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The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections and a Lot of Cursing
He's been at it a long time, and has learned a lot of lessons along the way. And he shares them with brutal honesty in this very book, along with plenty of hilarious (and sometimes painful) anecdotes about his career.
This is not a book that will tell you how to format a manuscript or write a compelling query letter. It's a book about how to cope with rejection and bad reviews. Book signings where nobody shows up. Helplessly watching your peers go on to greater success than you. He's been through all of that and so much more, and in these pages you'll have a bunch of laughs as you commiserate and figure out how to get through it all.
This is not a book that will tell you how to format a manuscript or write a compelling query letter. It's a book about how to cope with rejection and bad reviews. Book signings where nobody shows up. Helplessly watching your peers go on to greater success than you. He's been through all of that and so much more, and in these pages you'll have a bunch of laughs as you commiserate and figure out how to get through it all.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2020
About the author
Jeff Strand
213 books2,068 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 7, 2021
**Yep, that's right. I read it twice. And laughed just as hard the second time.**
“You’ve chosen the hardest thing in the world. Compared to writing, everything else is easy.”—One of my distant relatives at a family reunion.
I'm not sure why, exactly, but the very first sentence in this book (above), sent me into a fit of giggles. When I asked Jeff if this distant relative knew he'd been quoted, he said, "I think he's most likely deceased." And I don't know why, but that made me laugh even harder. Something about the idea of a random relative he didn't really know and couldn't even remember, being quoted in the opening line of his book, is hilarious to me.
But...it is Jeff Strand, after all.
So, do I dare even say it?
I'm so gonna...
This was, hands down, my favorite read of 2021 so far. Though it dropped on December 14, 2020, Jeff's 50th birthday, I only just now found time to dive in...and I polished this sucker off in less than four hours. I laughed so hard I was slobbering and my nose was running and I was trying to read passages to my husband, Doug, but my words came out sounding like a dying hyena because I was too hysterical to speak...and did I mention there was saliva? I'm fairly certain even my St. Bernard, Sal, who rocks big, droopy, drooly jowls, gave me a look of pity. Thinking about some of Jeff's shared stories and anecdotes has me snickering as I type this.
In the interim, I actually sent Jeff a message about penis cream (you remember the American Pie scene?) and oboes. (You just had to be there.)
I'm not sure if it's because I'm a newbie author, or if I just really enjoy Jeff's sense of humor, or something else entirely--but I can't help but wish this book had another three hundred pages. Whether or not you have any intention of trying your hand at writing...the entertainment value is there for all readers. I can't recommend this book enough. Truly.
Available now!
5 (laughing so hard I practically peed my pants--I only wish I was kidding) stars!
“You’ve chosen the hardest thing in the world. Compared to writing, everything else is easy.”—One of my distant relatives at a family reunion.
I'm not sure why, exactly, but the very first sentence in this book (above), sent me into a fit of giggles. When I asked Jeff if this distant relative knew he'd been quoted, he said, "I think he's most likely deceased." And I don't know why, but that made me laugh even harder. Something about the idea of a random relative he didn't really know and couldn't even remember, being quoted in the opening line of his book, is hilarious to me.
But...it is Jeff Strand, after all.
So, do I dare even say it?
I'm so gonna...
This was, hands down, my favorite read of 2021 so far. Though it dropped on December 14, 2020, Jeff's 50th birthday, I only just now found time to dive in...and I polished this sucker off in less than four hours. I laughed so hard I was slobbering and my nose was running and I was trying to read passages to my husband, Doug, but my words came out sounding like a dying hyena because I was too hysterical to speak...and did I mention there was saliva? I'm fairly certain even my St. Bernard, Sal, who rocks big, droopy, drooly jowls, gave me a look of pity. Thinking about some of Jeff's shared stories and anecdotes has me snickering as I type this.
In the interim, I actually sent Jeff a message about penis cream (you remember the American Pie scene?) and oboes. (You just had to be there.)
I'm not sure if it's because I'm a newbie author, or if I just really enjoy Jeff's sense of humor, or something else entirely--but I can't help but wish this book had another three hundred pages. Whether or not you have any intention of trying your hand at writing...the entertainment value is there for all readers. I can't recommend this book enough. Truly.
Available now!
5 (laughing so hard I practically peed my pants--I only wish I was kidding) stars!
December 14, 2020
I was told once, that I should write more like Jeff Strand, it was said as an insult to my own writing, and I thought, no fucking duh, we'd all be writing life Jeff if we knew how.
Well guess what mother fuckers, now we can. Except, it wasn't really a guide, didn't even include a dotted line to sign your soul away for the knowledge, but it was full of fun shit and loads of swear words.
I guess, if I took one thing from this book, it would be, that at the very least, I swear like Jeff Strand. And that's just fine with me.
Best version I've ever read of an author explaining his craft. Totally relatable and a serious must-read for writer's out there at any stage of their career
Well guess what mother fuckers, now we can. Except, it wasn't really a guide, didn't even include a dotted line to sign your soul away for the knowledge, but it was full of fun shit and loads of swear words.
I guess, if I took one thing from this book, it would be, that at the very least, I swear like Jeff Strand. And that's just fine with me.
Best version I've ever read of an author explaining his craft. Totally relatable and a serious must-read for writer's out there at any stage of their career
January 1, 2021
THE WRITING LIFE is a different kind of book on writing. As the title implies (and the sub-title further clarifies) this is a book about Jeff Strands experiences as a writer. Each section deals with different aspects of The Writing Life and are chock full of anecdotes to illustrate the topics at hand. And yes, there's lots of laughs as well.
What I like about this book is that it wasn't a How To Write Books kind of book. Reading about Jeff Strands experiences over the span of his writing career helped bring levity, understanding and commiseration to my soul. Yeah, I'm a bit of a writer myself, so there is a lot of appeal in this book for me. But, to be honest, I think someone who isn't a writer but a fan of Jeff Strand will also find entertainment value in the stories contained within. Like I said, there are plenty of laughs to be had within.
You may not learn how to write the next Great American Novel after reading THE WRITING LIFE. But, that's not the point. The point is, if you're a writer who's been in the trenches in some way, shape or form, you can read this book and relate, course correct or decide to bail on your own Writing Life.
Also, the part about the Tweeting and liking... totally true. I fact checked it.
What I like about this book is that it wasn't a How To Write Books kind of book. Reading about Jeff Strands experiences over the span of his writing career helped bring levity, understanding and commiseration to my soul. Yeah, I'm a bit of a writer myself, so there is a lot of appeal in this book for me. But, to be honest, I think someone who isn't a writer but a fan of Jeff Strand will also find entertainment value in the stories contained within. Like I said, there are plenty of laughs to be had within.
You may not learn how to write the next Great American Novel after reading THE WRITING LIFE. But, that's not the point. The point is, if you're a writer who's been in the trenches in some way, shape or form, you can read this book and relate, course correct or decide to bail on your own Writing Life.
Also, the part about the Tweeting and liking... totally true. I fact checked it.
September 6, 2022
Reasons Why Jeff Strand is My Personal Hero: a goodreads review that "save it for your blog" people will really dislike.
1. He's a self-published (frequently) author who's making it as one.
So you publishers can cram it with walnuts. Yeah, indies, too. I submitted a pretty short manuscript 7 months ago. That's 7 months I could've been promoting it myself, know what I mean? So if it's good, you get a lower return on each sale, and you get it later than you might've otherwise, or it sucks, you wait 7 months to find out it sucks, and then you're right back where you started.
How is publishing still this slow? Do the emails you send go to a center where they're printed, stuck in envelopes, and mailed to people? I'm trying to think of ways to MAKE this as slow as it is artificially, and it's not super easy.
Disclaimer: These views may not represent Jeff Strand or what he says in his book, by the way. He may tell you to cram it with chestnuts, Brazil nuts, or a Nutrageous! one of the many discontinued candy bars (thanks, cancel culture).
That disclaimer should've come at the beginning, and I moved it there, but then the cramming with nuts joke made no sense. It's a book review, calm down.
2. His writing advice book includes an anecdote about a llama kicking a kid in the nuts.
And it makes complete sense, somehow, that it's included in the book.
I made a mistake numbering these. Those two are all I really wanted to say. I think the numbers made it seem like I'd have a lot more.
1. He's a self-published (frequently) author who's making it as one.
So you publishers can cram it with walnuts. Yeah, indies, too. I submitted a pretty short manuscript 7 months ago. That's 7 months I could've been promoting it myself, know what I mean? So if it's good, you get a lower return on each sale, and you get it later than you might've otherwise, or it sucks, you wait 7 months to find out it sucks, and then you're right back where you started.
How is publishing still this slow? Do the emails you send go to a center where they're printed, stuck in envelopes, and mailed to people? I'm trying to think of ways to MAKE this as slow as it is artificially, and it's not super easy.
Disclaimer: These views may not represent Jeff Strand or what he says in his book, by the way. He may tell you to cram it with chestnuts, Brazil nuts, or a Nutrageous! one of the many discontinued candy bars (thanks, cancel culture).
That disclaimer should've come at the beginning, and I moved it there, but then the cramming with nuts joke made no sense. It's a book review, calm down.
2. His writing advice book includes an anecdote about a llama kicking a kid in the nuts.
And it makes complete sense, somehow, that it's included in the book.
I made a mistake numbering these. Those two are all I really wanted to say. I think the numbers made it seem like I'd have a lot more.
August 9, 2021
As a writer, this was so honest and true and funny, my face hurt from smiling, cringing when I recalled my own gaffes, and laughing out loud. A perfect addition to any writer's bookshelves.
January 9, 2021
A funny, sometimes tragic, always entertaining book not only about the ups and downs of a writing career, but honest insight into how things work and sometimes don't work as a writer. His anecdotes and side stories were funny and he let's you into the process of not only how he writes but how he actually wrote this book, too.
Words of wisdom from Jeff Strand is what every author needs... even if I feel like all of the awful people he points out might've been me. Or maybe I'm just paranoid? Yeah, that's gotta be it.
Words of wisdom from Jeff Strand is what every author needs... even if I feel like all of the awful people he points out might've been me. Or maybe I'm just paranoid? Yeah, that's gotta be it.
January 14, 2021
I’ve been messing about in the writing world for about 5 years now and I’ve been reading Jeff Strand books since I found Pressure about thirteen years ago. I’ve read most of his adult fiction but never ventured into his young adult stuff. When I seen this book, I knew I wanted to know more about his career. Jeff himself tells you this is not ‘how to write’ book but it gives his experiences of dealing with almost every aspect of the writing life. I found the book to be informative and entertaining. It is filled with Jeff’s usual wit and is funny throughout. I’m not sure it would be as interesting a read for someone outside of the writing world, but I suppose it’s hard for me to judge that these days. For anyone who is in earlier stages of their writing career, Jeff’s book will put you at ease. A lot of the things we all worry about are discussed in here and it helps you to realise you aren’t on your own. I highly recommend this book.
January 17, 2021
If you know Jeff Strand's work, you know he has a great sense of humor. (He is the author of "Werewolf Porno," so that gives you an idea of his humor if you haven't read his works.) That humor—self-deprecating, crude, insightful, and gleeful—is present on every page of this book. It has to be because much of what he relays are the hardships of a professional writing career: the near-misses, the disappointments, the scathing reviews, the embarrassments, the ceaseless returning to the page, heart filled with hope and brain battling back cynicism.
The book is quite funny and the honesty is refreshing. Writing as a profession is not a glamorous career. It is not lush with huge advances and movie deals. Most of that is left up to the fickle whims of fate. What we can control, of course, is our writing.
(Side Note: Instead of working on my current WIP, I spent the morning reading this book.)
Late in the book, Strand gives a glimpse into his creative process and his honesty and pragmatism is also quite refreshing here. I'm all for inspirational books like Elizabeth Gilbert's BIG MAGIC, but the sometimes grim reality Strand paints is comforting precisely because it is so believable and, for me at least, relatable.
The chapter "Brutal Near-Misses" is particularly honest and yet also encouraging. "Any chance is not your only chance" (102), he assures us.
Strand reminds us that writing "is a career not a hobby" (228), and so he strikes a balance between what he might want to write and what his audience prefers to read. And he gives what is probably the best writing advice: "Whatever works for you is the correct way" (226).
With that in mind, I return to my own WIP, determined but pragmatic. Even as my imagination drifts into other worlds, my feet stay in this one.
But before that, I've got to find that "Werewolf Porno" story.
The book is quite funny and the honesty is refreshing. Writing as a profession is not a glamorous career. It is not lush with huge advances and movie deals. Most of that is left up to the fickle whims of fate. What we can control, of course, is our writing.
(Side Note: Instead of working on my current WIP, I spent the morning reading this book.)
Late in the book, Strand gives a glimpse into his creative process and his honesty and pragmatism is also quite refreshing here. I'm all for inspirational books like Elizabeth Gilbert's BIG MAGIC, but the sometimes grim reality Strand paints is comforting precisely because it is so believable and, for me at least, relatable.
The chapter "Brutal Near-Misses" is particularly honest and yet also encouraging. "Any chance is not your only chance" (102), he assures us.
Strand reminds us that writing "is a career not a hobby" (228), and so he strikes a balance between what he might want to write and what his audience prefers to read. And he gives what is probably the best writing advice: "Whatever works for you is the correct way" (226).
With that in mind, I return to my own WIP, determined but pragmatic. Even as my imagination drifts into other worlds, my feet stay in this one.
But before that, I've got to find that "Werewolf Porno" story.
December 23, 2020
If 2020 has given us anything this year, it has been a stellar one for non-fiction books about writing horror, whether that be the practicalities, or in the form of a memoir. I previously gave a glowing review to Brian Keene’s brilliant ‘End of the Road’ and, to round out the year that also gave us Tim Waggoner’s ‘Writing in the Dark’, Jeff Strand has gifted us with ‘The Writing Life’ just in time for Christmas.
For anyone new to Jeff Strand, he currently has over 50 books to his name spanning a career of well over 20 years. Although he is primarily known as a comedy-horror writer, he has also published a number of young adult books, crime novels, short story collections and a fruit centric romantic comedy. ‘The Writing Life’ is his first full-length non-fiction book and tells the sometimes heartbreaking, often hilarious and consistently entertaining story of his career as a published author.
The book seems to have been written expressly to appeal to horror writers, either established or newcomer, but I don’t want to sell the books appeal short. Anybody with a passing interest in writing, or the horror genre in general, will find plenty to enjoy here. In fact, Strand is such a warm and likeable narrator, I’d be genuinely surprised to find a reader who doesn’t find something to like about this book.
Strand’s self-deprecating, conversational tone makes for a breezy, entertaining read and as the chapters are split into easily digestible sections I found it difficult to resist binge reading the whole book in one sitting. Chapters like ‘The Thrill of Rejection’, ‘The Joy of Negative Feedback’ and ‘The Fun of Bad Reviews’ contain a mix of humorous anecdotes and brutal honesty while others, like ‘Working With Other People’ and ‘Some Thoughts on Pseudonyms’ are filled with interesting behind the scenes tidbits and revelations that fans of Strand will get a big kick out of.
The books real triumph is that it is able to balance all the highs and lows that so clearly come with being a writer who lives paycheque to paycheque, switching effortlessly between light and cheery and painfully truthful, from stirring to serious without missing a beat. It really gives you a taste of the unpredictability of the career that Strand has chosen for himself, and it feels almost like we’re voyeurs, intruding on his life, so effective is his delivery.
Motivational, inspirational, and with a down to earth and relatable delivery, while being as funny as you would expect from a Jeff Strand book, ‘The Writing Life’ is a welcome addition to Strand’s ever-growing bibliography. We can only hope we won’t have to wait another twenty years for his non-fiction follow-up.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
For anyone new to Jeff Strand, he currently has over 50 books to his name spanning a career of well over 20 years. Although he is primarily known as a comedy-horror writer, he has also published a number of young adult books, crime novels, short story collections and a fruit centric romantic comedy. ‘The Writing Life’ is his first full-length non-fiction book and tells the sometimes heartbreaking, often hilarious and consistently entertaining story of his career as a published author.
The book seems to have been written expressly to appeal to horror writers, either established or newcomer, but I don’t want to sell the books appeal short. Anybody with a passing interest in writing, or the horror genre in general, will find plenty to enjoy here. In fact, Strand is such a warm and likeable narrator, I’d be genuinely surprised to find a reader who doesn’t find something to like about this book.
Strand’s self-deprecating, conversational tone makes for a breezy, entertaining read and as the chapters are split into easily digestible sections I found it difficult to resist binge reading the whole book in one sitting. Chapters like ‘The Thrill of Rejection’, ‘The Joy of Negative Feedback’ and ‘The Fun of Bad Reviews’ contain a mix of humorous anecdotes and brutal honesty while others, like ‘Working With Other People’ and ‘Some Thoughts on Pseudonyms’ are filled with interesting behind the scenes tidbits and revelations that fans of Strand will get a big kick out of.
The books real triumph is that it is able to balance all the highs and lows that so clearly come with being a writer who lives paycheque to paycheque, switching effortlessly between light and cheery and painfully truthful, from stirring to serious without missing a beat. It really gives you a taste of the unpredictability of the career that Strand has chosen for himself, and it feels almost like we’re voyeurs, intruding on his life, so effective is his delivery.
Motivational, inspirational, and with a down to earth and relatable delivery, while being as funny as you would expect from a Jeff Strand book, ‘The Writing Life’ is a welcome addition to Strand’s ever-growing bibliography. We can only hope we won’t have to wait another twenty years for his non-fiction follow-up.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
December 30, 2020
I am acquainted with Jeff and his wife Lynne. My daughter probably knows them better than I do. They are very nice people.
Jeff your book was funny and interesting. It’s hard to believe that the publishing company is in no better shape than it was 20 years ago when Richard wrote A Writer’s Tale. Actually, it seems worse! I am amazed at the similar “bullshit” stories with the editors. Nothing ever changes I guess!
I am now going to reread A Writer’s Tale and refresh my memory. I only read it in manuscript form back in the day. Good luck on the book, I hope it does well.
Jeff your book was funny and interesting. It’s hard to believe that the publishing company is in no better shape than it was 20 years ago when Richard wrote A Writer’s Tale. Actually, it seems worse! I am amazed at the similar “bullshit” stories with the editors. Nothing ever changes I guess!
I am now going to reread A Writer’s Tale and refresh my memory. I only read it in manuscript form back in the day. Good luck on the book, I hope it does well.
August 25, 2021
A fantastic read
I just finished reading “The Writing Life” by Jeff Strand and it was a terrific read. It’s a funny, realistic look at, you got it, the writing life. His writing style has always been enjoyable but in this case it felt as if I was sitting in his living room while he recounted anecdotes of his career as we sipped bottled water.
His mention of his experiences on Zoetrope brought back my own memories of those days on the platform, both good and bad.
If you’re looking for an entertaining book with an inside look into a writer’s life, look no further.
I just finished reading “The Writing Life” by Jeff Strand and it was a terrific read. It’s a funny, realistic look at, you got it, the writing life. His writing style has always been enjoyable but in this case it felt as if I was sitting in his living room while he recounted anecdotes of his career as we sipped bottled water.
His mention of his experiences on Zoetrope brought back my own memories of those days on the platform, both good and bad.
If you’re looking for an entertaining book with an inside look into a writer’s life, look no further.
August 11, 2021
If you've read Jeff Strand's books and loved them as much as I have, then you'll enjoy this peek behind the curtain at Jeff's life of writing. It's just as funny as his fiction books. I'm so glad he stuck with it and gave us so many great books to enjoy.
Makes me realize the dedication needed to become a writer. I think I'll stay just a reader.
Makes me realize the dedication needed to become a writer. I think I'll stay just a reader.
January 9, 2023
A hilarious tome brimming with Strand's signature dark humor, this book is also a wealth of knowledge for authors still learning how to navigate the world of horror publishing.
Having had the chance to hang with Jeff in person several times now at various conventions, one of the first things I noticed about him (aside from the fact that he'll have you laughing your ass off with one-liners consistently) is how welcoming he is to newer authors that are still breaking into the field. Jeff goes out of his way to give you that "one of us, one of us!" feeling, and it resonated deeply for me...and I think this book carries that same mentality.
The horror publishing landscape can be confusing, overwhelming, and there are moments where you can feel lost when first venturing down these dark literary roads. This book serves almost as a guide, a collection of misadventures and milestones of success, and once you realize Jeff has traveled these roads personally and run into a variety of personalities and situations along the way, the way forward starts to seem less intimidating. It's easy to relate to these anecdotes, the good & the bad.
I still feel that I'm in an early stage in my own writing journey. So much to learn, mistakes to make, lessons to absorb, experiences to savor. If you're an author who shares similar feelings, this porthole into Jeff's writing story will be hugely beneficial to you.
I feel like a core theme of the book is: stay hungry, keep writing, and slowly but surely, you'll carve out your individual legacy in the horror world.
Having had the chance to hang with Jeff in person several times now at various conventions, one of the first things I noticed about him (aside from the fact that he'll have you laughing your ass off with one-liners consistently) is how welcoming he is to newer authors that are still breaking into the field. Jeff goes out of his way to give you that "one of us, one of us!" feeling, and it resonated deeply for me...and I think this book carries that same mentality.
The horror publishing landscape can be confusing, overwhelming, and there are moments where you can feel lost when first venturing down these dark literary roads. This book serves almost as a guide, a collection of misadventures and milestones of success, and once you realize Jeff has traveled these roads personally and run into a variety of personalities and situations along the way, the way forward starts to seem less intimidating. It's easy to relate to these anecdotes, the good & the bad.
I still feel that I'm in an early stage in my own writing journey. So much to learn, mistakes to make, lessons to absorb, experiences to savor. If you're an author who shares similar feelings, this porthole into Jeff's writing story will be hugely beneficial to you.
I feel like a core theme of the book is: stay hungry, keep writing, and slowly but surely, you'll carve out your individual legacy in the horror world.
December 25, 2020
Here's a really entertaining book with some valuable writing advice mixed in. This thing is stuffed with hilarious anecdotes, like some all-time-great level absurd incidents. I laughed out loud at the film adaptation gone ludicrously wrong, the nightmare imposter syndrome convention, the burning cloth at the awards ceremony, and probably hardest at the hippo/llama digression.
All the Jeff Strand novels I've read have been really fun reads, and this foray into non-fiction was no different.
All the Jeff Strand novels I've read have been really fun reads, and this foray into non-fiction was no different.
March 8, 2021
Wow. What can I say about this? I'll save the meat for a Cemetery Dance Online review....but if you're a writer like I am, who is slugging it out in this crazy business while working a full time job, and you've come a long way from nothing but still aren't even sure where you're going, or if you're a success, or not, or what to do or how to handle it when no one shows up to your book signings...THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU. Get this, now.
December 15, 2020
THIS. This is what they should make students read in creative writing courses so they understand what being a working author actually feels like when you're doing it. Jeff hits the highs and lows of his career and while you're reading it you find yourself saying, "Oh yeah, me too." A LOT. It's a funny, relatable read, and the protagonist is way more likable than that little snot from "Catcher in the Rye" so if it's a toss up between the two, buy this one.
December 26, 2020
I’ve read many books on writing over the years (starting with “Journal of a Novel” by John Steinbeck, which I read when I was 10 years old). “The Writing Life” by Jeff Strand is by far the most unusual and the most helpful. It’s unusual because it’s not really structured like a linear book; it’s more of a patchwork of anecdotes and advice. The tone is very conversational and full of Jeff Strand’s trademark wit. It felt like talking with Jeff over a barbecue dinner but without having to look at the barbecue sauce on his face. Jeff shares stories from his career in writing, some of them success stories, some of them not. He is brutally honest about mistakes he has made. Some of the stories, like his tale of woe from his time as president of a writer’s organization, the story of one of his films being adapted (badly) into a film, and multiple stories of author readings where no one showed up, are hilarious and will make you snort coffee through your nose (well, they had that effect on me, but you might not be drinking coffee while reading).
And take note that the subtitle is accurate: there’s a LOT of cursing here. I think this is Jeff Strand’s filthiest book since his sex-farce thriller “Bang Up.” “The Writing Life” has 68 F-bombs and 62 S-bombs, for those keeping score. The awesome book cover by Lynne Hansen conveys the blend of humor, professional advice, and cursing that make up “The Writing Life.”
There are very helpful (and humorous) chapters on working with critique groups, dealing with bad reviews, collaborating with other authors, being on panels at conventions and conferences, balancing writing and day jobs, and dealing with imposter syndrome.
“The Writing Life” covers a topic I’ve never seen in a writing book before: there’s a chapter on quitting (Chapter 20: “Quitting”). This chapter was hugely liberating to me. It made me realize that for all intents and purposes, I quit writing when the Covid-19 crisis started in early 2020. I quit working on my novel-in-progress, other than making some plot notes here and there. And this chapter helped me realize: that’s OK. Like many people during this crisis, I had to drastically re-invent my whole job (I’m a self-employed counselor who works with clients in the criminal justice system) and go into financial survival mode for most of 2020. And I’m proud of how I weathered the storm and held on to my job and continued to help people in need of my services.
Not that I needed Jeff Strand’s permission to quit writing, or anyone else’s but my own – but realizing I had already quit writing, and realizing that was OK, felt like a huge burden of guilt was lifted off my shoulders. And paradoxically, when that guilt, that sense that I had failed as a writer, was gone, it was replaced by a sense of freedom and a new desire to write again.
“The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections, and a Lot of Cursing” by Jeff Strand has jump-started my own writing again, and for that I am truly grateful.
And take note that the subtitle is accurate: there’s a LOT of cursing here. I think this is Jeff Strand’s filthiest book since his sex-farce thriller “Bang Up.” “The Writing Life” has 68 F-bombs and 62 S-bombs, for those keeping score. The awesome book cover by Lynne Hansen conveys the blend of humor, professional advice, and cursing that make up “The Writing Life.”
There are very helpful (and humorous) chapters on working with critique groups, dealing with bad reviews, collaborating with other authors, being on panels at conventions and conferences, balancing writing and day jobs, and dealing with imposter syndrome.
“The Writing Life” covers a topic I’ve never seen in a writing book before: there’s a chapter on quitting (Chapter 20: “Quitting”). This chapter was hugely liberating to me. It made me realize that for all intents and purposes, I quit writing when the Covid-19 crisis started in early 2020. I quit working on my novel-in-progress, other than making some plot notes here and there. And this chapter helped me realize: that’s OK. Like many people during this crisis, I had to drastically re-invent my whole job (I’m a self-employed counselor who works with clients in the criminal justice system) and go into financial survival mode for most of 2020. And I’m proud of how I weathered the storm and held on to my job and continued to help people in need of my services.
Not that I needed Jeff Strand’s permission to quit writing, or anyone else’s but my own – but realizing I had already quit writing, and realizing that was OK, felt like a huge burden of guilt was lifted off my shoulders. And paradoxically, when that guilt, that sense that I had failed as a writer, was gone, it was replaced by a sense of freedom and a new desire to write again.
“The Writing Life: Reflections, Recollections, and a Lot of Cursing” by Jeff Strand has jump-started my own writing again, and for that I am truly grateful.
December 11, 2021
Recently I ran across the novel Dweller at my local library, noticing the name Jeff Strand down the spine. I'd heard the name before, of course, and slipping the book off the shelf, the cover alone told me I'd found another must-read for my TBR.
Before I could get around to Dweller, however, later that night I was doing a bit of further research on Jeff Strand and discovered The Writing Life--which I immediately downloaded to my Kindle, thinking I'd get to it later. Then I started reading. And laughing. Almost an hour later, I'd almost convinced myself to shirk that night's writing and go whole hog on this book. With a heavy, heavy heart, I put it away.
When I'd carved out the time, I picked it back up and absolutely blew through the rest of this book. To make me laugh is easy enough, to make me REALLY laugh not so much, and Strand did this many, many times throughout the book. One detour involving a llama had me gasping for breath, and possibly in danger of serious injury. As a writer myself, the stories are both instructive and hilarious, and the chapters flow easy as a river. Honestly, I wouldn't have believed some of these stories, if only they didn't ring so true to my own experience.
I'm a sucker for these types of books--Chuck Palahniuk's Consider This is another, with a story involving a Stephen King book signing that is the stuff of legend--and Strand nailed this one. He's obviously a talented writer, and The Writing Life was like a breath of fresh air--and, I must say, one I wouldn't mind seeing followed up with another volume of those stories that hit the cutting room floor.
Highly recommended for writers, or anybody who can appreciate good humor. Oh, and a lot of cursing.
Before I could get around to Dweller, however, later that night I was doing a bit of further research on Jeff Strand and discovered The Writing Life--which I immediately downloaded to my Kindle, thinking I'd get to it later. Then I started reading. And laughing. Almost an hour later, I'd almost convinced myself to shirk that night's writing and go whole hog on this book. With a heavy, heavy heart, I put it away.
When I'd carved out the time, I picked it back up and absolutely blew through the rest of this book. To make me laugh is easy enough, to make me REALLY laugh not so much, and Strand did this many, many times throughout the book. One detour involving a llama had me gasping for breath, and possibly in danger of serious injury. As a writer myself, the stories are both instructive and hilarious, and the chapters flow easy as a river. Honestly, I wouldn't have believed some of these stories, if only they didn't ring so true to my own experience.
I'm a sucker for these types of books--Chuck Palahniuk's Consider This is another, with a story involving a Stephen King book signing that is the stuff of legend--and Strand nailed this one. He's obviously a talented writer, and The Writing Life was like a breath of fresh air--and, I must say, one I wouldn't mind seeing followed up with another volume of those stories that hit the cutting room floor.
Highly recommended for writers, or anybody who can appreciate good humor. Oh, and a lot of cursing.
January 9, 2022
First off the author has a lot of writing credentials. For all the knowledge this is a casually written book with profanity and side stories. It was like he said it as he wrote it.
The best part about this book is that it is one of the actually inspiring books about writing life. When I read some books on publishing and being an author, it’s all edits and millions of other writers competing and money spent. Other books try to talk you out if it.
Strand does all editing and money spending. He does everything he supposed to and you know what, he goes to book signings and no one shows. He travels for miles and one person shows. He gets removed from a signing in a store. He goes to conventions and sells some books.
Why do I find this inspiring? He still does it. He writes full time. He joins groups and speaks at conventions. He has ideas all the time. No matter if he does a signing with someone that doesn’t want to be there, he does it. He keeps writing and going out.
If you do everything and spend all kinds of money to get your work published, you may not sell a lot. Strand keeps writing. I love that message.
The best part about this book is that it is one of the actually inspiring books about writing life. When I read some books on publishing and being an author, it’s all edits and millions of other writers competing and money spent. Other books try to talk you out if it.
Strand does all editing and money spending. He does everything he supposed to and you know what, he goes to book signings and no one shows. He travels for miles and one person shows. He gets removed from a signing in a store. He goes to conventions and sells some books.
Why do I find this inspiring? He still does it. He writes full time. He joins groups and speaks at conventions. He has ideas all the time. No matter if he does a signing with someone that doesn’t want to be there, he does it. He keeps writing and going out.
If you do everything and spend all kinds of money to get your work published, you may not sell a lot. Strand keeps writing. I love that message.
January 10, 2021
A charming and highly readable non-fiction book about what it's like to be a writer. Author Jeff Strand doesn't offer the reader any how-to-write advice in THE WRITING LIFE (there are plenty of those kinds of books available already) but instead focuses on what to expect once you're published, liberally peppered with his own amusing and often self-deprecating anecdotes. It's a fast, funny read that will have Strand's fellow authors nodding in agreement and chuckling in recognition, while giving aspiring writers a chance to rethink whether the craziness of a writing career is really what they want. While there's a definite "isn't this funny and/or ridiculous" tone to Strand's authorial voice, there's actually a lot to be learned from THE WRITING LIFE, not the least of which is how to cope with a writing career that, to paraphrase the author, you quite honestly thought would be more successful by now. Highly recommended for writers and interested readers alike.
January 10, 2021
A lot of books by writers are coming out along this line, as in, not so much instructional on writing as just giving you a glimpse of what life as a writer is for individual authors. I've never read any of his actual fiction--though I have a few that I intend to get to--but he seems like a pretty funny, down to earth guy. Truth to tell, he seems like he might be me from another universe. (we're almost exactly the same age, we write the same way--constantly revising vs plow-to-the-end-and-then-edit, we both had bowl haircuts when we were kids, etc)
It's pretty entertaining if you're a writer, and even if you're not you'd probably enjoy it. I have a soft spot for these types of books, so maybe I'm biased.
It's pretty entertaining if you're a writer, and even if you're not you'd probably enjoy it. I have a soft spot for these types of books, so maybe I'm biased.
September 5, 2021
chapter 22 was the most boring thing i have read in a long time,
i could not believe it,
as i did not read something boring by jeff strand before,
but i burned through all the other chapters and had to laugh out loud a lot
i could not believe it,
as i did not read something boring by jeff strand before,
but i burned through all the other chapters and had to laugh out loud a lot
January 2, 2021
Better than On Writing
Nothing against King, but this is what it's like for most people to try to become or to be a writer, written by someone who didn't get a six-figure advance in his 20s yet still built a successful, satisfying career. Crucial information and hysterically funny.
Nothing against King, but this is what it's like for most people to try to become or to be a writer, written by someone who didn't get a six-figure advance in his 20s yet still built a successful, satisfying career. Crucial information and hysterically funny.
April 7, 2023
Full disclosure. I am a huge fan of Jeff Strand, but in my own writing career, I have met him enough times at conventions over the years to consider him a friend and colleague.
Despite being a friend, my honest response is this book was absolute pleasure. None of it really shocked me— some of it felt like deja vu, because certain crestfallen scenarios as an author are often rites of passage.
But even if the material seemed extremely familiar, it behooves writers, living the writing life, to read about another writer going through the same thing. It galvanizes you.
This book isn’t about the craft, but more about the crafter, and when the doubts pile up (as they do), an author needs a book like this to turn the lights on and see the resilient company they’re standing with.
Despite being a friend, my honest response is this book was absolute pleasure. None of it really shocked me— some of it felt like deja vu, because certain crestfallen scenarios as an author are often rites of passage.
But even if the material seemed extremely familiar, it behooves writers, living the writing life, to read about another writer going through the same thing. It galvanizes you.
This book isn’t about the craft, but more about the crafter, and when the doubts pile up (as they do), an author needs a book like this to turn the lights on and see the resilient company they’re standing with.
May 30, 2021
Jeff you are entertaining. I loved the conversational tone of this funny book. The Writing Life is a cool glimpse into your writing life. I think all writers feel a lot of the same fears and anxieties. I know I have.
What this book was to me:
Inspiring. Sure. You really had a difficult go but you somehow maintained an unbreakable attitude through some pretty painful shit so yes.
Motivational. How could it not be? If you can do it well hell ya others can!
Jam-packed with amusing and sometimes painful anecdotes. You definitely did not disappoint. I laughed. I cringed. I sweated with you.
A book aimed at a NYT’s bestselling author… well I’m not one, but I have had some success with my picture book and have attended many conferences and I found some true nuggets of useful wisdom. No bullshit!
A book for authors who quite honestly thought they’d be more successful by now. I think everyone looks back with the what if’s. But if this books says anything it’s the big Don’t fucking quit!
So no worries Jeff Strand this book was definitely not dog shit! No need to apologize.
And to your wife Lynne - that’s one #%*! Kick ass cover!
What this book was to me:
Inspiring. Sure. You really had a difficult go but you somehow maintained an unbreakable attitude through some pretty painful shit so yes.
Motivational. How could it not be? If you can do it well hell ya others can!
Jam-packed with amusing and sometimes painful anecdotes. You definitely did not disappoint. I laughed. I cringed. I sweated with you.
A book aimed at a NYT’s bestselling author… well I’m not one, but I have had some success with my picture book and have attended many conferences and I found some true nuggets of useful wisdom. No bullshit!
A book for authors who quite honestly thought they’d be more successful by now. I think everyone looks back with the what if’s. But if this books says anything it’s the big Don’t fucking quit!
So no worries Jeff Strand this book was definitely not dog shit! No need to apologize.
And to your wife Lynne - that’s one #%*! Kick ass cover!
May 22, 2023
I was sitting around a hotel one day, moaning about how my writing life has not taken off like I wanted it to. I mean, I wrote a book so there should be magic buckets of money falling from the sky, fans galore, and publishers lining up to hoist me in the air as their new star. What am I doing wrong?
Then I noticed a humble, and sometimes foul mouthed, man sitting in the corner with his wife standing next to him, offering her beautiful drawings. He had a book called “The Writing Life; Reflections, Recollections, And a Lot of Cursing.” Huzzah! My prayers have been answered! Just buy his book, read it, and the money, fans, publishers will show up. Right?
Well, no. First off, I have more books than just one and I already know that is not going to happen. But I will say that Jeff Strands book, “The Writing Life; Reflections, Recollections, And a Lot of Cursing,” —which was actually recommended by his wife— is a fantastic read. It does show that the road I’m on is not as far off as I thought, and he has gone through the exact same things other authors have gone through. As a matter of fact, he openly shares his stories about failures, missteps, and other things that go horrifically (and sometimes comically) wrong.
Jeff, if you have ever met him, is a very no-nonsense kind of guy. He will tell you about his books with a gleam in his eye and smile on his face, but he would badger you into buying them. He is a true pro in the business of writing and this book is all about how he became that pro. I put this on my shelf next to my books by Stephen King and Terry Brooks as definitive sources to help pick me up when I am going through a day when I am convinced my own career has come to an end.
This book isn’t a how-too book. It is a retelling of what he went through. Bare that in mind when you are purchasing it. You will be amazed, you will laugh, you will cringe, and I think you will just be happy you took the time to read it from a guy who has been there and done that. Another great book by Jeff Strand.
Then I noticed a humble, and sometimes foul mouthed, man sitting in the corner with his wife standing next to him, offering her beautiful drawings. He had a book called “The Writing Life; Reflections, Recollections, And a Lot of Cursing.” Huzzah! My prayers have been answered! Just buy his book, read it, and the money, fans, publishers will show up. Right?
Well, no. First off, I have more books than just one and I already know that is not going to happen. But I will say that Jeff Strands book, “The Writing Life; Reflections, Recollections, And a Lot of Cursing,” —which was actually recommended by his wife— is a fantastic read. It does show that the road I’m on is not as far off as I thought, and he has gone through the exact same things other authors have gone through. As a matter of fact, he openly shares his stories about failures, missteps, and other things that go horrifically (and sometimes comically) wrong.
Jeff, if you have ever met him, is a very no-nonsense kind of guy. He will tell you about his books with a gleam in his eye and smile on his face, but he would badger you into buying them. He is a true pro in the business of writing and this book is all about how he became that pro. I put this on my shelf next to my books by Stephen King and Terry Brooks as definitive sources to help pick me up when I am going through a day when I am convinced my own career has come to an end.
This book isn’t a how-too book. It is a retelling of what he went through. Bare that in mind when you are purchasing it. You will be amazed, you will laugh, you will cringe, and I think you will just be happy you took the time to read it from a guy who has been there and done that. Another great book by Jeff Strand.
February 27, 2022
Jeff Strand isn't Stephen King, but he may well be horror's Jack Kerouac. Not in the sense of style -- he goes for belly laughs more often than mystical euphoria -- but he has to be one of the fastest writers in the business. It's astonishing how many books he's churned as his star has risen. He tells his story, or at least the good parts, in this biography. The book is not a how-to-write primer, but it could pass for a field manual in how to survive the gauntlet most writers will face.
He goes through his journey with rejections, bad agents, snarky reviews and projects that fell through. The writer plays these travails with his trademark sense of humor, one that leavens the horror in almost every book he writes. This is a portrait that makes no effort to paint out the subject's warts. Strand has been known to share his bad reviews on social media.
I've read a few of his other books, and for my money, they're better as dark adventure tales than spine-chilling horror. His humor is an essential part of the package, and a strong reason for his success. Horror can take itself too seriously at times; writers of the Lovecraft school can sometimes get a little heavy handed with the cosmic gloom. The slapstick of Strand's work is a welcome antidote.
His Pilgrim's Progress through the mainstream and indie publishing world, of course, has a happy ending. He's written almost 50 books since his first sale in 1996 to a magazine that folded after one issue. He's guilty of a bit of humble bragging, such as claiming he's an introvert. If you're a real introvert, you don't host the Bram Stoker Awards multiple times. Even still, humor work is a break from the gloomy seriousness of most of the genre, and it's one of the strongest virtues of The Writing Live.
He goes through his journey with rejections, bad agents, snarky reviews and projects that fell through. The writer plays these travails with his trademark sense of humor, one that leavens the horror in almost every book he writes. This is a portrait that makes no effort to paint out the subject's warts. Strand has been known to share his bad reviews on social media.
I've read a few of his other books, and for my money, they're better as dark adventure tales than spine-chilling horror. His humor is an essential part of the package, and a strong reason for his success. Horror can take itself too seriously at times; writers of the Lovecraft school can sometimes get a little heavy handed with the cosmic gloom. The slapstick of Strand's work is a welcome antidote.
His Pilgrim's Progress through the mainstream and indie publishing world, of course, has a happy ending. He's written almost 50 books since his first sale in 1996 to a magazine that folded after one issue. He's guilty of a bit of humble bragging, such as claiming he's an introvert. If you're a real introvert, you don't host the Bram Stoker Awards multiple times. Even still, humor work is a break from the gloomy seriousness of most of the genre, and it's one of the strongest virtues of The Writing Live.
January 22, 2024
I was sharing a table with another author at Horror on Main. Over in the 'we're the big wigs room' sat Jeff Strand at one of the tables. I naturally picked up a few books from him. That's usually the case. I buy more than I sell. But he had a lot of books. I didn't notice this one at first. Then my friend and fellow author Bryan Nowak told me about this book. I went back over and spent some time talking to Jeff and bought the book.
That was May 2023. This is January 2024. Obviously, my TBR pile is so high I had to eat my way through other books to get to this one finally. But I am glad I did.
It isn't really a 'how to' guide to writing. There are lots of other books out there purporting to give you the magic formula for such a life. This is however chocked full of humorous anecdotes and reflectinos, recollections, and a lot of cursing (hey the book title warns you) of Jeff's adventures in writing. It is well worth the read. And if you like to chase the ocassional squirrel, you'll be happy to know that Jeff ups the ante with a hippopotamus and a llama -- but I won't spoil the fun.
Get it, read it, enjoy it. Whether you are an aspiring writer or an accomplished one, you'll enjoy this book.
That was May 2023. This is January 2024. Obviously, my TBR pile is so high I had to eat my way through other books to get to this one finally. But I am glad I did.
It isn't really a 'how to' guide to writing. There are lots of other books out there purporting to give you the magic formula for such a life. This is however chocked full of humorous anecdotes and reflectinos, recollections, and a lot of cursing (hey the book title warns you) of Jeff's adventures in writing. It is well worth the read. And if you like to chase the ocassional squirrel, you'll be happy to know that Jeff ups the ante with a hippopotamus and a llama -- but I won't spoil the fun.
Get it, read it, enjoy it. Whether you are an aspiring writer or an accomplished one, you'll enjoy this book.
April 11, 2021
This is not a how-to book on writing technique but what I would call a 'writing lifestyle' book, similar in part to King's ON WRITING or Terry Brooks' SOMETIME THE MAGIC WORKS. My first Jeff Strand book was HOW TO RESCUE A DEAD PRINCESS. I loved the humor and that's what has kept me coming back again and again. I consider him to be the Christopher Moore of horror.
A number of things surprised me in this book. First of all, the length and dedication of his struggle--from comic books to radio drama, to CD and early ebook efforts and more. I was fortunate enough to meet him at Seton Hill University's In Your Write Mind conference circa 2013 and that made me even more of a fan. (I don't recall him swearing at all during his presentations or after.) Another surprise was the low sales of KUMQUAT, atypically a romcom, and my favorite and one of my all-time Top Ten books.
Even if you're never read a Jeff Strand book, THE WRITING LIFE is well worth reading if you have even a remote interest in a writing career. It's an entertaining yet highly realistic view of becoming successful as a writer. If anything, it shows that persistence and not giving up on your dream will pay off.
A number of things surprised me in this book. First of all, the length and dedication of his struggle--from comic books to radio drama, to CD and early ebook efforts and more. I was fortunate enough to meet him at Seton Hill University's In Your Write Mind conference circa 2013 and that made me even more of a fan. (I don't recall him swearing at all during his presentations or after.) Another surprise was the low sales of KUMQUAT, atypically a romcom, and my favorite and one of my all-time Top Ten books.
Even if you're never read a Jeff Strand book, THE WRITING LIFE is well worth reading if you have even a remote interest in a writing career. It's an entertaining yet highly realistic view of becoming successful as a writer. If anything, it shows that persistence and not giving up on your dream will pay off.
May 23, 2023
Well, I am glad I had my local bookstore order PRESSURE and DWELLER.
This was the very first Jeff Strand book I have read, and if one of his goals with this book was to endear a reader to his humor and voice, then mission accomplished.
Other readers/ writers have suggested his straight up Horror books, like the ones I mentioned above, but THE WRITING LIFE is so fucking funny it makes me want to read his YA humor books, as well.
Let's talk about that voice for a second. This book collects a career's worth of writing experience anecdotes. Strand does an excellent job giving us a balanced perspective on his writing career. One side of his writer's personality is humble, admitting it has taken him a long time, filled with mistakes and lessons learned, to get to the place he is currently at. The other side of his writers personality demonstrates a confidence that could only be gained from being prolific and having extended experience with readers, other writers and agents.
I recommend this book to writers who have yet to be established, that want a non-pretentious view into the writing life.
This was the very first Jeff Strand book I have read, and if one of his goals with this book was to endear a reader to his humor and voice, then mission accomplished.
Other readers/ writers have suggested his straight up Horror books, like the ones I mentioned above, but THE WRITING LIFE is so fucking funny it makes me want to read his YA humor books, as well.
Let's talk about that voice for a second. This book collects a career's worth of writing experience anecdotes. Strand does an excellent job giving us a balanced perspective on his writing career. One side of his writer's personality is humble, admitting it has taken him a long time, filled with mistakes and lessons learned, to get to the place he is currently at. The other side of his writers personality demonstrates a confidence that could only be gained from being prolific and having extended experience with readers, other writers and agents.
I recommend this book to writers who have yet to be established, that want a non-pretentious view into the writing life.
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