Customer Reviews

Writing from the Heart: Tapping the Power of Your Inner Voice

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After purchasing numerous "how to overcome writer's block" books, I accidentally stumbled across this book at the public library. What a find! I am now buying my own copy and giving the other books away.... For me, this book is more inspirational and constructive than even Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird and Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way. The writer addresses some typical writing blocks and how to navigate them. But this isn't your typical "how to" book. It's a personal, soulful book that exposes the root of creativity. I now see that my inexplicable writing block has been, in truth, a terror of FEELING. My thanks to the author for this insight ----- and for many other remarkable insights.

I've taken several workshops with Nancy and have always come away exhilirated and with the kernels of ideas for many new essays. She just has this way of stimulating your brain to make new leaps and insights. Basically, she teaches you how to get out of your own way and let your creativity flow. Her main thrust is to create a safe place in your mind where you can risk trying new things. The book is just like talking with her -- if you can't take one of her courses, it's the next best thing.

NPR commentator and writing guru Nancy Slonim Aronie has written a book which is destined to become a classic of the genre. Her lessons on writing are not so much pieces of advice as gentle stories of how humans can thrive--and heal--by expressing their truth in words. Aronie's book inevitably brings to mind such titles as Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD, Goldberg's WRITING DOWN THE BONES, and Cameron's THE ARTIST'S WAY. But this is a new writer, and a new way of looking at the creative process, and the world. Funny, personal, and caring, WRITING FROM THE HEART will leave you uplifted and touched to the core. Read it, and then buy another for your best writing friend. Don't miss this book.

Ok, so you want to write "your story", or create a character that surprise! is so very like you. Or maybe you just want to start writing in first person present. But you can't!!! You try but it just doesn't come out right. You resist, you tell yourself that you can't do it. That you suck. Well, perhaps you honestly do but before you start to believe it pick up this book.

I think that the real problem, for me anyway, when it comes to writing first person present or developing a character that has experiences based upon mine, is fear. Fear of what might happen if I dare to dig into my life, my feelings.

What this book did for me was help me to get over that fear. Or it at least inspired me and made me want to keep trying to write my truth. It's difficult when writing like this to REMEMBER two things: It's FICTION and no one HAS to see it but you.

This book isn't dry and it isn't authoritative. In a witty, conversational manner Nancy gives you reasons to write your truth, to get out of your way, to break the barriers that are keeping you from writing something real and honest. Give yourself permission to feel and pick up this book! I think you will like it ;)

As a memoir and personal essay workshop leader, I highly recommend this book to every new writer in my classes. It's right at the top of my required reading list, along with Anne Lamott's BIRD BY BIRD and Brenda Ueland's IF YOU WANT TO WRITE. Aronie's book helps slice through the fear that haunts most new writers who aren't sure how or where to begin. Best of all, she highlights the importance of telling your own truth, which leads to the healing gifts of writing. Whether you want to write for your own pleasure or for publication, this is a wonderful book. A classic in the genre. -- Cindy La Ferle, columnist and author of WRITING HOME, www.laferle.com

"Writing from the heart," touched my soul.As I read her words I felt like parts of myself were being revealed to the world. Every fear I ever had about writing was layed out in front of me, somehow setting me free. The chapter," To Thine Own Self, Write The Bloody Truth," opened me up to my own truths. I looked deeper inside myself and the relationships I have with thoes around me. How facinating it is to write truthfully about your husband, your children, your closest friends from your heart. It is a real eye opener.Anyone who ever has had a desire to write should read this book.

It was such a thrill to find such a great reference in how to follow a dream and begin to write for myself and not with an intended reader in mind. Ms. Aronie encourages the reader to find the best medium of expression for each particular person. I found the book both a valuable asset and an easy, comfortable read.

This one was excellent. I don't know how I found it exactly. I was in a Book Store and it just popped out at me. I think an angel was suggesting I read it or something. But I thought it was the best book on writing I have ever read. I could totally and completely relate to Nancy. I suggest it to anyone who needs to get to know themselves better.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. The way the author sets up the reading and then BAM...tells you to write xyz. And you really are ready to write xyz. You'll be overflowing with ideas. It makes you say "what writer's block". I had to force myself to put my journal down. I love this book. I'm not even half way through it but I've already gotten my money out of it. It will probably be a classic on my shelf. Get the book, you won't be dissappointed. I wish I could take one of her workshops.

I just finished Nancy Aronie's writing workshop and can't get over what a great teacher she is. I had heard great things about her workshop and didn't think any class could be that transformative but it's all true and then some. Every person in our class (some professional writers, some not) came out feeling empowered, exhilarated and with buckets of insight about themselves and their writing. If you can't get to glorious Martha's Vineyard for the workshop (the best value on the planet) her book is the next best thing. She has written it in such a lovely conversational way, punctuated with stories of her own experiences as a writer, it's like having her right there with you as you turn the pages. She's so honest, deliciously funny and insightful it's hard not to be a better writer after reading it. Bird by Bird is great but Writing from the Heart helps you go a step further to the truth. I hope she is working on the next book. I'll be first in line.