Deep Writing: 7 Principles That Bring Ideas to Life

Deep Writing does not require deep reading. It is an easy read and although it offers very practical ideas and strategies, it is far more than a practical "how to" writing guide. I highly recommend it for beginning writers and those seasoned writers who are experiencing a loss of momentum, flow, focus or blocks to creativity. Deep Writing will give you the tools to get you started on meaningful & purposeful writing in addition to helping you remove any roadblocks to passionate and genuine writing. While helping you enjoy the process of writing, Maisel (who is also a psychotherapist) also helps the you along the process of 'knowing yourself' better. Some case vignettes of writers and artists he has helped along the way richly add to the utility of his ideas.

Many potential writers want to write but are stuck on the blank first page. Others write an endless array of words whose content (if there is any) means nothing and leaves one dry. Enter Eric Maisel, a writer's analyst, coach, and encourager who shares with us seven principles of becoming a deep writer. What does he mean by writing deeply? He means for us to be able to write passionately and well about those things that really matter to us. Using case studies of five individual writers, he shows us how to work through the principles of hushing the mind, holding the intention, making choices, honoring the process, befriending the work, evaluating the work and doing what is required. Each principle builds on the other to a point where writing becomes a spiritual exercise. I love this book because it enabled me to reflect and pay attention to my own writing. Its varied principles and quirky exercises stimulated my mind and fostered new ideas for the printed page. Purchasing "Deep Writing" was almost like having my own personal coach to help me become more intentional in what I do as a writer. Maisel is intentional as to what he wants a writer to do and keeps one to the grindstone. He deals with the reality of what encompasses the writing business and how we must make choices in dealing with those realities. I highly recommend this work to all writers who wish to write with integrity and passionately.

I loved this book! I've been a writer for 20 years and I've read many books, but none that helped me like Deep Writing. It's obvious to me that Dr. Maisel knows how the writer's mind works. I especially liked 'Honoring The Process'. '...every piece of writing is a voyage into the unknown, a voyage hard on the navigator and full of potential disasters.' I have literally rediscovered myself. I plan to buy copies for my writer friends.

"Deep Writing" has become my greatest ally since I read it. I've just left the corporate world after 22 years and launched into a passionate new career as a writer of novels and short stories. My analytical background means I have the biggest "How To Write" bookshelf I've ever found - I read everything! Many books are very helpful. But "Deep Writing" is the book that has most directly addressed how to structure my writing life and how to align my writing with my creativity. This book seems to speak most clearly about my issues, and the suggested tactics are 100% practical. I'm a raving fan of the book and intend to buy a number of copies to give to writing friends.

I love this book! With wry humor, disarming candor and compassion, Deep Writing expertly guides you straight into the heart of the creative process. The book has a wonderfully practical, no-bull way of tackling the problems involved. Its deceptively simple exercises are surprisingly effective, and they pack a real punch. Maisel demystifies both the writing and the publishing process. More than any author I've read, he's unflinchingly honest about his own unvarnished mistakes and experiences as a writer. This lovely, intelligent and powerful book feels like a gift to his readers.