DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, Build Your Community

I have been a big fan of DIY MFA since I first heard Gabriela Pereira speak at the Writer's Digest conference in August 2014. As an educator, I responded to her strong ability to command her classroom's attention; deliver a clear and detailed lesson, chock-full of advice and information; and show confidence in her audience's ability to absorb and understand the material. Since that conference, I have become a columnist for the DIY MFA website and a proud member of Gabriela's team. I'm also a member of the Street Team for the book, and received an ARC to review.As previous reviewers have mentioned, this book is divided into the three main pillars of DIY MFA: Writing, Reading and Community. All three sections could easily stand alone as their own manuals for writing craft, purposeful reading, and building a writing tribe. The fact that they exist under one cover makes this book a must-have for any writer, no matter where she is on her writing journey.What I've always loved best about DIY MFA, though, is Gabriela's strong voice. Reading her writing, from this book to the website and her "Word Nerd" email list, is like talking to a friend who's not afraid to tell you what she thinks, but also respects your individuality. She knows what works for herself, but also goes out of her way to find methods that work for others, and suggests them all as answers to your writing questions. This book reveals that Gabriela's own path to writing success comes from much trial-and-error, failures that turned into learning opportunities, and "iterations" (a favorite word of hers) to improve her habits. The authenticity of that path gives Gabriela credibility as both a writer and an educator. I admire her because she does what I personally try (and sometimes fail) to do: pursue continuous growth and learning about myself and my chosen career path. If Gabriela were to write this book again in ten years, I bet it could be twice as long, given that she continues to learn and share what she's learned about the world of writing.If you only read one book about writing this year, make it this one!

*I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.When I read that the entire DIY MFA method was being published in a book I knew I had to get it. As much of a resource as the site has been, the book, I knew, would be chock-full of wisdom. I pre-ordered the book even though I had access to the advanced reader’s copy. After reading the first few chapters I quickly figured out that this book was going to be a much-used and much-loved writing resource.Gabriela lays out the foundation of writing in a methodical and easily-understood manner. The book is sectioned into the 3-part mission of DIY MFA: “write with focus, read with purpose, build your community.” From there the book is pared down into bite-sized chapters with clear actionable steps/homework. For example, in the Read with Purpose portion we learn to “Read Like a Writer,” and the four types of books a writer should utilize {also known as “the four C’s”}: “competitive titles, contextual books, contemporary books, and classics.”Gabriela is a big fan of acronyms and tips which further helps to cement the tools learned. For example, the term ‘habits’ becomes:H = Honor Your RealityA = Add ConstraintsB = Block Time and Batch TasksI = IterateT = Ten Percent RuleS = Set the MoodGabriela is candid and practical throughout the book. There is no shortcut to becoming a good writer. Practicing is repeated over and over, or actually, what I came to term as Gabriela’s favorite word ~ “iterate, iterate, iterate.” That was my only issue with the book – why say iterate when practice works just as well?If you have any desire to improve your writing, whether as a blogger or a long-time writer, pick up this book. It is sure to become your favorite writing resource – I know it is now mine!

Thorough overview of the writing eco-system, from reading as a writer to different approaches to the writing process and how to build both a community of readers and fellow writers.Would highly recommend as a general text to introduce the reader to the writers life.Also very good navigation around the book with headings, sub headings etc.

There’s a book inside of me that wants to be written. I tried to ignore this urge for the last 15 years because I have no training on how to write and publish a book. I studied economics and math in college. My professional work is not in the business of writing or publishing. I don’t want to go back to school at this point in life, with kids to raise and bills to pay. I’m glad I came across DIY MFA. This book is concise, packed with useful information for someone like me. I learned something valuable on every page. All the chapters are necessary. Its tone and message are encouraging. The teachings are straightforward and after reading it, I feel like I CAN write a book. Just what I need to help me at this early point in my writing journey.

My copy is literally falling apart from how much I underlined and wrote all over this book. This book was amazing! I read it because I recently got into an MFA, but I also kind of felt clueless so I wanted ro read somwthing that would help prepare me for these 3 years and I figured why not the DIY MFA book. Omg this book made me reconsider (almost) not even needing an MFA. It offers so much insight and helpful tips. I often find myself quoting it to my writer friends, and I have even recommended it to my writer friends who will not be pursuing traditional MFAs. Even though I am in a program, I will definitely be following the tips in this book and the DIYMFA website to help build me on my writer and publishing journey. I am truly thankful for the random day I had a non-writing field friend (ironically) recommend this book to me. Who woulda' thunk it? Please write more!!!

If you want to know about the writing craft go for it- but I was hoping this book would talk more about actually getting yourself published and finding "ins" in the industry and was disappointed

Gabriella has written a clear and helpful guide for an advanced writer. She bolstered that by talks with groups and invitations to stay in touch. The book has been well worthwhile for me as an older writer who could not leave home and my family.

Good book. Well written with some excellent advice. I'd recommend it.

It's a great book, but I'll disclose already that for comic book writers, it's not perfect.I still rate it high, I saw it was valuable for regular writers, and it still did give me a lot of great pointers in general, going from character creation, to tools and hints to use, to how to manage an online presence, but just in case someone is writing a comic book and considering to buy this, I need to give this heads up.

This book puts future writers in the right direction to writing seriously - to getting published. The author is personable and willing shares her knowledge with enthusiasm.Her writing is clear, concise and most helpful. If you ever aspiredv to get your Masters in Creative Writing - read this book. You can actually get all the knolwedge you need to get that Masters. Gabriella shares with us the work of a Masters so you can do on your own (DIY). HER BOOK TAKES YOU THERE. |JOIN THE GROUP AND GET YOUR MASTERS KNOWLEDGE. I have learned so much since reading this book and going on to take the online course with the author.. DS

An interesting approach for planning your writing life. Also a great overview of many of the tools writers need in their toolbox.