Customer Reviews

Fear of Writing: For Writers & Closet Writers

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My career depends on meeting deadlines and writing every single day. I can't afford an attach of writer's block. That's why Fear of Writing caught my attention when I stumbled across it a year or so ago.

I have studied hundreds of books on writing, graduated from a university creative writing program, completed a diploma in journalism and presented writing workshops for several years in addition to working full time as a business writer. None of these has helped me to get down and write as much as the material in this book.

No matter how well you are trained or how profoundly talented you might be as a writer it is of no value until you actually write. Talking and reading about writing is fine but it doesn't make you a writer. Only writing does that and this book gets you writing.

It's not your average book. It's deceptively relaxed and makes you feel as though you're chatting with an old friend. Don't be fooled by how much fun you're having as you play with the 'Fertile Material'. This is solid stuff that trips the switch in your brain to turn on your writing generator. You'll actually feel a rush of energy within minutes of getting started.

Whenever I'm blocked and just can't seem to get started on a writing project I now pick up Fear of Writing, randomly choose an exercise and plunge into it. Fifteen minutes later I have a couple of pages of spontaneous writing. Usually it has nothing to do with my current project yet my mind is clear, I'm now focused on the project and so full of energy that the work is done in record time.

Buying Fear of Writing has proven to be the best investment I've ever made in my writing career. It has helped me through many blank hours at the keyboard.
You'll find yourself having so much fun and producing such great writing that you'll never want to part with Fear of Writing. I won't even lend my copy to anyone. It's my security blanket and I won't part with it.
The author, Milli Thornton, has a website... which has a raft of free stuff for writers. Go have a look and discover why this book is so good that you just have to have your own copy...

What I want to know is how Milli Thornton knew exactly where I was when I began reading Fear Of Writing: I was curled up in bed. She knew that, and she told me that I was not allowed to read her book in bed:

"To begin with, this is not a bedtime book. Just as you would never dream of exercising aerobically right before you go to sleep, this book should be strictly a daytime pursuit. . . . so don't read this book in bed (Thornton, 10)."

When I read this, I put the book down. But I was afraid to pick it up again. What else would Thornton know about me? Would she know that I hate everything I write as soon as I write it? Would she know that I often don't write because I know I'll end up hating my work-that I make myself fail before I even try?

I did finally conquer my fear of reading Fear Of Writing, though, and I am glad I did. Thornton's insights, anecdotes, and short stories are not only helpful, but are also fun to read. And her Fertile Material exercises stretch the imagination! I've written from the point of view of a mutt-hating Siamese cat, a cockroach-loving activist, and a jazz musician.

I love that Thornton gives her readers no pressure to write the perfect piece. She gives a prompt, and you can write whatever you want, be it a poem, a dialogue, a short story, or a stream-of-consciousness piece. You don't even have to finish the story! Just write something, anything, to get those creative juices flowing. You can choose to share your writings with others (I have found that sharing them with the Fertile Material group on Yahoo! is quite rewarding.) or keep them to yourself. You simply write for yourself-an audience of one. No fear there!

This is an absolutely wonderful book! Anyone plagued by the fear-of-writing bug should read it and use the Fertile Material exercises. You won't be sorry!

My first contact with Milli was when my teenaged daughter and I attended a "Fear of Writing" workshop. As both an ex-English teacher and "wannabe" writer, I was very interested in how Milli was going to present the topic of writing. We were both a little apprehensive and uptight about having to write and then actually read our ramblings out loud to people! NOT TO WORRY! Milli's techniques are so friendly and non-frightening that we both had a wonderful time. Her book is an absolute must for anybody that wants to write, even if it's just for fun! The book is very laid-back, conversational, and downright funny! Even the cover picture of the dog holding a match to his manuscript makes me laugh everytime I look at it. The Fertile Material exercises are fantastic--they wind up your imagination and let it go and then wonderful things happen. One of the best parts of my week is our "Fear of Writing" meetings every Tuesday morning. The Fertile Material exercises are such fun to write about, and it is amazing how many totally different stories spin off from each exercise. Most of the time we laugh and sometimes we cry, but the best part is that everyone is so supportive--no one tells you what you've written isn't good enough. That's the basic idea of the book--just write, write, write. We're all learning to let our creativity overtake our rigidity and to develop and appreciate our own style, even if it's different from everybody else's. You shouldn't be reading this review. You should be reading the book. Buy it! Read it! Let the fun and creativity begin!

Fear Of Writing was specifically designed for those authors and writers who are confronted with the literary equivalent of stage fright when sitting down to the task of creative writing. Author Milli Thornton offers immensely useful, very practical, and uniquely effective techniques for stimulating a free flow of writing, unblocking the paralysis of fear, demystifying the process of writing, as well as overcoming the past and linger effects of writer's block and paralyzing anxiety. Fear Of Writing is enhanced for the benefit and enjoyment of the reader with humorous short stories followed by "exercises" designed to help build their writing "muscle". If you are a writer who experiences feelings of dread, writer's block, or worse, when you mus sit down and write an article, story, screenplay, or anything else, then the Fear Of Writing is a "must read" for you!!

I was introduced to Fear of Writing a few years ago and had so much fun writing from the inventive Fertile Material exercises that I ended up wearing out my first copy of the book and had to get another! If you're "stuck" in your writing, self-conscious, jammed up, or just looking for a little inspiration, this book will get your creativity flowing and your enthusiasm for writing going. Out of all the books written about writing, this one is guaranteed to get you kick-started.

I didn't really think of myself as a closet writer, or even a writer of any kind for that matter, until I read a copy of "Fear of Writing." Even though I had ideas for books "I want to write someday" swimming in my head, I never had the courage to embrace the idea of it actually coming to fruition until I read Milli's book. Her book changed my attitude and diminished my fear within the first few pages. "Fear of Writing" gave me instant inspiration and permission to write freely without worrying about making a mistake. Heaven forbid I make a mistake! I've been doing that in my everyday life, so why am I worried about it in writing? I love this book and I respect Milli for her courage and tenacity to make this book happen and her willingness to share her knowledge. If you have ever once considered creating a story of any kind, do yourself a favor and read Milli's book. You won't regret it.

Fear of Writing by Milli Thornton is DYNAMITE. It's not about spelling and using proper grammar. It's about having fun getting that creative side onto the paper. The fertile material pages are exceptional to get you started....and it's amazing what your mind will come up with. Very Encouraging and not dodging bullets!

I spent years writing architectural specifications where completeness and accuracy are paramount. I's must be dotted, T's must be crossed and everything must be coordinated and airtight. I also write articles for shooting magazines, and they too get a little dry sometimes. So I went in search of something to loosen me up a bit and add some color and perhaps (gasp!)some humor.
My search ended with the discovery of "Fear of Writing" by Milli Thornton. She and her nifty little book have shown me the way to let my imagination run free. Now when I am on track with a good tale the I's and T's can wait. I have more important things to think about like, "Where is this magic carpet going to take me next?" Maybe the sequel should be entitled "Fun of Writing".

I had been writing on and off for about three years when I met Milli. I was totally in awe of her as she had a book published which is one of my dreams. I finally got up the courage to talk to her and finally blurted out my green-eyed jealousy. Being the writer's angel she immediately figured out that I was experiencing fear.
After attending her workshop and experiencing the wonders of the Fear of Writing prompts I immediately went out and bought the book. What amazed me was being able to write from imagination, before I only wrote from experience. Fear of Writing opened up a whole new window of writing opportunity. I even wrote a story about a jazz band, (Play Big prompt on page 23 of the book), and I know nothing about jazz!
I now find that if I am stuck on some of my own work, I pick up Milli's book and randomly choose a prompt, I never fail to scribble off at least four pages.
Our writing circle uses Milli's book at our weekly meetings. Apart from all the rambunctious laughter I always have a story to read at the end. One even led me to write a picture book for children that I have sent off for publication.
So all you fraidy cats, try it, it works. All you will need to worry about is what to do with all your stories....

As I have been published in a weekly newspaper column for more than ten years, I probably fit more in the group called '...writers' rather than persons new to writing who are trying to gain traction.
Like most writers I hesitate to declare that I am one.I do however write, regularly, for publication.
Milli's book and guidance gave me a different direction to go in.I had reached a cross road and was stalled. Her book provided a stimulus and a challenge.It also provided a frame to work within.
Her list of topics and coaching were very useful, are valued still.
Had I not bought the book and read it, digested it in part, I might never have tried doing fiction.
This book provided a solid point of departure.It provided credible assistance along the route.
More than those things, it provided a place in which some of us may try different things, with firm but empathetic direction as we try.
Anyone who is serious about writing has recognizable milestones that are beside the path or trail they take or are shown.
I have a feeling this book Milli Thornton created may very well be one of those for me.
Respectfully Submitted,

F.S. Lentz