WRITE A MUST-READ

A debut manual offers advice on writing an inspirational book that focuses on readers.

Harper has put in extensive time as a ghostwriter. Through her career helping others convey their ideas on paper, she has worked on numerous “personal and professional development books.” Her guide targets potential authors who wish to create works on such topics as obtaining business success and thriving while raising children with disabilities. The manual’s main message is simple: Authors should not aim to explore a certain subject but rather they should write for a specific reader: “A book is not about something. A book is for someone.” The purpose is to help this “Ideal Reader” obtain something or accomplish a goal. Harper lays out various steps and strategies in order to make this happen. For instance, authors must identify messages that make them want to write books. They will benefit from sticking to sensible word count goals and learning to work with editors. Harper shares her own experiences, from becoming determined to write a play at a young age to dealing with life’s setbacks. Some of the advice falls on the obvious side: The first draft of a work is going to be bad (“the Shitty First Draft”); a metaphorical story comparing writing to basketball (with the importance of practice and dedication in both endeavors) is heartfelt but not really groundbreaking. Still, Harper’s enthusiasm is prevalent throughout. She tells aspiring authors: “Write the shit out of your book.” And this manual’s main point about concentrating on readers helps set it apart from similar fare. As the author explains at the outset, many people want to write about, say, business development so they can simply “get something out.” Harper’s recipe that calls for a writer to hold tight to the concept of who the book is for and see it through—no matter the off days and inner doubts—proves to be both sensible and inspiring.

A practical, useful, and comprehensive guide to crafting a motivational work.