Dear Writer

Dear Writer, by Maggie Smith

7/60 | Started 01.30.26 • Finished 02.09.26 | 4 stars

I aspire to be an aspiring writer. As a recovering perfectionist, I find it quite difficult to put words to a page, whether in prose or poetry, without being hyper-critical and editing on-the-go. Rarely can I just punch something out stream of consciousness style. So, I remain curious about works about writing. Maggie's book is excellent. She writes beautifully about writing: its processes, triumps, struggles, questions, habits, etc. I'm finding it a little bit hard to explain, aside from it scratching that writing itch in me. The book follows a pattern of letter to the reader/writer, then essays on various writing elements, and includes several writing exercises/prompts. Confession: I did not do any of the writing exercises. They seemed to be for more seasoned writers, not for beginning beginners like myself. But I could see how they would be helpful for an actual writer, to challenge and stretch him/her, and open him/her up to new possibilities. Highly recommend for that writers and wannabes out there.