The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear
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Book Overview
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.Customer Reviews
Rated 4 starsBlockbuster
This book unties the knots.
1Report
Rated 5 starsFantastic!
This book is like having a kind and sensitive therapist at the writing desk with you. It's clear, to the point and written in a relaxed, conversational style. Keyes defines the complex fears and anxieties that keep writers from facing the challenge of the blank page and offers insight into moving past fear into joyful written expression! I especially liked all the ancedotes he includes about authors like Hemingway, Faulkner,...
7Report
Rated 5 starsThoughtful, Beautifully Written
If there is one book that I would give a beginning writer--and wish I'd found much earlier--it is The Courage to Write. It would be suitable for writers of any level, in truth, for it is written so well, with such attentiveness to the writer's anxieties and struggles. The final chapter, focusing as it does on determination and will to write, versus brilliance without substance, is alone worth the price of the book.To...
6Report
Rated 5 starsRead this Book If You Want to Write But . . .
This book is a remarkable tool for any writer. You want to write but: have no time, are too scared, think you are no good . . . whatever the reason, this book answers it, in such an understanding and powerful way, that you think you have no choice but to put pen to paper at last! It is truly unique. The author also dispells a lot of myths about writing (how difficult it is; you have to suffer, etc.), and, most importantly,...
5Report
Rated 5 starsI've been looking for a book like this for a long time.
This book helps me in dealing with the fears that have prevented me from writing. Keyes does not deal with "writer's block" in a detached, academic manner. He reminds the reader of the definition of courage and offers myriad examples of writers who have forced themselves to write even if it hurts. He offers no exercises or "quick fix" advice. The book inspires and warns. The ideas he presents may not be original, but his...
4Report
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