Customer Reviews

Outwitting Writers' Block: And Other Problems of the Pen

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This author makes you feel like she's known you forever. She seems to pick up on amazing universal truths about writers that I didn't realize were universal truths until I read the book. For example, she writes about professional jealousy and how she would work herself into a tizzy when another writer-friend "trumped" her, or when a writer who wasn't very talented got a big break. I had been feeling so guilty for having these feelings about my own writing-friends, but now I realize that even more experienced writers still feel that way and it's normal.

But better than that, she offers such a wide array of "tricks" and tips for beating writer's block that something HAS to work! If the first method doesn't work, try a different method. She doesn't advocate just one thing, which is the problem I had with a different book about writer's block (the writer just offered one systematic solution. It didn't work for me, so the book was useless). With this one, I had to keep putting it down every few pages to scribble down new ideas it gave me.

That was amazing. I had been feeling uninspired and like I was running out of new ideas, but this book made me realize how to open my "writer's eyes" and find ideas in everyday circumstances. It energized me, like jumpstarting a battery, so I felt compelled to actually write down my ideas and start drafting them instead of letting them sit in my brain until I forgot them.

It's such a personal book and manages to weave effortlessly between humor and serious issues, even making me laugh when the author is discussing a very painful experience.

I think the biggest strength of this book is that it teaches writers to let go of all the guilt and burdens they have placed on themselves, or let others place on them. I can't write every day, and I haven't been published much yet, so I was afraid to call myself a "writer," but the author made me feel like that was okay, and in doing so, I got less anxious and self-conscious about the act of writing itself. I have written more in the past two weeks than I have all year, just because I feel better about it and less worried about making everything "perfect."

I knew from the author's website that I was going to like her style, but this just went so far beyond my expectations. I now feel like I have a brilliant teacher sitting on my bookshelf whenever I need her. At this rate, that won't be too often, because I can't imagine ever running out of ideas again! It's brilliant. Buy it.

I gave myself two days to read through Jenna Glatzer's "Outwitting Writer's Block" and found myself on the last page within a few hours. This book deals with the nuts and bolts, get-your-hands-greasy-changing-the-flat-`cause-you-didn't-renew-the-AAA-membership approach to overcoming the creative block and also gives insight into the likely deep seated psychological basis from which the block may stem e.g. it just may be your defense mechanism for self-preservation. Don't go to a shrink next time - plunk down the money for this book and Jenna will be beside your couch, gently guiding you through the emotional hurdles that lie between you and your creative potential. It's a kind way to put your harsh inner critic to rest and let the blank page be a "blank canvas" on which you are being invited to play. The fear of writing might just be your friend trying to warn you about something from the past - and it's about time that this fear is addressed and turned into creative fuel. Her suggestion to form a mental literary triumvirate of a critic, an advocate, and a pragmatist is a very useful tool to balance the left brain, the right brain, and the checking account. Power of positive thinking and visualization are some additional aids to keep the critic at bay. The basic message is simple: ultimately, writing is an end in itself and is its own reward; the writer needs to move towards self-validation rather than external validation.
It is a well researched book and I would recommend either highlighting the websites and books recommended or jotting it down in your "dirty notebook" (see, you just did it! You wrote down something!). One idea I found quite intriguing is to give a free outlet to your subconscious while writing without lifting your pen up from the paper (so as to not let the critic have any time to creep in). Of course, if you type, then come up with a creative solution of your own (short of splashing crazy glue on the keyboard).
If nothing else, buy the book for the Prompts - these are the gems strewn across that are fun and practical exercises to help unleash your creativity. I believe that creativity is spiral - something done in one seemingly disparate area feeds into one's writing skills when one least expects it. Jenna exploits this principle to its fullest in this book. Merely reading Jenna's book gave me two new screenplay ideas! And I wasn't even warmed up to do the exercises.
One of the most fundamental suggestions that this book makes is to change one's method of thinking. Although it sounds trite, the suggestion is to think like a writer. How often do we look at the mundane, banal items around us and try to put our thoughts about them into words, into strong nouns and strong verbs? I know I will make a conscious effort now on.
She also addresses what I like to call the "tyranny of should(s)" - a bunch of rules that have outlived their usefulness and float around in writer-speak as the Ten Commandments. However, then, she recommends that you should (oops!) have some rules of your own to bring some discipline to your writing and then, consciously break them if you feel you are getting boxed in e.g. cross genres or discard the self-imposed labels to see if you can have more fun writing - `cause that's what it's all about, ain't it?
Stephen King was asked once where he got his ideas from and he replied, "Cleveland." Jenna makes some specific suggestions on how to reach Cleveland, some of them quite interesting e.g. listening to country lyrics for stories and coming up with character/story ideas based on magazine ads.
Throughout the book, Jenna's love of writing and her passion for the craft shines through even as her lively (and zany) sense of humor guides you through the various ways of conquering writer's block. Even if you are not creatively blocked (and what species do you belong to?), the methods described in the book will jog your creative muscles.

Glatzer has an exceptional talent. She has writing experience that smacks you in the face with its authenticity. She says, "Writers block is really more a case of opportunity knocking and you having your radio tuned up too loudly to hear it." (p. 10) and then goes on to explain how you might benefit from the big WB.

Glatzers's book sets an example for writers because it is fresh, carefully crafted, and entertaining. There are, to be sure, other books that address writer's block but this one is far more fun and less dogmatic than most. These are the fraternal twins that let this volume fill a much-needed niche in advice books for writers.
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Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson. ...

The author demystifies writer's block as a natural, manageable part of the writing life. She explores why it happens, allowing her readers to gain control over the process & confidence over the hidden fears the block represents. Glatzer also defines & discusses writer's guilt, "percolating," plot bunnies, deadlines, mascots, "method" writing, ugly notebooks, & personal critics. She throws her arms around her readers' shoulders & escorts them through multiple adventures of self-discovery, keeping them safe & comfortable with humor, while introducing insights & techniques guaranteed to assist in their writing endeavors. This is an informative book that's a delight to read, thanks to Glatzer's engaging style & humor, combined with brain-teasing writing prompts sprinkled throughout. Quick, get a copy! You'll use it over & over again.

Jenna Glatzers gem of a book is packed with good stuff, from reasons why you may be blocked in the first place, to tricks, techniques and sleight-of-word methods for outwitting the Block Monster. There are dozens of useful writing prompts and exercises, and invaluable pieces of general advice for writers, blocked or otherwise. I am not entirely sure how she gets it all in: any other volume containing this much would be twice the size and need hip-waders to get through. However the book is not only helpful and informative, its also funny. What writer could resist a section on rejection that makes you laugh out loud? This is less like a book on a depressing subject, and more like a good night down the pub with your best writing mate. But instead of a hangover, you come away with a bag of useful knick-knacks and a good chance of getting around the horrors of the blank page.

Having just finished reading Jenna Glatzer's OUTWITTING WRITER'S BLOCK, I'm pleased to report that this book is chock full of innovative, creative, and just-plain-fun tips for all writers, blocked or not. Glatzer's friendly and oftentimes humorous writing style is a definite asset, since it makes the read a very pleasureable, yet very informative one. As I read, I found myself highlighting and dog-earing page after page, so that I would not forget any of the many wonderful pointers and suggestions interspersed throughout the book. I can't wait to put some of those suggestions to use! Thanks, Ms. Glatzer, for such a fresh look at an age-old problem. You've definitely dispersed some of the cobwebs in this writer's brain! Bravo!

If you've ever found yourself staring at a blank page all day, or doing mundane chores over again just to avoid that lost feeling, then you've experienced writer's block. And Jenna Glatzer says, "That's good news - it means you're a writer!" Even highly successful writers can't avoid this problem, it's like failure, it happens and we learn from it. What's more important, is that you learn how to manage it.

I believe all writers should now celebrate, because Jenna has written a humorous and practical guide that is chock full of tricks of the trade, versatile tools, and writer's block busting exercises that tackle this problem from all angles.

It's worth more than a quick read, I plan to keep my copy close by so I can refer to it when those 'moments' happen, and more importantly, I consider most of her strategies to be a proactive way to increase my creativity and amount that I write.

I interviewed Jenna Glatzer on "The Inside Success Show" and was captivated by her charm and wit. She's dedicated and a great example of how to proactively manage problems, not just hide from them.

Here's some other things I learned from Jenna:
** How Jenna Glatzer went from art to acting, and then finally found her creative outlet in a professional writing career!
** What determines when an idea isn't going to work (in advance)
** Why you need to rid yourself of myths and rules to write well.
** How to apply relaxation techniques to get back into "the flow"

** What 3 things you can do optimize your performance as a writer
** And much, much more ...

Whether you're a professional writer needing to jump-start your creativity, a college student needing to meet your deadlines, or a business person who needs to increase output, I believe you will find this book rewarding.

Randy (Dr. Proactive) Gilbert, Host of The Inside Success Show (TheInsideSuccessShow.com) and best-selling author of "Success Bound"

A light-hearted look at writer's block. There's some solid advice here, although none of it is really *new.* But the book is very readable and pulls a ton of tips together into one place. The part about writing what wants to come out was particularly helpful for this blocked writer.

As a writer for almost 30 years, I am often faced with problems of the pen. I was very glad to see this book come along because I am continually searching for ways to escape writer's block.
This book is fabulous!
Early in the book, Jenna helps readers to evaluate why they write and what may be blocking them from writing. Her style is friendly as she talks to her reader as an old friend talks to an old friend.
I haven't been able to get past about page 60, I am too busy writing! Jenna helped me see what the problem was and how to approach writing in a frame of mind which would enable me to carry through.
Thanks, Jenna! I needed that...

The heroine waits for you to guide her through the perilous, emotionally charged journey upon which you have started her. Nothing! Absolutely nothing comes to mind. You are as blank as the page that stares back at you. Deadlines loom overhead and time just keeps on ticking by. Crossing your fingers, you begin to pick up where you left off. It's just that simple, right? Wrong - you stop as suddenly as you start. Nothing! Perhaps you should do something else to take your mind off of everything for a few minutes. Suddenly you remember the last time you took "a little break" but it took you weeks to get started again. Where is she? Where is the muse that helped you get this far? Abandoned now, alone with the blank pages, panic sets in as you realize that you have it. You have caught that dreaded writer's disease. You have writer's block. What do you do now?

Just grab a copy of Jenna Glatzer's OUTWITTING WRITER' S BLOCK AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE PEN. As an experienced, published writer, Glatzer understands the frustration of having a blank page glare at you. Not only does she understand the frustrations that plague a writer, she has developed a comprehensive and easy to follow guide that offers a multitude of ways to combat the enemies of the creative process.

Glazter wants the writer to understand that a block is nothing to panic about. She considers it an occupational hazard that even the greats have to conquer. Glatzer lets the writer know that hope is not lost when the page continues to remain blank because there are many effective ways of slaying the beast. In each chapter the writer is encouraged to stay one step ahead of the game by examining reasons why writer's block may rear its ugly head. Exploring the psychological causes of a block such as anxiety, self-doubt, along with unreasonable expectations, Glatzer engages the writer to battle the enemy within first. Included with each chapter are creative writing prompts to help get the creative juices flowing once more.

OUTWITTING WRITER'S BLOCK AND OTHER PROBLEMS OF THE PEN is a witty and inspiring way of tackling troublesome roadblocks writers are sure to encounter. From exposing the psychological reasons behind roadblocks to effective ways of eradicating these problems, Glatzer offers encouraging and motivating words to help the writer to write. So whether you are just a novice looking to get that first manuscript completed or an established veteran who needs a little encouragement this is one book no writer should be without.

Reviewed by L. Raven James
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers