Rochelle Yolanda Melander

This book is a small treasure for middle graders and older readers as well.

The author has created a book, which highlights historic and modern figures, educates about the various purposes and forms of writing, and manages to steer away from boring the entire way through. Plus, it's illustrated and well organized. In other words, this is one which will shine in classrooms, and I'm even considering adding it to my own homeschooling curriculum.

To say this book doesn't pack variety would be wrong. The author has included figures from different time periods, each from very different backgrounds, different cultures, and different view points on all sorts of themes and issues. This alone impressed me. Then, each figure/personality mentioned receives their own, short 'chapter'. The Table of Contents points out exactly who is where, making it simple for readers to flip to the person they're interested in learning about. There is a short and very direct biography over each person, which points out their general background, reasons for writing, and accomplishments. Then, each one holds a couple short sections, which give helpful points and help readers to develop and improve their own writing skills. All of this is done with bright illustrations, clear and simple to read text, and a lack of unnecessary directions. The end of the book adds even more resources.

So, this book definitely packs a ton on the education side of things. The author has obviously spent care and time on her research, and masterfully brought the information across in an interesting way for the intended audience. Add the entire inspirational idea that writing can change the world and views...and this is not a book to be overlooked.

I received a complimentary copy but am considering buying another copy for myself since this one is really that good.… (more)

I have never come across book that lets you know how to get a novel out and not dance around it and your writing issues - that as effective as this!

I've got a Project Journal now, and a Story Bible! And I sort of had one before on some loose notes at the back of my drawer... ahem, just call me professional. But as I read this book it came naturally to get everything out and ready, and I was excited to do it.

Melander gets you excited about writing, and getting in the mind-set to write! The tone isn't condescending or high and mighty but just the perfect amount of "this is what you need", "this is what you can do to change it" and "just do it"!

This is no boring How-To - but a book that gets you excited about writing, prepares you and then lets you know just what to do when you got your rough draw done, in 26 days.

I found the Part One: Training my favorite, it was exactly what I needed, a little kick on the butt. The titles tell so much so I'm going to bring them up so that you can see for yourself that it's all taken care of: ( my favourite chapters are in the ( ) )
Attitude Training: Get Rid of the Excuses ( Take Yourself Seriously )
Writing Training: Learn the Basics ( The Project Journal )
Course Training: Plan Your Novel ( Three More W Guestions )
Course Training: Plan Your Non-Fiction Book ( Find Your Purpose )
Life Training: Schedule The Marathon ( Create a Life Priority List )

Part Two: The Write-A-Thon is all about Melander coaching us readers throughout the 26 days, with almost like pep-talks and inspirations to keep us going for day to day! These aren't just to keep going, but very informative of what you can do while in writing process, one I really liked was the following:

"Want to write better? Get a day job. Or sign-up for a volunteer gig. Just get out of the house and do something! I'm not kidding."

And....

"Don't get it right. Just get it written." ~James Thurber

This is a section I know I'll spend the rest of the month with as I'm writing my NaNo.

Part Three: Recovery, has titles like Why Revise (this about gave me a heart attack as I couldn't even contemplate not revising, as what comes out in the rough draft is just mush), Write It Right: First Lines and How To Get Your Query Rejected. This part has absolutely valuable information that all new novelists should know! And I am glad that I now do!

This book is amazing, I can't tell you how happy I am to have read this! If you have any desire to write, or write a novel then this book is for you - do not miss it! It's one of a kind in the "How To Write Books" sections, if you come across it I highly recommend you get it. A giant thank you to Rochelle Melander for writing this, it might be thanks to you that I get my first novel out.… (more)