The book arrived via Amazon on Tuesday, and I finished it on Wednesday. Not a mention of "show don't tell", or of the perils of overusing adverbs, or the necessity of story arc, etc etc, and damn, is it a good book! It made me realise all the quirky little rituals I've unconsciously employed to psyche myself up to write are in fact quite common, and that being afraid and anxious about writing is not only normal, it is vital. That to be afraid to write is absolutely necessary to produce anything worth reading.
And then he helpfully suggests how to harness and transcend those fears. (Phew!)
Go forth and read it. You'll still have all your writerly neuroses, but at least they'll now make sense!
4 comments:
Hey Rachel,
Thanks for the suggestion. Anything that will help inspire my sorry ass would be a great help. And I see my library has a copy...yay. :)
Jen
I hadn't seen this title. I'm going to run to the library, so I can get a copy before Jennifer checks it out.
:)
Holly
Http://www.wondersandmarvels.com
Ooh, this looks like a good book!
Adding it to my TBR pile, which is in danger of toppling but who cares.
Jen, Holly and Pam: it is a great book. I'm amazed by all the famous writers and poets he quotes, who say they feel like they're frauds despite topping best seller lists and garnering literary awards. If they, in all their greatness, feel anxious and unworthy to write, then little old me sure as hell should expect to!
Rachel (off to polish her neuroses) :P
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