The Tao Of Writing: Imagine. Create. Flow. [Paperback]

Ralph L. Wahlstrom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 29, 2005

The creative process doesn't have to be tortuous - with "The Tao of Writing"; it can be glorious. Invoking the principles of the Tao allows writers to do their best work ever. By tapping into the true flow of their creativity, writers can discover and develop their true talents and abilities. Here the author uses the connection between teaching, writing and the tenets of the Tao to help writers hone their craft from a new perspective, enhancing their work and their creative journey. Organised into three parts, this engaging book is as practical as it is inspiring: The Philosophy - Why the Tao in Writing: A brief introduction to taoist thought, drawing from the "Tao Te Ching", "Chuang Tze", the "Tao of Pooh" and well-known writers; The Twelve Principles of Tao in Writing: Exploring the twelve principles of the Tao in relation to writing; Applying the Tao to Writing: More than 100 writing exercises that help set the writers in motion and build their momentum to create original, well-realised works. With "The Tao of Writing" as their guide, readers can overcome "writer's rigor mortis," and become better, happier, more productive writers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ralph L Wahlstrom has been a journalist, and a writer of fiction and non fiction. He is currently an associate professor and the director of a writing program at a college.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (November 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593374046
• ISBN-13: 978-1593374044
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #964,529 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been writing since before I could spell, and it continues to be one of my greatest joys. I've lived in France and China, and traveled quite a lot, though not as much as I'd wish. I have written a great deal of fiction, nonfiction, and academic work as well as songs and poetry, and I believe my place on this world will be reflected in my writing and my children. Somehow, I ended up becoming an English professor, in spite of the fact that I didn't intend to go to college. I owe much to my love for writing. My greatest accomplishments are having the good sense to marry my wife and raising three children who are good, honorable, talented, loving people.

The Tao of Writing is a way to becoming a better writer. It offers practical and philosophical insights into finding your writer's voice, eliminating writer's block, and developing as a creative individual. I believe when we write we give something of ourselves to the universe, and the universe gives back.

For daily writing inspiration, check out my blog at http://apromptaday.wordpress.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "writing book" long needed is finally here!, January 16, 2006

By 

Errol Craig Sull "writer and writing teacher" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tao Of Writing: Imagine. Create. Flow. (Paperback)

I teach writing at the college level, as well as conduct writing workshops for the corporate sector, and thus it is crucial that each of these audiences not only learn the mechanics of writing but, too, understand how we can best draw upon our inner selves to create that which we call writing. This is not an easy task, and calls upon a melding of both the left brain and right brain to get this right.

Ralph Wahlstrom's book, The Tao of Writing, does this seamlessly, and -- after reading it -- one might not win a Pulizter Prize for writing but he or she will certainly be a better writer. Wahlstrom takes the reader on a journey within, delving into all that each person is to open the imagination, inspire creation, and -- the key -- allow this to flow into words, sentences, and paragraphs that effectively express what the writer wants to communicate.

Had this book ended here, it would have been fine, but Wahlstrom becomes the pragmatic Zen teacher of writing as well, offering more than sixty writing exercises that constantly refine one's writing's efforts. This book is for that discerning person who just wants to really get his or her writing -- right: stick with The Tao of Writing and you will.

Errol Craig Sull

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A tremendous book, September 13, 2009

By 

Alan Robertson (Fresno, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tao Of Writing: Imagine. Create. Flow. (Paperback)

Attention all writers! Creative flow and word output getting a little clogged up? If so, Ralph Wahlstrom is the Roto-Rooter Man of writing and the Tao is his power-snake. This book will release your creativity faster than a warm shower will make you pee. Like receiving a sigmoidoscopy from a trusted friend, Ralph uses gentle probing to allow you to view parts of yourself you knew were there but had never seen. His personal, conversational style is like talking to a buddy in the cell next door. Reading the Tao of Writing got me more excited than coming home to find my favorite chimp wearing go-go boots and a thong. My creativity and productivity have nearly doubled. Whether that's good or bad is the subject of much debate, nevertheless, it really worked. I've had to join Writers Anonymous just to stop long enough for lunch. Ralph Wahlstrom could give a triple-your-money-back guarantee with this book and never have to refund a dime. It's really that good.

Seriously, The Tao of Writing is a tremendous book written by a remarkably talented man who knows exactly what he's talking about. I can't imagine any writer not benefiting from it. Buy it. You will not be disappointed.

Alan Robertson, author of The Money Belt

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Little Something Fresh, September 17, 2011

By 

dp - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Tao Of Writing: Imagine. Create. Flow. (Paperback)

Easy, quick read. The book actually made me far more interested in Taoism than in writing. Ha. It's a good read for writers who are stuck in a rut and need a little something fresh to inspire them and get them going again. Most of the book (the first two-thirds) is about embracing a different perspective on writing and not so much about writing tips, etc. Ends with some writing activities and exercises to help apply the Tao.

If you can get it for a few bucks, it might be worth it if you are needing to reinvigorate your writing practice.