The Courage to Write

by Ralph Keyes (Author)

125 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0805074673

ISBN-10: 0805074678

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The Courage to Write is an invaluable book and essential reading for anyone who wishes to learn how to write well.

Katherine Anne Porter called courage "the first essential" for a writer. "I have to talk myself into bravery with every sentence," agreed Cynthia Ozick, "sometimes every syllable." E. B. White said he admired anyone who "has the guts to write anything at all."An author who has taught writing for more than thirty years,

In The Courage to Write, Ralph Keyes, an author who has taught writing for more than thirty years, assures us that anxiety is felt by writers at every level, especially when they dare to do their best. He describes the sequence of "courage points" through which all writers must pass, from the challenge of identifying a worthwhile project to the mixture of pride and panic they feel when examining a newly published book or article.

Keyes also offers specifics on how to root out dread of public "performance" and of the judgment of family and friends, make the best use of writers' workshops and conferences, and handle criticism of works in progress. Throughout, he includes the comments of many accomplished writers -- Pat Conroy, Amy Tan, Rita Dove, Isabel Allende, and others -- on how they transcended their own fears to produce great works.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Fresh and Startling-one of the two or three best books on writing I've ever read.” ―John Jakes, author of North and South

“Anyone who is a writer, wants to be a writer, or knows a writer will want to pick up a copy of The Courage to Write. It is one of the best books about the writing profession ever published.” ―The Fresno Bee

“Here's practical and positive advice that can help every writer capitalize on anxiety instead of knuckling under to it. Writers not only need this book-they know they need it.” ―Judith Applebaum, author of How to Get Happily Published

About the Author

Ralph Keyes is the author of The Quote Verifier, The Writer’s Book of Hope, and The Courage to Write. He lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he lectures and is a Trustee of the Antioch Writers’ Workshop.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Holt Paperbacks (October 1, 2003)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0805074678
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805074673
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #447,348 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #196 in Writing Skills Reference
- #465 in Research Reference Books
- #713 in Creative Writing & Composition

Customer Reviews:
125 ratings

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3 star		9%
2 star		4%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Abner RosenweigTop Contributor: Writing

Sheds light on darkness

Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2014

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If you are looking for courage to write, Keyes' book can help.

It feels a bit watered down in places, however this is because the author attempts to identify the whole gamut of fears writers might confront. Many of the fears covered in the beginning simply didn't apply to me; at least, not consciously. As I progressed, however, I ran across many familiar fears and was reminded about what good writing is in the process.

It turns out that, not only are good writing and fear related, they are symbiotic. An author *needs* fear to produce authentic material. Being a writer is not about conquering fear, Keyes suggests, it's about learning to control and transmute it.

It's about courage.

The book grew on me as I read. Chapters 7 and 9 were the most helpful and by the time I turned the final page, I gave the book a standing ovation. Figuratively. I was actually sitting on the toilet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some writing to do.

8 people found this helpful

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Tea&BookLover

A keeper!

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2015

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I think almost the entire book is highlighted. Out of all the writing books I've read, this is my absolute favorite. All the quotes from famous writers that struggled with fear and procrastination were very helpful. Encouraging us to not only get past the fear, but to use it as a weapon instead of an enemy were extremely helpful too.

Just to know that other people struggle with the very same battles yet got through it is comforting. Although this book won't physically put your hand to the paper to write, it will gently lead you to the paper so that you WANT to write, and are able to harness that fear and be in control of it, instead of it controlling you.

7 people found this helpful

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Mark R.

An absolutely essential book for Writers

Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2016

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This book addresses the core issue faced by a Writer, which is how to deal with Fear. Most other books about writing are technical manuals that teach you lots of rules and offer tips.

But none of these matter if you haven't come to terms with the difficult emotions that lie at the heart of the creative process.

This is what Ralph Keyes book does - it helps you to not just deal with fear, but to transmute it into a creative force. It really is a brilliant work, and a must read for anyone intending to put pen to paper.

10 people found this helpful

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Lupus

Start with this one

Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2009

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I suggest anyone even contemplating a writing career or avocation should read this book first. Keyes pulls no punches, but tells it pretty much as it is: a lonely activity with little assurance of recognition or financial security. But he goes into why people write, and what traits are probably part of their personality. The reasons why people write are not always flattering: the desire for revenge of an "I'll show 'em" kind; the desire for a form of immortality; and sometimes raw ego. Still, writers are human and even though they may sometimes try to change the world with their writing, they shouldn't be held to a higher standard that most other professionals. Writing does take courage because if you write with authenticity you expose yourself, and yet that self is vulnerable to criticism or outright rejection, not only by publishers, but by family members or readers, your life-blood. Keyes touches on all the things that have haunted me over the years, when I resisted the desire to risk everything in pursuit of a career that had no guarantees.

I could talk about this book at great length, but maybe I should save the effort for my own project. I rate this book very highly. It's encouraging while disillusioning; it's hopeful and optimistic even while it rubs your nose in reality. Read this book first, all of you writer wannabes, and I'll be surprised if you don't re-read it at low points on your path. It is not a book that shows you how to write, but gives you motives and insights for actually sitting down and writing. The author has a readable style and his quotes from various professional writers will remind you that you're not alone in your fears that lead to finding excuses to delay writing. Most writers dread the task of writing, but enjoy tremendously the fact of having written. Sometimes you feel this joy when you've done something well, but between the beginning and the ending there's many a hard slog uphill. After reading this book, I thought I might buy another of his works. I think you will, too.

9 people found this helpful

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Robert W. Morse II

This book will make you write!

Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2021

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Stephen King's book "On Writing" made me want to write. This book made me write before I could get out of the first chapter. It is an easy read with tons of anecdotes. It was also well researched. Get your highlighters, pencils, or pens out and be prepared to mark this thing up to the high heaven!

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A Must for the Aspiring Writer

Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2008

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I first discovered Keyes work in a writers magazine, and fell in love with his message. Just being let in on the "big secret" that all writers are fearful, has helped me continue on the writing path.
In Chap. One, "Writing as an Act of Courage" Keyes notes that E.B. White
was a great procrastinator. He often wrote long letters and puttered around his farm to avoid the trauma of writing altogether. White once told his friend James Thurber, that he considered himself "the second most inactive writer living, and the third most discouraged."
Throughout the book, Keyes shares the fears and anxieties of many famous writers, as well as his own travails, noting that his fear often expressed itself as stomach trouble, irritability, and restlessness.
John Cheever called the attempt to write seriously "a dangerous career."
After a thorough exploration of the fear of writing, Keyes offers "Courage Boosters" such as "Identify your censor-in-chief and mentally rehearse how to deal with that person," "Get to know yourself well enough not to be too terrified by what escapes from within onto the page," "Convert fear into excitement," etc.
Keyes is a great motivator, reminding his reader, that "In writing, as in so many pursuits, it's not the most gifted, but the most determined who succeed." The book provides a gem on every page, plus an extensive bibliography and index.
I keep this book close by my desk, as a talisman. It has helped me get past many a roadblock. I'd like to give it 6 stars. Pure gold for any writer!

6 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Rutherbooks

More accurately, "The Courage to Re-write"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 14, 2015

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A game of two halves: I find the first section a little woolly, while the second is practical, helpful and inspiring. Interestingly, Keyes acknowledges this dualty by referencing in the second half the feedback he'd received on the first, and re-written.

One person found this helpful

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 20, 2016

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Lots of useful and practical advice clearly explained.

Sparky

Addresses deeper writing issues than other books. Hits the nail on the head for me!

Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2021

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The best book on writing I have, and I have a LOT. Addresses the inner struggles and fears that most other books don’t. I accidentally ordered 2 copies. One stays in my car so I can read it when I get out of the COVID-bound house. Calls a spade a spade. Very helpful!

Rochelle Del Borrello

A brilliant book for writers

Reviewed in Italy on September 26, 2020

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I read this book while feeling anxious after finishing the final draft of my first book. It was ex as exactly what I needed. A brilliant guide to the nature of writing and how to negotiate the fears inevitably associated with creativity. Wonderful!

Scriptor

It's all about courage

Reviewed in Spain on January 29, 2012

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I like books that take me on a journey, that make me think about the way I see things, that leave you with something tangible -I want to say a lesson- when you finish it; this one did.

It's filled with anecdotes of many famous writers and it portraits them as... human. Turns out that every single writer that has ever existed has dealt with fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, over-confidence, etc.

The book's accomplishment is to demystify "the writer." And most important of all, it teach us that: "We're all better writers when we worry more about what we want to say and less about how it sounds."

I would recommend it to anyone who wants-to-be/is a writer (along with "Writing from the Inside Out").

Be brave, write!