You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

Title:  You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction

Author:  Kelli A. Wilkins

Publisher:  Amazon

Publisher URL:  www.amazon.com

ISBN/BIN:  B00THWLFQU

Genre:  Non-Fiction

Rating: 5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction has a lot of very practical advice that is easy to understand and follow.  This book is also a big departure from most writing books I have read and this one is almost like sitting in a classroom.

The author did a good job breaking up the various components of writing a book or short story, making you think you are in a creative writing class as opposed to an English class.  Each section of the book was followed by exercises that used the principles she was trying to convey and, if you are very ambitious and do all of them, you could conceivably have a very rough draft of a book done.

In addition to the exercises, the author touches on submitting a manuscript, how to handle rejection, includes a sample cover letter and uses some of her own writings and books as examples of what she is talking on.  She also gives ideas on how to go about finding someone to read your book before sending it out to publishers and the reasons why you should.

One piece of advice the author gives is something I have heard about when writing an angry letter, and that is to wait several days, then re-read it before sending.  Most of the time you wouldn’t.  Ms. Wilkins suggests writers wait at least a week after writing their book before reading it again, then you can spot potential problems to correct.  This is included in a very good section regarding editing.

I loved this book and the way it is so easy to understand and follow.  The author did good job in organizing it.  Whether you are someone just starting or someone with some publications, this is a good book for the bookshelf.

Take It Off! (Again)

Title:  Take It Off! (Again)

Author:  Justin Whitfield & Taylor Cole

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781419946783

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Sequel

Rating:  Golden Blush Award

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Take It Off! (Again) is the sequel to Take It Off, and continues telling about the authors escapades as male strippers/review dancers.  Be prepared for a wild ride as you read.  In some places you can figure out which author is writing and in others, they just come right out and tell you.

One of the things I liked was that, even though they were extremely promiscuous at times, they stressed using condoms.  There was the one exception and that was when one of the authors ended up doing a scene in a porn movie, but a clean test certificate, showing no STDs, was required on site at time of filming.

Another thing I liked is that they make it clear that dancers should have backup and contingency plans for the future, as this profession usually has a fairly short job retention at the peak of a career.  Saving is another item stressed, again looking to the future.

The last part of the book stresses exercise and diet as well as attitudes for a person’s life.  They even give a blueprint for a daily exercise program.  One of the guys even gives a meal recommendation at the end, though I’m not sure I would want to eat the same thing several times a day for days. 

I really enjoyed reading this and think a lot of their advice is very practical regardless of what job anyone chooses to do.  It is also a very entertaining book to read.  I also suggest both books be read in order and preferably back to back because they give a very entertaining look at a particular lifestyle.

Take It Off!

Title:  Take It Off!

Author:  Taylor Cole and Justin Whitfield

Publisher:  Ellora’s Cave

Publisher URL:  www.jasminejade.com

ISBN/BIN:   9781419942976

Genre:  Nonfiction

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amazon Nymph

Take It Off! The Naked Truth about Male Strippers is a very good look at the reality of life as a male stripper.  The two authors are men that have been in the business for at least twenty years.  There were a few things the guys mentioned about what goes on behind the scenes as male strippers that was a little disturbing.  I also had a little difficulty, at times, trying to figure out who was saying what, as sometimes a name was mentioned then it seemed like the tone changed, so it wasn’t clear. I do have to say that what they were describing backstage was very different from my experiences as a professional belly dancer.  I think it was because the venues were very different.  I will also admit that some of my feelings might also be colored by this experience. 

One thing that did strike me was the advice that Taylor and Justin gave regarding choices about lifestyles and thinking about the future.  They both gave some very good advice as they talked about some of the lives they saw as careers came and went.  If someone were to be starting in the business, I would want them to read this book. 

Both men took their experiences and made themselves into a brand of sorts.  The modeling seems to be an offshoot of their dancing and they both became cover models for Ellora’s Cave books.  They both mentioned that they got to travel the world and had experiences they don’t think they would have had. Both of these gentlemen went on to different things in their lives.  Even though a lot of what they experienced was hectic and bordering on chaotic, it was clear, they had some clear goals.