Creating a Writing Life: A Book Review

I have a bookshelf full of nothing but writing craft books. There are books on characterization, plot, style, and genre. I have books by writers writing about their writing process and compilations of writers giving advice to writers. But never have a seen a book quite like Creating a Writing Life by Jill Kemerer.

Creating a Writing Life isn’t about how to write beautiful prose, plot a bestseller, sell tons of books. Instead, it’s about figuring out where you are now on your writing journey and how to get where you want to be. What I love best about it is that it’s real.

Jill Kemerer opens by starting in the beginning–life before publication. She shares her own uphill battle with getting published, and helps beginning authors evaluate where they are and what they might be doing that could be limiting their writing career.

Part two is about the writing process. Though it’s basic information, it’s still a good refresher for writers of all levels.

Part three is where it starts to truly shine. Jill talks about the hard times that all writers go through. She offers personal experiences as well as encouragement for anyone who’s gone through similar tough times. Spoiler alert: All writers go through storms.

Part four is all about the elephant in the room no one wants to talk about, but Jill confronts it head on. Money. She addresses money spent and money made, and points out the truth that everyone wants to ignore. You’re very unlikely to get rich from writing books.

The last part of the book covers finding your people (others in the industry to join you on your journey), finding your readers, thriving, and finding your successful writing life.

Though I skimmed over the beginning of the book, the deeper I got in, the more I gleaned from it. It wasn’t just helpful wisdom but encouraging hope.

Creating a Writing Life is like reading a series of letters from a friend who’s been where you are and is committed to helping you get where you’d like to be.

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Interview with Jill Kemerer

What inspired you to write this book?

My journey to publication was long and filled with potholes. I felt like I learned everything the hard way. I couldn’t find information about how to set up a small business as a self-employed writer, what income I could expect to make from my novels, the realities of slow times, and envying other writers. Many aspects of the writing life aren’t covered in books on the writing craft, so I decided to share what I’d learned in Creating a Writing Life.

What can readers expect from Creating a Writing Life?

I encourage writers to evaluate all aspects of their writing life–where and when they write best, existing equipment and what’s needed, if they’re a panster or plotter. I share about the emotional ups and downs–envy, discouragement, celebrating wins, and how to manage expectations. There’s an entire chapter devoted to financial matters, including author income, tracking expenses, and business options like sole proprietorships, LLCs and S corps. Since most writers struggle with time management (don’t we all?), I devoted several chapters on this subject. There’s also tips on creative habits, basic story elements, and the agent-author relationship.

How are you qualified to write this book?

As a multi-published, best-selling, award-winning author who has been published for over ten years, I’ve gained insights, mostly from talking to other authors, my own research, and hard-won experience. Additionally, nearly a million copies of my novels have been sold worldwide. I’m not a household name, but I’m a lifelong learner. A former electrical engineer, I was trained to think logically, ask a lot of questions, and find the optimal method for every process. I’m sure in ten years, I will have more insight, but I don’t believe in waiting to help people. Writers need this information now.

What do you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope anyone who reads this book ends up encouraged and excited about their writing life. There are so many subjects writers and authors just don’t talk about, and this book does. I go there. Ideally, you’ll feel like you’re sitting across from me at a coffee shop, having a conversation about the writing life.

Where can your book be purchased?

Creating a Writing Life is available in paperback and e-book through Amazon. It releases on September 3, 2025.

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About Jill Kemerer

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed are my own.