A Writer's Time: Making the Time to Write (Paperback)

by Kenneth Atchity (Author) "Writers write. A writer feels uncomfortable when someone uses the word "writer"; it always sounds presumptuous..." (more)
Key Phrases: revisionary process, dramatic order, pitch meeting, Managing Editor, End Time, Middle Time (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The premise of Atchity's L/A House method is that discipline leads to productivity and that discipline is a matter of mastering time and the necessary writing skills. Conventional wisdom suggests writing every day, but here we have a case for writing being transcribing what has already been formed in the mind. Atchity propounds a left brain/right brain view of the mind, while applying a nomenclature of "islands" and "continents" that gets in the way sometimes. Index cards and periodic vacations are among his suggestions for organizing materials and using time. Suggestions for equipping the writer's office, as well as marketing and contracting, are included. Fran Lewis, Albany
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"Exhilarating. After reading this, you're going to have to write." —Carolyn See

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Co.; Rev Exp edition (January 17, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393312631
• ISBN-13: 978-0393312638
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #481,247 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Your Writer's Brain: An Operating Manual, May 31, 2001

By	Jennifer M. Macleod "yiddishe supermama" (Canada) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The title of this book is confusing! It's not *about* time, though time does figure into it, in the sense that Atchity will teach you how to get time on your side through mastering some very basic skills. The secret here is getting to know your brain and familiarize yourself with all the tricks it gets up to in order to undermine you writing instinct.

This book is part inspiration, part how-to, part common sense and part unique insight from Atchity's experience writing, teaching and producing. I found the section on "breaking into show business" least useful, while his concise exposition of the elements of fiction and drama will be useful even for writers of non-fiction who want to spice up their writing.

I must admit that A Writer's Time is a real mixed bag, but I won't hesitate to recommend it. Atchity will micro-manage your writing career if you let him, from how you organize your desk to how many index cards you use to compose your first novel. But all of those are only suggestions, and, as he says, if his suggestions don't work for you, toss them out.

But even if you disregard his suggestions, hang onto this book, if only for its enthusiasm -- it's hard to come by from veterans in this business. As Atchity says, "Writing is a craft. A craft not only can be learned, it MUST be learned."

In every paragraph, his confidence shines through that not only can you do it, but that you will. Atchity is no ra-ra cheerleader -- he knows what he's talking about. He's created many successful writers before, and he wants to help the magic work for you. Get him in your corner if you can.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gold Mine For All Writers, August 21, 2006

By	L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (fountain valley, ca United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

"A Writer's Time"(Revised and Expanded Edition) is a gold mine of ideas and suggestions for the writer at any level. This is one book that will stay on my book shelf, along with all the other reference books I could not do without. You'll feel as if you have hit the mother-lode with the invaluable information and strategies for organization. It is written by a writer with complete understanding of the writer's mind. I also found it to be extremely motivating. I often found myself shaking my head up and down as I was reading, as if the Author Kenneth Atchity, could read my mind, or knew exactly what I needed to hear.

Atchity delves into several subjects relating to writing, that would probably take several courses, or years of experience on your own to learn. He teaches you to Manage and make the most out of your time. He also advises little "vacations" away from your project as well.You'll also take away with you from the read, cause to celebrate each and every step you take towards your goals(as opposed to kicking yourself for not getting enough accomplished).

Here are just some of the nuggets to devour from your read. Finding the Time..Step by step management techniques... Organizing a system(he lays out a fabulous card system that is easy and makes great sense)...Researching...Agendas for both Non-fiction and fiction writers, with excellent examples... Your work time related to getting published(some great tidbits here that everyone should read), Putting Your Dreams into a storyline(this is especially interesting for the fiction writer), An informative and educational look at breaking into Show Business for the screenplay or TV writer,(this chapter had some fabulous illustrations that brought everything into perspective)...And last but not least, Recapturing the Creativity from a slump. He tops it off with words of inspiration from some great literary figures(and other great minds). Words that you can turn to at any time, for a little pick-me-up. Here is one of my favorites: "I cannot hold my tongue, nor my pen. As long as I live, I must write"...George Bernard Shaw, at 91. I even found the bibliography helpful for future projects.

There are many creative, motivational and inspirational suggestions to be found here. Written by one with vast experience on the subject. Atchity points the way.Extract what you like and see which ideas work best for you. For myself, I tried the card system on a smaller scale. Not for a book, but for an article, and I can tell you, that I was amazed at how well I managed my writing time, and what I accomplished with it. By the end(actually way before), you will feel the need to write, write, write.

It's a Writer's Gold Mine. Strike it rich with this read, and try to restrain yourself from doing the Walter Huston "we found the gold" dance(Treasure of the Sierra Madre")!....Laurie

also recommended:
On Writing

Senior Citizens Writing: A Workshop and Anthology, with an Introduction and Guide for Workshop Leaders

Pulp Writer: Twenty Years in the American Grub Street

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Changed My Writing Life!, April 8, 2005

By	Donna D. Boyette "Writer Reader" (Apex, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Writer's Time: A Guide to the Creative Process, from Vision through Revision (Paperback)

I read this YEARS ago and still recommend it to everyone I know who likes to write or who has to write.

The author's description of what our minds are doing while we write and fight writers' block will give you the biggest creative "AHA!"

You can almost hear your mind saying, "Drat, my secrets are REVEALED! Now I'll have to WORK."

This book is the reason I was able to finally finish my first book (see "How to Make Money While You Look for a Job"), and I even use the methods for freelance articles.

Can't wait to read his article on finding time...I need a time-raise!