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If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit
 

If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit

by Brenda Ueland

In her 93 remarkable years, veteran freelance writer, memoirist, and writing teacher Brenda Ueland published some six million words. She once said there were two simple rules that she followed absolutely: to tell the truth, and not do anything she didn't want to do. Such integrity both distinguishes and defines If You Want to Write, her bestselling classic that first appeared in the late... (read more)

Top tags: writing,  creativity,  non-fiction,  nonfiction,  inspiration (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

sausys
  • Rated 5 stars

“This is a book I turn to again and again for inspiration about lots of things besides just writing. Great for anyone trying to accomplish something creative who feels stuck. It's been around for a while. It's packed full of sage advice from a master at her craft. My husband gave it to me as a gift and I have to say it's probably the best book he's given me. He's given me a lot of books and we've been together 14 years!”

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Didn’t Like It

0 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Justin M
  • Rated 2 stars

“Written and published in 1938, this book on the creative spirit and writing no matter whether you feel you have talent or not was mildly disappointing. Ueland, a writer and former teacher, motivates with positive reinforcement and kind words about struggling creative types throughout the short book. Unfortunately, some of the samples she uses to demonstrate "exemplary" writing are very often not very good. Also, the overall thesis of the book takes all kinds of detours that veer it off...”

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Community:
  • Rated 4.555555 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.5 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • StoneJuice

    stonejuice said:

    “I like to see this book. ”

    posted Friday, September 21 2007
  • macheartist

    macheartist said:

    “The Art of Fiction by John Gardner is available from Amazon.com for $10.36 plus shipping. It's worth every penny, and then some. I love the exercises in the back. There's a section of exercises for groups and another for individuals. Most of the group exercises can be adapted to do on your own as well (there are one or two that would only work in a group), or they could work with an online group.
    ~ Jim”

    posted Tuesday, May 29 2007
  • suzik

    suzik said:

    “Somehow, I've failed to meet up with the Gardner book. Is it available? Thanks!”

    posted Tuesday, May 29 2007
  • macheartist

    macheartist said:

    “It is a marvelous little book for inspiration. Brenda Ueland must have been a genuine treasure to her students in her day. This is one of my favorite books for inspiration, while John Gardner's _The Art of Fiction_ is my favorite "how to" book on writing.”

    posted Thursday, May 24 2007
  • deanneliu

    deanneliu said:

    “This book gave me courage to write. Often I downgrade my writing and my thoughts, but writing has been healing for me. The author is also so down to earth about it, and encouraging which is always helpful.”

    posted Wednesday, May 9 2007
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