Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: This book is like having a kind and sensitive therapist at the writing desk with you. It's clear, to the point and written in a relaxed, conversational style. Keyes defines the complex fears and anxieties that keep writers from facing the challenge of the blank page and offers insight into moving past fear into joyful written expression! I especially liked all the ancedotes he includes about authors like Hemingway, Faulkner, Proust and Fitzgerald. Anyone who agonizes over what he/she writes will appreciate this book. It is not, however, a "how-to" writing book in the traditional sense. The focus of the book remains on techniques that enhance creativity and flow, not on developing story ideas, characterizations, plots, settings, voice, theme, etc. There are plenty of other books on that. What Keyes offers is an encouraging dialog to keep you committed and help you through your sleepless nights. I rate this one right up there with "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg.
Rating:
Summary: I GIVE THIS BOOK TO ALL MY WRITING CLIENTS
Review: This is the first book I recommend to each of my writing clients, when she comes for a first coaching or editing session. EVERY writer feels fear, and it helps to name it. With each of my books anxiety has rippled through me: first, I wonder, Can I write it? Then, when I have, Will my editor accept it? And finally, after I've cleared that hurdle, What will reviewers say? What makes this book so wonderful is that it both acknowledges the panic that can accompany each stage of writing, and provides helpful tools for surmounting it. And the writing is lovely. For instance, "For some [writers], circulating work-in-progress soothes their nerves; for others, it's like massaging them with sandpaper." The way the author delivers his message is as delightful, and instructive, as his subject. Thus, whenever a new client signs on to work with me, his first assignment is to read The Courage to Write. In addition to the inherent pleasure of the book, I found a small personal connection: the author teaches at Antioch College, where I was a student some years before his time.
Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Bothered by a touch of writer?s terror?
Review: This writing thing. You know, it's a damned scary business. Not scary like you wonder if you'll be able to support yourself at it (you won't), but scary like exposing the unsavory truths about oneself, hurting the feelings of dear friends and family members, suffering agonies at the thought that people might laugh at you. The only way to write in 1st person well is to write at least the first draft as if everyone were dead. Keyes is not judgmental; from one writer to another, he speaks for all writers who have grappled with these issues. Quoting from a raft of famous authors, he discusses how others have coped.
A small and extremely practical book, recommended for all writers and wannabes.
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