The Writer's Mentor: A Guide to Putting Passion on Paper

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Summary: Essential Reading for Writers
Review: The Writer's Mentor is a great tool for any level of writer. It is chock full of inspiring ways to overcome writer's block and "page fright" as well as helpful tips for finding your own style as a writer. What I especially liked about this book were the many references to well known writers voicing their fears and frustrations and how they work with/through them. The format of the book is easy to follow, offering clear guidance and motivation. An additional fun aspect is the "at the movies" section at the end of each chapter. Full of insight and practical suggestions, I highly recommend this book. It really is like having your own personal writing mentor...something that gets you started and keeps you going.

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Summary: A guide for the mind and the heart..
Review: This is by far the best guidebook for writing I have ever encountered. Not only does it give practical recommendations from an experienced and published writer (what any aspiring writer like myself would love to become!) on issues such as workspaces, writing time, pre-writing rituals, and etc., it also truly becomes a "companion" in its discussion of the more spiritual and emotional issues that writers of all genres struggle with. Writing by its very nature is an isolating activity; the Writer's Mentor is the rare volume that lends a feeling of understanding, and Cathleen Rountree does a beautiful job of reassuring the reader that self-doubt and frustration are a part of writing, rather than reasons for discouragement. Through descriptions of her own personal experiences and those of other writers, Rountree reassures the aspiring that writing is by no means "easy" even for the greatest of literary luminaries. Anyone at all interested in writing, no matter how experienced they are, can benefit from this book!

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Summary: Like having the mentor by my side!
Review: Too bad Cathleen Rountree cannot clone herself to be by the side of every aspiring and experienced writer when we need reassurance and inspiration. But at least we have her book! I find The Writer's Mentor to be an inspiring companion filled not only with the author's extensive experience in the literary field, but with the shared experiences of other successful writers. The inspiration offered through movie references show Rountree's well honed multi-lens approach to the creative act of writing, guiding us all to pursue inspiration from the screen, in addition to other venues. The question answer format of this guide, as well as the suggestions at the end of each chapter, are appealing and indeed create an atmosphere of mentorship. I strongly recommend this book for all who seek an engaging 'read' about the craft, as well as a professional guide to writing.