 |
|
|
|
Reviews of books by some of the hottest writers working today, exclusive author interviews, literary news and criticism.
 |
|
|
|
|
Fill out your email address
to receive our newsletter!
|
|
|
|
|
 Get new reviews the instant they are posted to the site with RSS
What is RSS?
|
|
| Search Box (type in author's last name or one key word) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 In addition to the many different lenses she offers through which we may see our work (or absence thereof) differently, Glatzer peppers 'Outwitting writers block.' with 'prompts' that are so enticing that this reviewer found it hard to stay focused on the job of reading (writing suddenly seemed more fun).
Reviewed by Hope Nesmith
Outwitting Writers' Block: And Other Problems of the Pen
by Jenna Glatzer
Paperback, 250 pages
The Lyons Press; (October 2003)
ISBN: 1592281249, RRP $14.95
Writer's block- two little words that have the power to strike terror into the heart of anyone who has a commitment to produce text- whether it be for money, for love, or for necessity. Writer's block is also an evil that befalls most, if not all of us who live and die by the pen (or the keyboard) - authors, copywriters, poets, students, even reviewers! Writer's block is a mighty leveller, rendering Pulitzer Prize winners and recreational scribblers equally impotent when it occurs.
It can start as a temporary inability to start something new, or to decide where to go next in our current project. It can take the form of procrastination, or of perfectionism, or of white-knuckled panic. Perhaps it is the memory of the thoughtless laughter of a teacher or parent at our early creative efforts that cripples us, perhaps it's the fear of success and the changes that would mean in other areas of our lives. Maybe it's less sinister- maybe it's just boredom, simple lack of inspiration. Maybe we've painted ourselves into a corner with a character or a plotline, and sheer stubbornness is keeping us stuck.
Good news for anyone who has stayed up late wondering what time the muse would straggle in: 'Outwitting Writer's Block and Other Problems of the Pen' by Jenna Glatzer is here. Not only does she offer an exciting variety of ways to overcome the dreaded block, but she spends plenty of time exploring and encouraging the reader to examine the possible underlying causes of the impasse. All this is done with a refreshingly cheerful good humour and a tone of good natured experience.
Glatzer observes that as a blocked writer, we are like an injured athlete (I love anyone who finds a way to compare me to an athlete!) and we are about to undergo a programme of physiotherapy. "Outwitting Writer's Block" prescribes many, many activities, prompts and changes to our routine that we can use to overcome our problem- however, as in physiotherapy, it is up to the reader to do the exercises, to implement the changes and follow through on our resolutions. Glatzer's real strength lies in her ability to infuse the reader with excitement and desire to put pen to paper and create anything at all!
For example: if we find ourselves stumped as habitual authors of a particular genre, we are challenged to write a poem, a letter, a memoir, an article. We are asked to extend ourselves outside our comfort zones and to go where we haven't been before, and most importantly, I suspect, to where we have no expectations of ourselves or of the reactions our writing may draw from 'critics' (inner and outer). Can't get started at all? Try typing another author's words until your own start to flow! Options offered are many and varied. It is hard to imagine reading this book and not itching to write something as a direct result.
Glatzer gives us specific instructions at every step- never leaving the already blocked reader feeling that the homework she suggests is just another impossible decision to make. At the same time she does not take a prescriptive tone, but is always encouraging us to find our own unique path through our personal obstacles to creativity. In addition to the many different lenses she offers through which we may see our work (or absence thereof) differently, Glatzer peppers 'Outwitting writers block.' with 'prompts' that are so enticing that this reviewer found it hard to stay focused on the job of reading (writing suddenly seemed more fun)- for example "What did your character's mother warn her never to do? Write about the first time she broke that rule."; "What would your character die for? Prove it." And so on.
Time management issues (including procrastination and the need to carve out time for writing in our lives) are dealt with thoroughly and insightfully. If your writer's block comes more from a lack of time and space to create than lack of ideas, you will find practical suggestions in the pages of this book.
This useful, funny book about writing belongs on your shelf! May you never need it, but enjoy it anyway.
For more information visit: Writer's Block
|
|
|
|
|
|
