Making a Literary Life

More about the book

As Carolyn See notes, writing guides are plentiful, yet always welcome, with a dedicated audience. While this book teaches writing, it truly focuses on transforming your inner life into your outer reality and connecting with a community of like-minded individuals. Drawing from her extensive experience as a novelist, memoirist, critic, and creative-writing professor, See presents an engaging how-to guide. It covers the essentials of writing—plot, point of view, character, and voice—while also serving as an inspirational roadmap to achieving your dreams. The journey spans from the decision to become a writer to three months post-publication of your first book. It combines practical writing and life strategies, such as keeping your aspirations private, sending weekly notes to industry figures you admire, and recognizing potential characters in your everyday life. This guide is especially for those often overlooked in the literary world, including non–East Coasters and secret scribblers. With wisdom, humor, and a belief in the potential of “ordinary” lives, See has created a captivating and transformative book that subtly alters your life as you engage with it.