I know and work with writers, and one of the things that I hear from many of them is they lack consistency in how they approach their writing. They don’t have a dedicated place to work, they don’t have a consistent time or duration for their work, and the whole practice just feels like more of a hobby than a calling. The Writer’s Grimoire by Jennifer Lawler helps writers tackle these issues and more.
While the book is definitely geared towards writers with a spiritual or mystical viewpoint, the information is as practical as it is mystical. The ‘spells’ are simply statements of intent that can appeal to anyone. There’s no requirement that folks have to learn flowery, rhyming incantations unless that’s their ‘thing’. Jennifer provides a beautiful balance between spirituality and practicality and offers suggestions for incorporating the practices outlined in the book in a way that allows the reader to make them their own. In fact, throughout the book, the reader is encouraged to use the ‘spells’ as a launching point rather than copying them verbatim. Jennifer is mindful of individual preferences and practices and gives options and suggestions to accommodate different belief systems and personal circumstances, noting that there is no ‘right’ way to create these spells and practices – only ways that are right for the reader.
The list of topics that are covered is comprehensive and feels as much like a self-help book as a how-to book. In addition to giving step-by-step instructions on ways to organize your grimoire and the pros and cons for each, Jennifer talks about ways to create space for writing – physically, mentally, and spiritually. She talks about how being intentional in your actions and thoughts is critical to your success and stresses the importance of setting boundaries. She encourages the reader to acknowledge the value of their work and to focus on what meaning and joy writing gives them. Guided meditations are outlined to help prepare for writing, and some great suggestions are made for dealing with both solicited and unsolicited feedback once your writing is in progress.
In full disclosure, I have taken and enjoyed many of Jennifer’s developmental editing courses, and one of the traits that I enjoy most in her writing style is her conversational tone. You feel like you’re sitting in a coffee shop having a chat, which makes for a lovely read. Like all the best ‘how-to’ books, this one reminds us of the common sense information we probably already know, but Jennifer actually makes it seem doable. She encourages the writer to create a positive support system for themselves and to set realistic goals. A great side benefit that I especially appreciate is that much of the information shared can be used for non-writing projects, as well.
I’d like to thank Jennifer for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Writer’s Grimoire in exchange for an honest review. This book is chock full of easy-to-follow suggestions designed to get writers in the right headspace to do their best work. If I had to come up with a negative, it’s that there’s so much great information included in the book, it potentially could have been spread between two volumes. I can actively recommend this book to all writers because, as Aunt Jet in Practical Magic says, “There’s a little witch in all of us,” and this book helps us realize that.