“Van Draanen may not be the first to offer a writing guide for young people, but this book is one of the best. Will be of great benefit to newbie writers of any age.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“Van Draanen’s voice is charmingly no-nonsense, and the themes she explores are sure to benefit aspiring writers of many ages. Thoughtful and entertaining.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Suitable for both teens and adults, her amusingly told path to publication may serve as a beacon of hope for some struggling writers, and her creative suggestions may prove useful to those looking to sharpen their writing abilities.”—Publishers Weekly
“Van Draanen offers readers and future writers guidance, laughter, and depth in this lighthearted writing guide. Her storytelling abilities will inspire writers of all ages.” —School Library Journal
“A pure delight! Only Wendelin Van Draanen can make the painful, awful, agonizing aspects of writing seem so joyfully manageable. Hope in the Mail is a toolbox and a source of renewable energy. If you’re a writer, or a teacher of writers, you need this book.” —Andrew Smith, author of Winger and Grasshopper Jungle
“Content is the king of writing, and it turns out Wendelin Van Draanen is the queen of finding it. Read her book, set some good writing habits, pick up your pen, and get going.” —Jack Gantos, author of Dead End in Norvelt, Hole in My Life, and Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories
“Wendelin Van Draanen shares essential truths and very good advice for writers of all genres and levels of skill. This is a must-have for all writers.” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of V-Wars and Broken Lands
