How to Write and Sell Your Personal Experiences

... and even though it is out of print, it is still worth tracking down a copy. The best thing about it is how phenomenally resourceful Duncan was about turning the everyday stuff of her life into page-turning reading. Would that I had one-tenth of her bubbling creativity! This is one to read and re-read.

This book is out of print but it's worth it to track down a used copy. The book gives a lot of wonderful advice to anyone thinking about publishing articles, short fiction, poetry, and novels. Lois Duncan is very encouraging. It's important to have a bit of encouragement when there are so many people around to tell you how difficult breaking into writing may be. Lois Duncan gives you so many avenues to get started that your doubts will be taken away. There are a couple of outdated sections, especially one focusing on using a computer to edit your work. (I believe the printing of this book was in the mid 80's). I'd also find a more updated resource on the how-to's of presenting your manuscript. But overall there are some great tips and ideas that will get the creative writing juices flowing. Highly recommended.

If I had to identify one book that started me publishing, it would have to be this one. Duncan gives some very good tips on how to start, and although I have yet to have a $1000+ sale, I have been steadily working and improving. If my basement apartment hadn't flooded, I'd still have my copy--I inhaled almost every word, and still have great swatches memorized! Buy it, you won't regret it!