I'm always looking for ways to make my work more distinctive in a crowded marketplace. Being asked to compare and contrast my work with my role models was a useful exercise in identifying how they've shaped my writing. I came away with a better understanding of what I'm striving for with my own stories as well as the roots of that inspiration. It forced me to do the WORK.

I'm not given to introspection in my own work, but by asking a series of small but important questions, the DYSS workbook led me down a path to greater understanding of areas where I excel and areas where I need to pay more attention. These exercises not only helped me consider how I shape my stories, but they sparked creativity as I considered the brand I present to my readers. Identifying common themes, tropes, and characters crystallized the direction my writer's voice has started to move.

I fully expected a workbook from Sue to be built on positivity and encouragement, and I was not disappointed. Even if you're someone who dreads breaking down your own writing style (guilty!), Sue's upbeat, step-by-step approach will walk you through the process and help you discover insights you didn't know you had. I could feel her rooting for me to make a breakthrough in every line.

Asking what I didn't want my readers to experience was an interesting reversal in thinking and helped me approach the experience I want them to have so I can avoid disappointing them (and myself). Also, by combining a handful of words to describe my characters, themes, tropes, etc., I have a better understand of the writer I'm becoming.

This workbook is suited for writers at all stages of craft and career development. Newbies will start thinking about the work they want to present to the world, and experienced authors can track how their work has evolved and matured. I enjoyed seeing my answers all laid out for clarity, and the exercises even prompted a breakthrough on a plot snarl in a work-in-progress I've been stuck on.

I thought the Define Your Storytelling workbook was great. I love that it sets realistic expectations about what it can and cannot do. And the tone is so lovey. 🙂

I always like reading advice to elevate my craft and anticipate keeping that list of character development questions up along side my working document as I start to plan a new book. They're simple and straightforward, and they'll be good focus questions.

The Three Fixable Reasons guide is straightforward and actionable. When Sue says she’s focused on empowering romance authors, she’s not exaggerating.

This guide offers a series of concrete, pragmatic questions that will help you flesh out your characters and find ways to connect with an audience. Even better, the advice is presented in Sue’s positive and encouraging style, so it’s almost like having a friend cheering you on when you open your work-in-progress.

Whether you’re writing your first book or your fifteenth, Sue’s guide has the potential to elevate both your craft and your marketing.

The Define Your Storytelling Style primer workbook sparked the desire to actually think about why I like or dislike certain styles, tropes, and points-of-view. I love the last exercise which boils down the answers into a cohesive statement. It’s the first time I’ve ever completed with a workbook to this type of conclusion.

I would recommend this guide for authors new to writing. It’s a wonderful step-by-step process to identify a writer’s strengths. The information is exceptional.