Write With Fey: 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication

by Chrys Fey

*No longer in publication.*

Catch the sparks you need to write, edit, publish, and market your book!

Write with 10 Sparks to Guide You from Idea to Publication offers an abundance of data in one handy book. From writing your novel to prepping for publication and beyond, you’ll find sparks on every page, including 100 bonus marketing tips. You’ll also discover how to write specific scenes and characters, adding depth to your work.

• Spark Being a Writer
• Spark Story Essentials
• Spark A Book’s Stepping Stones
• Spark How To
• Spark Character ER
• Spark Editing
• Spark Publishing
• Spark Marketing
• Spark Writing About
• Spark Final Inspiration

With so much information, you’ll take notes, highlight, and flag pages to come back to again and again on your writing journey.

Genres: Nonfiction

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2018

About the author

Author of the Disaster Crimes series. She/Her

Chrys Fey blogs at Write with Fey

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Thank you so much for your reviews!

Chrys Fey is a disabled, tattooed author of books featuring heroines of steel. Her Disaster Crimes series is a unique blend of romance, disasters, and crimes, influenced by her own experiences with natural disasters. The conclusion of her series inspired her to create TheFightingChance.org, a resource for domestic violence survivors. On her blog, WritewithFey.com, she supports, empowers, and teaches fellow writers.

Fey got the idea for her first book when she was twelve and discovered a rusted screw with a crooked tip buried in grass. That screw was a key to an unknown world with an extraordinary character born in heaven.

She is a fur baby mom of four rescued cats. For fun, she photographs antiques, makes playlists, and creates flip cup paintings of Avrianna’s nebula. She loves Halloween, autumn, and gargoyles.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrys Fey has packed in so much more then I expected. Even though I haven’t written a book…yet…I publish reviews on a routine basis, so any writing tips can be helpful.

Many of these chapters come from posts on Chrys Fey’s blog. She first began blogging in 2012. The help was sparse for an unknown author. Since then, Indie publishing and the blogging world has exploded with wonderful people who want to help YOU.

Her blog posts are Sparks, for magic, so let yours flourish. Make our own stinking rules, says Chrys. Use your own voice, your own style, making the story your own. Would you want your voice to be like someone else”s? What if yours is more unique, better? It’s your story, own it.

Simple chapters and explanations. Covers all aspects of a novel, start to finish in easy to read and understand language. The A to Z book of writing and social media, publishing and blogs, that everyone who writes can benefit having at their side.

Her in depth, yet simple tips on writing about characters, disasters and events can be very useful to my review writing and blog posts..and who knows what the future holds for me in the writing world. I will be using some of the info to clean up and revamp my blog and social media.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Write With Fey by Chrys Fey.

See more at fundinmental

[Raimey Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read a book for authors so broad in the topics it covers, both in terms of craft and marketing. Chrys's advice is insightful and a really great intro to these topics. I advise using Chrys's book as an intro, but in combination with additional research on each topic, because if you don't know it already, you'll soon find that there are multiple viewpoints/paths forward for all sub-topics related to being an author. I'm definitely keeping this book handy, because she also provides useful checklists, ideas, and links I'm going to want to refer back to once I get closer to a publishing date. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The author and I also belong to some of the same online writing communities.

[Theresa Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrys Fey’s book is a fantastic resource if you’re a new writer or veteran in need of inspiration! The chapters range from the spark of inspiration, plotting, writing, and publishing. They cover several genres like romance, children’s books, mysteries. No matter what genre you write, you’ll find helpful hints and useful information. I especially liked her chapters on character development. There is a lot of information here, but it is straightforward and easy to understand. The marketing section is very helpful. I wish I had this book when I published for the first time.

[Toi Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a pretty comprehensive reference guide for aspiring writers. 10 Sparks is the perfect break-down for this author to convey her guidance and wisdom to her readers. I love the practical approach of this book. While it's informative, it's also relatable. There are some aspects of the book that are more detailed than others, offering step-by-step instructions, while other areas are more generalized, allowing the reader flexibility to interpret things in their own way.

A long-time fan of Chrys Fey, I was eager when I heard about this publication. I was ready to read it before it was even out, but I had to wait. Many of the articles in this publication were not new to me because I had seen some of the previous articles on the author's blog, but I really liked the way it was all put together in this one comprehensible publication.

I like the fact that Chrys Fey is being honest with her readers. She's clearly stating, from her own personal experience, things that have worked for her and what she's done in the past, but she's always reiterating to the reader that everyone's path can be different. In many how-to books, the reader, especially writing books, is made to feel as if it's “the author’s way or the highway.”. While there are certain things that Chrys Fey highly recommends, there's always this feeling that you can choose your own path.

The technical/applicable writing tips Fey offers to help a writer develop characters and plotlines was my favorite part of the book. And even though the title boasts 10 sparkes, there’s so much more in this book than you can imagine. You just have to dive in and see for yourself.

Highly recommended to aspiring writers, veteran writers, and any artistic creator looking for development and or marking tips.

[M.L. Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Write with Fey is a collection of articles on various topics related to writing and the business of being an author. This collection comes from the author’s blog and represents a large portion of her online work. It is loosely organized into ten topic which she calls “sparks.” These topics are as follows:

Being a writer- a group of articles designed to encourage the would-be author coupled with a dire warning about properly backing up your work
Story Essentials- general writing advice
A Book’s Stepping Stone- more general writing advice
How to- tips for creating specific effects or tackling specific genres
Character ER- Articles for character building
Editing
Publishing- a mix of self-publishing and querying tips
Marketing- articles for selling your book and yourself as a writer
Writing About- tips for supernatural characters, natural disasters, and crime drama
Final Inspiration- more encouragement for the reluctant or self-doubting author
As a collection of blog articles, each topic is treated to a brief overview and casual writing-style. This makes the book approachable to someone who may not enjoy the textbook feel of a more formal writing manual. It also makes this book easy to read from cover to cover. However, because the articles are independent, the book can also work as a reference.

Fey covers a wide range of topics (120 to be exact). While this might appeal to some audiences, the lack of detailed examples will frustrate those who are looking for actionable advice.

What’s great about this book
Casual tone, easy to read, and engaging prose. Fey’s background as a fiction writer comes through in her articles.

The writing articles are consistently written to engage the beginning writer.

The marketing articles and much of the Character ER have the most actionable take-away for the reader, and her “How to write about Hurricanes” had the level of detail that can only come from first-hand experience.

Fey covers a lot of topics. Almost everyone will find something useful in this book, which the author hopes may become the “spark” for writing inspiration.

What’s not so great
Fey’s intended audience for this collection is not clear. Most of the writing articles have the voice and detail level suited to a young teen writer. While the marketing and publishing articles would only be useful to a more seasoned author. This aspect makes the collection feel like two separate books.

Also, the articles often lacked examples that would better illustrate her advice. She talks about a topic, but doesn’t provide enough excerpts showing how to execute her advice in actual writing. Had she included these, her writing advice articles would have had more takeaway for the reader. Instead, the articles merely raise the topic and the reader is left to search for more detailed instructions elsewhere.

Who should buy this book
Young beginners will enjoy the writing advice but should skip the marketing sections. By the time they are ready to publish, much of the advice will be dated.

More experienced writers should turn to the editing, publishing, and marketing sections.

Both groups will find useful info in the “Character ER” and the “Writing About” sections.

Overall
Writing with Fey covers a broad array of topics, probably too many. The material would be better served in two separate books, one geared toward the teen writer and the other for the more advanced author looking for advice on polishing and preparing for publication. Narrowing the book’s focus would allow the author to delve deeper into topics and provide more detailed instructions to the reader. In its current form, new writers won’t have use for book marketing strategies, and more advanced authors will find the writing advice articles too thin. Since the bulk of the book is writing advice, it would be a better fit for the young writer.

If you are looking for a book that will encourage an emerging teen or young adult author, (and doesn’t sound like a boring textbook) Write with Fey may be worth considering.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gem. Every author at the beginning of their journey should read this one. And if you’re at the marketing/publishing point of your career, this book will help you to achieve your goals.

I love the title “Write with Fey”. Not only is it a play on the author’s surname, but it also means to write with magic. (And I’m not being fanciful: she actually mentions it in the book.)

There are great tips under “save your work”. I especially found the “paste your passwords” section something that I immediately had to implement.

Under editing there are words to cut – my usual crutch word “that” included in the list.

What each book in a series should accomplish is also discussed, which is really relevant to me right now.

“Spark 9, Writing About” has a wonderful section about modern day witches and how to write about them accurately. It made me think of Willow and Tara in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and how their conflicts and struggles within the larger story sometimes stemmed from what they should and shouldn’t do with magic.

There are a few things that I skimmed – not because it isn’t good, but because I already know it. Beginners will highlight and take copious notes there.

All in all, this is a great guide covering every aspect of a writer’s career.

[Beverly McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps hundreds of books to help writers on their journeys to publication have been written. Each one I’ve read has given me valuable information that I’ve used through the years. I just finished reading Author Chrys Fey’s new book WRITE WITH FEY-10 SPARKS TO GUIDE YOU FROM IDEA TO PUBLICATION, and, in my humble opinion, it is one of the best. The author has covered just about every topic a writer wants and needs to know. Whether you’re starting out in your writing career or have been around for years, like me, you most likely will find exciting new information to guide you down that crazy path called publication. Or if you’re published and looking for ways to promote your work, you’ll find that, along with other valuable information, here, too.

For example, the author talks about story essentials, a book’s steps from beginning to end, how to bring your characters to life, and so much more. She discusses “Editing a Book,” and I’ve marked some of those comments to help me with my work. Another thing I’ve done is create a “Style Sheet” that the author suggests. With my terrible memory it will be a life saver I’m sure.

I could go on and on about how Chrys Fey’s book is helping me discover new ways to promote my work and to create interesting characters, but you’ll get all the great details when you read the book. She has inspired me to try new ideas. Why not? We’re never too old or too young to learn.

I highly recommend this book if you are an author or hope to be an author someday. It may have the answers to your questions. Happy Reading.

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a writer who need tips for honing your craft and marketing your book? If so, then Write With Fey is an excellent resource. Author, Chrys Fey, covers everything from story essentials to editing, to marketing. She shares things that have worked for her, but emphasizes that ultimately, the writer has to discover what works for him/her. New and seasoned writers will find valuable information to highlight and revisit throughout their writing careers. The two chapters I found particularly helpful were the ones on editing and marketing. There is a section on writing various disaster and crime scenes. If these are part of your story, the tips shared will prove helpful. The positive mantras given at the end can help keep the writing spark alive even if a little rain is falling in a writer's life.

Write with Fey is a well-organized, easy to understand resource that is a valuable addition to any writer's library.

[Juneta Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for new authors and refresh with maybe something you did not think of for established authors. It has a broad range of topics and is well put together to use for future reference. Some great organizing tips to help you stay on track. A great addition to my writing craft bookshelf. Highly recommend.

[Empi Baryeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Write with Fey" is a useful resource for writers at various levels of their craft. For beginners, it provides invaluable ideas for character creating and development, plot twists, plotting, completing a book, getting published, marketing, etc. Established authors will also find several nuggets great ideas for their current Works In Progress or just to boost their confidence as author tend to need from time to time.

One of the things I liked most was the range of topics the book covers, making it suitable for a wide variety of authors. The chapters are short and to the point with great examples to highlight some of the points.

As a published author, I found the sections about marketing particularly useful and will definitely be referring to it from time to time.

That said, there was one section about creating a Style Sheet. This was the first I've heard about style sheets, and yet the author does not elaborate enough on this, so completed the section with a lot of unanswered questions.

Overall, this is a useful resource and I would recommend it for all authors particularly those early in their craft and established authors who want to try something different.

**I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Terri Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In preparing for NaNo, I selected a half dozen books about writing. The first four books I finished in about fifteen minutes because they said the same thing and spent way to much time saying anything. Then I remembered I had this book in my queue. I loved it. I was a breath of fresh air because the author was honest and realistic. It's easy to see her passion for writing and helping others. She also didn't spend page after page repeating herself. It was very worth my time to read.