My Copy: 9781585428717 (image from amazon.com)
If you’re in that awful stage called “trying to be a writer,” or “want to be a writer,” or “I hate writing, it’s too hard,” because of that brick wall in your head, then this is a book for you.
If you’ve read a dozen books about how to be a better writer and get over your personal stumbling blocks, then maybe this one won’t be for you because it’s going to have a bit of all of it anyway.
Around the Writer’s Block is a well-put together book with just enough science and explanation, practices and tips to be useful and a great reference. I wondered about all the stumbling blocks that create our habits, and make things more difficult when you have deadlines or really want to write that story/novel/article, but you’re stuck or stalling.
I have probably a dozen or more writing books on my shelves, and I haven’t read them all yet. I like this one because it’s not just acting like an unhelpful family member that tells you “things aren’t bad you just have to find something to smile about” when you’re in the midst of deep depression.
There are tools to work with, and there are a few address links to PDF work pages to help with the three major habits to get into (not too many–you won’t run out of printer ink with these resources).
I have been stumbling when it comes to re-starting an old writing ritual and timeframe for stories I haven’t touched in a year. This book (and The Artist’s Way, which has some similar ideas) is a welcome bit of help. I’ll be working with the tips and steps, and keeping it on my shelf for reference.
Go, brain! Happy reading (and hopefully writing!)
The Chatty Introvert 
What are some other writer’s references do you have? I have write a few myself.
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Heavens, I probably have two dozen writing books about motivation, plot, structure, dialogue… back when I still thought with a student mindset that you could learn everything from a book. (head bangs desk). Reading is fine, but application is another story–just took me forever to figure out the difference. I’m still working on the application part–thankfully work schedules have stabilized so in February I’ll be writing stories again. Can’t wait to tackle ’em all again.
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That’s exciting! What kinds of stories do you like to write? I always want to write a long, meaningful narrative, like a long short story or novel, but I’m best at flash fiction. I think two of my favorite motivational books are Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and On Writing by Stephen King. I have found that spending a whole afternoon in a library tends to help me produce A flash fiction piece. It’s a lot of work for little return.
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So far sci-fi seems to be my thing, though I haven’t stretched my writing muscles in a while (for fiction, anyway). I have a few things to clear out of the way and then I’ll be able to focus on old writings. I’m also just working on anything I can, and trying to come up with novel ideas. I gotta admit I like the “Writing from the Senses” book the most right now, though there are plenty I haven’t read yet and I’m working on. I also like “Zen and the Art of Writing” by Ray Bradbury. I’ve got “On Writing” on my re-read list this year.
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