Customer Reviews

The Daily Writer: 366 Meditations to Cultivate a Productive and Meaningful Writing Life

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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As a published author, I found this book to be informative as well as entertaining. Each day on the calendar offers advice on various parts of writing, be it plotting, characterization, research, narrative, writer's block or whatever. Fred White covers the gamut of writing in short "meditations" that keep you moving along. And if the reader/writer desires, or has the time, he/she can do the suggested prompts at the end of each meditation. I found the book useful during a recently completed work-in-progress, as the meditations provided daily reminders. I've recommended this book to many fellow writers and to those considering the writing life.

My writing group occasionally refers to this book for ideas and inspiration. Established writers, and aspiring writers alike, will not be amiss to add this book to their shelf, however, it is better served to carry it with you each day.
"The Daily Writer is designed to help awaken and nurture the spiritual side of writing through daily meditation and practice throughout the calendar year." But please don't let the words "spiritual" or "meditation" fool you. You don't have to light incense and sit in the lotus position to write here. This is a very practical, helpful, and useful book.
Each day consists of a described topic such as "On Serendipty," followed by a "For Further Reflection" paragraph (which I particularly enjoy), then a "Try This" section which serves as your writing prompt or action for the day. You may be asked to pull a book from a shelf, open to a random page, and write down ideas. Perhaps you may be asked to go for a walk before writing..., develop a mini-cookbook consisting of imaginary foods..., or set-up an idea file.... As I said, this is not your average writing prompt book and therefore makes it very unique.
The Daily Writer gets you out of your ho-hum box and effectively sparks your creative energy.
Happy Writing to All.

This book is easy reading, good to the beginner writer. Experienced ones can profit from reading a page or two searching for inspiration, but the truth is: this book is kind of elementary, a book of good writing classes exercises. If you are seriously commited to write, do not waste your time trying those exercises, but pick one or another and pass this book along. I'm sure that "cultivate a productive and meaningful writing life", as the book title says, is not to wander around writing short pieces or doing little meditations, but to focus in one or two projects and work to accomplish them. Do not dispel your energies taking this book too seriously.

The book was delivered to me as I expected, as if it had never been read or used. Very satisfied. I would order from this vendor again. I haven't had a chance to use it, yet, so I cannot comment on the quality of the book itself.