Writing the Wave: Inspired Rides for Aspiring Writers

The exercises in this book really work. I've read other good books designed to stimulate the writer, but this book is different. Even though I didn't fully believe that the simple exercises would work, they did! They worked by getting me (almost tricking me) beyond my critical, logical mind. I was often literally surprised at the words and ideas that came from this deep place within. Not only do I feel like I now have tools for my future writing, I feel like I have gained insight into the creative process; specifically, MY creative process!

I've stumble along for years, trying different writing strategies by different authors, without much success or satisfaction. "Writing the Wave," however, has changed all that. For the last year, I have been working through the book - first alone, and then (for the last two months) under the direction of Ms. Ayres herself through her online writing course at creativewritingcenter.com. The exercises in the book have enriched my thinking and writing, giving me a greater command of theme, structure, and imagery. Every time I work through one of her exercises - even the third or fourth time on the same one - I continue to surprise myself with words and thoughts and emotions I never knew I had in me. The book and its exercises have exposed a vein in me that I look forward each day to opening. For the first time in my life - although it is still hard work - I actually enjoy writing. If you are patient and give yourself over to the process Ms. Ayres espouses, you, too, may find your voice, or if you have already found it, learn to use it in new and exciting ways. And fear not, you don't need to sign up for the writing course to benefit from the book. It's a beauty, challenging, offbeat, and fun.

Of all writing books, this book has been the best at making me feel that I have a coach right by my side. She allows me to explore writing by helping me to give myself the freedom to make mistakes. She's very good at realizing that writing is communicating at a basic form; not everyone is working on a novel, and I don't have to be to get something out of writing regularly. The book has helped me develop my own voice on the page. I recommend this book highly to everyone who wants to write better.

I've bought many, many writing exercise books over the years -- by Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, Nancy Aronie, and many more. While I enjoyed reading the books, they are now gathering dust on my shelves. Not so this book! Write-in-the-book exercises are included, and I'm already doing the exercises in Chapter 7 (of a 12 chapter book), having plowed thru from page 1 about 4 weeks ago. To quote from the author's intro (page 4): "Follow the steps in the exercises... It puts the book in the driver's seat, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. You'll never have to struggle or work or worry to write, because the instructions are so easy. Plus, the format allows me to be me -- a teacher. I designed this book to imitate the ambience of a classroom..." So true! This book is fun, and I'm learning more each day. And it starts right off by teaching you how to generate ideas, and to get those ideas out on the page. And you can use the exercises over and over again, as variations on a theme. But the best thing I can say about this book is that is a written version of a class, which I find helpful. Too many "how to write" books are about the author's own musings of how they started writing. Cheers to Elizabeth Ayres!