Most of the advice in this book pertains to screen writing and the world of writing for TV and movies (very LA-centric), and it's not really about writing, per se - not sure a novel writer will pick up much from this, though there are some gems which are however buried in a lot of prose. This reads more like a memoir on writing for TV and movies/being a screenwriter with a 40-year career than anything else.
Still, it makes for a good 'look' inside the world of screenwriting, even if the blurb and title misleadingly state it's about writing itself.

I went to college with Mr. Straczynski. It looks like he hasn't lost his touch. It was a great book from a great mind.

Sadly I could not connect with or relate to the advice he was giving. Nothing that he wrote filled a need for the writing advice that fits what my writer's goals are.

This book is a must-read for both aspiring and seasoned writers alike. The subtitle succinctly encapsulates its essence. The author offers down-to-earth insights into the practical aspects of the writing craft and business, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's writing career vibrant. Throughout, the author underscores the artistic nature of storytelling, urging readers to relish the joy inherent in crafting narratives. The value of this book extends beyond its cost, especially in its valuable lessons on character building and its profound impact on shaping compelling stories.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review the advance copy of this book.

"Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer: The Artistry, Joy, and Career of Storytelling" by J. Michael Straczynski is an enlightening work that immerses aspiring writers in the intricate threads of the storytelling craft. Published in 2021 this book not only provides valuable practical advice for those looking to enter the world of writing but also shares the personal experiences and accumulated wisdom of a seasoned storyteller.

Straczynski, known for his work in television and film, guides readers through the fundamental aspects of writing, from creating characters and building plots to the importance of perseverance in a writer's career. His straightforward and accessible style makes the book an engaging and educational read.

The work stands out for its balanced approach to the connection between the art and the professional aspect of writing. Straczynski shares captivating anecdotes from his own career, providing practical examples that illustrate the challenges and rewards of the profession. This personal approach makes the author's guidance feel authentic and motivating.

One of the strengths of the book is the attention given to the importance of persistence and career management in writing. Straczynski honestly addresses setbacks and uncertainties that writers may face, offering valuable advice for overcoming obstacles and keeping the passion for storytelling alive.

The book also explores the relationship between the writer and their audience, highlighting the importance of understanding the emotional connection between the creator and the story's recipient. This humanistic perspective adds a reflective layer to the book, elevating it beyond a simple writing manual.

In summary, "Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer" is a valuable and motivating guide for those looking to embark on a career in writing. J. Michael Straczynski brings his experience and insight in an accessible way, inspiring readers to face the challenges of writing with determination and creativity. This book stands as an indispensable compass for those who dream of immersing themselves in the world of storytelling and keeping the flame of writing alive over time.

This book is funny, honest and makes you feel less alone in the tough world of writing. While I wasn't ready to apply some of the advice in this novel, I found inspiration and dedication in Joes experiences and examples.

I saw Straczynski’s name on this, and that’s all I needed to want to read it. From comics to television, screenplays, and novels, he’s done it all in this business, and he’s definitely got some practical wisdom to impart in his unique and straight-forward voice.

This comprehensive guide has information about actually writing and dealing with the business of writing, what to do, who to avoid, and how to make money at your craft. There are some personal stories, and everything is peppered with his humorous and sarcastic voice, which I love.

Even if you’re not a writer (I feel like I used to be but have since let that muscle wilt), you’ll find some excellent information in here. It’s out now wherever you get your books.

There is no shortage of 'how to' books on writing. Some retailers have a specific section in their stores for these kinds of books. So why do we need another? Author J. Michael Straczynski addresses that right at the start, offering what he feels other 'how to' writing books neglect to talk about (I'll let you read up on that).

Straczynski focuses quite a bit on writing from the Hollywood perspective, though he does touch on his experiences in comics and fiction/non-fiction books, as well as his very early days (college). He offers up some of the traps that young (ie inexperienced - not just age) writers often fall into so that the hopeful can be aware of, and hopefully steer clear of such pitfalls, but with sections of the book that discuss the best (and worst) ways to pitch stories to television producers, I think it's safe to say that a strength of the book is its appeal to television and screen writers.

Although Straczynski has already written a memoir/autobiography with his book Becoming Superman (a book I'm putting on my "Want to Read" list), Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer is as much biography as it is 'writing help' book. His helpful hints and tips for writers are almost always followed up with a personal example, giving insight to the writer himself. Sometimes these examples tend to be a bit showy and perhaps not the best examples for beginning writers (an example of this would be a project Straczynski describes as being a special request script for Steven Spielberg - something Spielberg has wanted to write but was getting stuck on. Straczynski was brought in, said he thought he could write the script, but wanted to be left alone, not deliver any outline or explain what he was going to do, but simply hand in his final script when it was done. And because it was Straczynski, Spielberg agreed. How many writers or hopeful writers reading this book would have that kind of pull? [If you want to know the outcome ... read the book]).

For years, the advice from writers to hopeful or would-be writers was, "Write. Every day." Straczynski's advice, boiled down, is just a little bit different and more in line with what I see in other artist endeavors as well. His advice: Write. And finish what you write.

I can't say that this book is the most comprehensive 'how-to' book that I've ever seen, but I do think it is quite entertaining. The biographical portions actually make this quite fascinating (particularly if you are familiar with the authors work [and if you aren't you probably wouldn't pick this up in the first place]) - such as: why is one episode of Babylon 5 from a very different perspective?

I'd recommend this to would-be writers, as well as fans of Stryczynski's work (and they are many, given his work in both comics and television).

Looking for a good book? Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer by J. Michael Straczynski is part biography, part writing 'how-to', and 100% entertaining.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Tips, Techniques, Anecdotes…
Tips and techniques for becoming a writer, being a writer and staying a writer in this interesting and thought provoking read. There’s much to like here. It’s also littered with asides and anecdotes for an entertaining diversion.

I'm always interested in what other authors have to say about staying productive and creative and Straczynski has great ideas about how to not only maintain, but excel as a writer, better world building, organizational skill tips and how not to hate the edit and revise process.
Great addition to any writer's library for books on craft.

*I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher for an honest review.

By turns thoughtful, quirky, and brash, this was an interesting and unexpectedly philosophical read. While Straczynski subscribes a little too heavily to the mythos of born, not made writers, he balances it out with plenty of practical advice and is both inclusive in his outlook and personally vulnerable on the page. Due to his long, multi-hyphenate career, the book also has valuable perspective, even if it might come off as a little name-droppy.

Recommended for writers who need both to know that it’s possible and are in need of a pep talk and/or kick to the pants.

This book focuses less on the craft of storytelling and more on bigger-picture aspects of developing and maintaining a writing career. The “becoming a writer” part of the title is slightly misleading, in that the author seems to have little interest in teaching people who are not already writers—by compulsion if not by occupation. He has a point, in the sense that it isn’t enough to be vaguely interested in considering possibly starting to write something; you have to have the discipline and drive to do it. There’s some writing advice in here, but what distinguishes this book is the good advice on important practical career-development matters, like what kind of advice to ignore, finding an agent, how to work with collaborator, etc. The author provides examples from his own experience of what to do and not to do. These would have been more effective with a little less petty crowing about how he was right and others were wrong.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital advance review copy.

Honestly the intro immediately threw me off and gave me a bad taste in my mouth. It felt like he was bragging about all his successes. Yes, he has accomplished a lot and should be very proud if himself but it made me not want to keep reading. Overall the book had a lot of helpful info and some not as helpful, depending on what you plan to write.

Would I recommend this book? Maybe depending on who would ask.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written with clear, concise, and applicable information. I loved how it was organized and thought overall it was a helpful book for writers.

Straczynski reminds writers why they became writers in the first place. You have to keep that fire for writing. He also shows you how to map out your stories and how to get an agent.

Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer touches on several subjects that other books for writers overlook, but those subjects were not enough to make me really like this book. I am in the minority, based on other reviews, but advice books are not meant for everyone and that's okay. Writers need advice books, process books, habits, and more so that they can take away what works and create their own system and opinion.

Thank you NetGalley and BenBella Books for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer is one of the most down-to-earth, relatable books on being a writer that I've ever read. It's less prescriptive advice on the technical skills of writing (assuming you already know the basics), and more reflective on the experience of being a professional writer. It definitely caught me at just the right time in my own career, and I loved a lot of what the author had to say about industry endurance and cultivating diverse writing skills in the later chapters.

Excellent book about the ins and outs of writing from an industry veteran. If you go to writer's conferences, sometimes they give you a false bill of sale about how easy it can be to make it. In this book, Michael is candid, real, and authentic in getting inside the brain of being a writer and staying a writer. I read this book while in line for rides at Disneyland and in CA Adventure's new Marvel theme park. The author has worked on scripts for many well-known movies so it was inspiring to think about all he has accomplished to put story into the hearts of so many people. This book is an engaging, funny, down-to-earth, "real" book for writers.

Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer by J. Michael Stracynski is just the resource I need right now to pursue writing a book I have had on the back burner for years. I feel incredibly empowered because of his genuine interest in helping writers write and his sharing of personal challenges, as well. Such gems as, "The goal is to get past the inertia of that day's first written words. Writing leads to writing." and "...in that twilight stage between wakefulness and sleep, load up whatever story problem has been plaguing you recently." He is wise and his strategies work for me. I hope they do for you, too. Thank you to Mr. Stracynski, BenBella Books, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.

I read a lot of How To writing books and this one was merely okay. Could have used less about how much of an antisocial dweeb he was. Merely so-so.