The reviews on the cover of the book say that this is “full of joy” and other such positive things.

But when I read this, all I can think of is, “Dear gods she sounds depressed and frustrated.” I am seeing a distinct lack of joy in this book, in fact.

It’s still helpful to me, but it’s not helpful because it has any positive message. I’ve been laughing the the utter absurdity of being a writer. No one would choose to do this to themselves if they didn’t feel it was completely essential to who they are. So far, (I think I’m at chapter 3 or 4) it’s a book full of despair, and reminds me that every time I am frustrated with being a writer, others have been there before, and every time I think my writing is going well, I should savor it while I can because it won’t last.

But, nine days into NaNoWriMo, maybe I’m just biased.

This is an amazing book. It doesn’t give technical advise about writing though. It’s more of a philosophical approach to thinking about writing as a way of life. The book is one that you can get something new out of at different times in your life.