The Essential Writers’ Companion By Cecil Murphey (reviewed by Peter Lyle DeHaan) Unleash the Writer Within is an introspective exposé of what it takes to be an effective writer. This book is not about the technical side of writing but instead the psychological aspects behind being a writer. Penned by prolific and world-renowned author Cecil […]
River Jordan’s book The Messenger on Magnolia Street (which I highly recommend) is not a book about writing, but one of the secondary characters does flirt with the idea. Regarding this person, River writes, “She had once thought about writing a book and naming it … To the Pacific and Back Again. But she didn’t. […]
In his book Unleash the Writer Within Cecil Murphey opens by asking the question, “Why do you write?” What he’s not looking for is the safe answer, the politically correct response, a blast of bravado, or an eloquent, but meaningless marketing statement. He desires the real answer, the truth—and as writers, we owe it to […]
Yesterday, March 2, was Dr. Seuss’s birthday. His full name was Theodor Seuss Geisel. He was born in 1904. Dr. was part of his pen name and not an actual credential. But when you’re writing children’s books, is a Ph.D. really needed? Dr. Seuss’s work is timeless, capturing the hearts and imagination of each successive […]
Charles Dickens was born February 7, 1812. This month marks his 200th birthday. One of his most popular books—and my favorite—is A Christmas Carol. It has been loved by generations and made into many a movie. I recently heard a radio segment about Dickens. NPR reported that in 1843 he wrote A Christmas Carol in […]
Last week I shared my foray into writing movie reviews. It wasn’t long before I began penning book reviews as well. However, unlike my short-lived tenure writing movie reviews, book reviewing is a practice that has continued. So far I’ve written 53 (it takes longer to read a book, so the numbers accumulate slower.) The […]
I don’t recall who recommended Kristen Lamb’s book to me about blogging, Are You There, Blog? It’s Me, Writer, but I am most appreciative. It’s packed full of practical information that is actually feasible for writers to implement. Through her advice, I picked up some useful blogging tips and learned what I’m doing right. In […]
At the Breathe Writers Conference, I attempted to follow my self-imposed limit of one book per conference—a practical step given my proclivity to acquire books faster than I can read them. I bought the latest book by our keynote, Caryn Rivadeneira. Her book, Grumble Hallelujah, was just released in August. I classify it as a […]
Do you ever read a book and feel the author is your friend? This can be especially true if the book includes self-disclosure, as in a memoir styled account. After reading this type of book, I wish I could sit down and talk with the work’s creator: asking questions, sharing observations, and nurturing the budding […]