Chapter One: Oh, Yes You Can
Chapter Two: In a Nutshell: The Writer's Process
Chapter Three: Characters: Real and Imagined
Chapter Four: Stories: Fact or Fiction
Chapter Five: Point of View (POV): Seeing Eye to Eye
Chapter Six: Show and Tell
Chapter Seven: Writing from the Inside
Chapter Eight: Nonfiction and the Organized Mind
Chapter Nine: Critiques and Writers' Groups
Chapter Ten: A Hatful of Rabbits: When the Going Gets Tough
Chapter Eleven: Spit-and-Polish
Chapter Twelve: Getting Published: It's a New Day
Appendix A: Sample Format for a Manuscript
Appendix B: Sample Format for a Cover or Query Letter

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Encouraging, humorous, straight-talking. Shut Up & Write! is one of the best books I've read on writing. Judy Bridges' no-nonsense voice becomes your portable mentor. Own it, read it, mark it up, laugh with it, and reread it throughout your writing career.

Judy Bridges is a driving force behind the many writers she has helped. I wondered if a book could capture that, but I need not have worried. If you want to write, do yourself a favor, buy this book and follow her advice. You will not only write, you will succeed.

Shut Up & Write! is filled with such practical information and sincere understanding that it's about to become every writer's best friend. The author's narrative style is itself a model for all writers.

Shut Up & Write! is one of those rare volumes that truly does it all. In addition to being a practical "how-to" guide, the book provides priceless advice on the care and feeding of the Inner Writer. Laced with wit and a clear, why-didn't-I-realize-this-before brand of common sense, Judy Bridges serves as her own best example of what excellent writing can be.

Shut Up & Write! is both instructive and encouraging. Judy Bridges doesn't grandstand, she doesn't intimidate. She's a teacher in the truest sense of the word.

The reason I hit the 75,000 mark in self-published book sales-Judy Bridges! She is brilliant. I am so glad that through Shut Up & Write! writers everywhere can now have a piece of Judy reflected in their work.

For years Judy Bridges has been helping writers perfect their craft. Shut Up & Write! shares her knowledge with those who do not have the privilege of working with her directly. I highly recommend it!

I am a published author today, thanks to Judy Bridges. Her knowledge of writing, along with her wisdom, guidance, and uncanny ability to know exactly when I needed a good kick in the pants, were essential to helping me achieve my goal of writing a book. I couldn't have done it without her.

For many years I wanted to write a novel about World War Two. Judy Bridges' patience and "pull no punches" style of critique transformed my writing into a craft that caught the eye of a publisher, and my dream was fulfilled.

Shut Up & Write! is the cumulative wisdom of the best writing teacher around. Judy Bridges has made a difference in the lives and careers of thousands of writers (myself included). Her wisdom comes from the best place: real experience coupled with a huge heart.

Judy Bridges is one of the most generous writing spirits I have ever met. She understands the awesome potential of a blank sheet of paper, the power of the pen, and the calling of the writer to fill the page. What a gift that she now shares her wisdom in Shut Up & Write!

Judy's voice, her irreverent sense of humor, and her acute instinct for what works and what doesn't shine through these pages. Not everyone can attend Judy's classes, but now, by reading Shut Up & Write!, writers at any level can tap into her many years of experience. Writing will never be quite so lonely again.

If there's anyone who can help get you to say "I'm a writer" with confidence and pride, it's Judy Bridges. Whenever I see my byline in print, I say a quiet thank you to Judy for giving me the skills and encouragement I needed.

Before I met Judy Bridges, I never felt like a writer. She gave me the gift of confidence. Judy's inspiration is with me as I pound out revisions for the tenth edition of my college textbook. I'm forever grateful.

Part inspiration and part how-to, Shut Up & Write! demystifies the writing process. Judy's genuine joy at helping others make their writing dreams come true shines through every anecdote and every bit of no-nonsense advice.

Judy Bridges' methods have guided my writing since elementary school and are now getting me through my master's program. She's a goddess!

Thank goodness Judy has finally put her thoughts and wisdom on paper!

Judy has an uncanny knack for making sure the writer, amateur or pro, knows how to move forward. Thanks to Shut Up & Write! and her strong encouragement, my first book will be published next year.

Shut Up & Write! -Judy's wit and wisdom condensed into one volume-is a gift to writers at any level. This book is a kick in the butt, an encouraging friend, and an experienced teacher all rolled into one.