Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Smith’s latest book is a wonderful collection of practical advice for the average writer. Smith encourages writers to not fall victim to the typical advice—you have to write every day to be a writer!—and offers ways to, instead, slow down and pay attention. This book definitely leans more heavily toward poetry (specifically the writing practices outlined at the end of each chapter), which shouldn’t be surprising considering this is Smith’s preferred and primary method of writing, but many pieces can still be applied to fiction and other modes of non-fiction writing as well.

A lot of the advice in here, though nice to hear, felt a little too� “rah rah you can do it!� and it rubbed me weird. Still, scattered with writing prompts, reflections on the practice of writing, and recommendations on further reading, Dear Writer is a wonderful tool in any writer’s toolbox but I would mostly recommend it to those working toward writing more poetry.

Thank you Atria for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Available Apr. 1 2025