The First Time I Got Paid For It..
Edited by Peter Lefcourt and Laura J. Shapiro
Sheesh. I'm Not Even Getting It,
Let Alone Getting PAID For It...Ed.

This book is a collection of stories from writers on how they sold their first big piece of writing. Many of these essays are from famous actors and screenwriters and are quite inspiring. Every writer should have this on their shelf. I pick it up every now and then when I'm feeling hopeless and it helps to read a story or two from writer's like Cameron Crowe and Lawrence Kadan. I particularly enjoyed the essay from actor Alan Alda. Reading this book will turn frustration into drive.

Terry Osterhout
February 2003