Beautiful Writers
A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts--with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors
Linda Sivertsen
(Author)
21,000+ Reviews
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Description
"I own every writing book ever written, and Linda Sivertsen has done the near-impossible: given writing itself a personality . . . Her stories are cinematic, hilarious, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect—with energy and punch, so often lacking in nonfiction."
—Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A page-turning beach read doubling as how-to. Magic."
—Jenny Lawson, #1 New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and blogger at The Bloggess
"An engaging manual that offers writing advice with a big, broad, sunny worldview . . . fans of Sivertsen's podcast will devour this companion volume."
—Kirkus Reviews
International Impact Book Award Winner
Imagine you're at a dinner party with some of the most successful authors of our time. "Book Mama" and Beautiful Writers Podcast co-creator Linda Sivertsen is the host. As she shares her story of the many hilarious, outrageous, and practical things she did to launch her bestselling writing career, your favorite writers chime in with their own anecdotes, leaving you enlightened and newly inspired. The wisdom in these pages will nourish anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and dreams of living a creative life.
Part coming-of-career memoir and writing success how-to, sprinkled with gems of celebrity author advice (taken from Linda’s Beautiful Writers Podcast and follow-up interviews), Beautiful Writers is a love letter to reading, writing, and publishing—the book she wished she’d had when starting out. In it, she shares—and expands on—the best of advice and storytelling from her podcast and follow-up interviews with literary greats, including:
This heartwarming, how-I-made-it writing memoir from a working writer you've never heard of with inspiration and advice from the legends you love will help aspiring authors avoid common pitfalls and energize career writers with a treasure trove of writing insights from their peers—the details you don't often hear but make a world of difference.
Destined to become the evergreen companion for creatives everywhere, Beautiful Writers answers the burning question: “How do they do it—day after day, year after year, book after book?” The paths vary wildly, but Linda’s faith in dreams never does. “If you have the ache, you have what it takes,” she says. “Writing is hard for everyone, but the results are often magical. Trust your desire. We did it—birthed our books into the world. You can too!"
—Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A page-turning beach read doubling as how-to. Magic."
—Jenny Lawson, #1 New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and blogger at The Bloggess
"An engaging manual that offers writing advice with a big, broad, sunny worldview . . . fans of Sivertsen's podcast will devour this companion volume."
—Kirkus Reviews
International Impact Book Award Winner
Imagine you're at a dinner party with some of the most successful authors of our time. "Book Mama" and Beautiful Writers Podcast co-creator Linda Sivertsen is the host. As she shares her story of the many hilarious, outrageous, and practical things she did to launch her bestselling writing career, your favorite writers chime in with their own anecdotes, leaving you enlightened and newly inspired. The wisdom in these pages will nourish anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and dreams of living a creative life.
Part coming-of-career memoir and writing success how-to, sprinkled with gems of celebrity author advice (taken from Linda’s Beautiful Writers Podcast and follow-up interviews), Beautiful Writers is a love letter to reading, writing, and publishing—the book she wished she’d had when starting out. In it, she shares—and expands on—the best of advice and storytelling from her podcast and follow-up interviews with literary greats, including:
- Terry McMillan
- Cheryl Strayed
- Tom Hanks
- Van Jones
- Jenny Lawson
- Steven Pressfield
- Elizabeth Gilbert
- Anne Lamott
- Mary Karr
- Seth Godin
- Abby Wambach
- Martha Beck
- Marie Forleo
- Lee Child
- Patricia Cornwell
- Dean Koontz
- Maria Shriver
- Dr. Jane Goodall
- Sabaa Tahir
- Tomi Adeyemi
- Ann Patchett
- Dani Shapiro
- Danielle LaPorte
- Tosca Lee
- Joy Harjo
- Deepak Chopra
This heartwarming, how-I-made-it writing memoir from a working writer you've never heard of with inspiration and advice from the legends you love will help aspiring authors avoid common pitfalls and energize career writers with a treasure trove of writing insights from their peers—the details you don't often hear but make a world of difference.
Destined to become the evergreen companion for creatives everywhere, Beautiful Writers answers the burning question: “How do they do it—day after day, year after year, book after book?” The paths vary wildly, but Linda’s faith in dreams never does. “If you have the ache, you have what it takes,” she says. “Writing is hard for everyone, but the results are often magical. Trust your desire. We did it—birthed our books into the world. You can too!"
Product Details
| Publisher | BenBella Books |
| Publish Date | August 23, 2022 |
| Pages | 400 |
| Language | English |
| Type |  Paperback / softback |
| EAN/UPC | 9781637741030 |
| Dimensions | 228.6 X 152.4 X 27.9 mm | 476.3 g |
About the Author
Linda Sivertsen, author, ghostwriter, and coauthor of eleven books (including two NYT bestsellers), is the host of the top-rated Beautiful Writers Podcast and mentor to thousands of writers online and in-person. She pushed through all manner of rejection to realize her dream to write bestselling books AND help save trees and fragile ecosystems. (Linda's a Forest Stewardship Ambassador, and this book is printed on FSC paper, with a percentage of sales going to their nonprofit.) With the added fun of broke-ness, death, and divorce, readers will find Linda uniquely qualified to support them through any blocks.
Linda and her work have been featured widely in the media, including Forbes.com, The New York Times, Inc., Extra, TeenVogue, CNN, HuffPost, Glamour, Los Angeles Times, CARMEL magazine, and on the TEDWomen stage. She loves micro-blogging about all things writing (and dogs and horses!) on social media and blogs regularly at BookMama.com from her ranch office in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Reviews
"Linda Sivertsen is someone everyone should know."
—Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Integrity,an Oprah's Book Club selection
"With her Beautiful Writers Podcast and now this book, Linda's created the salon we don't have anymore—where really interesting writers like the A Movable Feast kind of people: Ezra Pound and Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald—are all comparing notes."
—Patricia Cornwell, #1 New York Times bestselling author (26 Scarpetta novels + nonfiction)
"This is a REALLY good book that will help a LOT of people . . . When I was a guest on the Beautiful Writers Podcast, I told Linda it was one of my all-time favorite interviews. After reading how she's masterfully interwoven her entertaining publishing stories with our interview excerpts, I feel the same way about being in this book!"
—Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, and The War of Art
"If Linda's life were a movie, I'd call it a real-life, Hollywood female Horatio Alger story."
—Leeza Gibbons, Emmy-Award winning talk-show host, and New York Times bestselling author of Take 2 and Fierce Optimism
"I stayed up all night reading Linda's stories. The fact that her path is landscaped with celebrities, movie stars, gurus, shamans, and astrologers—well, pop some popcorn, you're in for an entertaining ride."
—Allison K. Hill, CEO of American Booksellers Association
"Beautiful Writers is The Artist's Way for a new generation. The sheer number of years it took to compile all the wisdom in this book is staggering. I love it and think it will inspire many—not just to write, but to find the mystery and divine in their own creative journeys."
—Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Iscariot and The Line Between
"Can't put it down . . . I must put it down! I want to keep bingeing this addictive book, but it also makes me itch to get up and write. Between the motivating personal insights from celebrity authors and Linda Sivertsen's own riveting path, Beautiful Writers is that rare combo: an instructive manual you want to bring to the beach. Wish I'd had it while I was writing my own book!"
—Laura Belgray, author of Tough Titties (2023, Hachette), founder of Talking Shrimp, and cocreator of The Copy Cure
"Brilliant, engaging, and conversational, with a palpable enthusiasm that feels like a letter from home."
—Paul Williams, Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winning Hall of Fame songwriter, ASCAP President and New York Times bestselling coauthor of Gratitude & Trust
"It doesn't seem possible, what Sivertsen has accomplished with this book: masterfully braiding three genres: memoir, self-help for writers and creatives, and wisdom from the hearts and minds of our most beloved authors and industry pros. Beautiful Writers is practical magic for any writer, aspiring or experienced. You'll feel a sense of belonging as it catapultsyour creativity and self-confidence and answers all your nitty-gritty questions from process to publishing. This book is a gift for readers and writers alike."
—Steph Jagger, bestselling author of Everything Left to Remember
"This is such an original, encouraging, funny, and very helpful offering of a book. Anyone wanting to stoke their creativity will find nuggets of wisdom from many of our great writers and creatives, all wrapped in Linda's marvelous storytelling. I hope the book flies into a gazillion hands!"
—Elizabeth Lesser, New York Times bestsellingauthor of Broken Open and Cassandra Speaks, andcofounder of Omega Institute
"The perfect nudge and source of inspiration for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing. Linda Sivertsen weaves her personal story with pertinent, relatable anecdotes from literary greats, detailing all of the highs and lows that come along with authoring a book. She provides all the tools to help harness your greatness and silence that pesky doubting voice in your head. Beautiful Writers far exceeds just being a ""how-to"" guide for authors, and instead serves as a funny, relatable reminder to everyone on how deeply rewarding it is to follow your passions, trust your gut, and create."
—Brooke Baldwin, veteran journalist and bestselling author of Huddle
"When I look back on my career as a top book publicist, literary agent, author of eleven books, and sister of bestselling author Debbie Ford, the one person I'd call my literary soulmate is Linda Sivertsen. Whether editing one of my books, recommending writing books that transformed my work, or sharing a technique or story with me that altered my thinking, it's Linda who has had the biggest influence on my writing career."
—Arielle Ford, bestselling author of The Soulmate Secret and former book publicist to Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, and Neale Donald Walsch
"What a joy to read! I loved it. The conversational voice will make readers feel like one of Linda's many friends. The stories, both personal and universal to the creative process, are accurate, articulate, and deeply inspirational."
—Guru Singh,world-renowned yogi/spiritual teacher andauthor of Buried Treasures
"Linda Sivertsen is charming in the most magical sense of the word and thisbook is a flashpoint of enchantments. Writers you know and love open hiddendoorways to pathways of inspiration and practical insight. Linda threadsher own life story through the stories of others to illuminate from all directionswhat it means not just to write, but to transform yourself into a beautifulwriter."
—Justine Musk, novelist, essayist, three-time TEDx speaker on creativity
"I own every writing book ever written, and Linda Sivertsen has done the near-impossible: given writing itself a personality. There's a reason we all say yes to coming on her literature podcast–and to being excerpted about our writing processes in this book. I feel like I'm in the very best company. And. Good God, can this woman write! I love Linda's voice and her honesty. Her stories are cinematic, hilarious, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect–with energy and punch, so often lacking in nonfiction."
—Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestsellingnovelist of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and eight other bestsellers"
—Martha Beck, New York Times bestselling author of The Way of Integrity,an Oprah's Book Club selection
"With her Beautiful Writers Podcast and now this book, Linda's created the salon we don't have anymore—where really interesting writers like the A Movable Feast kind of people: Ezra Pound and Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald—are all comparing notes."
—Patricia Cornwell, #1 New York Times bestselling author (26 Scarpetta novels + nonfiction)
"This is a REALLY good book that will help a LOT of people . . . When I was a guest on the Beautiful Writers Podcast, I told Linda it was one of my all-time favorite interviews. After reading how she's masterfully interwoven her entertaining publishing stories with our interview excerpts, I feel the same way about being in this book!"
—Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, and The War of Art
"If Linda's life were a movie, I'd call it a real-life, Hollywood female Horatio Alger story."
—Leeza Gibbons, Emmy-Award winning talk-show host, and New York Times bestselling author of Take 2 and Fierce Optimism
"I stayed up all night reading Linda's stories. The fact that her path is landscaped with celebrities, movie stars, gurus, shamans, and astrologers—well, pop some popcorn, you're in for an entertaining ride."
—Allison K. Hill, CEO of American Booksellers Association
"Beautiful Writers is The Artist's Way for a new generation. The sheer number of years it took to compile all the wisdom in this book is staggering. I love it and think it will inspire many—not just to write, but to find the mystery and divine in their own creative journeys."
—Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Iscariot and The Line Between
"Can't put it down . . . I must put it down! I want to keep bingeing this addictive book, but it also makes me itch to get up and write. Between the motivating personal insights from celebrity authors and Linda Sivertsen's own riveting path, Beautiful Writers is that rare combo: an instructive manual you want to bring to the beach. Wish I'd had it while I was writing my own book!"
—Laura Belgray, author of Tough Titties (2023, Hachette), founder of Talking Shrimp, and cocreator of The Copy Cure
"Brilliant, engaging, and conversational, with a palpable enthusiasm that feels like a letter from home."
—Paul Williams, Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe winning Hall of Fame songwriter, ASCAP President and New York Times bestselling coauthor of Gratitude & Trust
"It doesn't seem possible, what Sivertsen has accomplished with this book: masterfully braiding three genres: memoir, self-help for writers and creatives, and wisdom from the hearts and minds of our most beloved authors and industry pros. Beautiful Writers is practical magic for any writer, aspiring or experienced. You'll feel a sense of belonging as it catapultsyour creativity and self-confidence and answers all your nitty-gritty questions from process to publishing. This book is a gift for readers and writers alike."
—Steph Jagger, bestselling author of Everything Left to Remember
"This is such an original, encouraging, funny, and very helpful offering of a book. Anyone wanting to stoke their creativity will find nuggets of wisdom from many of our great writers and creatives, all wrapped in Linda's marvelous storytelling. I hope the book flies into a gazillion hands!"
—Elizabeth Lesser, New York Times bestsellingauthor of Broken Open and Cassandra Speaks, andcofounder of Omega Institute
"The perfect nudge and source of inspiration for anyone looking to pursue a career in writing. Linda Sivertsen weaves her personal story with pertinent, relatable anecdotes from literary greats, detailing all of the highs and lows that come along with authoring a book. She provides all the tools to help harness your greatness and silence that pesky doubting voice in your head. Beautiful Writers far exceeds just being a ""how-to"" guide for authors, and instead serves as a funny, relatable reminder to everyone on how deeply rewarding it is to follow your passions, trust your gut, and create."
—Brooke Baldwin, veteran journalist and bestselling author of Huddle
"When I look back on my career as a top book publicist, literary agent, author of eleven books, and sister of bestselling author Debbie Ford, the one person I'd call my literary soulmate is Linda Sivertsen. Whether editing one of my books, recommending writing books that transformed my work, or sharing a technique or story with me that altered my thinking, it's Linda who has had the biggest influence on my writing career."
—Arielle Ford, bestselling author of The Soulmate Secret and former book publicist to Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Wayne Dyer, and Neale Donald Walsch
"What a joy to read! I loved it. The conversational voice will make readers feel like one of Linda's many friends. The stories, both personal and universal to the creative process, are accurate, articulate, and deeply inspirational."
—Guru Singh,world-renowned yogi/spiritual teacher andauthor of Buried Treasures
"Linda Sivertsen is charming in the most magical sense of the word and thisbook is a flashpoint of enchantments. Writers you know and love open hiddendoorways to pathways of inspiration and practical insight. Linda threadsher own life story through the stories of others to illuminate from all directionswhat it means not just to write, but to transform yourself into a beautifulwriter."
—Justine Musk, novelist, essayist, three-time TEDx speaker on creativity
"I own every writing book ever written, and Linda Sivertsen has done the near-impossible: given writing itself a personality. There's a reason we all say yes to coming on her literature podcast–and to being excerpted about our writing processes in this book. I feel like I'm in the very best company. And. Good God, can this woman write! I love Linda's voice and her honesty. Her stories are cinematic, hilarious, heartfelt, and pitch-perfect–with energy and punch, so often lacking in nonfiction."
—Terry McMillan, #1 New York Times bestsellingnovelist of Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and eight other bestsellers"
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