Expat Writer: Release the Book Within

Jo Parfitt
Lean Marketing Press (2007)
ISBN 1905430264
Reviewed by Kathleen Dowdell for Reader Views (5/07)

Author Jo Parfitt has lived in Dubai, Oman, Norway, England and now the Netherlands, thus the title “Expat Writer.” She brings a unique perspective to writing through her travels and her sheer determination to become a writer even though as a child her teachers told her that writing was not a real career. In this book, Jo shares her story that can easily be incorporated into writer’s tips that will help any writer through the process of first idea to published idea. Many first ideas are born out of experiences that make the person an expert in a certain field. Jo shows how to capitalize on these experiences and turn them into marketable outcomes.

The meat of the book is found in the eight chapters that are broken into lessons. The first lesson begins with the question “Why do you write?” By figuring out what inspires you to write, you can focus more clearly on the final product – your book. These pages of information are truly inspirational in the sense that they outline the characteristics of a writer. Not all people can or want to write. But a true writer has passion and that passion is the motivating factor that keeps a writer focused and self-driven. Parfitt points out that maintaining motivation is one of the hardest things about writing a book. She devotes an entire chapter on motivational tactics that include ways to stay on target. This book will definitely help inspire you during those times when you encounter writer’s block.

One extremely useful chapter tells how to appear to be a writing authority even if you have not had anything published before. These tips called the “8 A’s for Astonishing Authors” show how to keep your writing alive and appealing. These invaluable tools will surely get you noticed as an expert in your field. Remember, most books written today are from experiences that the authors want to share with others. Surely anyone has an experience that is worth writing about.

Parfitt has included a 50-step checklist to self-publishing success as well as numerous published resources, websites, electronic newsletter subscriptions, and online bookstores that provide great information to have on hand for further research. Useful information also included is how to apply for an ISBN number as well as self-publishing through e-books.

I would recommend this book to any person who is interested in writing a book even if they don’t have a topic in mind. This book will help you tap into your creative talents and inspire you to begin to write. Just getting the flow of words on paper is a beginning that moves you closer to publishing your book. Once you are on track, the “Expat Writer” will be a great guide in helping you “release the book within.”

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