Rating: 
Summary: Great book!
Review: It was a very interesting book. This book really helps you to overcome fear of writing and helps you to understand that writing stories is not so difficult. If you can talk, you can write, that is very true and this book will help you.
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT (if you write non-fiction)
Review: Joel is an engaging and entertaining instructor who can help you eliminate writer's block. This book is WELL worth the money and time, and is a good, laugh-out-loud read. As much as I love this book, I write fiction, and this book would be of the most value to a non-fiction writer.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT (if you write non-fiction)
Review: Joel is an engaging and entertaining instructor who can help you eliminate writer's block. This book is WELL worth the money and time, and is a good, laugh-out-loud read. As much as I love this book, I write fiction, and this book would be of the most value to a non-fiction writer.
Rating:
Summary: Joel Saltzman, a procrastinating writer's best friend!
Review: One of my literati friends gave this to me for my birthday last year as a joke since I always talk about writing more but I always manage to procrastinate. Joel Saltzman's "If You Can Talk You Can Write" was both funny and insightful and helped me kick some of my bad writing habits (being too much of a perfectionist during early drafts, beating writer's block, revising). After I read it I sat down the next day and followed Joel's advice: write about whatever, as long as I was writing again. This is like writer therapy (or rehabiliation). It got me off my chesterfield and back at the keyboard. This is a great tool for student writers and university writing courses. If I ever decide to teach creative writing, this book will definitely be on my required reading list. Too many writers burn out from many of the topics Joel discusses, such as being too critical, too much of a perfectionist, or labouring away trying to imitate the style of the classic writers instead of finiding your own unique voice.
Rating:
Summary: Joel Saltzman, a procrastinating writer's best friend!
Review: One of my literati friends gave this to me for my birthday last year as a joke since I always talk about writing more but I always manage to procrastinate. Joel Saltzman's "If You Can Talk You Can Write" was both funny and insightful and helped me kick some of my bad writing habits (being too much of a perfectionist during early drafts, beating writer's block, revising). After I read it I sat down the next day and followed Joel's advice: write about whatever, as long as I was writing again. This is like writer therapy (or rehabiliation). It got me off my chesterfield and back at the keyboard. This is a great tool for student writers and university writing courses. If I ever decide to teach creative writing, this book will definitely be on my required reading list. Too many writers burn out from many of the topics Joel discusses, such as being too critical, too much of a perfectionist, or labouring away trying to imitate the style of the classic writers instead of finiding your own unique voice.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: Reading this book is like eating - when there's fresh cooking that makes growling stomachs ache for feeding. Freshly blended chapters flow harmoniously into your ideas stirring them together. I like reading this book when I'm depressed over writing and need a break to refocus. It calms me down and reminds me to stay connected to the basics. For me it's like sitting beside the old Mississippi River when my writing is knotted. As I watch the easy meander of the river, it works its peace into my spirit. Then I can get back to work relaxed and untangled. Here you will draw out the essential beauty and charm that a writer's life needs for continuous success. I have trouble putting it down. But finally full from feeding - the sleepy dust from the sandman's hand sprinkles his glorious delight over my every moment. I usually close my day with this book and like painted music it plays a big part in keeping the melody of my writing life alive. (...)
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite
Review: Reading this book is like eating - when there's fresh cooking that makes growling stomachs ache for feeding. Freshly blended chapters flow harmoniously into your ideas stirring them together. I like reading this book when I'm depressed over writing and need a break to refocus. It calms me down and reminds me to stay connected to the basics. For me it's like sitting beside the old Mississippi River when my writing is knotted. As I watch the easy meander of the river, it works its peace into my spirit. Then I can get back to work relaxed and untangled. Here you will draw out the essential beauty and charm that a writer's life needs for continuous success. I have trouble putting it down. But finally full from feeding - the sleepy dust from the sandman's hand sprinkles his glorious delight over my every moment. I usually close my day with this book and like painted music it plays a big part in keeping the melody of my writing life alive. (...)
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully witty and wise
Review: Saltzman's book can be considered a new writer's bible. He offers practical advice and lots of encouragement with plenty of humor, compassion,and wisdom. The writers' quotes along with concise and relevent instruction and anecdotes makes this book easy to read. If you aren't inspired to start writing after reading this book, you were never meant to be a writer.
Rating:
Summary: Breaks down all barriers
Review: Simply put, Saltzman's book has changed my life. I'd always wanted to write, but came up with every excuse for failure that you can imagine. Joel assailed those defenses in admirable fashion and has me writing! I just ordered a second copy for a friend who has more talent than I ever will, but is a victim of herself; I'm sure this book will unlock her talents for many of us to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: 48 bite-sized chapters give you lots of practical advice
Review: There were many great quotes from established writers and all the advice and exercises by the author, Joel Salzman, were quite practical.
John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX
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