[.ca] The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear (ISBN 0805074678)

Finding your own courage:
I've had "The Courage to Write" for about 5 years now. Since I bought this book, I've seen my first article published, followed by regular publication in several regional and national magazines in my genre. I've also just finished my first book (it's at the printer) and am working on my second. This book is my constant companion. It sits on my nightstand waiting for the nights that I wake up in a cold sweat worrying about looming deadlines, envisioning uncorrected errors in my first book, or in a panic that I will not be able to finish the book I'm working on now. I don't think it is an exaggeration to say that I would not be a writer today if I had not discovered this book. If you are a writer or an aspiring writer and you are thinking about buying this book, stop thinking and buy it now! You won't regret it.

Required reading:
I recommend this book to all of my classes, workshops, in most of my speeches and everywhere online. Keyes directly addresses the fears that so many writers (most writers, I think) are prey to and then gives coping strategies. The worst thing about writing is that the longer you do it, the harder it gets, and Keyes is invaluable for dealing with that. This is a wonderful book.

I call it "The Courage to read other writing books":
I use this book sort of as a reference, to meditate on. It's reassuring to know that my anxiety need not interfere with writing. This book brings me back to the view that anxiety is only so much background noise. I also re-title it sometimes as "The Courage to Query"!

Encouraging Words!:
This book does not attempt to teach the craft or writing, such as plotting, characterization, dialog, etc., nor is it appropriate for non-fiction writing. Keys intent is to help the aspiring novelist deal with the fear of writing, which may be interpreted as the fear of exposure and/or rejection before our peers and family. Keys uses extensive quotes and anecdotes from various writers like Hemingway, E.B. White, Faulkner, Proust, Frost, and Ezra Pound to illustrate how great writers dealt with this fear. His anecdotes serve to prove the point that you are not alone in your fears. Even the best in the business felt fear. A previous reviewer mentioned an important point, which I feel needs to be re-iterated, and that is, Keys presents so many different takes on how various writers overcame their fears, the reader is left with a confusing array of options, none of which are presented in a concise or manageable format. Simply put, the book does not congeal any techniques into a workable plan. As a writer, I have read quite a few books on this subject and eat technique and craft ideas like candy. This book did not satisfy my appetite for clear-cut techniques. That said, the book succeeds in illustrating how we (writers) must all travel a private path towards his or her writing goals. This is a short and highly readable book, which I would recommend for all writers; however, while reading the book I remember feeling a bit depressed about the writing process. After reading this book, I pulled out the first draft of my second novel and began to rework it. We'll see where it goes.

A must read for writers or those dreaming to write:
Ralph tackles an interesting topic, one many people prefer to avoid. Putting your thought to paper is an exposure of the maximum kind. It is as if you stand naked before the world. He provides insight into those who make their livelihood by writing and how they deal with this fear. There are countless anecdotes from many authors famous and infamous, well known or little known. "Along the way, I've learned three things. One is that I'll survive; finish the book and live to write another. Second, I'll regain my sanity (such as it is). Finally, I've learned that a rising tide of anxiety isn't necessarily bad. It is a sign that I am getting serious. Nervousness keeps me alert. Fear forces me to focus ..." If you are going to write, or you are still thinking about writing, this is the book to read. Enjoy!