The Writer's Portable Therapist: 25 Sessions to a Creativity Cure [Paperback]

Rachel Ballon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 14, 2006

Some might say that every writer needs a good therapist. Now, they can have one. Every writer needs help. Some just need it more than others. Now, "The Writer's Portable Therapist" is here to make sure help will always be at hand. Thanks to psychotherapist Rachel "Doc Hollywood" Ballon, this unique book offers relief to writers, whether they are plagued with writer's block or torturing themselves with expectations of perfection. Inside, troubled writers will find ways to: Define Success: determining what success means for a particular project or writer can save a great deal of time and frustration; Know Your Audience: knowing whom you're writing for is often the first step to knowing how to write; and, Find the Culprit: analyzing both yourself and your idea will help in breaking through writer's block. Drawing on Dr. Ballon's years of experience in psychotherapy and proven writing exercises, "The Writer's Portable Therapist" is a must have for writer's facing all kinds of creative challenges.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rachel Ballon, Ph.D. is a licensed psychotherapist and the founder and director of The Writer's Center in Los Angeles. The author of two critically acclaimed books, Blueprint for Writing: A Writer's Guide to Creativity, Craft and Career and The Writer's Sourcebook: From Writing Blocks to Writing Blockbusters, Rachel has reviewed hundreds of scripts for major Hollywood studios, including United Paramount Network.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (December 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593375441
• ISBN-13: 978-1593375447
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #982,292 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gem for writers, May 22, 2007

By 

Valerie Atkinson Brown "[e-mail]" (Kyle, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Writer's Portable Therapist: 25 Sessions to a Creativity Cure (Paperback)

This book is a gem. And it really is what it claims: a portable therapist for writers.
For every challenge a writer faces, Ballon has answers. For every day that a writer
wants to give up, Ballon has a suggestion. But most importantly, for every problem
a writer faces, Ballon has a solution.

In too many situations we talk about problems and how they affect us or make our lives
difficult. But rarely do we focus on solutions. Why? Because solutions are too
straightforward. They deprive us of the ability to wallow in self pity. Somehow, we, as humans,
want to go 'round in circles about problems. But a solution would cut the
problem to a quick.

Indeed this is the answer: to SOLVE the problems quickly - to keep us moving on and
to keep us producing - sometimes against insurmountable odds.

Ballon takes this brave step and offers many solutions - the most important tools we need to
grow and evolve as writers. She understands the difficulties and the sometimes bizarre and
complex problems writers face. For this reason, this book should be a requirement for every
writing program in the country.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Creative Therapy At Its Best!, January 10, 2007

By 

Talk Story Gal (Pasadena, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Writer's Portable Therapist: 25 Sessions to a Creativity Cure (Paperback)

This little book packs a big wallop -- exploring those internal nooks and crannies and helping the writer to make sense of the emotional challenges many writers face when it comes to penning a screenplay, article, novel or short story. There's a reason Rachel Ballon is called "Doc Hollywood" and once you read this helpful and insightful book, you'll know why!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, January 23, 2007

By 

BJK (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Writer's Portable Therapist: 25 Sessions to a Creativity Cure (Paperback)

Rachel Ballon sure understands the challenges so many writers face. Her latest book is packed with gentle yet practical suggestions that will guide all writers out of their creative stumbling blocks towards completion of their project.