Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction: The geeks and the cool kids
1. Making the commitment
2. Doing the work (and, sometimes not doing the work)
3. Connecting with readers: Publishing
4. Writing geeks unite: Finding your tribe
5. Continuing your education: What makes sense for you?
6. Making a living: Careers that support the writing life
7. Being teachable
8. Writing 2.0 or, platform-building can be fun
9. Traditional book publishing today: Finding and working with an agent
10. Making the show: They said, “No.” Now what? Or, they said, “Yes!” Now what?
11. Non-traditional book publishing: What you need to know
12. Before you go: Why we do this

Appendix
Index

Promotional Information

An inspiring guide to building a successful, sustainable writing practice into a 21st-century life already packed with work, family, friends and technology.

About the Author

Stephanie Vanderslice is Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Arkansas Writer's MFA Workshop at the University of Central Arkansas, USA and is the Chairperson of the Creative Writing Studies Organization. Her column, The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life appears regularly in the Huffington Post. She publishes fiction, nonfiction and creative writing criticism including Can Creative Writing Really Be Taught?: Resisting Lore in Creative Writing Pedagogy, Teaching Creative Writing to Undergraduates: A Guide and Sourcebook Rethinking Creative Writing.

Reviews

A successful writing life is what all writers want to pursue, and it can be difficult to obtain, but Vanderslice’s guide shows that it is possible to have it. She focuses on how to establish this by considering a writer’s personal and career life. The author even gives insightful commentary on being an effective literary citizen and options in different careers.
*Journal of Creative Writing Studies*

Vanderslice examines topics that are rare in writing guides ... Her take is knowledgeable and informative, with a writing style that is clear and anecdotal.
*Mslexia*

The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life is for every writer at every stage of his or her writing life because even the most experienced writers know those nagging questions—Can I write? Should I write? —never disappear completely. Writing can be a lonely craft but Stephanie Vanderslice inspires, informs and motivates with warmth, humility, and compassionate humor—writers who are fortunate to read this guide (and it is a book I'll be urging my writerly friends and students to read) will hear Vanderslice's voice cheering them on when those nagging questions visit, and that encouragement is a valuable gift.
*Julia Fierro, founder and director of The Sackett Street Writers' Workshop and author of The Gypsy Moth Summer*

Stephanie Vanderslice is the warm, friendly writer-next-door, sharing her decades of experience as author and teacher. She understands what it takes to be a writer—psychologically and practically— for the long-term and here generously shares her wealth of advice. Practical, witty, and well-organized, The Geek’s Guide to the Writing Life is a good helpmate for beginning writers setting out on a creative journey.
*Heather Sellers, Professor of English, University of South Florida, USA*

The Geek's Guide to the Writing Life welcomes you into the world of writing, offers you a seat by the fireplace, and doles out brilliant advice to the writer who wants not only to build a successful writing career but, more importantly, a fulfilling writing life. This is a deeply generous book, brimming with sustenance, practicality, and honest, hard-earned hopefulness. Take these lessons to heart.
*Julianna Baggott, author of the Pure series and The Seventh Book of Wonders*

The Geek’s Guide to the Writing Life is more than motivational advice. This is a personal heart-to-heart from one writer to others, offering years of experience and reflection on writing and publishing pursuits. Vanderslice shares humble insight for all writers. From supporting one’s self in this profession to furthering craft skills, The Geek’s Guide offers clarity and inspiration with a few laughs along the way.
*Lori A. May, author of The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship and the Writing Life*

A breath of fresh air when it comes to a writing-life guide. Instead of becoming mired down in must-dos and must-nots, Vanderslice applies her wit and brevity to a broad range of ways to approach writing for those of us who may not be full-time writers. She recognizes and normalizes the fact that most writers, even those with a successful following, lead everyday lives with other jobs that support our writing habits. There are a lot of great tips, and the appendix of resources is invaluable, and I think this book could be valuable to quite a few writers. Four stars.
*Tulsa Book Review*

With refreshing and disarming honesty, Vanderslice encourages her fellow non-cool writers while delivering cut-to-the-chase advice.
*The Writer Magazine*