Book Review: Writer Mama by Christina Katz
"Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids" by Christina KatzHave you ever felt the stress of trying to fit your career as a writer and your family life side by side without having to sacrifice the vital elements of success for either?
Writer Mama is a fantastic way to find the confidence in yourself to choose a writer's path. If you're struggling to discover a niche or don't know where to start when it comes to finding a suitable market for your freelance work then this book is gold. This book is about how motherhood can be an incredible beginning to the expertise needed for certain markets. Writer Mama really does show you how you can create a business from your lifestyle and turn a profit from ideas you originally went into as a hobby.
Christina Katz shows us how to write query letters, give interviews, pitch a non-fiction book, negotiate your pay, collect clips and turn your life into interesting pieces for readers (and editors). From initial niche ideas to becoming a household name in your chosen department and from a single expertise to a broader knowledge base, Writer Mama shows you how to develop a freelance writing career from scratch, no experience needed.This book is designed with easy snippet reading in mind and is a fantastic resource to return to for ideas. There are inspirational quotes from powerful women who blend a career and family successfully. There are some wonderful ideas specifically for mothers that offer ideas for how to continue to be productive during non-writing moments. These are valuable tips for all mothers but also for all writers.
I really enjoyed reading Writer Mama and I return to it from time to time when I need a boost in confidence or am involved in a specific task (like writing a query) and need some guidance. Christina Katz breaks these tasks down into easy to manage routines that are wonderful for relieving the pressure of larger tasks. Her matter of fact voice also helps take away the edge of fear when approaching new markets. The truth is, its business, and her attitude comes through, helping readers focus on this aspect.
If you're interested in a non-fiction freelance writing career then this book will make a fantastic addition to your writing shelf.
The Writer Mama Blog
MoneyPants Interview Christina Katz
Seattle WriterGrrls Member Snapshot of Christina Katz
Check out more about Writer Mama on Amazon
Labels: Book Reviews, Christina Katz, Writer Mama
Posted by Rebecca Laffar-Smith at 9:30 PM
15 comments
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15 Comments:
This is a great book review! I might just have to add this book to my wish-list (after all, Christmas is coming!!).
But is there a book for juggling writing with another career? I'd be first in line for that one....
What a great review! I'm not a freelancer, but I have many freelance friends and aspiring writers who would enjoy this book.
This book sounds really interesting - I might just add it to my Christmas list too! I have two small children and sometimes it's hard to find time to write or to even try to explain to other people how important writing is to me. Sometimes it's hard to balance the two and sometimes when I have family over, which was recently, I've had to put my writing on the backburner completely. Not to say family isn't important but I really miss writing at those times and I'm too shy to really explain that I have to take time to write. I may not be a published writer or do it as a career but it's a sanity saver and this book really seems it might be referring to someone like me, for once.
I'm glad you all enjoyed the review. There are so many fantastic writing books that all focus on different areas of writing life. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!
Another great book review! Thanks.
I admit that I am not a non-fiction reader, but for this one, I may have to make an exception. The mother/writer juxtaposition is complicated by so many things, any help at all would be useful.
Thanks so much for this review! I hadn't heard of this book before, but I am going to check it out now.
You really have an exceptional way of expressing your opinions and bringing attention to the highlights of great books, Rebecca!
Your descriptions make us crave these books you're referring to.
Keep it up and you'll have all the writer's digging for change in their couch cushions because we've spent all our cash on writing-related books ;0) ha ha!
Smiles,
Michele
AH HA!!! THEN YOU'LL ALL SUFFER AS I DO!!! *manical laugh* *grins* Honestly, I already struggle to scrap coins together to buy books. I have an overflowing wishlist on Amazon and I already have a pile I haven't started reading yet.
I'm glad you've all enjoyed the review. I think these sorts of books are a valuable part of developing your career. Nurses constantly have to continue training in new techniques and go to courses, in fact many jobs do. Books are a part of that continued training that help us in our everyday. :-)
Thanks Rebecca. So many people who want to write struggle with finding the time, juggling responsibilities, and fitting creativity into the spaces. It's so cool to hear about this advice to help moms write.
Best wishes,
Jerry Waxler
Memory Writers Network
I also reviewed this book on my blog back in July or early August. It is fantastic!
It sure is tough to juggle the responsibilities of other areas of our lives and our writing. It's wonderful to have books like this. Thanks for your comments!
This is a great book review, and I will probably add it to my 'to buy' list. Even though my kids are grown and gone, I bet I can use some of her tips.
Nita, even with kids grown and gone you'll love this book. There is very little focus on raising children alongside your writing career and much more about how having been a mother (or being a parent) can give you the resources (both mental and environmental) to be a fantastic writer.
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