With Pen In Hand: The Healing Power Of Writing [Paperback]

Henriette Anne Klauser (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2003

In moments of grief or loss, we often turn to the written word to say what cannot be said aloud. Indeed, directing sadness, rage, or confusion at the page can be tremendously cathartic and liberating. As we express our deepest feelings without reserve in poetry or prose, we feel the power of our words begin to draw out some of the pain in our hearts and replace it with hope.But fears about writing honestly and self-criticism can stand in the way of making use of this powerful therapeutic tool. With Pen in Hand is an inspirational and practical guide to breaking through these roadblocks and to helping one "write to heal." Outlining writing techniques that are best for working through pain and for privately collecting raw emotions--"Writing a Letter of Goodbye," "Interviewing Your Body," "Rapid-Writing," and more--Henriette Klauser shares stories and tips that will help readers gain comfort from what they commit to paper. For the accomplished writer and non-writer alike, With Pen in Hand will help one make use of the kind of expression that in the aftermath of a crisis or loss, can make one whole again.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Reading can provide welcome escape from one's pain and sorrow. Writing about those same emotions, says Klauser, can help a troubled mind embrace the anguish and work toward healing. An ardent proponent of the power of the written word, Klauser, whose sometimes New Agey language does not preclude serious information, and whose previous books have been testaments to writing's ability to transform paralyzing inactivity into productive accomplishments and solitary reticence into satisfying relationships, now examines and extols its therapeutic benefits. Whether as letters or journals, poetry or prose, the writing Klauser advocates is not for professional publication but for personal catharsis, and she offers practical techniques designed to help even the most reluctant or inexperienced writer communicate his or her innermost thoughts. From the loss of a job to the death of a spouse, from the trauma of assault to the terror of abandonment, Klauser shares the true stories of people who have faced the worst life has to offer and who have gained solace through the act of writing about their ordeals. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

The best-selling author of many practical books on writing, Henriette Anne Klauser, Ph.D., has been featured in Redbook, O! The Oprah Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Glamour, and New Age Journal, and has been interviewed by USA Today, the London Times, and the Washington Post. She lives in Edmonds, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 262 pages
• Publisher: Perseus Publishing; export ed edition (January 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738207888
• ISBN-13: 978-0738207889
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #906,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Healing through writing, January 24, 2003

By 

"sherye_hanson" (Kent, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: With Pen In Hand: The Healing Power Of Writing (Paperback)

I read this book for an article for Journals at BellaOnline.com. I found this to be one of the finest books on journal writing that I've read so far. It is not for everyone. However, if you have suffered a painful experience and don't seem to find your way out of it--I suggest this book. I have found writing to be therapeutic also. Dr. Klauser gives suggestions on techniques that help a hurting person write. She does this through the stories of people who have used different techniques to heal from painful and sometimes horrific circumstances. I highly recommend this book.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cheaper Than a Psychiatrist, July 23, 2006

By 

Alice Well (Fayetteville, AR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: With Pen In Hand: The Healing Power Of Writing (Paperback)

I pulled this book from the library with a number of others and almost returned it unread. I'm glad that I didn't do that, however, because I've gotten so much out of it. I have used this type of journal writing for a number of years and can testify to its healing powers. I am always amazed at how quickly peace can come or how solutions can appear just by moving the pen across the page. In spite of the fact that I have been practicing what this book is "preaching", I was still able to glean some practical tips and inspiration to continue using this in my daily life even when I'm not faced with some earth-shattering crisis. I'd highly recommend this. It's cheaper than a psychiatrist and safer than drugs and all you have to do is pick up a pen.

11 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Healing through writing is exceptional, January 30, 2006

By 

Madison Avenue Publishers "MadisonAvePublishers" (Scottsdale, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: With Pen In Hand: The Healing Power Of Writing (Paperback)

These books, including my own, 'Second Chance Ranch', and Joan Didion's 'The Year of Magical Thinking,' will become more widely read as babyboomers age and begin to come to terms with loss(es). Ms. Klauser is a wonderful writer, and this is a wonderful book.