Customer Reviews

The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear

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This book is a remarkable tool for any writer. You want to write but: have no time, are too scared, think you are no good . . . whatever the reason, this book answers it, in such an understanding and powerful way, that you think you have no choice but to put pen to paper at last! It is truly unique. The author also dispells a lot of myths about writing (how difficult it is; you have to suffer, etc.), and, most importantly, deals with each and every fear a human being could possible have which prevents him or her from creating. He states emphatically that all writing takes courage, sometimes tremendous courage, but that overcoming the fears, and finally doing the writing is well worth it. By the way, this book is definitely not just for writers; I gave it as a gift to an artist friend, and she found it to be so encouraging that she entered a work in a contest because of it. In addition, I also loved the section in the book where he explains that we naturally write about that which we have never "resolved" in our past; I had never seen this written about before, and it blew me away. The subject matter I write about definitely falls into this category. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

If there is one book that I would give a beginning writer--and wish I'd found much earlier--it is The Courage to Write. It would be suitable for writers of any level, in truth, for it is written so well, with such attentiveness to the writer's anxieties and struggles. The final chapter, focusing as it does on determination and will to write, versus brilliance without substance, is alone worth the price of the book.

To be sure, the book does not dwell much on accumulated rejection slips that so often add further anxiety--that make one wonder if selling insurance wouldn't be better after all. In such a case, I would recommend reading the first and last chapters deeply and take their messages once more to heart: do you have the will and determination? do you have the courage (i.e. are you getting rejection slips because you are still skating on the surface of things, being glib, hiding behind a technique or style)?

The chapter on foggy, impenetrable, jargon-laden writing is also invaluable. I see no crime in being clear; it is a substantial relief to read that I am not alone in this matter. The gift of this book to the college freshman in a composition course would be money well-spent.

Perhaps of greatest benefit is that this book makes the reader/writer understand that he or she is highly typical in the fears, delay-tactics, rites and totems that are employed in the hopes of approaching, even taming, the empty page. Not everyone has access to writing courses or groups; some are impassioned and have the will and determination, but decide they'd rather not cloister themselves off in an M.F.A. program. A few good books will do as companionable guides in the hard but wholly rewarding work of writing. This book should be first among those chosen as such a companion.

You are not alone. The author tells us that the difference between a person who wants to write and a person who actually writes is the willingness to face fear- and write anyway. In a warm writing style, Mr. Keyes teaches how to capitalize on anxiety instead of giving in to it. Fear takes many forms- fear of...rejection, criticism, ridicule, looking silly, failure, success. Writing is a lonely endeavor.The author includes remarks from accomplished writers and lets us know that fear, in all its forms, is common. My first book is scheduled for release next year and I am terrified nobody will buy it. After reading this book, I know I am not alone. Only 1% of the people who want to write ever write. If you want to be in this 1%, I recommend reading The Courage to Write.

This book is like having a kind and sensitive therapist at the writing desk with you. It's clear, to the point and written in a relaxed, conversational style. Keyes defines the complex fears and anxieties that keep writers from facing the challenge of the blank page and offers insight into moving past fear into joyful written expression! I especially liked all the ancedotes he includes about authors like Hemingway, Faulkner, Proust and Fitzgerald. Anyone who agonizes over what he/she writes will appreciate this book. It is not, however, a "how-to" writing book in the traditional sense. The focus of the book remains on techniques that enhance creativity and flow, not on developing story ideas, characterizations, plots, settings, voice, theme, etc. There are plenty of other books on that. What Keyes offers is an encouraging dialog to keep you committed and help you through your sleepless nights. I rate this one right up there with "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.

This book helps me in dealing with the fears that have prevented me from writing. Keyes does not deal with "writer's block" in a detached, academic manner. He reminds the reader of the definition of courage and offers myriad examples of writers who have forced themselves to write even if it hurts. He offers no exercises or "quick fix" advice. The book inspires and warns. The ideas he presents may not be original, but his presentation is; the author's choices helped me realize that I'll never find a magic pill to help me write without discomfort. I have to roll up my sleeves, dig in and learn to enjoy how it feels. If you've already experienced such a revelation, the book's not for you. But if you're teetering between giving up and diving in, give the book a try.

I initially started reading this book thinking I would get practical advice on how not to be afraid to write and send my work in for publication. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the fear is normal, and to be embraced and used, not squashed and hidden away. I have a fresh perspective on writing. I also enjoyed the anecdotes about famous writers and their quirks. The only downside of reading this book is it left me thinking I'm not neurotic enough to be a great writer!

This book manages to be demanding and gentle at the same time. It reads like a friend who cares enough to call your bluff (in private) and then hang around until you can both laugh about it. Good, good stuff here and not one bit new-age-y. This is solid guidance for any creative pursuit. Don't miss it, it may be some of the best support you'll get.

If you're an aspiring writer who never seems to find much time to write, but has no trouble finding time to think about writing and worry about writing, this book is likely to help you. It describes the ways in which a number of writers, many very well-known, have managed to overcome anxiety, procrastination, and outright panic in order to get their writing done. The ways in which they've done this are so varied and individual that it's hard to say there's much useful, concrete advice here, but I found it greatly reassuring to hear writers whose work I respect admit to many of the same feeling of inadequacy and dread that I've felt when staring at a blank page.

You don't have to have writer's block to be aware of your fear of writing. Fear can keep us from submitting our work, writing with any depth at all, being honest-even from being honest with ourselves. Ralph Keyes knows what he's talking about. He writes about fear with sensitivity, while he offers a variety of solutions. He knows that getting a book accepted and published only opens up a whole new variety of fears. Whether we are published or not, we can use our fears to deepen our writing by sharing our personal truths candidly with others, letting go of our need to be admired, approved of, or liked by friends and family. If we worry about what others will think, we will never do our best writing. Keyes helps us to be honest with ourselves so that we can be naked on the page. This was just the book I needed at this stage of my writing career. ~Joan Mazza, author of DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE and DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF

This is the first book I recommend to each of my writing clients, when she comes for a first coaching or editing session. EVERY writer feels fear, and it helps to name it. With each of my books anxiety has rippled through me: first, I wonder, Can I write it? Then, when I have, Will my editor accept it? And finally, after I've cleared that hurdle, What will reviewers say?

What makes this book so wonderful is that it both acknowledges the panic that can accompany each stage of writing, and provides helpful tools for surmounting it. And the writing is lovely. For instance, "For some [writers], circulating work-in-progress soothes their nerves; for others, it's like massaging them with sandpaper." The way the author delivers his message is as delightful, and instructive, as his subject.

Thus, whenever a new client signs on to work with me, his first assignment is to read The Courage to Write.

In addition to the inherent pleasure of the book, I found a small personal connection: the author teaches at Antioch College, where I was a student some years before his time.
Bravo!