The Writing Productivity Bundle - Book Review

by Tony Thomas

This is actually a set of three books penned by author, Monica Leonelle.  The books included are:

“Write Better, Faster”

“The 8 Minute Writing Habit”

“Dictate Your Book”

“Write Better, Faster” actually started off as a blog post that detailed Monica’s experience in trying hit her writing goals by using the “Pomodoro method”, dictation and meticulously  tracking her progress.  It is an easy read and a book worth revisiting from time to time.  The book ends with a very long appendix which is essentially a diary of her progress.  

“The 8 Minute Writing Habit” covers the five “author blocks that are keeping you from your writing” and provides nine strategies for success.  The last part of the book is the “8 x 8 challenge” that encompasses trying different techniques for 8 days that only take 8 minutes per day.

“Dictating Your Book” is about learning how to dictate to improve your productivity.  It primarily focuses on using “Dragon Naturally Speaking”.  

What I found refreshing about this set is that is written in a first-person, conversational tone.  She imparts a lot of wisdom that has been produced by her writing experiences.  I think it is a useful set for any writer.

Click link below to buy it on Amazon:  

https://amzn.to/3i4aX0g

Full disclosure:  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My Writing Journey

by Tony Thomas

I began writing professionally in 1976. My first project was a brochure for a small loudspeaker manufacturer. Thankfully, my client was patient with me because I wasn't very good. In fact, he suggested that I take a writing course. I took his advice to heart and took steps to become a better writer.

I started reading voraciously and bought an unabridged dictionary. I brushed up on grammar and sentence construction. I also discovered the David Ogilvy book: Confessions of an Advertising Man. That book had a tremendous influence on me and defined my trajectory as a writer. Ogilvy was a brilliant copywriter and a true advertising titan.

I went on to become a partner in an advertising agency and started writing for Cleveland Scene, a popular weekly newspaper. Later, I moved to Los Angeles and began writing for a number of magazines including Mix, Electronic Musician, AV/Video, Roland User's Group, and more. I moved back to Cleveland and continued writing. I returned to Cleveland Scene and also began contributing regularly to Recording.

As soon as I discovered the Internet, I began blogging.  I started with Tony Thomas' Techtrends beginning in the mid-1990s and added The Frugal Fountain Pen in 2014.  I wrote some short e-books that are on Amazon and plan to write many more.

Over 40 years later, I am still writing. And I plan to share my writing experiences with you in this blog. I look forward to the journey ahead.

Check out the YouTube video: