Customer Reviews

The Power to Write: A Writing Workshop in a Book

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Power to Write:..." by Caroline Joy Adams, NY, Barnes & Nobles Books, 2004 - ISBN 0-7607-4581-1 (hc), 6 in. x 9 in., 168 pg., plus list of resources, sources & biblio.

"TPTW" is a splendidly written "Workshop in a Book" by a published & authoritative author who shares her "Seven Keys to Discover Your Writer Within" in 2 parts: Part I explores 4 areas of writing: story, powerful opening, emotional journey, 6 questions in story unfolding & Part II addresses 3 areas to refine skills: the 5 senses, finding writing voice, & courage to sharing.

Throughout, author nicely calligraphed chapter headings, Adams remains an encouraging mentor much like the litle train "you can do it - you can do it - you can do it " & never, never voices a discouraging word, but is always the comforting & hopeful true teacher who asks that writing exercises be executed but also she shares her own exercises or those of students or other writers as specimens for critique.

Adams has a great gift & emphasizes understanding the psychological obstacles in writing writers & want-to-be writers & is skillful in applying helpful remedies. If you need encouragement, this is a book you will cherish. To paraphrase both Dr. Laura & Caroline Adams, "Now go & do the right thing -- write a good novel!" You will cherish this book, published or not.

In my long lifetime, I have read dozens of books about how to write. Some have been marginally helpful, some have been amusing, some have been frustrating. Not one, however, has told me--clearly and convincingly--HOW to write. That changed when I picked up Caroline Joy Adams' "The Power to Write." This book is solid gold, a glittering gem. Ms. Adams begins by building the reader's self-confidence, which she calls Key 1 ("Know That You Have the Power to Write"). She then explains and illustrates--with six additional keys and writing samples--the steps to producing quality, high-energy, inspired writing.

I treasure this book. I think it's the best of its genre on the market. And it comes with a bonus--Ms. Adams' elegant calligraphy. Bravo!

I stumbled on this book more by accident than by research. I saw it on a table at the bookstore, and thought I would give it a try.

The difference between how I wrote before and how I write now, after this book, is huge. My family even made note of how much better I was. They asked what I had done to improve. I told them it was this book.

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

The Power to Write; a Writing Workshop in a Book. By Caroline Joy Adams. New York: Barnes & Noble, 2003. 180 pp.

More "inspirational" than "how-to," The Power to Write seeks to do just that: empower the fledging writer. Getting started is hard, and that's where Caroline Joy Adams assumes her reader to be...at the start of a writing career. To that end, she presents seven themes to help get the reader off the couch and to the keyboard.

Part 1 is dedicated to helping the writer create an 'intriguing story' and separates the book into chapters which she calls 'keys.' (Warning: this is a cute device. If you shy away from cute, beware). She opens with key one which encourages the reader to delve into their store of memories, experiences, and emotions. From this seemingly endless pool, the spark of story can emerge. Key two discusses the 'powerful opening.' Key three focuses on creating the most emotional experience possible for your future reader. Then key four has the new writer ask six important questions of what they've written thus far: what is the main conflict, who are your characters, when is your story set, where is it set, what events take place BEFORE your opening - but aren't in the story, and why your story is worth telling. She goes into each of these questions in depth, and they are well worth paying attention to.

Part 2, devoted to helping 'develop and refine your writing voice' is comprised of three 'keys.' Key 5 helps you focus on adding sensual touches (sight, sound, taste, touch, scent) to your writing. Key 6 helps you look for your unique voice, and key 7 is designed to help you find the courage to share your work.

One part instructional, two parts inspirational, Caroline Joy Adams has created a nice recipe for a writing workshop. (Cute warning again: you may love her calligraphic inspirational quotes adorning each chapter. But then again, you may find them corny). All in all, this is a cozy little read. You can blitz through it fast, or take your time over a cup of coffee. My advice? Advanced writers take heed: this one isn't for you. It's for the beginning writer who needs a little help taking that first step over the threshold. If you're just starting out, pick up a copy...and DO the exercises at the end of each chapter.

I, too, stumbled upon this book on the bargain table. I am giving it two stars for a couple of ideas I gleaned from this slim book but I'm SO glad I didn't pay full price! I think it would have benefited from story examples by other, better writers. The author used only her own stories and ... she's not a good writer. Long, convoluted rambling sentences - more than once I had to start reading the piece again to try and figure out what the heck she was trying to say. When she said in "March Morning" that the police would not look for her missing baby for 24 or 48 hours or some such nonsense, she lost me completely. Obviously she's been sniffing too much ink. When a child or baby is involved, ANY law enforcement agency in this country would immediately start a search. So, if read it you much - try and find a copy at the library - or in the bargain bin.