Write Like You Mean It has been available for three years now, and it's safe to say most of you who've read it had positive things to say. You'd think that would be enough for me (and it is). But I'm also a curious soul. So, as I slurped down my bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch this morning, I thought, "What if I had ChatGPT review my book, too?"
I know what you're thinking ... "Why? Besides ... can ChatGPT even do that?"
Apparently, it can. In fact, I included its detailed response below. I didn't have to give it much, either. My prompt was simply written as follows:
"What do you have to say about the book Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word by Steve Gamel? Include specific parts of the book you liked and what you would tell someone who's thinking about reading it."
As for why I did this? I really don't have a good answer for that.
I let my mind wander quite a bit when I'm not working or spending time with friends and family–and the random thoughts that come from that downtime can range from thought-provoking and scholarly to funny and downright weird. I admit this is a weird one.
But then again, who better to review my book than an emotionless algorithm with supposed infinite knowledge and zero bias? That's a rhetorical question. Please don't answer.
What Did ChatGPT Say About Write Like You Mean It?
Before I let you dive into the ChatGPT review of my book, let me first admit that this was merely a fun exercise during a moment of free time. It's also not meant to be an accurate depiction of my book. If you are considering reading Write Like You Mean It, I urge you to listen to what real people have to say, read it, and formulate your own opinion.
Individuals and business owners should also carefully weigh the pros and cons of using ChatGPT for content writing and determine whether it is the right tool for their needs. It's not supposed to be your bread and butter for content generation.
That said, I can't say I dislike the outcome of letting ChatGPT review my book for this particular exercise. Is it perfect? No. It got a few things wrong about specific chapter titles. Do I think ChatGPT actually read it? I seriously doubt it.
But it's a solid attempt and actually lines up with what many people have shared with me or in online reviews. Here's the ChatGPT response:
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Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word by Steve Gamel is an excellent resource for writers of all levels, particularly those who want to improve the authenticity and clarity of their writing. The book is not just about the mechanics of writing; it’s also about understanding why you write and how to write with conviction, which sets it apart from more technical writing guides.
What I Liked About the Book:
Practical Advice with Real-World Examples: Gamel provides a lot of practical advice, drawing from his own career as a journalist and freelance writer. I appreciated how he incorporates real-world examples from his own writing experiences, making the lessons feel relevant and applicable. His approach demystifies the writing process and gives actionable tips that readers can apply right away.
Focus on Writing with Purpose: One of the standout themes of the book is writing with purpose and passion. Gamel emphasizes that good writing is not just about structure or grammar; it's about conveying meaning in a way that resonates with readers. He discusses the importance of voice, authenticity, and connecting with your audience, which is something many technical writing books overlook.
Encouragement for Writers at All Stages: The book offers encouragement for both new and experienced writers, reminding them that writing is a journey. Gamel acknowledges that the process can be challenging, but he continuously emphasizes the importance of perseverance and passion. This makes it a motivational read, especially for writers who may be struggling with self-doubt or writer’s block.
Practical Exercises: Gamel includes various writing exercises throughout the book, which help readers immediately put the concepts into practice. Whether you're working on improving sentence structure, developing a stronger voice, or crafting more compelling stories, these exercises are a great way to hone your skills.
Specific Parts I Enjoyed:
Chapter on Finding Your Voice: I found this section particularly helpful, as it delves into one of the trickiest aspects of writing—developing a unique voice. Gamel provides specific strategies for cultivating a voice that is both authentic and adaptable to different writing contexts. He emphasizes that a writer's voice should evolve over time, which was a refreshing take on the subject.
Advice on Writing for Different Audiences: In the chapter focused on audience awareness, Gamel outlines how to adjust your writing depending on who you're speaking to, whether it's a blog audience, clients, or a more formal readership. This advice is incredibly practical for anyone running a writing business, as it helps writers think strategically about how to tailor their content.
Encouragement to Overcome Fear: Another part I appreciated was his discussion on overcoming the fear of writing poorly. Gamel reassures readers that everyone writes bad first drafts (including him!), and that the key to growth is revision. His candidness is refreshing and can help ease the pressure writers often feel to be perfect from the start.
Who Should Read This Book?
If you're someone who loves writing but feels stuck, this book is for you. Gamel provides plenty of motivation to help you push through writer’s block or feelings of inadequacy. If you're starting a writing business, his practical tips on writing for clients and different audiences will be particularly useful. The book's conversational tone makes it an easy, enjoyable read, so it’s a great option for writers at any level.
For those who already have some writing experience, Gamel's insights into writing with purpose and developing a voice are helpful for taking your work to the next level. If you're thinking about picking up this book, I’d say go for it—especially if you’re looking for a blend of inspiration and actionable advice to refine both your craft and your mindset as a writer.
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What Did You Think of Write Like You Mean It?
If you've read my book and enjoyed it, I'd love for you to share your feedback. This is the next great book for writers. It is for writers of all experience levels, genres, and professional pursuits (journalists, college writers, aspiring freelancers, future novelists, etc.), and perhaps what makes it so relatable is that it isn't written in a boring textbook kind of way.
Using stories from my early years and frequent foibles as a journalist, I equip aspiring writers with trade tips to learn, tools to utilize, and lessons to write stronger content. Simple steps in each chapter break down the productivity practices of creatives, the organization needed to get to the finish line, and the purpose behind it all: drawing readers in with quality content and style. I discuss the intentional processes behind organizing ideas, conducting interviews, beating writer's block, networking, editing, and publishing.
The point is that whether you're an old hand at writing, a novice, or a college professor aspiring to write full-time, this book is for you, so you too can Write Like You Mean It!
Get your copy today!
And thank you for reading!
STEVE GAMEL is the President & Owner of Edit This®, a writing and editing services company in Denton, TX. He is also a consultant, coach, and the author of Write Like You Mean It: Mastering Your Passion for the Written Word. Steve handles anything involving the written word. Give him a call today to help give your business a clear voice.