Seven Steps on the Writer's Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment (Paperback)

by Nancy Pickard (Author), Lynn Lott (Author) "Writing is a path as full of darkness as it is of light, and so the way ahead is hard to see..." (more)
Key Phrases: key words for step, dark guest, John Wesley Powell, Nina Osier, Jack London (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Based on the intriguing idea that writers pass through a sequence of seven identifiable stages when composing, this volume is a rewarding combination of motivational tool and writer's guide. Lott, a writer/therapist, and Pickard, author of the Jenny Cain mysteries, commiserate with readers as they detail the points on the path to completing any serious writing project. The steps, which they contend are common to all writers, begin at Unhappiness, then proceed to Wanting, Commitment, Wavering, Letting Go, Immersion and, finally, Fulfillment. Each phase gets its own chapter of explanation, advice and inspiring quotations. Particularly strong are the chapters covering seemingly negative steps, such as Wanting, which the authors describe as an "attractive power" that, like a magnet, draws to it "the things or people it needs in order to be fulfilled." At times, the self-help jargon, derived from the I Ching and other sources, can be too simplistic (i.e. "You can't feel the flow until you let go"), and readers may also tire of the authors' many references to their own lives. Overall, though, this is a fair representation of the artist's process that serves the important purpose of validating all the emotional stages of writing as normal-a valuable companion book for writers at any stage in their careers.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED . . . SEVEN STEPS is a terrific writer’s guide with practical advice and great wisdom for both the novice and veteran.”
—Harlan Coben
Author of No Second Chance

“I can give you seven reasons to buy this book for every writer you know. It’s fresh, insightful, candid, funny, supportive, encouraging, and wise.”
—SUE GRAFTON

“I WISH I’D HAD THIS BOOK TWENTY YEARS AGO! Pickard and Lott illuminate every writer’s essential challenge—the creative process, the evolution from idea to finished product. An absolute must for anyone who writes.”
—T. J. MACGREGOR
Edgar Award–winning author of Out of Sight

“Every writer gets lost from time to time on the creative journey, and when that happens, it’s nice to encounter a friendly and helpful companion like Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path. Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott light the path and guide us out of the darkness one step at a time.”
—ROB MACGREGOR
Edgar Award–winning author of Prophecy Rock

“This book made me want to walk straight to the computer and start writing.”
—ELAINE VIETS
Author of Shop Till You Drop: A Dead-End Job Mystery

“Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path is a must-read, must-absorb, must-follow for anyone who has ever even dreamed of becoming a writer. Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott brilliantly define the joys and jolts all of us encounter on the tortuous road to publication and beyond, along with excellent practical tips for how-to stay the daunting, difficult course and make those writing dreams a reality.”
—JUDITH KELMAN
Author of Every Step You Take

“Seven Steps offers much good advice, both practical and motivational, that’s been time- and career-tested. This would be ... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345451104
• ISBN-13: 978-0345451101
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #761,186 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful journey of self-exploration and discovery, October 22, 2003

By	rubismardi "Samantha" (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seven Steps on the Writer's Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment (Hardcover)

When I started reading Seven Steps on the Writer's Path, I didn't think I would finish it without writing a book of my own. I'm working on a book now. And I looked at a book that I had already written and understood why I would never publish it. It was a first draft, full of good ideas but not ready for publication. After reading Seven Steps on the Writer's Path, I now know where I am in the creative process of writing and what is necessary to get to the next step. I feel empowered about writing rather than burdened by excuses. And I've found that the steps apply not only to writing, but to many other aspects of my life as well, such as exercising and managing projects. I hope you, too, enjoy this novel; it will take you on a wonderful journey of self-exploration and discovery. Whether or not you become a writer, your life will be more passionate and fulfilling. If you already are a writer, this book will help you learn a lot about yourself and the writing process.

Experienced authors Lynn Lott and Nancy Picard will offer you creative solutions to common problems writers face, such as writer's block, procrastination, frustration, and rejection. Lynn and Nancy will help you clear your mind of the cobwebs of excuses that have stood in the way of your writing, and "empty the old, dead detritus of your life in order to make room for the fresh and new." You will become comfortable with the cycle of the Seven Steps (Unhappiness, Wanting, Commitment, Wavering, Letting Go, Immersion, and Fulfillment), identifying which step you are on and choosing your own Writer's Path. You will know when "you are walking someone else's path instead of your own." You will put your writing first, "learning as you go," "tackling your to do list later," and "ridding yourself of the perpetual self doubt machine of comparison." And, you may very well write that book you have been dreaming about. (Note: All quotations are taken from Seven Steps on the Writer's Path.)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars for every writer, August 19, 2003

By	Rebecca Brown "rebeccasreads" (Clallam Bay, WA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Seven Steps on the Writer's Path: The Journey from Frustration to Fulfillment (Hardcover)

A joyous workbook, interspersed with many quotations from successfully published authors -- celebrities & novices alike. It is for every professional writer who comes upon the inevitable obstacles inherent in this most solitary of crafts -- unhappiness, wanting, commitment & so forth.

I now have an understanding of the phases I've been going through while working on my writing. Rather than bossing us about, or admonishing us to get hold of our bootstraps & tough it out, these authors show us that the process of writing is both organic & chartable (& charitable to boot!). I can now recognize the detours in creativity.

I especially relish both voices & their vivacity. The stories of the process are fascinating. The tools offered usable. The encouragement tangible. As I write in solitude, I now know I am not alone.

If you know a writer, RebeccasReads recommends you give them a copy of the SEVEN STEPS ON THE WRITER'S PATH, & be daily blessed!

5.0 out of 5 stars I now am a published author and owe a lot to this book - it kept me on the path!, February 28, 2008

By	Kathryn - See all my reviews

Confessions of a Pastor's Wife: He Speaks, Can You Hear Him?
As I began my writing and found myself in those awkward places of wanting to write yet nothing would come except the frustration of nothing coming! Which then promotes the negative self talk that can role around in one's head and keep one from stepping fully into our God-given dreams. This book, The Seven Steps on the Writers Path truly kept me going, while giving me complete understanding of where I was on the path and WHY certain things were going on. With that understanding came grace and patience with myself as I wrote. Another thing that understanding brought was this amazing flow of writing that would pour out of me! Understanding the process enables the process! You will enjoy this book, especially if you are in "the process" of writing.

I kept this book by my side the entire time I was writing my book and after now being a publshed author I felt the need to write this review out of gratitude. I highly recommend this book! It holds a special place in my heart. As an author and a life coach I have several clients who are in the process of writing books and I ALWAYS ALWAYS recommend this book to them. Pick it up- it will propel you down the path!

Blessings in all of your writing endeavors,
Kathryn Bonner - Author of "Confessions of a Pastor's Wife; He Speaks Can You Hear Him?"