In May of 2005, Ariel Gore’s friend Allison Crews sent Ariel an e-mail asking her to be her mentor. She agreed to Allison’s request, but the two were not able to get together for the mentorship to begin. One month after she sent the e-mail, Allison had a seizure and passed away at the age of twenty-three. How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead was born from these sad circumstances. It’s everything Ariel wishes she had told her dear friend.
It’s a writer’s guide like no other, as it doesn’t focus on the mechanics of writing. The book includes interviews and exercises from Dave Barry, Dave Eggers, Michelle Tea, Julia Alvarez and other stars of the literary world. They dole out practical advice for conquering real-life obstacles that stand between you and your dreams. It’s funny and irreverent, as well as informative and inspirational.
We all know the lit game has changed. It’s not enough to write a great book. There are millions of great books sitting in slush piles at this very second. Most of us aren't famous actors or politicians who decide we want to put out a book. We are only regular folks chasing a dream. The good news? There’s never been an easier time to forge our own paths in the lit world. The dream is ours for the taking my friends, viva revolution!
I read this book before signing with Pandamoon, and I'm so glad I did. It helped me understand that my literary path doesn't have to be the traditional route. Right now our paths can be anything we want them to be. How to Become a Famous Writer Before You’re Dead left me with the feeling that I CAN DO THIS! It’s a must-read, but you can’t borrow my copy.