THE BOOK YOU WERE MEANT TO WRITE

A BOOK REVIEW FOR WRITERS

Well, as everyone, everywhere seems to be holding their breath for the results of the US election, perhaps it is time to retreat from the political hoo-haw and read a book. (When in doubt, read, or words to that effect.)

As I'm not usually one to read fiction, it was a non-fiction book that holds my interest at the moment. Something that every writer, and would-be writer would find interesting. It's called The Book You Were Born to Write, by Kelly Notaras and as a title, it's a grabber. And then there's the sub-title: Everything You Need to (Finally) Get Your Wisdom onto the Page and into the Word. Again, wowzer! (Assuming I have wisdom to get a book out there in the first place!)

I was first virtually introduced to the author, Kelly Notaras by seeing her present an in-depth 5 day Book Writers Bootcamp for the publisher, Hay House. As you may, or may not, know, Hay House is a publisher who loves anything that could vaguely be considered “self help”. In fact, it was started by Louise Hay, with her stunningly successful book: How to Heal Your Life.

Anyway, seeing as their introductory offer of the 5 days of webinar learning was free, I was happy to go along for the ride. I knew there would be a clincher at the end, where we were “invited” to go along for more information, more help, more coaching, and other goodies, for a whole year. It was a good deal, but unfortunately, at the time it was presented, I was so burnt out from writing my memoir, and all the conflicting advice I got about how to do it, how to present it, and how long the whole thing had to be, that I just couldn't face going through what Hay House had on offer. Generous though it sounded.

The 5 day bootcamp was presented jointly by Reid Tracy, CEO of Hay House and Kelly Notaras. They both made a lot of sense, although Reid had the kind of voice that could strip paint off a wall. Not his fault, and it looked like everyone he's dealt with over the years have learned to accept it.

This “dynamic duo” (of sorts) have probably seen every type of non-fiction book known to mankind over the years. So they are well equipped to speak knowledgeably on the topic of getting a book published. Even getting a book self published, if you should want to hook up with their self-publishing arm, Balboa Press.

Kelly Notaras's book really does cover almost everything you could want to know (just like it says in the title). She talks about the process of writing, the business of writing, about finding an agent, and about self-publishing. In other words, there's not many questions that she hasn't addressed.

Unsurprisingly, she's a big fan of memoir, as that is one of the genres that Hay House champion. If you want to know more about her, her website is www.knliterary.com.

I'm sure she's not worried what I think of her book, and not in a million years do I expect she'll see this, but I truly do appreciate her having written her book. Her book allows me to investigate the whole idea of writing and publishing a book at my own speed, and in my own time. There's been times when I could not face the concept of doing a memoir (or much else in field of writing) and times when I'm well up for it. But, the beauty of having a really good, really informative book on your book shelf, is that it is there when you need it.

So, for that, thank you Kelly Notaras!

I've just noticed that this is the 44^th post this year, coming out on November the 4^th, in the year 2024. I don't know numerology, but, if the number 4 coming up 4 times means anything auspicious, great. Sprinkle some magic this way, please!

If there's anything you would like me to cover in next week's post, please drop me a comment. Every time someone responds, in any way, I do a little happy dance. (No video, though, so don't ask!)

Til next Monday,

Rose