Rating: 
Summary: Brilliant! Joel Saltzman is the greatest!
Review: Fabulous! This book finally pulled me out of several years of procrastination, and gave me the kick in the ass that I needed to get myself writing again! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Joel! This is a book that I return to again and again, and I never come away disappointed. I recommend this book for every struggling student, writer, public speaker, and timid soul who wants to write or needs to write. Most of all, I recommend this book to those who are aspiring authors, but are pinned to the ground by fear. Read this book and set your imagination free
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the Best!
Review: I have always described myself as a "writer who never writes." I kid you not when I tell you that I have barely drafted so much as a shopping list in the last 20 years. Before reading this book, I attributed my problem to "writer's block." After reading the book, I know it is not a case of writer's block, but instead a case of "perfectionist's block." In other words, I've known what to write all along, I've just been terrified of how to translate the thoughts in my head onto paper. This book teaches you how to overcome the myth that anything you write has to be absolutely perfect, or it's not worth writing in the first place. It gives you the freedom to express yourself without the fear of rejection. It was absolutely a god-send for me. Since completing the book last weekend I've filled an entire journal with stories on a variety of subjects, with a long list of topics I have not even befun to explore. If you want to write but think of every reason under the sun to start tomorrow rather than today, this is the book for you. It will absolutely change your life!
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the Best!
Review: I have always described myself as a "writer who never writes." I kid you not when I tell you that I have barely drafted so much as a shopping list in the last 20 years. Before reading this book, I attributed my problem to "writer's block." After reading the book, I know it is not a case of writer's block, but instead a case of "perfectionist's block." In other words, I've known what to write all along, I've just been terrified of how to translate the thoughts in my head onto paper. This book teaches you how to overcome the myth that anything you write has to be absolutely perfect, or it's not worth writing in the first place. It gives you the freedom to express yourself without the fear of rejection. It was absolutely a god-send for me. Since completing the book last weekend I've filled an entire journal with stories on a variety of subjects, with a long list of topics I have not even befun to explore. If you want to write but think of every reason under the sun to start tomorrow rather than today, this is the book for you. It will absolutely change your life!
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: It was a very interesting book. This book really helps you to overcome fear of writing and helps you to understand that writing stories is not so difficult. If you can talk, you can write, that is very true and this book will help you.
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT (if you write non-fiction)
Review: Joel is an engaging and entertaining instructor who can help you eliminate writer's block. This book is WELL worth the money and time, and is a good, laugh-out-loud read. As much as I love this book, I write fiction, and this book would be of the most value to a non-fiction writer.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT (if you write non-fiction)
Review: Joel is an engaging and entertaining instructor who can help you eliminate writer's block. This book is WELL worth the money and time, and is a good, laugh-out-loud read. As much as I love this book, I write fiction, and this book would be of the most value to a non-fiction writer.
Rating:
Summary: Joel Saltzman, a procrastinating writer's best friend!
Review: One of my literati friends gave this to me for my birthday last year as a joke since I always talk about writing more but I always manage to procrastinate. Joel Saltzman's "If You Can Talk You Can Write" was both funny and insightful and helped me kick some of my bad writing habits (being too much of a perfectionist during early drafts, beating writer's block, revising). After I read it I sat down the next day and followed Joel's advice: write about whatever, as long as I was writing again. This is like writer therapy (or rehabiliation). It got me off my chesterfield and back at the keyboard. This is a great tool for student writers and university writing courses. If I ever decide to teach creative writing, this book will definitely be on my required reading list. Too many writers burn out from many of the topics Joel discusses, such as being too critical, too much of a perfectionist, or labouring away trying to imitate the style of the classic writers instead of finiding your own unique voice.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: Reading this book is like eating - when there's fresh cooking that makes growling stomachs ache for feeding. Freshly blended chapters flow harmoniously into your ideas stirring them together. I like reading this book when I'm depressed over writing and need a break to refocus. It calms me down and reminds me to stay connected to the basics. For me it's like sitting beside the old Mississippi River when my writing is knotted. As I watch the easy meander of the river, it works its peace into my spirit. Then I can get back to work relaxed and untangled. Here you will draw out the essential beauty and charm that a writer's life needs for continuous success. I have trouble putting it down. But finally full from feeding - the sleepy dust from the sandman's hand sprinkles his glorious delight over my every moment. I usually close my day with this book and like painted music it plays a big part in keeping the melody of my writing life alive. (...)
Rating:
Summary: 48 bite-sized chapters give you lots of practical advice
Review: There were many great quotes from established writers and all the advice and exercises by the author, Joel Salzman, were quite practical.
John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
Rating:
Summary: I CAN Write Now!!!
Review: This book really works miracles!!! Writing this review proves it. With simple language, humorous remarks, and effective writing exercises, Joel Saltzman has given me a renewed courage to write. This book has been an inspiration for me ever since. Other "how-to-write books" are boring as hell and filled with unattainable goals, so accept no imitaitons. I will never forget his remark "Progress, not Perfection." I recommend this book to anyone who thinks he/she has the so-called "writer's block."
|
