The Shy Writer
C. Hope Clark
FundsforWriters
ISBN: 1-59113-583-4
Non-Fiction, Writing
Reviewed by Mona Lisa Safai

“Sell your words, not your soul.” ~ C. Hope Clark

C. Hope Clark’s new book, The Shy Writer, offers a completely new approach to shy writers.  Many shy writers tend to work best alone or in personal groups. However, writing is only on side of the business. Clark quickly uncovered another side of writing. Writers don’t only stay in one place and magically come up with a novel. And, even when that novel is ready to sell, you must be ready to promote it, do book signings, and lectures. As a shy writer, these activities may seem overwhelming, if not horrifying.

Her mission is not to eliminate shyness. Rather, Clark’s entire book illustrates the many uncomfortable a shy writer may encounter (a booksigning, speech, etc,) and how to handle the situation most gracefully.

Instead of just “getting over it” their shyness, Clark addresses it head on and suggests various ways of ways to deal with an audience, small informal groups, and large formal groups. She focuses on the shy writer’s strengths and to take advantage of them.
 
Rather than advise a shy writer to just “get over it” or even “reach beyond,” Clark skillfully guides shy writers to a place of acceptance, knowledge, and potential. While she remains empathetic toward shy writers, she is also giving them the opportunity to become more independent in their chosen profession.

Clark also gives suggestions to writers with disabilities. Their supposed inability to compete as well in public market marketing forums may also assist some writers. Many of Clark’s solutions appear applicable for shy writers.

The Shy Writer inspires shy writers to try her valuable suggestions. Her tips not only positively impacted shy writers but the rest of us, too.  This book is written to assist shy writers along their path to successful writing. The book identifies the obstacles and creates maneuvers. If you are a seriously introverted writer, reading this book may be intriguing.

C. Hope Clark is the editor for Funds for Writers. www.fundsforwriters.com.