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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
The author is a free soul in the world who hesitates to set you free. This book will not offer you step by step instruction to become a good writer, if you are looking for detailed and clear-cut instruction don't bother to read this book. This book is for independent and free-spirited people who do things for the joy of doing. Throughout the book, she emphasized the importance of freedom, independence, and enthusiasm in any form of art to express what we really mean beyond our social constraints.
She gives importance to recklessness, honesty, and simplicity of writing which give justice to the joy of writing.
A key takeaway from the book as below.
1. Anyone can use imagination, Write in such a way where you are narrating to your imaginary audience.
2. Critics kill lovers, artists, and writers. So don't worry about critics and don't write for them. Try to write with joy in your words and express your truth with honesty.
3. Always write how you felt when you are angry rather than what should be felt when you are angry
4. Write things as it is and try to write about subjects or scenarios you are familiar with.
5. Write a diary every day with honesty.
6. Don't try to use being good in your writings. Be honest
She gives importance to recklessness, honesty, and simplicity of writing which give justice to the joy of writing.
A key takeaway from the book as below.
1. Anyone can use imagination, Write in such a way where you are narrating to your imaginary audience.
2. Critics kill lovers, artists, and writers. So don't worry about critics and don't write for them. Try to write with joy in your words and express your truth with honesty.
3. Always write how you felt when you are angry rather than what should be felt when you are angry
4. Write things as it is and try to write about subjects or scenarios you are familiar with.
5. Write a diary every day with honesty.
6. Don't try to use being good in your writings. Be honest
inspiring
fast-paced
I read this one when I was 21 or 22, and I found it very empowering. I wonder what I'd think of it now...
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
A classic. Excellent writing on how to keep the creative spark alive and expressed. This is primarily focused on writing, but Ueland repeatedly draws parallels with painting, art, and other creative endeavors. The book is divided into chapter essays on different elements of expressing creativity.
I read this as part of my own writing discipline, around a minute to five minutes every day over a period of months. One favorite chapter dealt with the importance of keeping an unrestrained diary. I've taken that to heart and have watched my own writing voice flourish.
I read this as part of my own writing discipline, around a minute to five minutes every day over a period of months. One favorite chapter dealt with the importance of keeping an unrestrained diary. I've taken that to heart and have watched my own writing voice flourish.
Brenda Ueland says too few things in too many words. With that being said, you should also know that reading this book will definitely alter not just the way you write, but the way you read too.
I have mixed feelings about this book. It isn't earth-shattering, but the first few chapters are a great pep-talk. It reminds you to find your voice, and work hard to develop it. It gave me a few exercises to try in my writing. And it made my love for Vincent van Gogh grow exponentially ("The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.").
Then there were the parts that rubbed me the wrong way. I strongly disagree with her that you should never plan your writing. She writes "For when you begin to plan such a huge edifice of words, your heart fails you […] it is too complex and frightful." When I first started writing, I never knew you could plan fiction. I tried to grow my writing "organically", but all I found was disappointment, heartache, and several unfinished manuscripts. Ironically, structure has given me freedom. I think people should try both methods, and figure out what works for them.
I also disagree that all criticism is bad. Constructive criticism helps me develop as a writer, and forces me to take an objective view of my work. If I don't let my ego get in the way of something that might make my writing better, then my imagination will never be frightened away. It'll burn brighter and clearer as I refine my voice.
All quotes from William Blake fell on deaf ears. I find him pretentious and self-serving, but I guess he'd feel the same of me.
Also, science is beautiful, and ignites my imagination more than spirituality. I guess my truth in this will just have to disagree with Brenda Ueland's truth.
Then there were the parts that rubbed me the wrong way. I strongly disagree with her that you should never plan your writing. She writes "For when you begin to plan such a huge edifice of words, your heart fails you […] it is too complex and frightful." When I first started writing, I never knew you could plan fiction. I tried to grow my writing "organically", but all I found was disappointment, heartache, and several unfinished manuscripts. Ironically, structure has given me freedom. I think people should try both methods, and figure out what works for them.
I also disagree that all criticism is bad. Constructive criticism helps me develop as a writer, and forces me to take an objective view of my work. If I don't let my ego get in the way of something that might make my writing better, then my imagination will never be frightened away. It'll burn brighter and clearer as I refine my voice.
All quotes from William Blake fell on deaf ears. I find him pretentious and self-serving, but I guess he'd feel the same of me.
Also, science is beautiful, and ignites my imagination more than spirituality. I guess my truth in this will just have to disagree with Brenda Ueland's truth.
I’m so mad I couldn’t be in her group and get to ask her questions...
