Write: 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. [Paperback]

Karen E. Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 11, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1593375034 | ISBN-13: 978-1593375034 | Edition: 2

Sound familiar? This is what Dr. Karen E. Petersen - who has overcome writer's block herself - calls "the write-or-flight response." In this revolutionary book, psychologist and novelist Karen E. Peterson presents an easy, effective way to beat writer's block in only ten days. Based on new brain research and sound psychological principles, this innovative program shows writers how to conquer writer's block using: exercises to conquer the "write-or-flight" response; techniques to creative that elusive "writing mood"; parallel monologue and interior dialogue to jump-start the writing process; and checklists to see which side of the brain is blocking you. With case examples and a healthy dollop of humour, "Write" helps both seasoned and neophyte writers to enjoy the process of sending their creativity - and productivity - soaring to new heights.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As well researched and helpful a book on writing as I've ever read." -- Kurt Vonnegut

About the Author

Karen E. Peterson, Ph.D. is a pschologist, novelist and public speaker with extensive media experience. She is a former university wrtiting instructor with an M.A. in English. The recipient of severy university literary awards, Dr. Peterson has conducted research on writer's block and procrastination.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media; 2 edition (May 11, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593375034
• ISBN-13: 978-1593375034
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #683,777 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars In-Depth Look at Writer's Block, Plus Solutions., June 13, 2006

By 

Linda Painchaud-Steinman "PARK EDGE BOOKS" (MA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Write: 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. (Paperback)

Here's an in-depth guide to many of the causes of writer's block that also offers some unique solutions to the problem.

If you want to write but can't get started, can't stop revising, can't complete what you start, you may find the suggestions useful.

A previous reviewer mentions that the book contains "too much psycho-babble", and true, it does have a fair share of that. However, for a writer who has tried just about everything else to break through being blocked, what is there to lose by trying this method?

Reading this guide feels like sitting down with your shrink and discussing why you have this problem with writing, and being told what you might try in order to overcome it.

As I said, if nothing else has worked in breaking your block, it won't hurt to try this psychological approach to the problem.

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not Effective in My Case, October 3, 2006

By 

Ann Arbor Reader (Michigan) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Write: 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. (Paperback)

I've read a fair amount of the current popular writer's block literature, including Jane Anne Staw's book *Unstuck*, Ralph Keyes's *The Courage to Write* and Alice Flaherty's brilliant *The Midnight Disease*. And while I found this book interesting, I was discouraged when (despite an open mind, calm approach, and several attempts at the exercises) my right and left responses proved identical, repeatedly.

One of Alice Flaherty's points is that serious writer's block (and its obverse cousin, hypergraphia) is a more complicated and intricate linkage of neurological processes than this book's "right" and "left" brain theorizing. I'm no expert on these matters, but I find myself unfulfilled by Peterson's methods, and I think the overconfident title ("Period"!) brushes with all-out irresponsibility on her part. Legitimate writer's block is quite awful for the afflicted and so the title echoes a bit of old snake oil promises.

Please don't get me wrong: I'm sincerely glad this book is helping people and I don't mean to squelch anyone's success, but I would caution prospective buyers to take a *careful* look at this book beforehand. Don't let the title inflate your hope prematurely. Don't make the mistake I did. Ensure these exercises hold promise for you before you buy her book.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, September 14, 2006

By 

Anna Roche (Cambridge MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Write: 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. (Paperback)

To buy a book written by a psychologist and then accuse her of "psychobabble" as some reviewers have done seems strange to me. Plus, Dr. Peterson does not write "babble" of any kind. She reviews recent scientific research on the brain and then suggests behaviors that will help anyone deal with the physical and psychological issues involved with writer's block. Her writing is easy to understand but sophisticated in content. I have already found her book helpful, and recommend it to anyone dealing with this difficult issue.