BOOK REVIEW: The Shy Writer
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by Eileen Key
Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: The Shy Writer
Author: C. Hope Clark
Publisher: FundsForWriters
ISBN: 1-59113-583-4
Genre: Nonfiction/Writing
The Shy Writer : An Introvert’s Guide to Writing Success targets an audience who longs to see printed words published, yet strives to remain in a sheltered, unseen environment. How many of us are in that quandary?
Clark states her book is to “…help writers understand their shyness and work through it to better promote their careers.” She succeeds at her task. First shyness is defined and examined. Nowhere does the book state “get over it.” A look at what makes us tick gives a unique perspective to the reader. We are who we are.
From this viewpoint, Clark then offers help and hope. We can market our writing. Clark gives practical, innovative suggestions to overcome common circumstances which occur when you begin to market your writing.
Understanding the nature of your personality, Clark lists ideas to help you tackle the unimaginable. “Define your parameters and limitations and gain a comfort level...” “People do not look for your mistakes. They are too busy worrying about their own.”
These positive statements interwoven within the text encourage you to understand yourself and what you can do, and then think beyond that. “Shy people retreat within themselves or compensate by stepping out and tackling the situation.”
The Shy Writer becomes a play book for tackling situations necessary to market a book. From public speaking, book signings, or radio and television interviews, we find concrete steps to take towards success. Which steps we choose and the limitations we set become individual decisions.
I believe this book is a must-read for writers, especially those who are introverts. If we want our words to soar and pierce the bull’s-eye, we must be ready to pull the bowstring. Equipped with ideas from The Shy Writer, I believe we can reach our targets.
A side note: Clark self-published her book and makes this statement: “I do not ‘settle’ for self-publishing….I choose the route that best suits my lifestyle” and she wishes us to “…awaken each day happy that you are a writer.” We should all be so confident.