About the Book

A little bit about how this book began.

As I went through my writing life, four, five, six years in, I learned things and thought, Why didn’t anyone tell me that at the beginning? So many wonderful craft and writing books helped me, but I didn’t find one that presented all the resources, basics, and debates beginning writers should know in the areas of writing, reading, trying to make a living, and trying to make a life as a writer, like an artist’s freshman orientation.

So that’s what I wrote.

This book will give you a panoramic view of what you need to know most and what you need to know first to become a person who can look someone else in the eye and say, “I’m a writer,” even if you also work a day job.

Selected as one of Poets & Writers' Best Books for Writers

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What readers are saying:

There are a ton of books out there that will give you tips on establishing your writing practice. I like this one for its no-nonsense approach. Paulette Perhach draws from her own experience as well as theory to give prospective writers a breadth of topics and perspectives. But mostly, she wants to make sure you actually write—whether that's through an examination of how many hours we spend watching tv (when we could be writing), to a discussion of how to use reading to make yourself a better writer, to descriptions of the various levels of editing. Plus a whole lot more. I'll be using it when I teach writing classes in the future.

Paulette Perhach is a teacher you can trust. She knows the creative writing process from hard work and constant practice, and everything she says about it rings true. Funny and wise, filled with examples of the joys and sweet agonies of the creative process, Welcome to the Writer's Life is a book both veterans and beginners will enjoy.

Four+ star review on Goodreads and Amazon:

Reviews

Writers looking for encouragement, specifics, and some memorable advice would do well to pick up this good-humored and highly useful guide…This funny, readable, and idea-crammed book is a powerful tool for writers, no matter where they are in their journeys.

The book’s interactive approach and dynamic format coupled with Perhach’s warm, encouraging tone make this a multi-faceted guide that’s a delight to read

A panoramic view of what you need to know most and what you need to know first...Paulette Perhach’s introductory guide is a comprehensive volume containing hard-earned wisdom and organizational ideas, covering everything from writing and reading habits, to craft and editing. Full of helpful writing exercises and prompts, lists of prizes and literary journals, strategies for social media and financial budgeting, and inspirational anecdotes from poets and prose writers offering insightful advice gleaned from their personal experiences.

This compendious exploration-and tactical workbook-of the writer's path, replete with tried-and-true exercises and behind-the-scenes tips, provides a tremendous asset for aspirants or anyone simply curious about writers, their work, and the challenge of keeping body and spirit together