“In Good Naked, author Cole . . . shows readers how daring to share their ‘naked’ writing—early drafts—can help them become aware of certain foibles and encourage them to continue. She disabuses common misconceptions of how one should think, act, and be as a writer, exchanging those myths for ideas that feed creativity and productivity. Essentially, one doesn’t have to suffer to be a genuine artist.”—Library Journal
“[Cole] guides readers through the steps of actively attending to the joyful aspects of creativity while steering clear of unproductive attitudes, habits, and perceptions.”—Poets & Writers
“There aren’t a lot of writing books that feel like a conversation with a witty friend over a cup of espresso and a delicious homemade muffin at your favorite café, but this is one of them. . . . This book reinforces my belief that writing brings out the best self, the one that won’t look away from hard truth and necessary stories.”—Mom Egg Review
“Who says books about writing have to be dull, dry, and pretentious? Author and creative writing instructor Joni B. Cole is here to put the fun back in fundamentals. In Good Naked, she is part teacher, part cheerleader, and part laugh-out-loud humorist. What’s not to love?”—The Writer
“Joyful, tough-minded, and heartening, these pages offer encouragement to everyone from beginners to experienced writers. . . . One of the best books for writers I’ve read in a very long time.”—Cynthia Huntington, Frederick Sessions Beebe ’35 Professor in the Art of Writing, Dartmouth College, and National Book Award finalist for poetry
“Belongs on every writer’s bookshelf next to their copy of Strunk and White. . . . You don’t have to suffer for your art, and Cole will make you laugh out loud and nod in agreement as she explains why.”—C. I. Dennis, author of the Vince Tanzi series
“Brilliant, instructive, and witty . . . an essential read for everyone who wants to write or keep writing.”—Gina Barreca, author of ten books and the Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Connecticut