I am reviewing this book as part of the WOW! Women on Writing blog tour for Emily Winslow’s book. Read on for my review. For more on the tour. Check out the graphic at the bottom of the page.
Recently a newer writer joined the critique group I belong to. She asked for advice on several key issues in writing a picture book. At first, she looked excited by the answers. but soon she slumped. We knew what she was feeling and reassured her that there is not way to know it all. She needs to ask questions, listens to answers and grab the piece of information that inspires her and makes her excited to move forward.
That’s how I felt reading Winslow’s book. Categories range from “Getting Started” to “Writing Skills” and even “The Profession Life.” This isn’t a book that dives into an in-depth exploration of any given writing related topic Instead, this is the book that is meant to inspire and help you move forward through the complicated pathways of the writing life.
The book is composed of 49 short chapters. I think the longest was 9 or 10 pages. Most are closer to 5. Winslow gives detailed information on the topic in question and then challenges the reader to carry the information into their writing life. Some chapters, such as one on punctuation, include information on the most common mistakes that Winslow sees (the semicolon used where a comma should be used). But other chapter end with questions – do you see how this reads more smoothly?
This may not be the type of book that you want to sit and read from cover to cover. But is the perfect book to pick up when you are stuck on dialogue or trying to select the perfect point-of-view for your next project. Winslow covers the roles played by dialogue as well as how different points-of-view function, their strengths and their weaknesses.
Whether the readers needs the answer to a specific question or the wise, encouragement of a teacher, this book is a great one to have beside the monitor, next to a reading chair, or some other spot close at hand.
–SueBE
One Writer's Journey 
Wow Woman in on Writing is a fantastic website full of information on the riding life, inspiring, essays, and camaraderie. They run a quarterly contest for short fiction and non-fiction. Thank you for this review.
WOW! does so many great things! Thank you for mentioning the contests.