For most, the hardest part of writing is overcoming the mountain of self-denial that weighs upon the spirit, always threatening to extinguish those first small embers of ambition. Brenda Ueland, a writer and teacher, devotes most of her book, to these matters of the writer's heart. Still, the real gift of the book is Ueland herself: She liked to write, she didn't care what anyone thought, and she had a great sense of humor. You're simply happy to hang out with her.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book was written in 1938 but it is timeless. I read it as an inspiration to start writing, but it is in fact a book about life in general. It makes you stop and think about how you are living your life and whether you are doing the thing that you feel most passionate about, whatever that thing may be. Brenda Ueland is an inspiration - there should be more teachers like her. I borrowed this book from a library but will be buying it and recommending it to anyone who cares to listen!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By SasaJ
Format:Paperback
I work as a professional writer (journalism and copywriting mainly) but my creative writing took a nosedive years ago and I have been struggling to resurrect it for ages. Consequently, I am always on the look out for books which spark off the creative fire within, and needless to say my bookshelves are groaning under the weight of those which I have bought, read and not yet read over the years.
I stumbled across the reviews for this title and thought it was worth a shot, and have to say it is quite simply the best book on writing that I have ever read (and I've read loads!). It absolutely worked for me and I have spewed out thousands of words since I read it without stopping. They are not all necessarily good, but as the book explains, that's not the point.
Buy it now without hesitation, and get on with writing!
I stumbled across the reviews for this title and thought it was worth a shot, and have to say it is quite simply the best book on writing that I have ever read (and I've read loads!). It absolutely worked for me and I have spewed out thousands of words since I read it without stopping. They are not all necessarily good, but as the book explains, that's not the point.
Buy it now without hesitation, and get on with writing!
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Steven C
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Like one reviewer said, eventhough it's been written in 1938 this book is timeless.
I am writing as someone who's not a writter, English is not even my first language. I found this book really inspiring, it's not only about writing, it's about inspiration and how to express yourself in the more honest way.
writing is one of the most important skill, in your personal life and professional, this is definitely a classic to own.
I am writing as someone who's not a writter, English is not even my first language. I found this book really inspiring, it's not only about writing, it's about inspiration and how to express yourself in the more honest way.
writing is one of the most important skill, in your personal life and professional, this is definitely a classic to own.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Bibi
Format:Paperback
This book really makes me want to continue my writing. Brenda Ueland's advice is spot on and through illustrative examples from her writing class and through her own writing she demonstrates that it works. Even though the book was written in 1938 it's still as relevant today as it was then. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to find a way to express their inner creativity! It's an inspirering and uplifting book!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Captain Nemo
Format:Paperback
I'm not commenting on the book - just this particular edition by BN publishing. I've never encountered so many typos in one book in my life. I can't believe it was proof-read - unless the proofreader was dyslexic. There are countless blank lines interrupting the flow of the text.
Here are some examples of the errors I've found:
Chapter 7 - Be carless... should read 'Be careless'.
Chapter 12 - Art is inflection ... should read 'Art is infection'.
There is no information about either the book or the author. From Wikipedia I find that Brenda Euland was born October 24, 1891 and wrote this book in 1938. The only date I can find in this edition is "Copyright 2008 - BN Publishing".
If you want to buy this book, fine - just look for another edition, like the Graywolf Press maybe.
Here are some examples of the errors I've found:
Chapter 7 - Be carless... should read 'Be careless'.
Chapter 12 - Art is inflection ... should read 'Art is infection'.
There is no information about either the book or the author. From Wikipedia I find that Brenda Euland was born October 24, 1891 and wrote this book in 1938. The only date I can find in this edition is "Copyright 2008 - BN Publishing".
If you want to buy this book, fine - just look for another edition, like the Graywolf Press maybe.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By E. King
Format:Paperback
I bought this book from a shop in Hay-on-Wye earlier today and read it straight through in one go! As I am currently attempting to nurture my own writing ability, this was an extremely useful book to read...and also an uplifting one. I was amazed to discover how long ago the book was actually written, the author sounds like a remarkable lady and I found myself regretting that I couldn't write and tell her how much I had enjoyed her book (she sadly passed away some years ago). She expressed some beautiful thoughts on the thinking and creative process that I found myself identifying with, and I have also, like a previous reviewer mentioned, decided to try reading some of the Russian authors she loved so much.
Anywaym final thoughts: would highly recommend for someone who wants a little advice on gettingt started with creative writing, but doesn't want to trudge through the dull prose of some dry and dusty "how-to-write" manual. This style of book is infinitely preferable! :-)
Anywaym final thoughts: would highly recommend for someone who wants a little advice on gettingt started with creative writing, but doesn't want to trudge through the dull prose of some dry and dusty "how-to-write" manual. This style of book is infinitely preferable! :-)
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Thank you to all the reviewers who raved about this book. I bought it and love it. It is as relevant today as it was in the 30s. All teachers and writers should read it. It's a must for beginner writers. Write truthfully, honestly and without using verbose literary words. If you want to write then you will find the time, or you will just get grumpy! It's a classic along with Dorothea Brande's book, Becoming a Writer.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By P. Craig
Format:Paperback
I'm only 4 chapters in but already I'm amazed at how contemporary this book is, given that it was written over 60 years ago. I guess that when you get to the core reasons of why people write & what the process can positively do for your sense of wellbeing (soul), these never change. I also love the fact that this feisty American author who grabbed life by the throat, was also Knighted by the King of Norway & held records for over 80's female swimmers! Her writing classes must have been an inspiration. It's a cliche I know to say that there's a book in every one of us, but when she explains that the best & most interesting work comes when written from the centre of ones being, well we all have one of those, so anything is possible.
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
never judge a book buy it's cover
Written with wisdom and generosity, the kind of book I will keep on my shelf as an old friend years from now.
Published 3 months ago by Singwah
5.0 out of 5 stars
I LOVED IT
No practical writing tips, only philosophy of writing. Might be just fresh air but... I loved it, and it helped me through a bad writing period! Read more
Published 11 months ago by Grazia Gi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bypassing the explanative quagmire
I 'randomly' came across this book and it's reviews here a few months ago, it's cheap so what the heck I thought. Very Happy I did so. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Michael LR
5.0 out of 5 stars
I also read this book in one go
I bought this book because I read 'The Artist's Muse', and Betsy Dillard Stroud recommended it.
It is a really lovely book, and the author looks at the world in a... Read more
It is a really lovely book, and the author looks at the world in a... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Rachel Taylor
4.0 out of 5 stars
Encourages you to write
This book is not about how to write, it is more about about encouraging the reader to write or express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Rana
5.0 out of 5 stars
Most inspiring book that I ever read
This has been the most amazingly inspirational book I ever read. From the first page you just know that this book has a lot to offer to you both as a writer but also as a... Read more
Published 20 months ago by PillBlast
5.0 out of 5 stars
P.A.J . Guernsey
Brilliant !! The author writes in her first chapter 'everybody who is human has something to express' How very apt that statement is. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Patricia
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok - a bit too serious
I did not enjoy this book.
It seems to make the whole art/craft of writing a bit too seriously.
Somehow it did not strike a chord with me. Read more
It seems to make the whole art/craft of writing a bit too seriously.
Somehow it did not strike a chord with me. Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2011 by Dan
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