A Creative Writer's Kit: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life [Paperback]

Judy Reeves (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2003

Providing tools to inspire the novice and seasoned writer alike, this kit evokes the muse in every wordsmith through engaging exercises and clear instructions. The handsome package contains a journal with literary quotations printed throughout, a book of days offering evocative writing prompts culled from hundreds of workshops, and a deck of cards with tips of the trade and insights to the craft.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (August 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577314352
• ISBN-13: 978-1577314356
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #729,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judy Reeves is a writer, teacher and writing practice provocateur whose books include A Writer's Book of Days; Writing Alone, Writing Together; A Creative Writer's Kit and The Writer's Retreat Kit. In addition to leading private writing and creativity workshops, Judy teaches writing at University of California, San Diego Extension and in private workshops, and speaks at writing conferences internationally. She is a cofounder of San Diego Writers, Ink where she served as Executive Director. A 10th anniversary Revised Edition of A Writer's Book of Days was released this fall. Her website is judyreeveswriter.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Gift, June 22, 2004

By 

V. Marshall (North Fork, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Creative Writer's Kit: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life (Paperback)

Judy Reeves has boxed together a book of prompts and practices along with cards that offer advice on the practice of creative writing.

This set is a nice gift for anyone who suffers from writer's block or who wants to embark on a career in creative writing. The book offers a year of writing prompts, recommended readings, many quotes from famous writers and several pages of open journal pages that holds all of the inspiration one might receive. The cards offer 25 suggestions for becoming a better writer, from overcoming bad habits to developing new ideas freely.

All in all this is a nicely packaged set for a gift to a would-be writer. For serious writers I recommend Reeve's more thorough book on writing, "A Writer's Book of Days". But any inspiration is good inspiration!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars jumpstart your writing, February 6, 2004

By 

Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Creative Writer's Kit: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life (Paperback)

If you do not have Judy Reeves' book, & are into cards & brevity, then A CREATIVE WRITER'S KIT will be a good addition to your daily writing exercises. You do do daily exercises, don't you?

Judy Reeves has a mission -- to get us writing -- not necessarily on the Great American Novel -- more on learning to write well, on recording our lives, on becoming articulate about our thoughts, on making the time for what satisfies us...writing!

A CREATIVE WRITER'S KIT easily fits into a pocket or bag, & thus is perfect for traveling. Perhaps the only thing "missing" is a slot for a pen.

Rebeccasreads recommends A CREATIVE WRITER'S KIT especially for students of & novices to the ancient art of writing. It is a unique gift for the writers & wannabes in your life.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for travel and gifts, January 24, 2004

By 

BP (Hub City, South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Creative Writer's Kit: A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life (Paperback)

I have finally admitted to myself that I am a musician who writes. I spend my daytime hours in a job that is noncreative and demanding. My spare time is spent in musical efforts so the time devoted to writing seems to fritter away. In the past, however, I found myself jotting down prompts from the "Days" book as I prepared for night-owl writing on choral concert tours.

Yes, this kit contains excerpts from Judy Reeves' book. I know that fact regardless of whether I am shopping from this site or in the bookstore. The editorial description on the site informs me. The kit's packaging contains chapter titles familiar to me. Obviously, "A Spirited Companion & Lively Muse for the Writing Life" is taken directly from the book's title.

I sought portability and have found it in this kit. I no longer have to search for index cards in my office clutter. Concert tours do require immersion in music, but when the performance is over, there is always time for people-watching. I can imagine personal histories or envision these people in different settings. It's only with Judy's assistance that I'm able to let my mind wander.

The kit I possess is the fourth one I have purchased. Each time I do a quick show-and-tell to a friend or colleague, I receive a bug-eyed response and a confession that this person "used to write" so I order the kit as a gift. One recipient was a computer manager who has a degree in English Lit. She called and thanked me for the gift: "I have never been able to sit down and just write...like I can with these prompts!!"

I've been pleased with my purchases.