with lots of practical tips. Definitely leans more heavily towards poetry than fiction writing. (The author even says her ulterior motive is to woo the reader into loving poetry.)

The middle sagged with lots of intricate specifics—which some readers may love!—but the beginning and ending is where the book really shines as a piece of inspirational reference.

Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Great book, especially for poets. I'm not a poet, but I really loved the book. Classic Smith attitude and, of course, beautifully written. I underlined many, many parts and have already recommended it to other writers. Hope she has many more prose books on tap. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review (and adore) this book.

Great writer guidance and lovely images and chapters. For those wanting a smart, inspiring read by someone working positively in the writer world, this is a great option.