An Unexpected Adventure

 Nina approached me in 2008 to see if I would be willing to review her book The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now.  I was rather hesitant as I didn’t see myself as qualified to take on such a task.  English was a subject that I only barely managed to pass and my spelling relied on a spell checker.  She assured me that it was the layout and flow that she really needed my help with so I reluctantly agreed.  Thus my unexpected adventure began.  It was difficult staying focused on the layout as the content would draw me in.  I finally understood what my grade 10 teacher meant when she would say you had to read between the lines. 

With the book ready for printing I was excited to learn more of the process of getting a book

published.  Nina invited me to join her when she went to Victoria to interview possible printers.  I learned a lot about papers used, fonts, formats, covers and binding.  We enjoyed good food and good company returning revitalized to make the decisions needed to get the book printed.

My foray into the writing and publishing world has made me more critical when reading books. I am much more aware of character development and the hero’s journey, plot, and the ebb and flow of the action throughout a story.  I find myself more engaged and appreciative of a well written book.

My adventure started with a request to review a book for a friend. Early in 2012 it became a request to help her manage Pixl Press.  As I learn the necessary tools needed in the writing and publishing industry, who knows where my adventure may take me in retirement. Gardening is best done in the summer, leaving the long winter evenings for creativity!

Robert J. Sawyer Recommends "The Fiction Writer"

Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo and Nebula Award-winning author of over twenty books, says of The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now!: "I'm impressed...Nina shares the hard-won knowledge she's accumulated...I'm thoroughly enjoying the book, and even learning a thing or two!"











Robert J. Sawyer, called the "dean of Canadian science fiction" by the Ottawa

Citizen and "just about the best science-fiction writer out there these days" by the Denver Rocky Mountain News, is one of only eight writers in history (and the only Canadian) to win all three of the science-fiction field's top honors for best novel of the year: the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award.

Maclean's, Canada's weekly news magazine, says, "by any reckoning, Sawyer is among the most successful Canadian authors ever," and Barnes and Noble calls him "the leader of SF's next-generation pack."

Rob holds an honorary doctorate from Laurentian University; he taught writing at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, Humber College , the National University of Ireland, and the Banff Centre.

Author Praises "The Fiction Writer" as Frank Helpful and Fun

Lynda Williams, author of the Okal Rel Series (Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing) likes Nina Munteanu's "The Fiction Writer" for its short sections and snappy chat:

"High energy writer and teacher of writing Nina Munteanu is an upbeat coach for new and published writers seeking to refresh their art. She relates tales from her own experiences to personalize her frank and helpful advice on getting published. I particularly liked how she focuses on writing good stuff, though. Her light-hearted "alien's perspective" complete with cartoon character combines with her sense of humour and cheerful tone to make the book a positive experience. Short sections. Snappy chat."

Lynda Williams is a science fiction author and blogger. William's fiction is centered around a series of ten novels set in the fictional Okal Rel Universe (ORU). The ORU founded by Williams has been embraced by fans in a big way. Williams has opened the ORU to fan and pro artists and writers, wishing to engage and create in the ORU phenomenon.

The Fiction Writer Praised as Succinct and Useful

Top 100 Amazon Reviewer (furioush) gave Nina Munteanu's The Fiction Writer this review:

"I have enjoyed Munteanu's fiction, so I was happy when she gave me the chance to read her book on writing. I found it a useful practical guide full of tips and links that any writer focusing on craft should remember. Even if it isn't saying anything particularly new, what it does say is worth repeating, and is rarely said in such succinct form. It is also nice that it has some emphasis on speculative fiction, something many writing guides ignore completely."

You can find Nina's fiction writing guide in most quality bookstores and online bookstores throughout the world.

Like the Good Doctor's Tardis "The Fiction Writer" is Larger than It Appears

About Nina Munteanu's "The Fiction Writer":

"Nina's writing style is engaging, enlightening, and enjoyable. And like the good Doctor's Tardis, the book is larger than it appears--how she is able to distill as much as she does in 266 pages is a testament to her writing abilities.

"As others have rightfully stated, it is chock full of ideas, checklists, advice, and exercises. I have six book shelves at home (and about as many at work) devoted to books on writing and the teaching of writing covering all the writing genres. Before Nina's book, I was getting rather bored with them. But after reading excerpts of Nina's book on her blog, I has had to check out the entire text.

"I even found her book useful for my 102 students. Although we do not teach creative writing in 102 (we survey short stories, poems, and plays), every quarter I use portions of Nina's text, especially the discussion on the hero's journey. That is how useful her book is.

"Get Get Published, Write Now! right now."--David Merchant, English Instructor, Louisiana Tech University

Georgian High School Student Recommends The Fiction Writer

About Nina Munteanu's "The Fiction Writer":
"We use this book weekly in my Writer's Workshop class, and it gives us all the right tips to write like a professional author. It is written with a direct, clear style that enhances our understanding and helps us to truly grasp the concepts presented. The chapters are brief and concise, and really help us write both fiction and nonfiction. We have learned how to properly use dialogue, create characters, and find our 'muse'. I would highly recommend this book for anyone hoping to enhance their writing."--Mark J. Bujold, writing student, Glynn Academy, Saint Simon's Island, GA

Mark's teacher, Susan McLemore, was so impressed with Nina Munteanu's lecture at the Scribbler's Writing Conference on Saint Simon's Island, that she ordered "The Fiction Writer" for her class.

Motivational Author and Speaker Loves The Fiction Writer by Nina Munteanu

Zoe M. Hicks, motivational author and speaker of Encouragement Unlimited Inc. met Nina Munteanu during a writer's conference on Saint Simon's Island, Georgia, where Nina was giving workshops including one on The Hero's Journey. Zoe is the author of "Dream Catcher, the Power of Faith", a non-fiction guidebook to help empower women, but admitted that she was always interested in writing fiction.

She attended Nina's workshop and was impressed. "I was fascinated by Nina's clear and extremely interesting lecture on the hero's journey. Maybe all writer's have a novel in their heads they want to write one day, and the techniques Nina shared with us will help me when I get to that point. In fact, because of her, I may get there a lot sooner than I had planned."

Of Nina Munteanu's book, Zoe says, "The Fiction Writer: Get Published, Write Now! is a terrific resource in my professional library. I started reading it almost as soon as I got home after purchasing it. Nina shares tips and techniques from many great writers and I loved soaking all that up. I highly recommend it."

Zoe M. Hicks was born in Des Moines, Iowa and grew up in Atlanta, GA. She

Zoe M. Hicks

graduated from the Emory University School of Law and after practicing law for thirty years, now pursues her avocation of spiritual growth and empowering women in all facets of life.