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QuitBooks for Writers #6
Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive?
When you "just know" how a story should go...
When you "have a feeling" about how that ad should run...
When you "get overwhelmed" by columns of data or the idea of running numbers...
Those are all types of intuition. Intuition, commonly misunderstood as being primarily driven by emotion, is actually a very quick ability to pattern-read, and is based in information-gathering that's done so quickly, you're not even aware you're doing it. But... if you're intuitive (about certain things only, or about everything), you can't use concrete or linear decision-making strategies.
You might not be able to outline.
You might not be able to plan in concrete terms.
You might not be able to run those numbers.
So, what does that mean for you? How do you go about understanding the intuitive brain you have? This book is written by two coaches who have worked with thousands and thousands of writers, many of whom are "intuitive" in some way. Because we've noticed patterns in how these authors make decisions, and in how process can work in an intuitive way, we wanted to share this book with you.
Inside this book, you will find:
* the five types of intuition (and how to tell if you have them)
* the most common patterns of intuitive writers (and how to cope/strategize with that difference)
* the difference between running ads as an intuitive, and running ads as a concrete
* guidance for running an intuitive-decision-making business (especially as an entrepreneur)
* when not to trust intuition
* and so much more...
If you resonated with any of the first three questions (even if you didn't resonate with all of them), we hope this book will help to provide some context around why you're functioning the way you are, and some guidance for how to be the most successful version of yourself.
When you "just know," and no one trusts that, you learn not to trust it. We're here to help save your intuition from a world that doesn't understand it. To help you wield this superpower.
When you "have a feeling" about how that ad should run...
When you "get overwhelmed" by columns of data or the idea of running numbers...
Those are all types of intuition. Intuition, commonly misunderstood as being primarily driven by emotion, is actually a very quick ability to pattern-read, and is based in information-gathering that's done so quickly, you're not even aware you're doing it. But... if you're intuitive (about certain things only, or about everything), you can't use concrete or linear decision-making strategies.
You might not be able to outline.
You might not be able to plan in concrete terms.
You might not be able to run those numbers.
So, what does that mean for you? How do you go about understanding the intuitive brain you have? This book is written by two coaches who have worked with thousands and thousands of writers, many of whom are "intuitive" in some way. Because we've noticed patterns in how these authors make decisions, and in how process can work in an intuitive way, we wanted to share this book with you.
Inside this book, you will find:
* the five types of intuition (and how to tell if you have them)
* the most common patterns of intuitive writers (and how to cope/strategize with that difference)
* the difference between running ads as an intuitive, and running ads as a concrete
* guidance for running an intuitive-decision-making business (especially as an entrepreneur)
* when not to trust intuition
* and so much more...
If you resonated with any of the first three questions (even if you didn't resonate with all of them), we hope this book will help to provide some context around why you're functioning the way you are, and some guidance for how to be the most successful version of yourself.
When you "just know," and no one trusts that, you learn not to trust it. We're here to help save your intuition from a world that doesn't understand it. To help you wield this superpower.
- GenresWritingNonfictionEbooks
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
137 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Becca Syme
10 books73 followersBecca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for almost fifteen years. She’s coached 4,700+ individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. Becca is the host of the YouTube QuitCast channel and a mystery author. She lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 30, 2024
The amazing Becca Syme has created a wonderful nonfiction book to help intuitive writers navigate their intuition, their writing, and the publishing world.
I review and discuss this book at length on my YouTube channel (video linked below) using real-life issues I am currently going through to show how much this book means to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0mE...
I review and discuss this book at length on my YouTube channel (video linked below) using real-life issues I am currently going through to show how much this book means to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl0mE...
April 22, 2022
If anything about this title speaks to you, buy it, read it, apply it! This is a book if you are drawn to it, I believe fully it is for you!
This is for you if:
You regularly know things and can’t tell anyone how you know them! And often you’re right about the thing.
Traditional craft/process books are NOT working and maybe have made you more stuck
If you’re overwhelmed as a newbie or seasoned writer with everyone telling the “right” or “only” way to write or run your business
If you feel intuitive with your writing but don’t know what that looks like for your process and when you get stuck
If you feel drawn to this book
Also, I think this applies to any intuitive creative person not just writers
Like Intuition itself, this book and how I feel about it is very hard to put into words. I will try though because I want every intuitive writer out there to read this book! Not every writer, but all the intuitive ones!
For a non-fiction writing or self-help book to be 5 stars for me it needs to be compelling, have something new to me, and have actionable steps for me to follow. This hits all of that. It also has something that I rarely find, there is no one in this book telling you there's only "one" way. That is something that will always make me put down a book faster than you can spit. When someone says there's only "one" way they lose a lot of my interest and respect as an "expert." Here we have none of that which I love. We have each and every step of the way a clear signpost that says "maybe this is you," or "maybe you're more like this."
Something that surprised me and delighted me was the fact that this is not just about intuitive writing as a process but more about being an intuitive writer as a whole. It includes the processes, but also goes into marketing and running your business. And let me tell you this book is highlighted and bookmarked within an inch of its life! I imagine yours will be too. Because there are so many action steps for so many different possible problems and situations. I know I will be referring to this book a LOT as I really embed these practices into my life.
I also, highly recommend Becca’s Patreon and her courses. The community is amazing and supportive in unique ways that other writing groups just don’t have and Becca and her team give so freely and often to their members. You will get every penny's worth out of her/their books and memberships. One of the things that I think is hard about Better-Faster Academy recommendations is that I can’t say this is exactly what you think it will be and they will fix that exact problem you think you have. For instance in comparison, if someone is recommending an Ad course you know to ask the person recommending if they learned actionable steps to run ads as the course advertises. This is a yes or no answer situation. BUT, with Becca and Better-Faster Academy my experience and the experience I see a lot is that it solves problems you didn’t necessarily go in knowing about, it helps give you clarity that you may have already had but never knew to trust, and it might show you that the “problem” was actually not your problem at all. Confused yet?
What I can say with clarity about Better-Faster Academy and Becca Syme is that I recommend them because they tailor EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING exactly to you. There is no cookie-cutter BS with them. And this book is a perfect example of that. They will help you find YOUR WAY to Success AND be there to support you through the implementation!
So what are you waiting for? Buy the book and do all the things. Follow her, join Patreon, and take a course. No matter where you are in life and your career this kind of coaching and help is priceless and practical!
This is for you if:
You regularly know things and can’t tell anyone how you know them! And often you’re right about the thing.
Traditional craft/process books are NOT working and maybe have made you more stuck
If you’re overwhelmed as a newbie or seasoned writer with everyone telling the “right” or “only” way to write or run your business
If you feel intuitive with your writing but don’t know what that looks like for your process and when you get stuck
If you feel drawn to this book
Also, I think this applies to any intuitive creative person not just writers
Like Intuition itself, this book and how I feel about it is very hard to put into words. I will try though because I want every intuitive writer out there to read this book! Not every writer, but all the intuitive ones!
For a non-fiction writing or self-help book to be 5 stars for me it needs to be compelling, have something new to me, and have actionable steps for me to follow. This hits all of that. It also has something that I rarely find, there is no one in this book telling you there's only "one" way. That is something that will always make me put down a book faster than you can spit. When someone says there's only "one" way they lose a lot of my interest and respect as an "expert." Here we have none of that which I love. We have each and every step of the way a clear signpost that says "maybe this is you," or "maybe you're more like this."
Something that surprised me and delighted me was the fact that this is not just about intuitive writing as a process but more about being an intuitive writer as a whole. It includes the processes, but also goes into marketing and running your business. And let me tell you this book is highlighted and bookmarked within an inch of its life! I imagine yours will be too. Because there are so many action steps for so many different possible problems and situations. I know I will be referring to this book a LOT as I really embed these practices into my life.
I also, highly recommend Becca’s Patreon and her courses. The community is amazing and supportive in unique ways that other writing groups just don’t have and Becca and her team give so freely and often to their members. You will get every penny's worth out of her/their books and memberships. One of the things that I think is hard about Better-Faster Academy recommendations is that I can’t say this is exactly what you think it will be and they will fix that exact problem you think you have. For instance in comparison, if someone is recommending an Ad course you know to ask the person recommending if they learned actionable steps to run ads as the course advertises. This is a yes or no answer situation. BUT, with Becca and Better-Faster Academy my experience and the experience I see a lot is that it solves problems you didn’t necessarily go in knowing about, it helps give you clarity that you may have already had but never knew to trust, and it might show you that the “problem” was actually not your problem at all. Confused yet?
What I can say with clarity about Better-Faster Academy and Becca Syme is that I recommend them because they tailor EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING exactly to you. There is no cookie-cutter BS with them. And this book is a perfect example of that. They will help you find YOUR WAY to Success AND be there to support you through the implementation!
So what are you waiting for? Buy the book and do all the things. Follow her, join Patreon, and take a course. No matter where you are in life and your career this kind of coaching and help is priceless and practical!
March 28, 2024
This book was validating in so many ways. It also verified a few things I’ve known I need to let go of for a while, but haven’t because of outside advice. In top of that, it widened my perspective on how to speak to others about their own personal processes and to honor them, which was an amazing bonus I truly appreciate.
May 2, 2022
Smashed it out of the park again with insightful, thoughtful concepts and advice, tough talk, brutal truth and a big dose of inspiration and hope.
Read
December 31, 2022One of the most helpful books I’ve ever found as an intuitive writer. I’m going to talk about it until I’m blue in the face. SO GOOD.
December 30, 2023
This is the fourth book by Becca Syme I read, and like the others, it was a massive inspiration for me, figuring out that I do have some intuitive parts of my writing and I was shutting it away for no reason. Like the rest of the series, is a very dense book, so I expect reading this several times over before it fully sinks in. If you feel stuck with outlines and feel hunches in your story, give this book a try.
May 7, 2022
I was saying in a writing slack group this month that my problem with writing is I think I can learn how to do it ‘properly’ from craft books. I have nearly 400 of them, and maybe it is just that so called pantsers or discovery writers do not write craft books — [how long does it take to say ‘I just write what feels right’?] — but perhaps two of the ones I’ve read say it is okay to just work it out as you go.
[for the record that is Patricia McLinn in ‘Survival kit for writers who don’t write right’ and Nancy Kress in ‘Beginnings, Middles and Ends’. Note: that is of the ones I own and HAVE READ. At least that I can recall now. ]
Becca Syme is a writing coach and as she points out, after having coached 5,500+ writers, there are just some who cannot plot.
And this isn’t unusual. If there was ONE perfect way to plot books, there would only be ONE perfect plot method and we would all use it; but there isn’t.
Everything is on a spectrum, even writing. There are those people who fill out 100 question lists for each character and who plot every single scene before they even start - the snowflake plotters, where each idea fans out into other ideas. The Save the Cat people where the mid point MUST occur at the middle scene and so on. The Harmon plot circle plotters. The tent pole plotters. the write from the middle plotters... a thousand different kinds.
People can’t even agree if it should be three act or four act structure.
Versus those who are writing into the dark and don’t even know the main character’s name, and have a very vague idea of the ending they are writing towards. IDK they all end up living happily ever after, you know?
And this does NOT mean that the pantser books do not have a plot; far from it. Three act structure existed before Aristotle wrote about it.
But as Becca points out:
Exactly!
But in being told they have to USE the methods, they often stop listening to their own intuition.
I made notes and highlit half the damn book, but my kindle is weirding out and not copying it across to my PC. If you write, just go buy this book, or watch their YT vids.
Go! Now!
5 stars
[for the record that is Patricia McLinn in ‘Survival kit for writers who don’t write right’ and Nancy Kress in ‘Beginnings, Middles and Ends’. Note: that is of the ones I own and HAVE READ. At least that I can recall now. ]
Becca Syme is a writing coach and as she points out, after having coached 5,500+ writers, there are just some who cannot plot.
And this isn’t unusual. If there was ONE perfect way to plot books, there would only be ONE perfect plot method and we would all use it; but there isn’t.
If we were all meant to do it in the same way, then we would actually all do it in the same way. But we don’t. (p. 71).
Everything is on a spectrum, even writing. There are those people who fill out 100 question lists for each character and who plot every single scene before they even start - the snowflake plotters, where each idea fans out into other ideas. The Save the Cat people where the mid point MUST occur at the middle scene and so on. The Harmon plot circle plotters. The tent pole plotters. the write from the middle plotters... a thousand different kinds.
People can’t even agree if it should be three act or four act structure.
Versus those who are writing into the dark and don’t even know the main character’s name, and have a very vague idea of the ending they are writing towards. IDK they all end up living happily ever after, you know?
And this does NOT mean that the pantser books do not have a plot; far from it. Three act structure existed before Aristotle wrote about it.
But as Becca points out:
So if I’m a smart person (who can usually teach what I know to do) or I loved school (so I have an implicit bias toward things that are “teachable”), I might assume that intuitive writing is wrong simply because I couldn’t teach others how to write this way. That’s often what intuitive writers say about their writing process. “I couldn’t teach someone how to do this.” p.20
Exactly!
But in being told they have to USE the methods, they often stop listening to their own intuition.
I made notes and highlit half the damn book, but my kindle is weirding out and not copying it across to my PC. If you write, just go buy this book, or watch their YT vids.
Go! Now!
5 stars
May 4, 2022
Wow.
I don't think I've ever been emotional over a craft book before. Boy, did I get emotional over this one!
Affirming, validating, encouraging. With lots of kick-in-the-butt energy, too.
If you feel you are at all intuitive, do yourself a favour and pick this up!
I don't think I've ever been emotional over a craft book before. Boy, did I get emotional over this one!
Affirming, validating, encouraging. With lots of kick-in-the-butt energy, too.
If you feel you are at all intuitive, do yourself a favour and pick this up!
March 5, 2023
Great guide for those of us who don't plot the way courses teach us that we're "supposed" to
February 14, 2023
FINALLY! A book about improving all aspects of my writing and publishing that isn’t “Here are the steps to success,” but rather serves as a permission slip to play, explore, experiment, and discover my own writing awesomeness.
In a nutshell, this uplifting book is a practical guide for writers who want to explore their intuitive connection to their writing and author business.
There were many times while reading this book that I had to put it down to absorb the wisdom. Example: I’ve been dutifully following Author A only to find that their approach isn’t working for me. But I don’t allow myself the grace to stop listening to them because they are so successful and profitable. So I tell myself that *I* am the one who is doing it wrong. Or not fast enough. Or I haven’t outlined. Or… fill in the blank. This book completely turned around that premise to show me that my intuition IS CORRECT AND TRYING TO HELP ME but I’m just not trusting it enough.
This book has also shown me it’s time to get CURIOUS about where my intuition is leading me, and to let go of the self-judgment, blame, and regret around “why I’m not doing it right.”
The authors share their personal stories and experiences as well as tools and exercises to help readers find their own paths as intuitive writers. The lessons included as well as the stories and wisdom of their peers and coaching clients serve as a great resource for writers who want to bring their intuition to the forefront of their craft.
At its core, this insightful book is about being intentional with your writing practice and growing in confidence as an intuitive writer.
I highly recommend "Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive?" to any writer who wants to taps into the power of their intuition and to further their writing and publishing career.
In a nutshell, this uplifting book is a practical guide for writers who want to explore their intuitive connection to their writing and author business.
There were many times while reading this book that I had to put it down to absorb the wisdom. Example: I’ve been dutifully following Author A only to find that their approach isn’t working for me. But I don’t allow myself the grace to stop listening to them because they are so successful and profitable. So I tell myself that *I* am the one who is doing it wrong. Or not fast enough. Or I haven’t outlined. Or… fill in the blank. This book completely turned around that premise to show me that my intuition IS CORRECT AND TRYING TO HELP ME but I’m just not trusting it enough.
This book has also shown me it’s time to get CURIOUS about where my intuition is leading me, and to let go of the self-judgment, blame, and regret around “why I’m not doing it right.”
The authors share their personal stories and experiences as well as tools and exercises to help readers find their own paths as intuitive writers. The lessons included as well as the stories and wisdom of their peers and coaching clients serve as a great resource for writers who want to bring their intuition to the forefront of their craft.
At its core, this insightful book is about being intentional with your writing practice and growing in confidence as an intuitive writer.
I highly recommend "Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive?" to any writer who wants to taps into the power of their intuition and to further their writing and publishing career.
August 17, 2022
A book to ponder long after I've finished reading. I really need to rethink my approach to things
May 1, 2022
I have to say right off the top, that I’m a plotter. I have written 10,000 word outlines and that’s how I function. Some folks will think this book is about tossing your outlines away. It’s not. This book is about the mindset that certain people have, how they write, and recognizing it. An intuitive writer is one who knows, without understanding why, how a story should be shaped. If you’re intuitive, you don’t need a structure, like the three act structure, or save the cat, that you grind on yourself to follow.
You’ve read a ton of books. You’ve done some studying of writing, perhaps. And that’s all been taken in as data into your brain, for you to unconsciously sift through as you’re writing, to make decisions on how your story, your plot, your characters, need to flow. You can do that in an outline first, or just pants it. I build an outline, scene by scene, moving things, adding things, until I have the framework of a story. I don’t use a framework. Once I have an outline I draft. With the outline it’s faster, less frustrating, but it’s all done with intuition.
I’ve been working on process for years, trying to mash what I do into some standard structure. But craft books just bounce off me, too much of having to do this, or that, followed by another this, or that. Too much info to remember. But intuition, yes, I read something I’ve written, and I know what I need to do. Not always immediately, but I can tell when it’s wrong. Then I can figure out how to fix it.
This book laid it out for me. That struggle is done. It’s still not easy to write a book. But I can at least tell myself that I’m doing it the way I need to do it.
You’ve read a ton of books. You’ve done some studying of writing, perhaps. And that’s all been taken in as data into your brain, for you to unconsciously sift through as you’re writing, to make decisions on how your story, your plot, your characters, need to flow. You can do that in an outline first, or just pants it. I build an outline, scene by scene, moving things, adding things, until I have the framework of a story. I don’t use a framework. Once I have an outline I draft. With the outline it’s faster, less frustrating, but it’s all done with intuition.
I’ve been working on process for years, trying to mash what I do into some standard structure. But craft books just bounce off me, too much of having to do this, or that, followed by another this, or that. Too much info to remember. But intuition, yes, I read something I’ve written, and I know what I need to do. Not always immediately, but I can tell when it’s wrong. Then I can figure out how to fix it.
This book laid it out for me. That struggle is done. It’s still not easy to write a book. But I can at least tell myself that I’m doing it the way I need to do it.
May 20, 2023
If you think this book might be for you, trust your gut, it most likely is. This was a safe harbor for me; a really grounding read when I felt like I was a writer that don’t fit squarely in the “plotter” or “pantser” camp.
April 25, 2022
This book was great! I recommend it to anyone out there who writes intuitively (aka a 'pantser' or 'gardener') or who does any art that has an element of improvising to it as a lot of it can be extrapolated to other art forms. There's no hard or fast rules with this, it's more like a spectrum. It's nice to read a book that finally acknowledges that.
This is a craft book for intuitive writers and unlike other writing craft books, I feel like the main message is to validate whatever process works for you and remind us that we are all wired differently. There's ideas you can try in future and resources you can seek out if you get stuck, but more importantly it goes into why you might be stuck and ways you can solve that problem. It defines the different types of intuition writers have at the start of the book so you can work out which path might be the best fit for you as you try and untangle your story, an well as marketing advice that's in line with your own goals and aims, not whatever someone else is doing.
In short, the key to the intuitive process is to trust your intuition. There's a multitude of books that encourage plotting, and both of the authors acknowledge that this works for some writers, but it doesn't work for all writers. Many books provide a framework to copy. Not this book. This was about learning how to be more in tune with what comes naturally to you and giving yourself permission to do the things that have worked in the past or felt right but you ignored.
When I finished part 2 (my favourite part) I put the book down and opened my manuscript for the first time in months, actually wanting to get back in touch with the story. I had put my story down and was going to get into it 'some day'. Turns out that day was today. I know it sounds lame but what can I say, that's how much it resonated with me.
I thought the co-writing style worked well. Susan's metaphors really drove some of Becca's points home for me and I can tell that both of these writers have spent a lot of time thinking about this subject. I found myself highlighting parts throughout the book and I feel like I need to go back and re-read sections of this again as there was a lot in here.
If you are an intuitive writer, give this a read.
This is a craft book for intuitive writers and unlike other writing craft books, I feel like the main message is to validate whatever process works for you and remind us that we are all wired differently. There's ideas you can try in future and resources you can seek out if you get stuck, but more importantly it goes into why you might be stuck and ways you can solve that problem. It defines the different types of intuition writers have at the start of the book so you can work out which path might be the best fit for you as you try and untangle your story, an well as marketing advice that's in line with your own goals and aims, not whatever someone else is doing.
In short, the key to the intuitive process is to trust your intuition. There's a multitude of books that encourage plotting, and both of the authors acknowledge that this works for some writers, but it doesn't work for all writers. Many books provide a framework to copy. Not this book. This was about learning how to be more in tune with what comes naturally to you and giving yourself permission to do the things that have worked in the past or felt right but you ignored.
When I finished part 2 (my favourite part) I put the book down and opened my manuscript for the first time in months, actually wanting to get back in touch with the story. I had put my story down and was going to get into it 'some day'. Turns out that day was today. I know it sounds lame but what can I say, that's how much it resonated with me.
I thought the co-writing style worked well. Susan's metaphors really drove some of Becca's points home for me and I can tell that both of these writers have spent a lot of time thinking about this subject. I found myself highlighting parts throughout the book and I feel like I need to go back and re-read sections of this again as there was a lot in here.
If you are an intuitive writer, give this a read.
January 17, 2023
INCREDIBLY ILLUMINATING. I first heard about this book, and the author's broader body of work, a few days ago on The Creative Penn podcast. Listening to Becca talk about the intuitive writing process was almost surreal because she was saying many things that resonated with me, things that are not usually spoken about. Not in the craft of writing and certainly not in the publishing industry.
Within minutes of the interview ending I bought this book and dived in and I'm so glad I did. From the first page I found myself taking notes on the types of intuition (identifying my own types) and how they impact the way we work as writers and as thinkers. Referred to as the 'autopilot' for the remainder of the book, the discussion of intuition was filled with insights, hints and tips. Everything from finding intuitive-friendly communities to feeding the intuitive soul with the right stuff and becoming self-monitoring enough to know when to put the autopilot on the back seat and take control with the conscious mind. The letter is less fun for intuitives but sometimes necessary and the authors were up front about it.
Overall, the book was incredibly well rounded in its presentation of intutive writing and thinking - offering the pros and cons and tips for managing it when it doesn't deliver gold. And the books went a step further to discuss how we can apply our intuition to social media, marketing and advertising. I highly recommend this book to all intuitive writers and thinkers and those who want to understand us better.
Within minutes of the interview ending I bought this book and dived in and I'm so glad I did. From the first page I found myself taking notes on the types of intuition (identifying my own types) and how they impact the way we work as writers and as thinkers. Referred to as the 'autopilot' for the remainder of the book, the discussion of intuition was filled with insights, hints and tips. Everything from finding intuitive-friendly communities to feeding the intuitive soul with the right stuff and becoming self-monitoring enough to know when to put the autopilot on the back seat and take control with the conscious mind. The letter is less fun for intuitives but sometimes necessary and the authors were up front about it.
Overall, the book was incredibly well rounded in its presentation of intutive writing and thinking - offering the pros and cons and tips for managing it when it doesn't deliver gold. And the books went a step further to discuss how we can apply our intuition to social media, marketing and advertising. I highly recommend this book to all intuitive writers and thinkers and those who want to understand us better.
April 30, 2022
As a fan of Syme's work, I was eager to read this newest book and boy did it deliver! Dear Writer, Are You Intuitive? is deeply insightful and profound. It's altered how I think about the process of writing, and the systems I've built for myself. It's also changed how I think about supporting other creatives.
As an intuitive writer, this book gave me permission to explore and lean into what works for me when writing, instead of trying to mold myself into the model that has worked for others. I also gained an understanding of the different types of intuition, and how we can use intuition to improve our writing. Syme's message is both reassuring and empowering, but it took me a week to get through it because many of her statements and assertions made me reexamine my experience. This is a book I will return to many times in the future.
The language is clear and direct, and Syme bolsters her argument with neuroscience, philosophy, and personal anecdotes. Becca's writing style mirrors her speaking style, so if you enjoy the communication style she uses in conference presentations, workshops, and her QuitCast YouTube channel, and you suspect you're an intuitive writer, you'll love this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
As an intuitive writer, this book gave me permission to explore and lean into what works for me when writing, instead of trying to mold myself into the model that has worked for others. I also gained an understanding of the different types of intuition, and how we can use intuition to improve our writing. Syme's message is both reassuring and empowering, but it took me a week to get through it because many of her statements and assertions made me reexamine my experience. This is a book I will return to many times in the future.
The language is clear and direct, and Syme bolsters her argument with neuroscience, philosophy, and personal anecdotes. Becca's writing style mirrors her speaking style, so if you enjoy the communication style she uses in conference presentations, workshops, and her QuitCast YouTube channel, and you suspect you're an intuitive writer, you'll love this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
January 20, 2024
So Validating
I often have trouble trusting my intuition, about more than just writing. It's something I've been working on, ever since I read The Gift of Fear and realized just how much I was shortchanging myself.
This book hits on all of it, with examples specially targeted at writers. It took me a while to read through it - self help books tend to be heavier reading for me, and require frequent pauses to internalize what Ivve learned so far - but I could already recognize my newfound trust in my instincts before I finished. I've been taking better care of my muse, and can feel the difference, just with my own mental health when writing.
As an added note, I laughed out loud at the Bethel story at the end. I don't blame the author for wanting to study that degree, as I was looking for the same exact thing several years ago and ended up settling for an Engineering Management certificate. Those classes sound awesome, but also oh my goodness, that must have been a heck of a surprise on the first day! Thank you for sharing that story!
I often have trouble trusting my intuition, about more than just writing. It's something I've been working on, ever since I read The Gift of Fear and realized just how much I was shortchanging myself.
This book hits on all of it, with examples specially targeted at writers. It took me a while to read through it - self help books tend to be heavier reading for me, and require frequent pauses to internalize what Ivve learned so far - but I could already recognize my newfound trust in my instincts before I finished. I've been taking better care of my muse, and can feel the difference, just with my own mental health when writing.
As an added note, I laughed out loud at the Bethel story at the end. I don't blame the author for wanting to study that degree, as I was looking for the same exact thing several years ago and ended up settling for an Engineering Management certificate. Those classes sound awesome, but also oh my goodness, that must have been a heck of a surprise on the first day! Thank you for sharing that story!
October 11, 2022
I found out about this book from my writer’s group. I bought it because it intrigued me. More likely it was my intuition saying “read this. It’ll help.” It was very affirming because often times I do the opposite of what my intuition suggests because I’ve grown accustom to distrusting it. But when I look back, I see how it would’ve taken me down a different path or, most often, how I ended up taking the long, windy path that ultimately landed me back where my intuition was originally guiding me.
Highly recommend for those who may have an inkling they are intuitive (I mean chances you already know or suspect before you even pick up this book). Be advise it can be very abstract. I would often read a chapter and then think on it for a day or two before coming back to continue reading.
Now I’m off to process what I read and lessen “the noise” so I can hear my intuition better.
Highly recommend for those who may have an inkling they are intuitive (I mean chances you already know or suspect before you even pick up this book). Be advise it can be very abstract. I would often read a chapter and then think on it for a day or two before coming back to continue reading.
Now I’m off to process what I read and lessen “the noise” so I can hear my intuition better.
January 27, 2023
Reading the micro expressions of everyone you meet, isn't a normal thing?🧐
I come from an extremely intuitive family. I've always assumed that I'm logic based because by comparison, I'm less intuitive than others. I've been taking my most intuitive facets for granted, and have been unfairly expecting others to be able to reach the conclusions that I didn't realise I was jumping too.
This is going to be so helpful not only for how I write, but also for navigating professional relationships in general.
I'm also going to have to be careful about clarifying to the reader's when my characters are using their intuition, so they aren't accused of being mind readers!
(Please feel free to reproduce any or all of this post for promotional activities)
I come from an extremely intuitive family. I've always assumed that I'm logic based because by comparison, I'm less intuitive than others. I've been taking my most intuitive facets for granted, and have been unfairly expecting others to be able to reach the conclusions that I didn't realise I was jumping too.
This is going to be so helpful not only for how I write, but also for navigating professional relationships in general.
I'm also going to have to be careful about clarifying to the reader's when my characters are using their intuition, so they aren't accused of being mind readers!
(Please feel free to reproduce any or all of this post for promotional activities)
April 19, 2024
When Becca did an interview on the Creative Penn podcast about this book, I knew I had to stalk her and listen to every podcast episode she released and read every Quitbook in the series. Because something just clicked for me when she spoke about being an intuitive writer. Her Quitcast and books haven’t disappointed. Each time I learn something new about my writing, my systems and why certain things don’t feel right to me even if everyone else is doing it. This book has answered so much about that. In a word: intuition.
I’m going to allow more silence in my life to make room for my intuition to speak loudly.
I love the Highlander quotes. There is so much to learn in this book, I can’t recommend it more. Unless you aren’t intuitive, of course.
I’m going to allow more silence in my life to make room for my intuition to speak loudly.
I love the Highlander quotes. There is so much to learn in this book, I can’t recommend it more. Unless you aren’t intuitive, of course.
September 19, 2022
Once again, Becca can see into my head
Becca Syme has such an incredible handle on what it’s like to be an intuitive writer and an intuitive person. She not only provides sound and actionable advice for developing your intuition, she reminds you to forgive yourself for getting it wrong and to give yourself the space to make that development happen. She covers both the writing process for those who cannot plot or create by “standard” means and the way forward to make the marketing decisions we all struggle with. It was so good I signed up for her coaching, which is even better, if that’s possible.
Becca Syme has such an incredible handle on what it’s like to be an intuitive writer and an intuitive person. She not only provides sound and actionable advice for developing your intuition, she reminds you to forgive yourself for getting it wrong and to give yourself the space to make that development happen. She covers both the writing process for those who cannot plot or create by “standard” means and the way forward to make the marketing decisions we all struggle with. It was so good I signed up for her coaching, which is even better, if that’s possible.
April 22, 2023
So valuable to me
I got so much from this book and still have many of its thought-challenging ideas being considered and proceeded consciously and subconsciously.
I have long felt that I’ve got to find the author coaching advice that resonates with me. Several “how to” books languish on my kindle because I’ve instinctively reacted, “nope, that’s not for me”.
Now I understand better why I had that reaction and how I can trust my intuition to develop and refine my OWN process for writing fiction.
This is definitely a book I’ll read again and I’m off to buy more of Becca’s books, and have a look at her courses.
I got so much from this book and still have many of its thought-challenging ideas being considered and proceeded consciously and subconsciously.
I have long felt that I’ve got to find the author coaching advice that resonates with me. Several “how to” books languish on my kindle because I’ve instinctively reacted, “nope, that’s not for me”.
Now I understand better why I had that reaction and how I can trust my intuition to develop and refine my OWN process for writing fiction.
This is definitely a book I’ll read again and I’m off to buy more of Becca’s books, and have a look at her courses.
February 25, 2024
Wow. I didn’t need to know the magic of how my brain worked out storytelling, but this is worth it simply because it validates intuitive writers - ie: those who’s brains hate outlines. There’s nothing wrong with us. We’re not dysfunctional or less than functional… our brains just work differently.
Becca Syme breaks it down along with Susan Bischoff, not only giving words to the experience of every intuitive author who’s ever attempted to explain their creative process and ended stammering - but she makes us feel like grown-up professional author people who have super powered brains.
Win!
Becca Syme breaks it down along with Susan Bischoff, not only giving words to the experience of every intuitive author who’s ever attempted to explain their creative process and ended stammering - but she makes us feel like grown-up professional author people who have super powered brains.
Win!
June 21, 2022
I was so excited when I heard about this book and WOW! It did not disappoint. I've followed many authors, bought their books, and tried to work the way do. Only a few methods worked. FINALLY, I know WHY! I'm an intuitive writer.
Thank you Becca Syme and Susan Bischoff for honoring intuitive writers and helping us work with the superpowers we knew we had, but didn't know how to use. And thanks for the marketing tips too. No wonder we hate ads! No more.
If you know a struggling writer, this book would make a great gift. Chances are, they, like me, are intuitive.
Thank you Becca Syme and Susan Bischoff for honoring intuitive writers and helping us work with the superpowers we knew we had, but didn't know how to use. And thanks for the marketing tips too. No wonder we hate ads! No more.
If you know a struggling writer, this book would make a great gift. Chances are, they, like me, are intuitive.
August 19, 2022
Wow! This book really spoke to me. I’ll be re-reading this again and again. Syme helped me to see the importance of trusting my intuition which is central to being a writer and this applies to all creatives. She emphasizes how intuition is often driving us to things that really matter. I also loved the way she talks about marketing with your gut and questioning the premise. She validates the need to embrace whatever process works for each individual’s strengths because there is no one size fits all. It’s the most valuable craft book I’ve read.
May 23, 2023
Not What I Expected
Syme is a writing coach and her straight talk has helped me in so many ways.
While I believe I have intuition, I don’t think I’m an intuitive writer. There was never an “aha” moment in this book as I’ve found in her other books.
I expected more definitions and processes and explanations, which came early and confused me.
Bottom line: trust your intuition. It’s real. You don’t have to prove it to anyone. It doesn’t take an entire book to get that message across.
Syme is a writing coach and her straight talk has helped me in so many ways.
While I believe I have intuition, I don’t think I’m an intuitive writer. There was never an “aha” moment in this book as I’ve found in her other books.
I expected more definitions and processes and explanations, which came early and confused me.
Bottom line: trust your intuition. It’s real. You don’t have to prove it to anyone. It doesn’t take an entire book to get that message across.
Read
July 21, 2024I mostly picked this up because it was on sale and it was one of Becca’s books I hadn’t read yet. (Becca was interviewed by Joanna Penn about intuitive writing and she put the book up on sale for about a week after the interview aired.) I don’t think I was the book’s core audience. I’m intuitive in some ways (especially social dynamics), but not in most of the ways she was talking about in her book. And that’s fine – it was an interesting read, and I don’t mind having spent a few dollars on it. Not much in there that’s gonna stick with me for the long term, though, I don’t think.
May 25, 2022
Many Great Gems Inside
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, and at the end I know the answer to the question posed in the title. I will be reading this again and probably again to incorporate the vast information about intuition. I am grateful for Becca and Susan. For their willingness to share their wisdom and insight. Validation is one of the many things I have gained from reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand intuition.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, and at the end I know the answer to the question posed in the title. I will be reading this again and probably again to incorporate the vast information about intuition. I am grateful for Becca and Susan. For their willingness to share their wisdom and insight. Validation is one of the many things I have gained from reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand intuition.
July 29, 2022
This book provides a comprehensive guide for authors to harness one’s intuition while writing, editing, and marketing.
The five types of intuition are covered as are the three key elements of intuition that makes it work like a plane on autopilot.
Whether a plotter or someone who writes by the seat of their pants, there’s plenty of information to help a writer learn to hone and trust their process.
The five types of intuition are covered as are the three key elements of intuition that makes it work like a plane on autopilot.
Whether a plotter or someone who writes by the seat of their pants, there’s plenty of information to help a writer learn to hone and trust their process.
June 10, 2025
อ่านแล้วมีประโยชน์มากๆ ยิ่งถ้าใครรู้ว่าตัวเองเขียนแบบลงพล็อต หรือเล่าตามสแตนดาร์ดการเขียนไม่ได้เลย ยิ่งต้องอ่าน เพราะคุณอาจเป๋นพวกใช้สัญชาตญาณในการเขียน!
เนื่องจากเป็นภาษาอังกฤษเลยต้องงมบ้าง ไม่เข้าใจบ้าง สัก 10-20% พักช่วงการอ่านไปนานเลยต่อไม่ค่อยติด แต่อ่านซ้ำก็ยังได้ประโยชน์
เล่มนี้เอาอยู่ตั้งแต่เปิดเรื่องแล้ว การเขียนเรื่องที่มีมาตั้งแต่ยุคกรีกโรมัน ยุคอริสโตเติลงี้ เขาก็เขียนได้โดยที่ไม่มี 3 act structure นะ 😂😂😂👌👌👌
เนื่องจากเป็นภาษาอังกฤษเลยต้องงมบ้าง ไม่เข้าใจบ้าง สัก 10-20% พักช่วงการอ่านไปนานเลยต่อไม่ค่อยติด แต่อ่านซ้ำก็ยังได้ประโยชน์
เล่มนี้เอาอยู่ตั้งแต่เปิดเรื่องแล้ว การเขียนเรื่องที่มีมาตั้งแต่ยุคกรีกโรมัน ยุคอริสโตเติลงี้ เขาก็เขียนได้โดยที่ไม่มี 3 act structure นะ 😂😂😂👌👌👌
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