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jenniferdenslow's review against another edition
3.0
More important than the relatively obvious conclusion that we can mine a lot more time to utilize for writing from our daily devotion to watching TV, surfing the internet, or cleaning our house is the author's generous use of specific examples and exercises to inspire a daily writing practice.
ladysmijubug2's review
5.0
Great advice for a novice, and many fantastic writing prompts inspired by the chapters. I can't wait to put some of them to use!
kinzaa's review
5.0
Although it is named and mostly written for women, the one with family responbilities, this book is suitable must read for every writer.
Filled with clear and concise, fun and engaging chapters, and creativity booster exercises. This book is helpful for all kinds of writer, even the nonfiction ones.
Filled with clear and concise, fun and engaging chapters, and creativity booster exercises. This book is helpful for all kinds of writer, even the nonfiction ones.
djrmelvin's review
4.0
Every writer occasionally needs someone to give them the reality check that the only way to get something written is to actually do some writing. DeMarco-Barrett's book is that along with a bunch of helpful ideas on where to find the time to write, how you might want to organize that time as well as your thoughts, and how not to feel quite so guilty about taking the time. I think the "busy woman's portion of the title might be a bit out dated, though, because I know lots of men who are just as involved in the mundane aspects of business and family and don't think they have the time to answer the call of their muse.
The book works off of one premise: that everyone has 15 minutes here and there through out their day that could be used for writing. It expounds on how to add those 15 minute gaps into bigger chunks of time by cutting the internet cord, turning off the television (although I don't think she's aware that television can be a window as well as a wall), and changing your surroundings. There are writing exercises at the end of each chapter that make use of the skill set she's introduced, and again, there's a repetitive thread, this time it's freewriting.
So, why the high stars if the book is shallow on new ideas and excercises? Because the one idea that she hammers home again and again, the only person stopping you from writing is yourself, is one of the truest trueisms ever stated about self-expression.
The book works off of one premise: that everyone has 15 minutes here and there through out their day that could be used for writing. It expounds on how to add those 15 minute gaps into bigger chunks of time by cutting the internet cord, turning off the television (although I don't think she's aware that television can be a window as well as a wall), and changing your surroundings. There are writing exercises at the end of each chapter that make use of the skill set she's introduced, and again, there's a repetitive thread, this time it's freewriting.
So, why the high stars if the book is shallow on new ideas and excercises? Because the one idea that she hammers home again and again, the only person stopping you from writing is yourself, is one of the truest trueisms ever stated about self-expression.
megkwheeler's review
3.0
I was so pumped to read this book. Upon first glance, this was going to be THE book. I loved the title - "Pen on Fire" - I pictures a Rocky-type scene where I'm bouncing around on both feet, hands in the air, ready to write magical works that launch me into being a bestselling author.
The actuality of this book, however, was somewhat disappointing. The writing itself never clicked for me - perhaps it was a preference but I just didn't enjoy the author's style of storytelling. I also felt like the advice she gave was overly personal and somewhat obvious. Not to say that obvious is always bad - often times, it helps to have the obvious put right in front of you as a reminder that the simplest answers are often the best. But I went into reading this book expecting to be motivated, engaged, excited and launched full steam into writing, and instead I found myself skimming sentences and skipping pages. Given that the book is meant to help busy women find time to write, a part of me wishes I had spent my time writing instead of reading this book! That said, I'm always hesitant to slam a book simply because I don't like it or because it doesn't have the effect on me that I desired. This book may work well for others looking for a guide to building a life of writing amidst "real" work, family, chores and life.
The actuality of this book, however, was somewhat disappointing. The writing itself never clicked for me - perhaps it was a preference but I just didn't enjoy the author's style of storytelling. I also felt like the advice she gave was overly personal and somewhat obvious. Not to say that obvious is always bad - often times, it helps to have the obvious put right in front of you as a reminder that the simplest answers are often the best. But I went into reading this book expecting to be motivated, engaged, excited and launched full steam into writing, and instead I found myself skimming sentences and skipping pages. Given that the book is meant to help busy women find time to write, a part of me wishes I had spent my time writing instead of reading this book! That said, I'm always hesitant to slam a book simply because I don't like it or because it doesn't have the effect on me that I desired. This book may work well for others looking for a guide to building a life of writing amidst "real" work, family, chores and life.
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