Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors

Ghostwriter and self-proclaimed “Book Mama” Sivertsen (Lives Charmed) cheerleads on aspiring writers in this breezy but mixed assemblage of advice for those looking to get published. Her own experiences are intertwined with anecdotes and counsel from such big names as Lee Child (“When it comes to balancing my writing life with my love life, it’s hard”), Ann Patchett (“Ideas don’t come to me fully formed in visions. I go out and find them”), and Terry McMillan (“It’s the process of this craft that I love”). The writerly notes are often funny and entertaining, but readers looking for publishing world tips are likely to be disappointed. While there is a list of resources where writers can look for agents, for example, the concluding take on that matter is “Your team is out there, praying for you to show up as much as you’re praying for them.” The empty, upbeat passages overwhelm (“know that anytime you need encouragement, my friends and I are here on the page and on the airwaves, ready to remind you of this heartfelt truth: You are a B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. writer. Full stop”). Writers looking for a more useful soup-to-nuts guide will be better served elsewhere. (Aug.)