Never Say You Can’t Survive by Charlie Jane Anders

Book Description

The world is on fire.
So tell your story.

Things are scary right now. We’re all being swept along by a tidal wave of history, and it’s easy to feel helpless. But we’re not helpless: we have minds, and imaginations, and the ability to visualize other worlds and valiant struggles. And writing can be an act of resistance that reminds us that other futures and other ways of living are possible.

Full of memoir, personal anecdote, and insight about how to flourish during the present emergency, Never Say You Can’t Survive is the perfect manual for creativity in unprecedented times.

Review

Charlie Jane Anders’ Never Say You Can’t Survive is an insightful blend of memoir and writing guidance. It offers an antidote for writers feeling heartsick, overwhelmed, or numb. Emotions many of us are facing in the wake of significant events like the 2024 United States presidential election. Several members of my writing group (thanks Sandi and Aila!!) recommended it after a few of us confessed we were grappling with whether our stories mattered, given the results of our election.

The book emphasizes storytelling as a sanctuary, a way to process grief, and a tool for reclaiming agency amid chaos.

Anders’ prose doesn’t shy away from vulnerability; instead, it invites writers to channel their feelings into their craft. She acknowledges the weight of despair and exhaustion, making this book a lifeline for creatives who feel too paralyzed to pick up the pen. Through actionable advice and warm encouragement, Anders empowers writers to explore their inner worlds and find clarity through their words. She offers strategies for using strong, negative feelings to boost the immediacy of our writing.

For those grappling with disillusionment or uncertainty, Anders suggests using fiction to imagine the changes they wish to see—or even just to create pockets of joy and hope. Her guidance reaffirms that writing is not just about producing stories; it’s survival, a testament to resilience, and a means to rediscover passion and purpose.

All Stories Matter

If you’re feeling stuck or worried that your stories are fluffy nonsense, Never Say You Can’t Survive reminds you that your voice matters, and the act of storytelling can help rebuild both your inner strength and your belief in a brighter future. Even better, she confirms other people need fluffy nonsense right now!

I checked out and listened to the audiobook version from my library. Charlie Jane Anders herself reads the book. Her practical advice on scene construction, plot development, and character realism, delivered in a wry, funny, and chatty manner, made me smile. It was like hearing affirmations from a trusted friend who is further along the writing journey than you.

Her emphasis on storytelling as a way to navigate challenging times resonated deeply with me. Even though I read a lot of craft books, as a writer, I found Anders’ approach refreshing. Empowering, even.

The book affirms that through crafting narratives, we can find solace and agency. For anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice, Never Say You Can’t Survive is a terrific way to re-embrace the transformative power of storytelling. And if you, like me, are feeling anxious about the future, Never Say You Can’t Survive will remind you of exactly why your writing matters.

Content Warning

Creative Insecurity, Death of a Parent, Isolation, Loneliness, Mental Health, Politics, Self-Doubt, Trans Author, Trauma

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Stefano Zocca on Unsplash