Customer Reviews

The Writer's Mentor: A Guide to Putting Passion on Paper

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Writer's Mentor is a great tool for any level of writer. It is chock full of inspiring ways to overcome writer's block and "page fright" as well as helpful tips for finding your own style as a writer. What I especially liked about this book were the many references to well known writers voicing their fears and frustrations and how they work with/through them. The format of the book is easy to follow, offering clear guidance and motivation. An additional fun aspect is the "at the movies" section at the end of each chapter. Full of insight and practical suggestions, I highly recommend this book. It really is like having your own personal writing mentor...something that gets you started and keeps you going.

Too bad Cathleen Rountree cannot clone herself to be by the side of every aspiring and experienced writer when we need reassurance and inspiration. But at least we have her book! I find The Writer's Mentor to be an inspiring companion filled not only with the author's extensive experience in the literary field, but with the shared experiences of other successful writers. The inspiration offered through movie references show Rountree's well honed multi-lens approach to the creative act of writing, guiding us all to pursue inspiration from the screen, in addition to other venues. The question answer format of this guide, as well as the suggestions at the end of each chapter, are appealing and indeed create an atmosphere of mentorship. I strongly recommend this book for all who seek an engaging 'read' about the craft, as well as a professional guide to writing.

This is by far the best guidebook for writing I have ever encountered. Not only does it give practical recommendations from an experienced and published writer (what any aspiring writer like myself would love to become!) on issues such as workspaces, writing time, pre-writing rituals, and etc., it also truly becomes a "companion" in its discussion of the more spiritual and emotional issues that writers of all genres struggle with. Writing by its very nature is an isolating activity; the Writer's Mentor is the rare volume that lends a feeling of understanding, and Cathleen Rountree does a beautiful job of reassuring the reader that self-doubt and frustration are a part of writing, rather than reasons for discouragement. Through descriptions of her own personal experiences and those of other writers, Rountree reassures the aspiring that writing is by no means "easy" even for the greatest of literary luminaries. Anyone at all interested in writing, no matter how experienced they are, can benefit from this book!

The Writer's Mentor is a book every aspiring writer will love. MS Rountree not only addresses your questions about writing and getting published, she also adds fascinating stories about her own life as a writer. Margin note advice from a variety of writers and suggestions for film to watch that deal with aspects of writing enrich this treasure of a book. I want to sit right down and begin my manuscript!

Having bought dozens of writing books, I give this one my highest marks. The author is excellent at describing how writing is more than a single act performed at a computer or with a pen--it is a way of life. Writing happens during the day while we're washing dishes or making peanut butter sandwiches, and during the night while we dream. Writing is about combining bits and pieces of the Self of the writer with bits and pieces of others' lives.

The Writer's Mentor inspires me to write in a manner that helps me understand myself and my relationship with the world. My purpose for writing is to help others do the same. This is one book I'll keep on my desk (and maybe by my bed).

I love this book! It is a terrific blend of hand-holding and concrete advice for writers. Each chapter takes the writer/reader through the tough questions we face when we sit down to write: How do we begin? Where do ideas come from? Is there a ritual we can create that will help us begin? I like the fact that I could use this book as a resource. In other words, I did not have to read it cover to cover. Rather, it truly serves as a guide, a mentor's guide, that can serve me as I continue to write. I really liked the movie section, where Cathleen Rountree uses movies to make points about the writing process. I found those sections inspirational and useful. If you want to be a writer or if you are already writing, I urge you to Buy this book!

Cathleen Rountree,
The Writer's mentor, A guide to putting passion on paper

This direct but friendly guide to the writer's practice is superbly organized and beautifully written. Rountree has balanced the practical with the inspirational. The structure of the book supports random browsing or a deliberate disciplined reading from cover to cover. This book asks meaningful questions that elicit your own solutions, and gives solid advise that helps create your own writing practice.

The Writer's Mentor draws not only from Rountree's own experience but also incorporates the voices of many honored writers. This book is a must for the library of every aspiring and accomplished writer.
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Writing is a lonely business. Thankfully, Cathleen's book provides the best kind of company--the Writer's Mentor is inspirational and directive without being preachy or overly simplistic. It is the next best thing to the real thing, Cathleen herself. Get it and use it if you want to finish your writing project.

This book contains almost everything a beginning writer needs to know about a vast number of topics on the writing process. It could also serve as a guidebook for those who are well into a writing career. I love all the quotes and advice from well-know established writers. Their insight gives a human touch to the writing process. I feel that The Writer's Mentor may provide just the push I need to finally sit down and write my first book.

My library shelves overflow with just about every book on writing and writers, from Brenda Ueland to Anne Lamott to Natalie Goldberg to Julia Cameron and many others. You can't have too many, but this book is among the very best and contains more useful resources than any other I can name. I bring it to all the writing workshops I teach and recommend it often to new writers as well as to jaded ones in need of a refresher course.