It Writes Itself – A travel guide to writing fiction by Susannah Raulino is not your typical “how to write a novel” type book. The author does not go into plot line theory, subplots, character development, pacing, and other topics that may be found in other books on writing. Instead, Susannah Raulino turns writing into fun.

Her whole premise of how write seems to be based on living what you write. She emphasizes relaxing before writing and becoming a part of what you write. She talks to her characters and lets them talk to her. She imagines that she is walking next to them and is part of their world.

There are several exercises in the book to help the potential writer with getting started or overcoming a writer’s block. The exercises cover subjects from why to write to story structure. Though the author suggests that you can skip the exercises and go back later, I found the book much more useful when I did every exercise as I read through it.

This book was very informative and the exercises were fun. It Writes Itself – A travel guide to writing fiction has found a home on my writing reference shelf.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Tags: 5 STARS, family friendly, motivational, non-fiction, self-help, writing