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.
Write.
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"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.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format: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.
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
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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
By Anna Roche
Format: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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Write In 10 Days.
The book came in good condition from the seller, I've just started the book and it has a big focus on psychological issues that may block your writing...hopefully it gets better.
Published on November 7, 2010 by ReviewMeMe
1.0 out of 5 stars
The author has a huge blind spot
This book might be helpful if the reader were a split-brain patient--a person who has had surgery to separate the left and right hemispheres of the brain to control epilepsy. Read more
Published on July 27, 2010 by Magidde
4.0 out of 5 stars
160 pages anyone?
Having struggled with writing (actually, not writing) for years, I found this book a refreshing new approach. Read more
Published on August 15, 2008 by F. B.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mostly fantastic!
I loved this book. It helped me face some things within myself and helped me get over my writer's block.The sections on publication weren't applicable to me. Read more
Published on June 10, 2008 by Danalee Rayment
5.0 out of 5 stars
Procrastination Explained and Defeated
This book is about procrastination. It explains what it is, how it develops, and how to defeat it. It deals expressly only with writers block but should help those procrastinating... Read more
Published on June 10, 2008 by Jerome Beck
1.0 out of 5 stars
not worth the money
I'm sorry , but this book is the most poorly written book on writing I have ever read. All you writers out there--please do not use it as a model. Read more
Published on October 8, 2007 by Friend
4.0 out of 5 stars
And the latest brain research says....
I opened this book and immediately found a couple very engaging quotes:
"The plot is just a bribe to keep them reading. Read more
"The plot is just a bribe to keep them reading. Read more
Published on October 2, 2007 by Julie Jordan Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Book Will Help Your Writing Process Go From Good To Great
I strongly encourage anyone involved in the process of writing to read this book. The exercises are especially helpful in facilitating the creative writing process for enjoyable... Read more
Published on October 26, 2006 by Dr. Jim Afremow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great! Helps understand the stumbling blocks and how to get past them!
This is one of the best writing books I've found in the past year. It's helpful for me to understand a little more about how the brain works, because I can connect it to my many... Read more
Published on September 23, 2006 by KimbesasCloset
5.0 out of 5 stars
portably perfect
Dr.Peterson's write.is a stellar delivery of research,humor, and functionality-should be required reading in all collegiate English curriculums-any doubts?... Read more
Published on July 10, 2006 by Sherry Brewster
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