I did not find this book an inspiration, nor did I find it as uplifting as some of the other Chicken Soup for the Soul books that I have read. I read the first section and thought "I hope this gets better". It did, but not as much as I'd hoped. I don't feel like I'm rekindled to write, as the title suggests. ( )

I needed a little pick-me-up for my writing these days (or maybe a Phoenix Down or Philosopher's Stone). We all need some motivation some times. I was hoping that this book could add a little gumption to my typing fingers. But the articles just don't give much to inspire. In fact, a lot of them did the opposite. They told me just how much more others achieved with so little to start with. The "genius" authors as I call them -- the ones whose success and talent cannot be duplicated or learned. It just comes naturally to them. People like Alex Haley and Harper Lee and Garry Marshall.

And that's the other thing. This book is out of date. We've got people talking about Vietnam and writing in the 1930's. These people didn't have to deal with self-publishers saturating the market or eBook piracy or (god, forbid) Fifty Shades of Gray.

And some of the stories have a Christian spin on in. As in "God was sending me a message to write this book", which is the bane of every slush reader. Anyone who says they were commanded to write a book by God scares me.

So if you're looking for something to keep you writing, look somewhere else. It has just as much chance of bringing you back down. Bit of a poor effort when it's got the opposite effect. ( )

I really didn't know what to expect with this book since I have never read any of the Chicken Soup collections. I was pleasantly surprised! This book's collection of inspirational tales from authors boosted my confidence and stimulated my itch to put pen to paper. The different chapters were refreshing--from writing about mentors to finding their voice--the different authors wrote about their fears and hopes and insecurities, showing that even accomplished professionals have had the same feelings as all of us neophytes who are just trying to make our mark on this world. ( )

Wonderful writers, like Steve Allen, Ray Bradbury, Irving Wallace amd Clive Cussler have given Chicken Soup for Writers storues from their own experiences as writers. Their voices reverberate in the heart and soul of anyone who writes, wants to write, has written or plans on writing. Get it! ( )