Writing is an art, and this soon-to-be-released title is art at its finest. Using ten principles of creativity—attention, wonder, vision, surprise, play, vulnerability, restlessness, connection, tenacity, and hope—Smith shares what she’s learned about writing and life over the past 20 years. This book is filled with Smith’s usual insight, brilliance, and heart, but it means that much more to me as an English teacher and writer myself.

I think this book took me so long because of all the notes I was taking. Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC! Writers and teachers of writing will want this book when it comes out April 1st. I’ll be purchasing it and keeping it near me.

Lovely and inspiring. Dear Writer is practical and encouraging - like getting sound advice from your most supportive and grounded friend. The structure - chapters/sections focused on different themes like play, attention, surprise - is compelling and effective. I appreciated all the references and suggested reading Maggie provided, in addition to the generative writing prompts. This is an essential read for anyone looking to sharpen their writing skills or wondering how to get started.

Thank you very much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

This book felt a bit like a pep talk at times. At others, a hug. It is chock full of practical advice and unrivaled prose.

What makes Dear Writer such a standout is its deep focus on the process of writing rather than the finished product. It’s a reflective, encouraging guide that feels right at home alongside classics like On Writing, Big Magic, and Why Write. Maggie Smith beautifully emphasizes that thinking, observing, and simply existing in the world all count as part of a writer’s craft—and she believes anyone can embrace this identity. The book’s conversational tone feels like Smith is addressing the reader directly, though it’s easy to imagine she’s also writing to herself as a fellow creative navigating the ups and downs of the journey. Her anecdotes, poems, reading recommendations, and thoughtful writing prompts scattered throughout add depth and inspiration. While poets might connect most deeply with Smith’s advice, the ten elements she explores—like attention and play—offer valuable insights for any writer willing to adapt her wisdom to their craft. Highly recommend, especially for those seeking a companion to nurture their creative process!

"Dear Writer" is an uplifting and empowering guide for anyone looking to unleash their creative potential, whether they identify as a writer, artist, or simply someone seeking to live more creatively. Author Maggie Smith, an accomplished poet and essayist, shares her wisdom and encouragement in a series of heartfelt "pep talks," providing readers with the inspiration and practical advice needed to cultivate a thriving creative life.

One of the standout features of this book is Smith's deep understanding of the creative process, which she distills into ten essential elements that are universally applicable, regardless of one's chosen medium. By emphasizing the importance of curiosity, persistence, and self-compassion, among other key principles, "Dear Writer" offers a holistic approach to creativity that extends far beyond the page.

Whether you're an experienced writer in need of a fresh perspective, or a novice looking to develop your creative voice, "Dear Writer" is a must-read that will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to embrace your artistic potential. Loved this book.

I have read all of Maggie Smith's work--both prose and poetry--and this book is a lovely addition. I appreciate the clear sighted advice on writing and the accessible writing style that will appeal to a broad range of readers.

The first part of this book was just okay, perhaps because I’ve been writing and publishing for 20 years and there was not a lot new there for me.. I might have put it down. I am very glad I didn’t.

So much of what Smith gives us in the later part of the book is so important to surviving and thriving as writers, and so seldom talked about. Community. Writing for yourself. The idea that each time you submit work, even the same work to the same places, it really is different. You’ve changed the work in small ways or big ones. Or you haven’t changed it at all but the readers at the gate have. Or the times have changed and those readers with them.

A no isn’t a rejection of you (although I suppose this is easier for a few poems than for a novel that may have taken years to write). And we all face rejection.

This was a nice reminder for me, and I think even more important for early stage writers. I can already think of several I would give it to for the holidays, if only it were already out!

Thanks for the early read. I’ll share it in April.

This book is an easy 5 Stars for me. It is both practical and philosophical. I was encouraged to write after reading each chapter. Maggie Smith gives us the how-to and why-to in one book, and I will be returning to it again and again.

I have long been a Maggie Smith fan, so I was thrilled to receive an ARC edition of her new and soon-to-be-published guide Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life (Atria Books - Atria/One Signal Publishers, April 1, 2025).

It’s a challenge to live a creative life in any genre, medium, or form . . . so what a wonderful gift to have Maggie Smith’s tips and encouragement to turn to. Maggie’s writing is always accessible, warm, relatable, and wise, and when coupled with her experience as a teacher, the result is an inspiring and instructive “best practices” manual.

And, sure, I would have to say that poets . . . are the most obvious audience for this book. But Maggie’s words reach far beyond that particular group of artists to serve anyone trying to live a creative life. I am not a poet myself, although I do a fair amount of writing. I’m also a garden designer and a mixed media artist. I found many, many nuggets of practical advice bolstering my personal brand of creative life right there, within the pages of this gem of a book. (And who can't use a good pep talk now and then?) Some chapters and topics resonated with me (as a non-poet) more than others, but I found relatable advice and practical tips throughout. In fact, I’m looking forward to picking up a copy of this book when it’s published so I can highlight and write in the margins to my heart's content.

For me, the biggest bonuses of all were the comprehensive lists of “further reading” at the end of every chapter. What a rabbit hole of delights for any poetry lover!

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Thank you to Atria Books - Atria/One Signal Publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on April 1, 2025.

Maggie Smith is one of my favorite writers. I’m drawn to her books because I like her overall philosophy and approach to living life well. For instance, in her poem Goldenrod, she writes about driving on a highway and noticing the beauty of a field of wildflowers along the side the road—something that many of us would ignore or miss. This poem encourages me on even my busiest days to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to savor the beauty in the world that is always there if only I dare notice it. In her poem Good Bones, she does not promise that life will be easy. In fact, she acknowledges the opposite, that life can hold hardship, cruelty, or even tragedy and pain, but I love that her words bring me back to my most creative self, that even in a world that holds both beauty and brutality, I can be the creator of my own beautiful life. Her poem reminds me that I can choose and construct my own beautiful life not despite but even during the harshest of times. In fact, I often find myself referring back to her words when I’m going through tough times, and I need to be reminded of what is important in life, or that I have it in me to construct the life I want.

Her newest book is Dear Writer. I was excited to hear about her new book and was eager to read it. In this book she goes behind the scenes and shares what inspires her to write, her editing and revising process, and tips for writing well. This book is part writing workshop with writing exercises and reading recommendations, part lecture on craft, and part encouraging words to anyone who wants to write. I was fascinated to hear her writing process behind some of my favorite poems, and the book gave me a deeper appreciation for what it takes for her to write poetry and how much thought is put into each poem. I also enjoyed reading the personal stories behind the poems or when she shared her real life—both the joys and struggles as an artist. I felt that by reading this book I got her honest perspective on how to best live a life of an artist in the real world.

Most of all, I loved that the author chose to write this book as a series of letters. She could have easily written a textbook or even series of essays on the craft of writing, but I was moved by this personal touch where she begins each letter with “Dear Writer” and then signs it “Maggie” with her actual signature on the page. This book is essentially a collection of letters from an experienced writer to new and all writers encouraging them to live their dreams.

While initially one might think that the audience of this book may be writers or artists, particularly poets, I honestly felt that this is the kind of book that everyone could read and benefit from, the kind of book that I would want my own daughter or son to have to take with them through life to inspire them. Many of themes in the book aren’t just about writing. They are about how to live well and be a human being in a world where both the tragic and beautiful exist often simultaneously. The lessons apply to all of us: how to develop your own voice, how to keep a sense of discovery and wonder, how to deal with rejection, how to communicate your ideas well, believing in the value of your own ideas, and most all, how to define your own life with both courage and exuberance. I feel grateful that Maggie Smith wrote this book to inspire us. Thank you Maggie Smith for your kind generosity and the continued positive impact you have on my life and the lives of so many.

I received a free digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating and intriguing insight into life as a writer. Made me think more deeply about writing as a process and just creativity in general.. Will be buying a hard copy for my friend who's an actual writer unlike me.

Inspiring ,helpful informative Maggie Smith has written a guide that anyone who aspires to be a writer will find extremely helpful.This book is told in an engaging style Maggie Smith never fails to draw me in by her literary style.#netgalley #atria

Both inspirational and shockingly practical for writers who are looking for tips and tricks for strengthening their work. Very motivating and energizing.

Bravo!! I loved this so much, I'm buying a hard copy so I can read it over and over again while making notes in the margins. I've never been much of a poetry fan but Maggie Smith makes both poetry as well as writing feel useful, approachable, mindful, and therapeutic.

I loved how she broke it down and really got into the process of writing, the choices, the 'rooms' etc. I found it to be so helpful and enlightening.

The format of the book is fantastic! It doesn’t feel like a textbook, yet I can see it being used in classrooms worldwide. This work prompted me to think about the numerous choices poets make, how stanzas can act as rooms, and so much more. The recommended reading has my To Be Read pile toppling over. But I'm excited to read them all.

Thank you NetGalley for the sneak peak at this book. It was worth it.

This book was full of inspiration, anecdotes, applicable craft advice, and a reminder that what we do as writers matters. Great read.

Maggie Smith's "Dear Writer" is a gem, but with a catch. The absolute best parts are the suggested readings and writing exercises at the end of each chapter. As a former creative writing teacher, I know how hard it can be to find perfect example texts, but Smith nails it. The exercises aren't your typical "write about your childhood pet" prompts either; they really get you thinking deeply about your creative process and help you develop a consistent writing practice that sticks.

Here's the thing though – Smith is primarily a poet, and it shows (not necessarily in a bad way!). While her insights about creativity are spot-on and the book's framework of ten elements (like attention, wonder, and play) is super helpful, poets will definitely get the most bang for their buck here. If you're working on a novel or creative nonfiction, you might need to do some mental gymnastics to adapt her advice to your needs. That said, I'd still recommend it – just maybe pair it with some genre-specific craft books if poetry isn't your main jam.

what I liked about DEAR WRITER is that it praises and reflects on the process of writing, not the product. it belongs next to ON WRITING, BIG MAGIC, WHY WRITE, & more on your bookshelf. in addition to process, DEAR WRITER also focuses on living: thinking & existing in the world count as writing if you’re a writer, & anyone can be, according to DEAR WRITER. much of the book is addressed to the reader, though given her focus on looking inward, I wonder if Maggie Smith was partially writing to herself. interspersed throughout the book are her own anecdotes, poems, reading recommendation lists, & the occasional writing prompt.

"I explain that people don't become poets. They either, as they grow up, become not-poets, or they stay poets. I told them I hope they would stay poets."

Good. From start to finish this book was just so good. I really enjoy books like this and this is one that I'll definitely be purchasing a physical copy of and re-reading with my highlighters and pens. Good advice for writing and just life in general.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. It is an exciting read about a variety of topics. You could easily read cover to cover or skip around and read the topics you are interested in. In part, it starts with a dear reader and is signed at the end by Maggie.

Dear Writer, by author Maggie Smith, is a beautifully composed book of lucid writing on living the creative life and developing the craft of writing. With writing exercises and prompts spread throughout the book, and with extensive references to further reading materials — this book is an uplifting, thoughtful, creative and incredibly useful writing and reference tool. Smith’s tone is generous, encouraging, and overall optimistic and this book would be a pleasure to return to again and again. I look forward to picking up a treasured hardcopy to add to my personal library when it is published.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, the Author, and Atria Publishers for access to a digital ARC. All opinions are my own.