Book review: Letters to a Young Writer by Colum McCann

Letters to a Young Writer: Some Practical and Philosophical Advice by Colum McCann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First, the title of this book may lead you to believe that this book is for young adults, not so. I believe the term "young writer" refers to a beginning writer, but this book could be read at any age and any stage in your writing journey. In fact, in one chapter he writes, "how old is the young writer? Seventeen, sixty, forty-six - who cares?" So be a brave writing soul and pick up this book, no matter what your age.

This is an excellent book that includes a lot of humor, as well as an abundance of encouragement and hints at what it takes to be a great writer. One of the funniest was the chapter titled: don't be a dick. He addresses the snooty attitude laden writer. The chapter goes deeper and funnier. I laughed out loud when I started the next chapter title: Then again don't be too nice (in your fiction anyway). I haven't written in a long time, but this book did jump start me right back again. Sometimes you need a book like this to give you a good kick in the pants (and encourage and instruct you as well).

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