THE 30-SECOND COMMUTE by Stephanie Dickison
I didn't intend to write a book review today. Hell, The Husband just finished his first half marathon this past weekend and it was one of the most touching moments of my life when we finally were able to touch one another after the race that he pulled me to him, near weeping, and gave me this heart felt hug. All choked up, he was just thrilled that I'd pulled myself and the kids to see him at the 2-mile mark and then made our way through the crowds to the finish line. And WE cheered him on. And WE were there for him, for this big event.It felt like it was just us standing there in Grant Park with the world swirling around us. I was so proud of him. Of us as a family unit. And my heart burst. But that's another post.... because, I'm compelled to tell you about this book.
Last week, I'd just finished a novel I was reading, wanted something quick, smooth, and easy reading. I was sick for God Sakes (yes, puking sick) and just wanted something easy to digest. Literally and figuratively. So, being sent THE 30-SECOND COMMUTE by Stephanie Dickison a while back (as in MONTHS AGO. In February. And I am just now getting to it).
Can I just say: I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. It so took me by surprise. Not that I had any expectations except for the quick, smooth, easy thing (which it was). But I didn't expect to be inspired by it. I mean, really. I've read every 'How to Write a Book' Book out there. And even the ole WRITING DOWN THE BONES by Natalie Goldberg (it's an oldie but goodie). But this one, had me wanting to read a chapter, open my laptop and push through all those negative thoughts and keep working on my current work in progress. So some day soon, I could join Stephanie as a writer working for myself.
30-SECOND COMMUTE is not all about writing exercises, routines, finding work as a writer, or how you too can make a living as a freelance writer. Nope. It's a memoir. Just a book about being a writer. And it's ENTERTAINING. Seriously. Stephanie had me laughing out loud. Giggling in the midst of my sickness. And just all about shaking my head in agreement. But the best part about the book really is Stephanie's voice. Somewhere deep in the prose she says that she just wanted to write things that people read. And write them in the way she speaks. And girl... you do. Hell, if you didn't live in Canada and me here in Southeastern Wisconsin, I'd come find you for coffee.
She's fun. Hilarious. Honest. And it feels like she's sitting right next to you talking about life. The best parts about being a writer and how she handles work (she's a Type A like me, so it is heartening to know I am not the only one that will hunch over the keyboard for hours at a time), gets caught up in finding the next project, and well just about everything in between. I literally tore through the book in one night, then opened my laptop and started pounding out my own prose. I mean, the one thing Stephanie was clear about, is you have to write to WRITE. And for whatever reason--her voice, her experiences, her honesty, had me wanting to be just like her.
So, if you're a writer--non-fiction or fiction, pick this book up. It's an open door to the writers world. And it's gloriously honest and funny. It's totally for those days when I don't want to haul my large ass to the desk to write myself. I can pick it up, give any one chapter a quick read and remember why I want to write... thanks Stephanie! You, my girl, ROCK.
Labels: author, books, memoir, reading, reviews, writing, writing life
