If You Can Talk You Can Write (Paperback)

~ (Author) "One night, still in the throes of agonizing writer's block, I got a fortune cookie that saved my life..." (more)
Key Phrases: Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Carver, Joan Didion (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Any book on writing that cites poet Anne Sexton and excerpts Katherine Dunn's Geek Love is off to a good start, and Saltzman delivers in a breezy tome designed to help you quit taking yourself too seriously yet be utterly true to your own voice at the same time. And when he ends with Lillian Hellman's advice to never listen to writers about writing, you know he's got it exactly right.

From Library Journal

Saltzman's book is based on his successful writing seminars of the same name. His main point is that if people would remember that writing is a form of communication, much like talking, it would not be as intimidating and therefore easier to do. The first of the five sections covers the fear of writing and how to get past internal voices that say negative things. The second covers the concept of talking on paper. Parts 3 and 4 help answer the questions, What do I write about? and, What do I do now that I have a first draft? Finally, the last part is a compilation of ideas and tricks of the trade to help the writer continue to produce. Light, humorous, and fun, the book offers anecdotal examples and reminder quizzes at the end of each section that review the main points. Useful for public libraries serving a large population of would-be writers.
- Lisa J. Cochenet, Plainfield P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446395072
• ISBN-13: 978-0446395076
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #431,223 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You want to write but think you can't? Then read this book., December 30, 1999

By	Mr. Raphael Chalvarian (USA) - See all my reviews

This is a motivating book for anyone who's heart leads them to writing - professionally or as a personal challenge - yet they are confronted by either their own negative internal voices or by their critical, so called friends. Along with inspirational quotes from famous writers, the book guides you with achievable steps to help you overcome your fears of writing, procrastination, writer's block, waiting for inspiration etc. An easy to read and follow book, because the author "Joel Saltzman" intended it that way. His philosophy for writing is simple: he says "if you can talk, you can write." And he's write. (pun intended).

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book that will inspire most laypersons the boost to write!, May 14, 1999

By	[e-mail] "mrjack3812" (Moreno Valley, California) - See all my reviews

I found the book was informative and inspiring. It answered many questions and doubts I had about writing. It made me feel confident I was a good candidate. I have loaned the book to others and they have been similarly interested in trying to start writing their own books.

It provided me with the support and confidence boost I needed to take that step of faith and try something new. I have developed several ideas for books from the thought provoking questions this book uses to develop your creative instinct.

I can use the ocasional reminder of what or how I should do something as a rookie writer. I am presently working on a suspense novel based on my visits to Russia, another series of books on family security concerns, and editing my loss prevention manual. Thanks Mr. Saltzman!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joel Saltzman, a procrastinating writer's best friend!, January 15, 2002

By	Veggiechiliqueen - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

One of my literati friends gave this to me for my birthday last year as a joke since I always talk about writing more but I always manage to procrastinate. Joel Saltzman's "If You Can Talk You Can Write" was both funny and insightful and helped me kick some of my bad writing habits (being too much of a perfectionist during early drafts, beating writer's block, revising). After I read it I sat down the next day and followed Joel's advice: write about whatever, as long as I was writing again. This is like writer therapy (or rehabiliation). It got me off my chesterfield and back at the keyboard.

This is a great tool for student writers and university writing courses. If I ever decide to teach creative writing, this book will definitely be on my required reading list. Too many writers burn out from many of the topics Joel discusses, such as being too critical, too much of a perfectionist, or labouring away trying to imitate the style of the classic writers instead of finiding your own unique voice.