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Jim Cox Report: July 2026
Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:
Last month's Jim Cox Report subject on AI in Publishing resulted in a one hour Zoom interview of me by Judith Briles. Here is a direct link:
https://judithbriles.substack.com/p/in-publishing-humans-vs-ai
This month's subject is on writing for publication and begins with the question:
Should You Write?
Published poet and author Greg Luti gave me permission to share his advice on Writing and Editing:
The Trite Advice: "Just Write"
One of the most common pieces of advice you will hear writers give you is that the only way to become a better writer is to just write. It is one of those practical pieces of advice that they say in a way that you should recognize that no work can get done without effort. But after hearing the saying for like the hundredth time, I started to think about it a little more deeply.
Who Is This Advice Actually For?
Who are all these writers out there who think they can improve without actually writing? Is there some way I can improve as a writer and not write? My god, is there a steroid I can take to help me here? Perhaps there is a drug I can take to magically make me a better writer. Telling writers the only way they can get better at writing is such an obvious statement that it makes you question the viewpoint of the speaker.
What the hell do they think an actual writer does? Correct me if I am wrong here, but if you are a writer, then that means you are writing, making the very point of you having to write to improve negligible. And if you don't write, then you aren't much of a writer, now are you?
A Catch-22 for Writers
It is a catch-22. The writers who are writing don't need to be told that they can improve by writing, because you know, they are already doing that. Those who are not really interested in the craft and don't want to write won't really listen to the piece of advice anyway.
Who is the writer who heard another writer tell them the trite advice and finally got to work? "Oh boy! That writer told me the only way I can get better at this is to actually do it! I'd better get started!" If that is how you think, then maybe you should do us all a favor and not actually write.
Advice Only Works If Someone Listens
I was talking to someone the other day, and it was about giving advice to people. Not about what advice to give, but who is actually receiving it. A thing you rarely hear people say about advice is that you only give it to people who actually freaking listen. I mean, why am I going to tell a moron who doesn't care about a thing I am saying, great sound feedback to improve himself? See, if you give advice, you learn that there is an art to actually giving it, and that includes not wasting your time on a person who won't give you the time of day.
I wonder that about writers who have to be told to write. You only ever hear the line about writing to improve as a writer in magazines or random blog posts like this one. And there is a reason for that, I think. It is advice that sounds like it can be for anyone, and the speaker doesn't really need to know the person.
It reminds me of when people say that balance is the key to a good life, but don't really go into more depth about it. And that is really simple... they would have to know your life in order to help you there.
If the speaker were to say to the person not writing that they have to write to get better, I wonder how the exchange would go. I suspect it would not go as grand or as expected for the writer. If the listener is like me, they would look at the writer as almost insulted by the idea. But if they are not like me, and they don't even listen, then the speaker has to think about who they are even giving the advice to in the first place.
Here's Some Actually Useful Advice
Now, this is the part where I have to back up what I say and give you something useful to go away with, because if I don't, then I just sound like a complete jerk. That is fair too. So here you go, some reasonable advice, rather than you just being told that to be a better writer, you have to write. Yeah, no shit.
Practical Tip #1: Start With a Topic
I would give you two things to do. The first is to write about a topic, and have that be the starting point for your piece. I like to write about certain topics like history or whatever, and then I let my mind go where it will when I write. I never get too far away from the original topic, so that I know there is something to direct me. You also learn how much you know about something when you make that thing the focus of what you are writing.
Practical Tip #2: Write Freely, No Pressure
The second thing I would do is to set aside time to just write, but not with the intention of it being published or anything. Yeah, forget about it. Write about a topic, and then go. Just go. See where your mind takes you. Don't think about it needing to be edited for a book you are working on or for a blog post. Writers worry too much about all of that. You should note that you are trying to improve your flow in the piece and how you are able to connect thoughts and ideas under one umbrella. You are not just trying to write to write here.
Practical Tip #3: Keep Writing Anyway
One last thing I would tell you is not to worry about what you write so much, in terms of feedback or perception. Write so much that you are viewed as a writer, and you do that, rather than that person who wrote that one blog post that one time, and then never did a thing again. Yes, there are some things you write that will be more read than others, but that doesn't mean you should ever stop wanting to write up new things.
Why "Just Write" Sounds So Obvious
I hope that you are a writer who views the nonsensical advice of "to be a better writer, you have to write" the same way I do. I am not sure why that has become such a profound thing to say. That is like telling a runner the only way to get faster is to run. I would hope they know that.
Greg Luti
https://www.gregluti.com/blog
Quote of the Month
"Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." -- Louis L'Amour
Website of the Month
Writing & Editing Advice
https://www.gregluti.com/blog/categories/writing-and-editing-advice
Here are reviews that will prove of particular interest to writers, publishers, and bibliophiles.
Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI
David Poyer
Northampton House
9781950668397, $19.95, PB, 230pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/WRITING-YOUR-MEMOIR-AGE-AI/dp/1950668398
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/writing-your-memoir-in-the-age-of-ai-david-poyer/1149882211
Synopsis: Writing and publishing are in a state of rapid evolution. Drawing on David Poyer's many years of writing, publishing, and teaching, "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" updates experienced writers and introduces beginners to the most effective techniques of utilizing AI when crafting a personal memoir.
"Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" answers such questions as:
How can I best access my memories?
How do I plan my memoir?
How do I turn reminiscences into finished prose?
How do I avoid writer's block?
How does editing work?
What are the legal and ethical pitfalls and how can I avoid them?
When and how can I most wisely and effectively use AI?
"Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" covers both traditional and emergent means of editing -- and finally, it addresses the most effective way forward to publication. If you're thinking of writing your memoir (or helping someone who is) you need a copy of "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI".
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking introduction for professional and amateur writers to the uses and applications of AI when writing a personal memoir (or biography), "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" is comprehensively informative and exceptionally 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a fourteen page Introduction (Your Life as Story) and four Appendices (Memoirs I Teach To; Craft References; Sample Memoir Outline; Eliminating Air), "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" is a practical DIY instructional guide and 'how-to' manual that is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Writing/Publishing collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI" from Northampton House is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: David Poyer (www.poyer.com) has almost 50 books are in print with major publishers. His work has been translated into Japanese, Dutch, Italian, Hungarian, and Serbo-Croatian, and rights have been sold for films. He taught creative writing at the MA/MFA level for many years. Writers he's mentored have been taken on by major agencies, published by major houses, appeared on New York Times Top Ten bestseller lists, won the International Latino Book award and other prizes, and become college teachers. His latest: The Academy, St. Martin's/Macmillan, and Writing in the Age of AI.
The Compassionate Writer
Anne E. Beall
Beall Research
https://www.linkedin.com/company/beall-research-inc-
9798990192935, $25.99, HC, 280pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Compassionate-Writer-Voice-Enhance-Story/dp/B0FXQT8BR1
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-compassionate-writer-anne-beall/1148639042
Synopsis: What if becoming a better writer began with being kinder to yourself? Many writers struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, fear of judgment, writer's block, and the feeling that their story is not important enough to tell.
With the publication of "The Compassionate Writer: Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story, and Touch Lives", Anne E. Beall offers a refreshing and powerful approach to creativity by showing how compassion can transform both your writing and your writing life.
"The Compassionate Writer" is a thoughtful instructional guide that deftly blends psychology, storytelling wisdom, practical exercises, and meaningful encouragement to help aspiring writers uncover their authentic voice, write with emotional depth, and create stories that truly connect with readers.
Whether writikng memoirs, fiction, essays, journaling, or are just beginning a writing journey, "The Compassionate Writer" will help aspiring writers to move past their fears and into creative confidence.
"The Compassionate Writer" reveals:
How to overcome self-doubt, perfectionism, and the inner critic
Ways to find your unique writing voice and tell the story only you can tell
How compassion creates stronger characters and more emotional storytelling
Techniques to work through writer's block and creative resistance
How to write about difficult memories and sensitive topics with honesty and care
Guided exercises and prompts to deepen your writing practice
Encouragement to keep going through rejection, setbacks, and uncertainty
Critique: Impressively well written, organized, presented, and an ideal curriculum textbook for writing workshops and classes, "The Compassionate Writer: Find Your Voice, Enhance Your Story, and Touch Lives" by Anne E. Beall is comprehensive, exceptional, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. Unreservedly recommended for aspiring authors, memoir writers, novelists and short story writers, journalists, creative writing students, writing workshop participants, anyone longing to express their own stories with courage, heart, and success, "The Compassionate Writers" is an essential, core addition for personal, professional, community, and college/university library 'how-to' writing instructional reference collections and supplemental Creative Writing curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "The Compassionate Writer" from Beall Research is also readily available in paperback (9798990192928, $17.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99, Amazon).
Editorial Note: Anne E. Beall (https://annebeall.com) is an award-winning author and social psychologist who writes about the emotional undercurrents that shape our lives. Her work explores the psychology of relationships -- between lovers, family members, friends, and pets who believe they're in charge. She is the founder and editor of Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, which publishes creative nonfiction.
The Book Machine: A Story About the Magic of Books
Laurie Duersch, author
Susanna Covelli, illustrator
Familius
www.familius.com
9798893960488, $17.99, HC, 32pp, (Ages 5-7)
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Machine-Story-About-Magic/dp/B0FLTWJMVB
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-machine-laurie-duersch/1148019796
Synopsis: I need more books. I just can't get enough. But how does one make a book? I've seen books at the school and the library. How do they get their books? They must use a book-making machine.
What happens when a book-loving child can't get books fast enough? He'll build a machine that will produce an entire library, of course! With a doohickey here and a whatchamacallit there, he puts his book machine together and waits for the books to pop out... and waits... and waits. After checking to make sure there wasn't a dragon inside the machine gobbling up all his books, he deduces that he must write his own story.
Critique: Deftly combining science with art and writing, "The Book Machine" by the team of author/storyteller Laurie Duersch and artist/illustrator Susanna Covelli introduces kids to creativity and critical thinking, teaching them to solve problems and utilize all their talents in order to reach their goals.
With charming illustrations that spark the imagination, every page will have kids falling in love with making ideas come to life. Of special note is a listing of helpful, easy-to-follow steps at the end that will walk kids through the writing process, encouraging them to begin writing their own stories with the book machines built right inside of them.
An original and fun read from start to finish, this lovely picture book about a young boy's innovative genius proves to young readers that machines can never replace writers. A delightful picture book about creativity, imagination, and the writing process, "The Book Machine: A Story About the Magic of Books" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for family, elementary school, and community library Writing & Reading themed picture book collections for children ages 5-7. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Book Machine: A Story About the Magic of Books" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note #1: Laurie Duersch is a wife and a mother of two young, energetic boys and is a two-time survivor of brain tumor surgery. She loves music, dancing, and reading and writing stories.
Editorial Note #2: Susanna Covelli (https://susannacovelli.artstation.com) was born in a small town in Piedmont, Italy, obtained an MA in architecture, and followed her passion for art and decided to attend a specialization course in both traditional and digital illustration at Scuola Internazionale di Comics in Turin. Her art expresses her own imagination and inspiration from nature, and she has always been attracted to sinuous shapes, Baroque style, and out-of-the-ordinary perspective.
"The Midwest Book Review Postage Stamp Hall Of Fame & Appreciation" is a monthly roster of well-wishers and supporters. These are the generous folk who decided to say 'thank you' and 'support the cause' that is the Midwest Book Review by donating to our postage stamp fund.
Roz Lee
Alex Hawk
Joseph Cary
Nancy A. Guarino
Amy Rose Herrick
Mihail Baesu -- "Pastborn"
Debra Koehler -- "Amoran"
David Boito -- "Fatal Castle"
Austin Rampt -- "One Last Hit"
T. B. Calder -- "The Book of Don"
Joel Burcat -- "Temperature Rising"
Patrick Smith -- "The Last Revision"
Jen Kennedy -- "The Green Pumpkin"
C. J. Gryffin -- "The Color of Silence"
Frank X White -- Defiance of Gravity"
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Jessica Clem -- "This Never Happened"
E. F. Stoddart -- "Arrivals & Departures"
James Charles Adams -- "Fall the Apple"
Sarah Deschamps -- "I Couldn't Tell You"
J. R. Elrod -- "Frozen Freight: Iron Reach"
Terren D. Becker -- "The Proxy Condition"
Zephyr Trillian -- "What The Gods Became"
Costantino Delli -- "48 Answers for My Son"
Michael Adix -- "What We Are: Vols. 1 & 2"
Anne E. Beall -- "The Compassionate Writer"
David Gurr -- "The Time of the Seventh Angel"
D.W. Mahoney -- "Murder on Heartbreak Trail"
Josh Roessler -- "Future Me and the VR Prison"
Catherine M. Mathis -- "Leonor: Queens of Portugal"
Russell J Fellows -- "Children of the Ancient Heroes"
Deborah Mallow -- "6 Steps To Fewer Days That Suck"
David Poyer -- "Writing Your Memoir in the Age of AI"
Mary M. McCambridge -- "Mena the Glorious Butterfly"
Steven Burgauer -- "The Mystery of the Broken Gargoyle"
Ilene Berns-Zare -- "You're Not Too Old, and It's Not Too Late"
Zoé Mahfouz -- "ADHD in D Minor: A Collection of Short Stories"
Max Burger -- "My Father's Father: A Holocaust Generations Novel"
Meira Rosbenberg -- "Indiana Bamboo and the Not-Missing Mummy"
T. B. Calder -- "The Book of Don: A Sacred Chronicle of the Trump Era"
Emily Feldpausch -- "The Unfollow Effect: Intentional Living in a Digital Age"
Egilius Spierings -- "Headaches: Why You Have Them What You Can Do About Them"
David P. Mourad Jr. -- "Jefferson and Hamilton Try to Save America with Rick and Lew"
Outskirts Press
Pearl Street Press
High Impact Press
Kirkpatrick Books
Steve Allen Media
Blue Cottage Agency
Elegant Temptations Jewelry
Universoul Foundations LLC
Betty Leaver -- MSI Press
Lenore Hart -- Northampton House Press
Creative Edge Publicity
Elizabeth Frazier -- Waldmania! PR
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Midwest Book Review
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James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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