More than just a "how to" reference, this guide weaves an inspiring, engaging read with invaluable instruction for turning personal experiences into salable prose. It includes nuts-and-bolts writing instruction, creative exercises, information on the hows and whys of keeping a journal, and suggestions on networking, humor, acceptance and rejection.

As a writer keeping a roof over his head currently, and a skeptic in general when it comes to writing advice (there's a lot of real blather and "expertise" out there telling people how to write and how to make a living at it--if the advice was effective, there would be a lot more writers "making it"), I was able to read this book and compare Nancy Davidoff Kelton's ideas and advice with what I consider to be the real world of writing based on my experience. My take on it? She's got it right. This will be a useful book for any serious writer, and could well turn people who've never imagined themselves to be writers into real ones.

If you seek to discover the meaning behind your writing and are ready to test your devotion to the craft, Nancy Kelton's guidance is well worth your time. Writing From Personal Experience is a compilation of short chapters each examining various aspects of adding sentiment to your writing.

The primary focus is content, not grammar or style. Kelton conveys her wisdom using an abundance of examples from her own writing as well from many of her students. She has a special ability to discover proper tone in writing that enables a connection with readers, an invaluable tool for successful writing.

Kelton's lessons are a main ingredient in what separates amateurs from professional writers, and thus this book is well worth your time if you desire to transition into the latter.

I learned so much from reading "Writing From Personal Experience: How To Turn Your Life Into Salable Prose". As a growing writer, I am always thirsty for techniques, strategies and advice. The author of this book has provided just the tools that a writer or should I say student desires from a teacher, who has mastered the art and craft of writing from personal experience.

This book is simple and quick to read. It contains exercises after each chapter that will guide the writer to digging deep into one's self to bring out those personal stories. It made me think about happy and sad events from childhood that I had not thought about in years. It will instantly provide you with many topics or moments from your life in which to write about.

After completing the thirty-nine chapters in this book, I feel that I am prepared to complete my book...a collection of personal essays. The author takes the reader step by step into unlocking the emotions, memories and expressions of your past and present. She also teaches the writer the basics that are sometimes taken for granted, but so essential for good writing.

Many of the author's classroom students have sold pieces to The New York Times and other places. She shares many stories about her students and how important rewriting is to the success of any work. She defined writing from the inside versus the outside. She also shed light on defining those that really want to be writers and those that just love the idea of being a writer and enjoy doing everything that writers do ...except write a book.

I encourage any growing writer to read this book. Sometimes you never know what you are missing...until you find it. I found it in this book.

PAMELA JARMON, AUTHOR OF "SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT"

The next best thing to taking Nancy Kelton's class (which I've done twice) is buying this book. It is for anyone who wants to grow as a writer and is willing to practice, practice, practice. It is all in the rewriting and the details says Ms. Kelton and she is right.

The book is simple, honest, and very well set up. The reader will get the impression that they are sitting in one of Ms. Kelton's classes. Addressing personal issues in writing can seem difficult at first, but it is very liberating. Ms. Kelton, I'm looking forward to your next book, hopefully it will be one on how to write for the children's market.

If you write and want to explore your feelings and get them down on paper, buy this book. It is worth more than the asking price. I'm on my third reread and my eighth essay (still revising revising revising!)and anticipating sending some out to see what some editors have to say about them. Thanks for opening the floodgates!

You did a wonderful job, Nancy.

Nancy Kelton has written a very astute guide to writing about what is important in each person's life. She takes scenes from everyday lives and shares how one can put the right details in while leaving out what is unnecessary in order to catch the reader's interest. Today, more people are toying with the idea of writing the memoir and if they follow Nancy's guidelines, they will discover ways in which it can be done with less angst and aggravation. The title "WRITING FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: How To Turn Your Life Into Salable Prose" says it all.