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Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days
Write-A-Thon is the first book to present an easy-to-use guide to writing a fiction or nonfiction book in a twenty-six day marathon. The life skills, performance techniques, and writing tools presented in Write-A-Thon are based on scientifically validated research from positive psychology, inspiration from the world of marathon running, the author s work as a writing coach, and the author s personal experience of writing books fast. The content is divided into 3 sections: training write-a-thon recovery Each section includes an introduction and a series of short essays with practical tips, tools, and encouragement to help readers incorporate the techniques into their own life. Write-A-Thon concludes with an annotated bibliography that provides additional writing help for readers on topics such as editing, grammar, and the publication process.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2011
17 people are currently reading
670 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Melander
40 books86 followersRochelle Melander, the Write Now! Coach, is the author of 10 books, a certified professional coach, and a popular speaker. Melander teaches professionals how to write fast, get published, establish credibility, and navigate the new world of social media.
Rochelle's newest book Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) teaches writers how to train for and successfully conquer writing marathons like National Novel Writing Month. Her book A Generous Presence: Spiritual Leadership and the Art of Coaching (2006), was named one of the 50 best spiritual books of 2006.
In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, a program that teaches writing to at-risk tweens and teens in the inner city. Rochelle Melander is a member of the International Coach Federation and the American Society for Journalists and Authors. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, the writer Harold Eppley, and their two children.
Rochelle's newest book Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (And Live to Tell About It) teaches writers how to train for and successfully conquer writing marathons like National Novel Writing Month. Her book A Generous Presence: Spiritual Leadership and the Art of Coaching (2006), was named one of the 50 best spiritual books of 2006.
In 2006, Rochelle founded Dream Keepers Creative Writing Workshop, a program that teaches writing to at-risk tweens and teens in the inner city. Rochelle Melander is a member of the International Coach Federation and the American Society for Journalists and Authors. She lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband, the writer Harold Eppley, and their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2015
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I felt some parts of it were kind of redundant and/or self-explanatory, but it also had some very good advice and it did motivate me to get writing again.
January 26, 2014
Rochelle Melander's "Write A Thon" is one of those books that I think is in general a great coaching and motivational guide to writing. It takes a psychological based approach to writing in that it examines barriers to the writer for why they are not as productive as they'd like to be, and addresses ways of moving past the blocks that may occur when writing a book.
Upon my first read of it, I lamented the fact that it's not really a sequential day-by-day approach to writing a novel like other guides that I've picked up (i.e. those in the 30-90 day spectrum, with exercises to boot), but then I realized it had a very different approach with respect to being a writing guide in general. The first section breaks down training to write a novel based on attitude/approach. Identifying what and why you wish to write, visioning the process, making plans to prepare yourself for the process. Then it breaks down the writing process as far as how to prepare yourself in outlining, creating the plot, characters, and identifying preparing for writing either fiction or non-fiction. Then it outlines planning a schedule and providing touches of motivation along the way, and rounding out the process with revision and finding an editor.
I only give it three stars because while I found it to be very helpful in terms of motivation and keeping the process going when writing a novel, I didn't really find it helped me with specific anecdotes to the writing process itself. It's still a good resource, but not one of my go-to-titles for writing reference. More for a motivator when I need it.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
Upon my first read of it, I lamented the fact that it's not really a sequential day-by-day approach to writing a novel like other guides that I've picked up (i.e. those in the 30-90 day spectrum, with exercises to boot), but then I realized it had a very different approach with respect to being a writing guide in general. The first section breaks down training to write a novel based on attitude/approach. Identifying what and why you wish to write, visioning the process, making plans to prepare yourself for the process. Then it breaks down the writing process as far as how to prepare yourself in outlining, creating the plot, characters, and identifying preparing for writing either fiction or non-fiction. Then it outlines planning a schedule and providing touches of motivation along the way, and rounding out the process with revision and finding an editor.
I only give it three stars because while I found it to be very helpful in terms of motivation and keeping the process going when writing a novel, I didn't really find it helped me with specific anecdotes to the writing process itself. It's still a good resource, but not one of my go-to-titles for writing reference. More for a motivator when I need it.
Overall score: 3/5 stars.
December 15, 2012
This is a very well written book of ideas, tips and process to write a book within 26 days (and survive). I will definitely read this book again as it is loaded with useful ideas, many of which have application broader than writing. Very well done!!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
November 26, 2012
This belongs in every writers library. Not only does author give a clear concise plan for writing your book in short span of time but she provides all types of additional reference material. Found myself reading with clearer understanding of process for successful pursuit of writing career.
November 15, 2011
A lot of people are participating in NaNoWriMo during the month of November, yet writing a book can be achieved any time. In Write-A-Thon Rochelle Melander suggests that everyone is capable of writing a book in 26 days.
Everyone who ever wanted to write a book but felt discouraged by countless reasons why it might not be such a good idea after all, will get the boost they need. This guide offers lots of advice, from writing tools and techniques to helpful exercises, but most of all, Rochelle encourages the would-be-writer to make writing a life priority which, with the right planning and attitude, has room even in the busiest schedule. Showing up is the key! To sit down and write. No excuses.
Not one of those dry how-to books, this compendium is engaging and inspiring, filled with real-life examples by different authors, and seasoned with great quotes at the beginning of chapters. I believe it is even for those who have already written books, because all writers struggle with many of the issues addressed here, including this awful thing called procrastination. I honestly wish this guide had already been available when I set out writing my first book as it would have been of tremendous help. While I have taken that first hurdle, it's safe to say that Write-A-Thon will come in handy for future writing projects of mine!
In short: Highly recommended for everyone who ever wanted to write a book!
Everyone who ever wanted to write a book but felt discouraged by countless reasons why it might not be such a good idea after all, will get the boost they need. This guide offers lots of advice, from writing tools and techniques to helpful exercises, but most of all, Rochelle encourages the would-be-writer to make writing a life priority which, with the right planning and attitude, has room even in the busiest schedule. Showing up is the key! To sit down and write. No excuses.
Not one of those dry how-to books, this compendium is engaging and inspiring, filled with real-life examples by different authors, and seasoned with great quotes at the beginning of chapters. I believe it is even for those who have already written books, because all writers struggle with many of the issues addressed here, including this awful thing called procrastination. I honestly wish this guide had already been available when I set out writing my first book as it would have been of tremendous help. While I have taken that first hurdle, it's safe to say that Write-A-Thon will come in handy for future writing projects of mine!
In short: Highly recommended for everyone who ever wanted to write a book!
July 29, 2013
I bought this back in the heat of NaNo last November, but didn't pick it up until after two (or three?) write a book quickly guides. While I think this would be very motivational for someone who's looking for an impetus, I've kind of lost faith in the write it fast mentality and daily word counts. Sure, I'm able to drop 500 words in a twenty minute session, but I'd like to have a little more direction on plotting and revision.
February 2, 2013
Not much here in terms of tips that you can't find elsewhere. I thought it would help me with plotting so that I could get a book written in a short amount of time. But this is not a plotting book, more of a personal encouragement book saying that you can do it, but does not tell you how.
October 12, 2014
A lot of it was stuff I knew already, but somehow it felt good to have a reminder, like taking a refresher course. Lots of common sense advice, and the marathon analogy works well throughout. I ended up skimming a lot of it, though.
November 27, 2021
I always hesitate to say anything bad about a book. Not all books are for everyone. This book was dense - even in its formatting and I struggled to get through it. It has some great info in there and I would say give it a try. Be ready though, whew!
September 14, 2017
This was good. I have completed NaNoWriMo about five times, though, so I didn't really gain much new from it. But it wasn't bad, and also subscribed to the best writing advice: Just do it.
November 11, 2011
( Guest Blog & Giveaway (open till nov 17th) @ http://niinas-reading-and-reviewing.b... )
I have never come across book that lets you know how to get a novel out and not dance around it and your writing issues - that as effective as this!
I've got a Project Journal now, and a Story Bible! And I sort of had one before on some loose notes at the back of my drawer... ahem, just call me professional. But as I read this book it came naturally to get everything out and ready, and I was excited to do it.
Melander gets you excited about writing, and getting in the mind-set to write! The tone isn't condescending or high and mighty but just the perfect amount of "this is what you need", "this is what you can do to change it" and "just do it"!
This is no boring How-To - but a book that gets you excited about writing, prepares you and then lets you know just what to do when you got your rough draw done, in 26 days.
I found the Part One: Training my favorite, it was exactly what I needed, a little kick on the butt. The titles tell so much so I'm going to bring them up so that you can see for yourself that it's all taken care of: ( my favourite chapters are in the ( ) )
Attitude Training: Get Rid of the Excuses ( Take Yourself Seriously )
Writing Training: Learn the Basics ( The Project Journal )
Course Training: Plan Your Novel ( Three More W Guestions )
Course Training: Plan Your Non-Fiction Book ( Find Your Purpose )
Life Training: Schedule The Marathon ( Create a Life Priority List )
Part Two: The Write-A-Thon is all about Melander coaching us readers throughout the 26 days, with almost like pep-talks and inspirations to keep us going for day to day! These aren't just to keep going, but very informative of what you can do while in writing process, one I really liked was the following:
"Want to write better? Get a day job. Or sign-up for a volunteer gig. Just get out of the house and do something! I'm not kidding."
And....
"Don't get it right. Just get it written." ~James Thurber
This is a section I know I'll spend the rest of the month with as I'm writing my NaNo.
Part Three: Recovery, has titles like Why Revise (this about gave me a heart attack as I couldn't even contemplate not revising, as what comes out in the rough draft is just mush), Write It Right: First Lines and How To Get Your Query Rejected. This part has absolutely valuable information that all new novelists should know! And I am glad that I now do!
This book is amazing, I can't tell you how happy I am to have read this! If you have any desire to write, or write a novel then this book is for you - do not miss it! It's one of a kind in the "How To Write Books" sections, if you come across it I highly recommend you get it. A giant thank you to Rochelle Melander for writing this, it might be thanks to you that I get my first novel out.
I have never come across book that lets you know how to get a novel out and not dance around it and your writing issues - that as effective as this!
I've got a Project Journal now, and a Story Bible! And I sort of had one before on some loose notes at the back of my drawer... ahem, just call me professional. But as I read this book it came naturally to get everything out and ready, and I was excited to do it.
Melander gets you excited about writing, and getting in the mind-set to write! The tone isn't condescending or high and mighty but just the perfect amount of "this is what you need", "this is what you can do to change it" and "just do it"!
This is no boring How-To - but a book that gets you excited about writing, prepares you and then lets you know just what to do when you got your rough draw done, in 26 days.
I found the Part One: Training my favorite, it was exactly what I needed, a little kick on the butt. The titles tell so much so I'm going to bring them up so that you can see for yourself that it's all taken care of: ( my favourite chapters are in the ( ) )
Attitude Training: Get Rid of the Excuses ( Take Yourself Seriously )
Writing Training: Learn the Basics ( The Project Journal )
Course Training: Plan Your Novel ( Three More W Guestions )
Course Training: Plan Your Non-Fiction Book ( Find Your Purpose )
Life Training: Schedule The Marathon ( Create a Life Priority List )
Part Two: The Write-A-Thon is all about Melander coaching us readers throughout the 26 days, with almost like pep-talks and inspirations to keep us going for day to day! These aren't just to keep going, but very informative of what you can do while in writing process, one I really liked was the following:
"Want to write better? Get a day job. Or sign-up for a volunteer gig. Just get out of the house and do something! I'm not kidding."
And....
"Don't get it right. Just get it written." ~James Thurber
This is a section I know I'll spend the rest of the month with as I'm writing my NaNo.
Part Three: Recovery, has titles like Why Revise (this about gave me a heart attack as I couldn't even contemplate not revising, as what comes out in the rough draft is just mush), Write It Right: First Lines and How To Get Your Query Rejected. This part has absolutely valuable information that all new novelists should know! And I am glad that I now do!
This book is amazing, I can't tell you how happy I am to have read this! If you have any desire to write, or write a novel then this book is for you - do not miss it! It's one of a kind in the "How To Write Books" sections, if you come across it I highly recommend you get it. A giant thank you to Rochelle Melander for writing this, it might be thanks to you that I get my first novel out.
January 21, 2013
I didn't read Rochelle Melander's Write-A-Thon until after I finished my first novel. That's a shame, because the whole process would have been a lot easier! The book is a wonderful step-by-step guide that offers tips and encouragement without getting too rah-rah. And by the way, the book doesn’t advise writing a epic novel in 26 consecutive days. It’s really about finding 26 “work” days to write, while blocking in planning time and rest days during the process.
Melander knows that the process of writing begins long before the first word gets written. So Write-A-Thon’s first section covers preparation, motivation, and exercises to get (and keep) the creative process going. The second part covers the actual "writing" bit, with advice, checklists and reminders to help you churn out the all-important zero draft. And the final section talks about recovery (essential for sanity!), the editing process, and next steps.
The best part about Write-A-Thon is that you can use it in several ways. Yes, you can follow the steps to crank out a book in 26 days. But you can also dip into the book and reread just the parts you need right now. Every short chapter has quotes and anecdotes from writers on various aspects of the craft. Maybe you’re not writing a full book. You might just need a reminder to tell yourself how to self-edit effectively. Maybe it's looking at all the steps to flesh out a character before you start the novel writing proper. Maybe you need to reassess you schedule. You can do all of that here. Write-A-Thon is just as much a toolkit and coach as it is a book to read through.
I plan to keep this on my shelf for when I tackle the project that’s been daunting me (writing a nonfiction business advice book). If you have a book in your head, but you’re not sure how to get in on paper, I recommend Write-A-Thon as a great place to start.
Melander knows that the process of writing begins long before the first word gets written. So Write-A-Thon’s first section covers preparation, motivation, and exercises to get (and keep) the creative process going. The second part covers the actual "writing" bit, with advice, checklists and reminders to help you churn out the all-important zero draft. And the final section talks about recovery (essential for sanity!), the editing process, and next steps.
The best part about Write-A-Thon is that you can use it in several ways. Yes, you can follow the steps to crank out a book in 26 days. But you can also dip into the book and reread just the parts you need right now. Every short chapter has quotes and anecdotes from writers on various aspects of the craft. Maybe you’re not writing a full book. You might just need a reminder to tell yourself how to self-edit effectively. Maybe it's looking at all the steps to flesh out a character before you start the novel writing proper. Maybe you need to reassess you schedule. You can do all of that here. Write-A-Thon is just as much a toolkit and coach as it is a book to read through.
I plan to keep this on my shelf for when I tackle the project that’s been daunting me (writing a nonfiction business advice book). If you have a book in your head, but you’re not sure how to get in on paper, I recommend Write-A-Thon as a great place to start.
February 26, 2017
Finished the book amazing I need to get the book because this one is a keeper. I can easily see myself coming back to it.
Exercise and list suggestions that help you throughout your writing life. All the list ideas are pure gold.
Engaging fun writing style. I will be looking for other books by her.
A mix of encouragement and a kick in the pants. Love the quotes and inspiration sprinkled through the book.
Exercise and list suggestions that help you throughout your writing life. All the list ideas are pure gold.
Engaging fun writing style. I will be looking for other books by her.
A mix of encouragement and a kick in the pants. Love the quotes and inspiration sprinkled through the book.
November 4, 2014
As an unpublished fiction writer, I am ever committed to a writing career despite being a busy mother to two smallies. I have been wishing for a book like Write-A-Thon for years, and am so glad to have it in my writer mama's tool box. It's not designed for mothers in particular, it just happens to fit my circumstances perfectly right now.
Not only does Write-a-Thon give me concrete tools and easily-implemented solutions to commit to a regular habit of writing, it consoles, motivates, and compliments my every effort to balance all parts of my life. I have experienced a recent burnout from writing, so I'm finding that Write-A-thon is a very human way to help me get myself on track again.
Right now, I am on day 4 of NaNoWriMo, so I write when the kids are in bed, but this book is seriously right beside me throughout my day. I'm getting so much support and enjoyment from this book, it is packed with advice given in a solid fashion. It is a bonus for me that the author herself is so accomplished, and is herself a parent. She knows what she's talking about. Ms. Melander writes with real thoughtfulness and humanity, without the fat. It really is like having a writing coach right beside me. Best book for writer's lifestyle I have ever found.
Invest in this book and your career and life will thank you! Best of luck.
Not only does Write-a-Thon give me concrete tools and easily-implemented solutions to commit to a regular habit of writing, it consoles, motivates, and compliments my every effort to balance all parts of my life. I have experienced a recent burnout from writing, so I'm finding that Write-A-thon is a very human way to help me get myself on track again.
Right now, I am on day 4 of NaNoWriMo, so I write when the kids are in bed, but this book is seriously right beside me throughout my day. I'm getting so much support and enjoyment from this book, it is packed with advice given in a solid fashion. It is a bonus for me that the author herself is so accomplished, and is herself a parent. She knows what she's talking about. Ms. Melander writes with real thoughtfulness and humanity, without the fat. It really is like having a writing coach right beside me. Best book for writer's lifestyle I have ever found.
Invest in this book and your career and life will thank you! Best of luck.
October 27, 2011
Many people want to write a book, but few actually take a stab at it. Rochelle Melander gives the average person the tools, advice, and encouragement to write a book in 26 days and keep his/her sanity. "No Excuses" is a chapter early on in the book, Rochelle offers up counterarguments to each excuse given. The reader should be able to acknowledge the argument as sound and logical. This book holds not only writing tips, but little tidbits of wisdom that come from writing-the potential writer has some things to look forward too. One of the best parts of this book were the quotes at the beginnings of the short chapters, they fit each chapter perfectly and enabled the reader to think ahead.
The author will attempt to instill patience, a drive for success, and the will to write and polish a novel. Anyone considering writing a novel should pick up this book. Many how-to books can become dry or slightly boring, this book avoids those qualities through real stories, quotes, and the energy behind the author's words.
The author will attempt to instill patience, a drive for success, and the will to write and polish a novel. Anyone considering writing a novel should pick up this book. Many how-to books can become dry or slightly boring, this book avoids those qualities through real stories, quotes, and the energy behind the author's words.
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September 3, 2013
Write-A-Thon is a useful guide for anyone heading into a fast, focused writing endeavor. Quick exercises prepare you for the big event as you stretch your writing muscles and plan your route. The advice is inspirational and easy to implement. It doesn't ask for too many details, so it doesn't sap your energy to get started by overplanning. But it does help you develop a realistic plan for what's ahead.
Each chapter has the perfect quote, and the final section consists of short motivational pieces ideal for once your writeathon is under way. This book is recommended for anyone who's tackling a concentrated writing project, but would love the security of just a little bit of planning.
Each chapter has the perfect quote, and the final section consists of short motivational pieces ideal for once your writeathon is under way. This book is recommended for anyone who's tackling a concentrated writing project, but would love the security of just a little bit of planning.
November 30, 2011
Rochelle Melander’s latest book is a gift to all of us who want to write a book. She takes the mystery out of the process, breaks the whole intimidating ordeal down into steps that anyone can handle. Using the metaphor of running a marathon, Melander aptly guides would-be authors through the training process and cheers them on all the way to the finish line. Loaded with examples, tips and down-to-earth strategies, this book is a must-have for anyone who dreams of really really writing that book he/she has always talked about – whether fiction or nonfiction. Can you write a book in 30 days? With Melander’s help, yes, you can.
January 27, 2013
Not really about running a writing marathon like NaNoWriMo, but for me - more about getting into the full mindset of a writer, using many helpful exercises ranging from a visualisation process, to setting up environmental routines for the writer's day.
The book jumps from process to mindset, to exercises, back to process, which I sometimes found jolted my learnings, and there is a long double index at the back.
But of the many writing craft books out there that I've read and studied, I can seriously say that this one will be referred back to as a resource more than many others. An excellent and right up to date picture of the things new writers need to learn in today's writing world.
The book jumps from process to mindset, to exercises, back to process, which I sometimes found jolted my learnings, and there is a long double index at the back.
But of the many writing craft books out there that I've read and studied, I can seriously say that this one will be referred back to as a resource more than many others. An excellent and right up to date picture of the things new writers need to learn in today's writing world.
February 2, 2012
Excellent resource and go-to book for planning your attack for the big writing project you never quite got off the ground. Seriously considering this as a "textbook" for my Writing Fiction class next year.
June 20, 2014
Great approach to writing projects. Gave a great, step by step, organized progression to preparing and writing. I'm implementing right now on my first project, and it's principles have been a great help.
November 26, 2013
It was okay.
December 5, 2011
Skimmed.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews