I downloaded a sample of PaperHearts with not an intention of buying it. I've read tons of writing advice books and wasn't keen on adding any more to my collection but then I read:
The first thing out of most people's mouths after you tell them you wrote a book is, "when will it be published?" Falcon punch these people in the throat and tell them to calm the heck down.
And I knew this was the kind of advice book I needed in my life.
I bought it and fell straight in to a book filled with some of the realest advice on writing I've ever seen. Revis is totally blunt about her struggles, about her numerous failed novels and exactly how much money she spent on her writing attempts. There are straight forward looks at what being a writer is like for someone before they break it big.
She also gives great advice on plotting (I love the three humps plot layout) that I cannot wait to try out in my novels. She's funny, irreverent and also very serious about her writing. I went ahead and bought her other Paper Heart books because I loved her tone. I didn't feel like she ever talked down, or made fun of anything. She's very clear on what works for her and that everyone has a different way of writing and that finding what works for you is an important part of writing.
It's rare that a writing advice book makes me laugh, but I giggled through a good part of the book. I highlighted and took notes. I alreayd know I'm going to be going back to reread this and I cannot wait. So far, out of all the books I've read on writing (a fair number of them at this point) Paper Hearts holds a spot at the top of the list because of the relatability of her words. It feels like I'm just having a conversation with Revis in the bar at a local convention; it's advice I can relate to and that I can actually impliment. She makes me feel not along in my struggles with writing, querying and finding my way in the wild world of publishing.
You can buy Paper Hearts here or order from your local Indie bookstore.