If You Want to Write

There are a couple different kinds of writing books, by which I mean, the different kinds set out to accomplish different things. Some books seek to address the mechanics of writing, some the process, some generating ideas, and many others. Brenda Ueland's If You Want To Write falls into what I consider the "spirituality of writing" category.This type of book deals with the complex goo that resides between a writer's ears and all that occupies it, but that may not end up directly on the page. These topics include writer's block, professional envy, creative confidence, creative identity, and my personal favorite and a topic on which endless material has been written -- inspiration.Ueland's addresses the most basic of these spiritual issues, and yet the one that seems to plague every writer from time to time -- the ultimate question, am I a writer, can I write? Well, if you read Ueland's book, you may see how the answers to those questions are always yes.Ueland is pragmatic about how anyone who devotes themselves honestly to writing can be talented, such as when she assures the reader "with all earnestness, that no writing is a waste of time, --no creative work where the feelings, the imagination, the intelligence must work" (pg 15). She is also optimistic such as when she claims to have proved that all the readers are original and talented and just need to let it out; "that is to say, you have the creative impulse" (pg 10). She has really proved no such thing, but what a wonderful idea to launch from into the second chapter of the text.If you're struggling with your confidence or just starting out, I definitely recommend this book; it will inspire you and make you feel excited to write, much in the same ways that Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft and Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within do. Don't feel surprised if you feel the age on this one though; spiritual back in the 1930's often meant Biblical, so you'll probably notice a lot of Christian references.All my best to you, fellow writers!

Great reference book

This reads like you're sitting in Mrs. Ueland's classroom, enjoying her teach from her heart through years of experience. The principles taught in this book can be followed with any type of creativity. I have underlines on every page.

You won't find a better book on writing. I had an old, old copy of this book that finally fell apart, so I ordered this new edition. It's a beautiful reproduction and Brenda Ueland's advice is still brilliant as ever.Excellent book

The best book ever for unlocking our creative spirit and putting it on the page. Works for all artforms, too, not just writers.

Having read and re-read this very encouraging, uplifting book twice, I felt it talked to my Spirit as an aspiring writer. It will take me some time to alter my life-long, conviction that I am a very mediocre writer, but am trying, and will publish my first book soon, with a great deal of trepidation about it not being nearly good enough. However, something must spearhead all writing, and so have decided to take the plunge. I hope anyone who reads it will forgive my stumbling attemt, and put it down to trying to do what Brenda Ueland advises about having the courage to at least 'give it a go.' Hopefully, each book should be an improvement on the one before. Her book was a true inspiration to me, and I would recemmend it to any first-time writer too afraid to take the plunge.

Copyright in 1938, the language and attitudes of the author are consistent with the period of time in which she wrote. Still, it was startling in the 21st century to read about servants, women and housework, etc. I found many of the author's sentences to be awkward and unclear. On the positive side, however, the take-away made the book a worthwhile read, especially when the author focused on the needs to dig deeper for truth in writing and on the importance of making writing conversational.

I have an older version of this book in hardback. It is one of my favorite writing books. I found the Kindle version to be a poor copy of the original. There were typos, unfinished sentences, strange breaks for footnotes, and other issues. I haven't finished reading the Kindle version in its entirety because it is difficult to keep up with where the book is going because it seems to skip around. I will finish it eventually, at some doctor's office somewhere, but only because I know there is good content in the book. This was a disappointing purchase.

A great read.

Well worth the read. Recommended.

She has some things to say that are worth reading. I am not a newbie, but if I was, I would find her words very encouraging.

Escrever com significado é algo que todos deveriam aprender. Em minha opinião, esse livro tem essa missão.É uma escrita com instruções para liberar a mente. Verdade e Beleza são parte de nossos seres, assim como a expressão. Expressar nossas verdades, nosso eu interior é uma forma de fazer nossa contribuição a esse mundo. Uma forma de pintar beleza com uma cor a mais, uma cor única, a sua. A que está faltando.

Its a book about not killing the spark, spark of creativity within you, within your loved ones and especially your children. It is about expressing yourself than just about writing. A must read for those who want express and love meaningfully.