The author of eight novels and two books about the creative process, Barbara Shoup takes the reader from her childhood dream of being a writer through the ups and downs of publishing by way of vignettes that focus on her own personal moments of clarity about what writing is (and isn't), sharing the pleasures and lessons of more than forty years of teaching along the way. Part memoir, part writing workshop, A Commotion in Your Heart offers inspiration and practical advice to writers at every stage of their writing journey.