Becoming a Writer

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Summary: Carl Jung Eating a PB&J
Review: If you tried to do all her exercises as you read the book, it would take at least six months. So as you read, just imagine the exercises--that'll do the trick. You probably couldn't find a book that explains the creative process any better, and you certainly couldn't find one that does it in more down-to-earth terms. She's taken Carl Jung's explanation of the creative process and made it personal. It's a book you ought to read just for the fun of it. What a character! But a wise woman, there's no doubt.

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Summary: a classic
Review: Most current writing books give advice that can be traced back to this classic. I find the author's style to be matter-of-fact and a breath of fresh air. Writing books can run the gammut from laugh-out-loud funny to overly pretentious. This book, instead, is delivered in a serious tone and focuses on how the writer can lay a secure foundation. A must-have.

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Summary: Worth every penny
Review: Ms. Brande was not marketing herself or her work when she wrote this book. She had something to convey, something to teach. She does so in a practical, straightforward way. After reading 'Becoming a Writer' you will not be the same: Approached with an open mind and willingess to learn, Ms. Brande's advice is quite capable to transform the way in which you think, write and live. As all the reviewers before me have pointed out, this is a must for aspiring writers. In addition, I do believe any person whose profession involve writing, will find great rewards in this book.

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Summary: My Second Favorite Book on Writing
Review: My first favorite is Steven King's "On Writing." This one runs a close second. It's inspirational, practical in most respects, and best of all, it's about the writers life as opposed to those myriad of technique books out there that all talk about the different parts of a plot, how to do a flashback, etc. Few discuss the problems writers have simply sitting down every day and trying to pen the great american novel while a voice in their head shouts criticism. I'm not saying that this book will solve all your problems but at the least it will remind you that you're not the only one with them. By the way, if you do want a book on technique and such and you write fiction like I do then look for "The First Five Pages" or "Self Editing For Fiction Writers." It's about all you really need.

Rating:
Summary: My Second Favorite Book on Writing
Review: My first favorite is Steven King's "On Writing." This one runs a close second. It's inspirational, practical in most respects, and best of all, it's about the writers life as opposed to those myriad of technique books out there that all talk about the different parts of a plot, how to do a flashback, etc. Few discuss the problems writers have simply sitting down every day and trying to pen the great american novel while a voice in their head shouts criticism. I'm not saying that this book will solve all your problems but at the least it will remind you that you're not the only one with them. By the way, if you do want a book on technique and such and you write fiction like I do then look for "The First Five Pages" or "Self Editing For Fiction Writers." It's about all you really need.

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Summary: Stop with the so called, "Inspirational Stuff"
Review: Not only outdated, this book is impracticable, condescending, and pedantic. Unless you need inspiration, spirituality, and out-dated advice, I would suggest you spend your money on more practical writing guides. Just my opinion...<as she trades her edition into the booktrader....> Good luck, all!

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Summary: Brande was into 'morning pages' before they were cool.
Review: One of Dorothea Brande's first practical suggestions is getting into the habit of writing in the morning, every morning. Books like 'The Artist's Way' adopt this technique as a central method almost as if they were proposing a novel idea. 'Becoming a Writer' is full of lots of suggestions which have been taken up and elaborated by more contemporary 'how to write' methods. Her advice is gentle and general. You won't find much about literary technique or stylistic concerns but you will find techniques for opening yourself to the process of writing and finding the courage to discover your own style. This book is insightful and inspirational. Personally, I find myself rebelling against more formal writing methods that require me to do x number of things during week y and report on it in the journal. This type of writing advice is too pedantic for my taste. 'Becoming a Writer' offers general advice and allows a degree of freedom that I find liberating. As nurturing as Brande's approach is, she can be brutally honest about deciding whether or not your desire to write is greater than your resistance to writing. In a two paragraph section called 'Succeed, or Stop Writing', she inspired in me more discipline than a dozen other writing books have ever managed to do.

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Summary: Pedantic!
Review: Sorry, didn't like it! Outdated, and full of pedantic instructions, such as, you must set time aside to write, you must write, you must read, etc. Hey, my mother told me this stuff... Don't need Dorothea to feed me these tidbits. My mother's advice was more chock-full of inspiration and encouragement than the turn-of-the-century Ms. Brande who could not have imagined the times we now live in.

Rating:
Summary: Pedantic!
Review: Sorry, didn't like it! Outdated, and full of pedantic instructions, such as, you must set time aside to write, you must write, you must read, etc. Hey, my mother told me this stuff... Don't need Dorothea to feed me these tidbits. My mother's advice was more chock-full of inspiration and encouragement than the turn-of-the-century Ms. Brande who could not have imagined the times we now live in.

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Summary: This might be the best place to start!
Review: Terrific book. I've read several very good books on writing, but this is the one that got me out of the starting gate. Try this first, then get Natalie Goldberg, Anne Lammot, and maybe Julia Cameron. Those books will come in handy later, but this is the one that showed me exactly where to begin and how.