As a writer, you absolutely need to go buy a copy of Booklife: Strategies and Survival Tips for the 21st Century Writer
To get an idea of the flavor here, check out the first page of the Table of Contents:
Just by looking at the TOC, you can tell this is not going to be one of those dry, keep-your-nose-to-the-grindstone-and-you’ll-make-it kind of books.
The advice here is real world and applicable to today’s web 2.0 environment and beyond.
In particular, the writing style is like he is sitting across the table from you in a small cafe, leading you through the unpredictable maze that is the paradigm of writing today.
Transparency, Branding , PR plans. It’s all here. I really like the fact that you can pick up the book and open it to any page and begin right there. You don’t have to start at page one and trudge through.
Here are some review quotes directly from the Amazon page:
“This guide will surely help writers traverse the often difficult journey from first draft to finished product.” —Publishers Weekly
“Well-organized masterclass in understanding how to fit both writing and a writing career into your life.” —Cory Doctorow, Boingboing.net
“Jeff VanderMeer is an extraordinary writer . . . passionate, beautiful, complex, terrifying.” —Tamar Yellin, author, The Genizah at the House of Shepher
Now I have something else to add to my holiday wish list.
And I love sitting and talking in cafes!
Thank you
Marisa Birns´s last blog ..Hot Spot
Hi Marisa,
Me too! And I think right now at Amazon it’s only a little over ten bucks.
Cheers!
George
Sounds awesome, George! I can sense your excitement and sincerity – this must REALLY be a fantabulous book!
I stumbled and tweeted this post so others can discover this treasure!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele,
Thanks for the stumbles and tweets!
Yes, I am really excited about this one. A breath of fresh air for sure.
Sounds wonderful! But I think I need a book that will physically kick me in the butt…like with a boot. Going to check it out though!
Heather´s last blog ..Weekly Inspiration – Dec 7th – Top 10 mom blogs by design
Hi Heather,
Did I not mention that it comes with a pair of waffle stompers replete with steel toes?
Dang, I need to be more thorough.
George
Hi George,
Last night I ordered a book you suggested here at Tumblemoose not long ago.
I wish I had waited an extra day – or I could have got them both at the same time!
This looks like a really great read; I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Have a great day, George, and thanks for plopping down over at my site over the weekend, too, for a Front Porch session. My readers loved you!
~xo
Lori´s last blog ..My Writing Experiment – The End
Hi Lori,
Listen, I’ve got a great idea:
Go over to Amazon and order up the book. While you’re there you can get me a Kindle for Christmas and you’ll get FREE Super-Saver Shipping! Woot! Think of all the money you’ll save!!
Hehe. Me so funny.
George
George! What are you doing to me?!? lol I really, really want this book now but I won’t allow myself to put in an Amazon order until I can officially call my Christmas shopping done. Hopefully I can do the last of my shopping tomorrow and still have $10ish plus postage so I can order a copy.
@Heather, did you know there IS just such a book? It’s called Novelist’s Boot Camp: 101 Ways to Take Your Book From Boring to Bestsell. Basically it takes you by the hand every step of the novel writing process. It’s not quite as good as a physical kick but it’s pretty close.
Then again, I find reading books about writing, particularly the process of BIC (butt in chair) fires my passion for the words and gets me back to my writing. There are so many resources to choose from so it is great to have a recommendation like yours George. You know, I find it hard to finish reading books about writing because I disappear into writing midway through reading. lol
Rebecca Laffar-Smith´s last blog ..December: Seasonal Writing
Rebecca,
Me too! I get so excited that I start putting things into play. The great thing about this book is that you could open to most any page and get a tip or two.
Good luck with the rest of your shopping!
George
George, this book sounds like its awesome!
thanks for your valuable suggestions 
I think i ma gonna get it for sure
Much Love
Z~
Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last blog ..Recurring Patterns
Zeenat,
It truly is a wonderful book. Once you get it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
George