Product Description With warm, lively, often humorous anecdotes, advice, and lessons, this unique approach to creative writing as a path to healing the self shows how to reverse the damaging effects done to writers in school, where red pens disciplined grammar and taught them to mistrust their natural ability as storytellers--freezing them in their creative tracks NPR sponsorships .
Amazon.com Review Because writing is such an individual experience, the best writing books are personal. That's why Nancy Slonim Aronie, a National Public Radio commentator and the founder of a Martha's Vineyard writers' workshop, spends as much time discussing her own writing process, and her moments of triumph and rejection, as she does giving advice on writing itself. She offers pointers on certain general topics, such as creating a point of view and finding a sense of discipline, but because you can only learn writing by doing it, she also provides a variety of creativity expanding exercises, such as "Write about a time you felt one way and acted another." As Aronie writes, "Teachers can guide, nudge, give examples, inspire, show some mechanics, teach a few rules (then encourage that they be broken), point out a few organizational skills. But basically, writing is about accessing the gold mine sitting inside each and every one of you."
One of the best for new writers March 14, 2006 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
As a memoir and personal essay workshop leader, I highly recommend this book to every new writer in my classes. It's right at the top of my required reading list, along with Anne Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD and Brenda Ueland's IF YOU WANT TO WRITE. Aronie's book helps slice through the fear that haunts most new writers who aren't sure how or where to begin. Best of all, she highlights the importance of telling your own truth, which leads to the healing gifts of writing. Whether you want to write for your own pleasure or for publication, this is a wonderful book. A classic in the genre. -- Cindy La Ferle, columnist and author of WRITING HOME, www.laferle.com
Need a jumpstart? April 15, 2005 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Ok, so you want to write "your story", or create a character that surprise! is so very like you. Or maybe you just want to start writing in first person present. But you can't!!! You try but it just doesn't come out right. You resist, you tell yourself that you can't do it. That you suck. Well, perhaps you honestly do but before you start to believe it pick up this book.
I think that the real problem, for me anyway, when it comes to writing first person present or developing a character that has experiences based upon mine, is fear. Fear of what might happen if I dare to dig into my life, my feelings.
What this book did for me was help me to get over that fear. Or it at least inspired me and made me want to keep trying to write my truth. It's difficult when writing like this to REMEMBER two things: It's FICTION and no one HAS to see it but you.
This book isn't dry and it isn't authoritative. In a witty, conversational manner Nancy gives you reasons to write your truth, to get out of your way, to break the barriers that are keeping you from writing something real and honest. Give yourself permission to feel and pick up this book! I think you will like it ;)
Bet Book so far April 5, 2004 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way the author sets up the reading and then BAM...tells you to write xyz. And you really are ready to write xyz. You'll be overflowing with ideas. It makes you say "what writer's block". I had to force myself to put my journal down. I love this book. I'm not even half way through it but I've already gotten my money out of it. It will probably be a classic on my shelf. Get the book, you won't be dissappointed. I wish I could take one of her workshops.
The next best thing to being there January 3, 2001 10 out of 10 found this review helpful
I've taken several workshops with Nancy and have always come away exhilirated and with the kernels of ideas for many new essays. She just has this way of stimulating your brain to make new leaps and insights. Basically, she teaches you how to get out of your own way and let your creativity flow. Her main thrust is to create a safe place in your mind where you can risk trying new things. The book is just like talking with her -- if you can't take one of her courses, it's the next best thing.
A Must-Read For Writers December 9, 2000 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Writers-block doesn't exist if you have read "Writing from The Heart". Stripping writers- both novice and experienced-down to the basics, Nancy Slonim Aronie, guides us through doors that were once closed, sometimes even slammed in our face, and assures us that they can be walked through. Using compassion and humor, this book flows like a river, and while it may not have been written with ease- it sure reads that way. If you are a writer of any kind, this book should be kept right next to your dictionary and your Writers Market.
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