I’d like to introduce all my blog readers to Jenn Hubbard, an author I know “in real life” and a fellow member of the KidLit Authors Club, with whom I frequently do events. Jenn is a YA author, but today she’s here to talk about a new non-fiction book she has just released — a book for writers that addresses the mental and emotional side of writing.
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I’ve read several books on the craft of writing and the business of publishing. But with the exception of sections of Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird, most of them don’t address the areas where I found myself needing the most support: the mental and emotional.
I receive most of my support from fellow writers, and that has been invaluable. But they can’t always answer me immediately, since they have—you know—lives. Wouldn’t it be nice, I thought, to have a book I could turn to for brief bursts of inspiration? Maybe read a page or two at the start of a writing session, or whenever I need to feel less alone? A book about the highs as well as the lows, a book that acknowledges the frustrations and disappointments and sources of confusion—as well as acknowledging the times when we can’t help but laugh at how crazy things can get?
And so I came up with Loner in the Garret: A Writer’s Companion. The synopsis:
Sometimes the most difficult part of writing is not coming up with a plot or the perfect turn of phrase. It’s getting motivated to sit down and start, or having the confidence to go forward, or finding the courage to move past the sting of rejection. Loner in the Garret: A Writer’s Companion provides inspiration and encouragement for that mental and emotional journey. Covering topics as varied as procrastination, the inner critic, fear, distractions, envy, rejection, joy, and playfulness, it charts the ups and downs of the writing life with honesty, gentle suggestions, and a dash of humor.
Jennifer R. Hubbard (www.jenniferhubbard.com) writes young-adult novels (The Secret Year, Try Not to Breathe, and Until It Hurts to Stop). She spends most of her time writing, reading, or hiking, with a little dark chocolate thrown in.
Loner in the Garrett on Amazon
You’re right, there aren’t any books like that out there. But now we have one. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Thank you, Alex!
What a great idea! It’s frustrating (though understandable, of course) when you need your CPs/writer friends but they’re busy with real life. I love the idea of a book like this that can help in a pinch!
Hope it’s helpful, Julie!
This sounds like such a great idea – because I think it’s truly the harder side of writing. Congrats Jennifer!
Thank you, Tiana. And it’s definitely the harder side for me!
This is such a great idea for a book!
Thanks, Kelly!
I’m really surprised that this is the first time I’ve heard of a book like this, and I think it’s a great idea. I don’t think I’d believe a writer who said they never needed support or never had trouble sitting down and getting to work. I can see this helping a lot of people. ^_^
Thank you, Mason. I hope it does help!
What a great idea! Thanks, Jennifer, for writing a book that will make us feel less alone and frustrated.
This sounds like a very unique book. I don’t remember reading anything like it. I like the idea of having a book that will help to inspire me and motivate me. 🙂 Wishing Jennifer the best of luck!
Encouragement from other writers has helped me as much or more than the tons of articles on craft I’ve read. I think Jennifer has a great idea here! Wishing her much success!
Writing can be such a solitary endeavor, especially if there are no other writers within one’s social circle. It sounds like this book can go a long way toward filling in the empty spaces and making us feel… supported. Way to go, Jennifer! (Or shall I call you… Playtex?) Seriously, good luck with it.
Hmmm, not sure what just happened. When I tried to post a comment, I got a message that I was trying to post a “duplicate” message, so one was deleted. (?) So nothing at ALL posted.
If at first you don’t succeed…give it another go…
Writing can be a very solitary endeavor, especially if there are no other writers within one’s social circle. It sounds like this book will go a long way toward filling in some of those lonely places and providing much-needed support. Way to go, Jennifer. Great idea! (Or should I call you… Playtex? HA) Seriously, good luck with this book. It sounds terrific.
Hi Jenn! I know you. Great to read about your new book. And it sounds wonderful.
A book which addresses the real problem us writers have 🙂 Sounds great!
I love writing books and always like to have one on my bedside table. This one looks like a great one to carry in my purse and sit on my desk when I don’t want to get butt in chair and DO THE WORK! Congrats – and I love the cover!