Pen on Fire : A Busy Woman's Guide to Igniting the Writer Within

Rating:
Summary: Pen on Fire fulfills its promise
Review: Anyone who reads knows that books can change your life, but I've yet to come across a writing book accessible enough to accomplish what it promises. Pen on Fire is that book. It not only encourages the reader to write in small increments of time, it can be read in short doses as well, and the exercises at the end of each section allow the reader to implement what has just been covered. It is apparent that her valuable insights and inspiration come from years of experience writing and teaching. With understanding and humor, Pen on Fire addresses every obstacle and excuse known to writers. I particularly liked the Late Bloomers chapter, which gives hope to those of us who have too long listened to the negative voices in our heads.

One of the many things I've learned from being a member of Barbara's workshops is that writing can only be accomplished in pieces, but one day, as she assures us, they will all come together. This is a book that writers will pick up again and again to reread for its encouragement and wisdom.



Rating:
Summary: Practical, Personal, Provocative: Pen on Fire
Review: As a full-time caregiver to my aging grandfather, I came to Barbara DeMarco-Barrett's UCI extension class January 2003 with much to say, very little confidence, and even less practical know-how. And yet, through week after week of 15 minute exercises, I was encouraged to mine my personal experience by approaching the writing life practically and personally. As the weeks progressed, I discovered that not only was I writing more boldly with each new exercise, I was being faithful to those emotions and lived experiences I had up till that point been unable to get down on paper. Barbara's own personal experiences as a writer and full-time cog in the wheel, and her quotes from other writers whom I respect and wish to emulate and glean wisdom from, complement the exercises and are just the inspiration any writer needs to turn the world off and the creative and life-affirming energy on.

I recommend this book without reservation to anyone who dreams of writing and just needs that final gentle nudge out the door and into a much fuller and authentic life.

Rating:
Summary: The Writer's Writer
Review: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett is the Writer's Writer. Besides hosting a weekly radio program and teaching creative writing, she now enlightens us yet again in Pen On Fire.

Pen On Fire is more than just a "How to" book for writers. It's motivational in its tone and, to an extent, it is a memoir, in that the author relates some of her personal experience and how it affected her as a writer.

Don't just read this book--Study It! Anyone who aspires to make the transition from obscure writer to author needs to take a page from Pen on Fire--and the expertise of Barbara DeMarco-Barrett. There are few others who serve the writing community so consistently and so well.

Rating:
Summary: How to Be a Writer Every Day
Review: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett's book is stuffed with tools for generating ideas, getting going, and staying with it. She not only gives excellent `big issue' advice-how to find time, physically sit down and write, persist when you can't see the road-but also shows how to live life with the awareness of a writer. Chapter after chapter contain information and tips on how to keep track of ideas, collect words you want to use, read with a writer's perspective, and other daily habits to help a new writer "be" a writer every day.

The 15-minute exercises at the end of each chapter are particularly wonderful, akin to practical meditations.

This book is aimed at busy women who want to start writing, but I think busy men and anyone who already writes can benefit as well. It is a great book, one that should live on the desk rather than the bookshelf.


Rating:
Summary: Finally! A Writer's Guide That Makes Sense
Review: Being an aspiring writer, I have searched high and low for a book that is not only practical, but fun; Barbara DeMarco-Barrett absolutely delivered both in Pen on Fire. For so long, I have been through book after book of the same thing wondering if I was even a real writer and in fact had "written off" books on writing; that is until I found DeMarco-Barrett's book! Her tips are fresh, realistic, encouraging and are in line with the times (see her chapter on the perils of e-mail!). This is a must have for any writer, but especially for those like me who have just been waiting patiently for a book that heard what we busy women have been asking for. Pen on Fire responds loud and clear.

Rating:
Summary: Learn-to-write-Lite
Review: For this reader, this how-to book on writing is sufficient for anyone (particularly a woman) who aspires to Chic-Lit or magazine articles in women's publications, but this author's approach belies the serious nature of a woman who truly desires the discipline to write professionally. Starting with the obligatory 15 minutes a day suggested by most teachers, the groundwork for any writing is universally understood to be that critical designated amount of time.

The author puts her finger directly on the pulse of the problem in the chapter on obstacles to writing. For example, she says that she had her cable TV removed from her home, because to have "a writing life", you must "spend all spare moments writing to get momentum going". This in itself is a major obstacle when for anyone with an active family.

My guess is that few families would be willing to give up access to television for their writer-in-residence. That discipline may be up to the writer; certainly it is possible to write in a location that is far removed from the family entertainment center.

DeMarco-Barrett also discusses the problem of housework vs. writing, but this, too is a specious argument. Add to this list the author's confessed addiction to email and whatever other incidentals interfere with the scheduled writing. It isn't helpful, once I am this far into the book, to address such issues so simplistically. The chatty format is user-friendly, but hasn't the weight of serious discussion, although I am aware that the author is appealing to her reader in this fashion by design.

DeMarco-Barrett mentions such details as the importance of rituals, workspace, and the chapter-by-chapter reminder to "set your timer". Unfortunately, chapter after chapter is written anecdotally, with an abundance of personal information, what comes very close to a patronizing approach. The criteria for me: does this author inspire me to start writing, to make that daily commitment to the daily ritual that will yield the success I desire. If not, this isn't the book for me. This then is the key, for the reader: if this book inspires you, you are on target and will find the impetus to begin actively practicing the writing life.

These are considerations each reader must decide. If writing is a new and tantalizing concept, this book can stimulate the reader to take the appropriate steps. For others, there are many other books to offer similar advice, albeit in a different format. In any case, writing is an intensely personal journey. We all need help, but at some point will have to fly alone. My one caveat: anyone can learn to write well, but not all of us are meant to be published writers. There is a real difference between good writing skills and the passion of the true writer. The point is not to be afraid, given the basic skills, to take the risk and find out. Again a very personal decision. Luan Gaines/2004.


Rating:
Summary: This writing books sizzles
Review: I love everything about Pen on Fire! The inspiration found in these pages starts with the cover, a colorful portrait of any or all of us---hurried, harried, yet finding ourselves at the writing table, trying to get the words down. As a former student of Barbara's, I've experienced exactly what the book is about. The writing exercises found here kick start the creative process for beginners or those who have been writing for years. As one who tunes in regularly to Barbara's radio program, Writers on Writing, I get to savor snippets of advice from favorite authors, former guests on her show. And if that's not inspiration enough, the book is part memoir, weaving in bits of the author's past, revealing her very personal creative journey. In these pages Barbara reminds us, "If I made it, you can make it, too." Pen on Fire is a friendly gem, inviting us in, encouraging us writers to take risks while speaking to our deepest desire--to tell our stories. I can't think of a writing book I would more highly recommend.





Rating:
Summary: Practical Steps to Keep You Going
Review: I recently took a class from Barbara at Book Passage up in Marin. She did provided concrete exercises for writers and an inspirational message about writing. You can write a story in a short amount of time. When I left that workshop, I had solid starting points for two articles and ideas on how to tailor it. Her book emphasizes practical, every day steps you can take to start writing and keep writing. I'm putting this book up there with the Natalie Goldberg books. Books I keep on my shelf and refer to often.

I recommend this highly.

Rating:
Summary: Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Review: Not since Bird by Bird have I been so inspired to write and write and write. This book is fun to read, the exercises are plentiful and helpful, and the personal stories reminded me of all the "material" that exists in my own life. Loved this book and I've bought copies for all of my writing friends.

Rating:
Summary: I gnashed my teeth in envy...
Review: That I didn't write this book. It's one of those books that you find yourself nodding as you read, thinking, "wait! This is so true! Why didn't I realize that before?" And as a writer who writes about the craft and art of writing, I thought, "man, why didn't *I* come up with this wonderful book?"

But that's the biggest compliment one writer can give to another. DeMarco-Barrett's advice applies to both new and established writers. In addition to the practical suggestions and exercises she offers has, she includes quotes, motivation and advice from dozens of best-selling and critically acclaimed authors. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it not only for the advice it includes, but for the stories she shares as well.