Creative Wisdom for Writers [Paperback]

Creative Wisdom for Writers is a collection of quotations meant to inspire you to "write and keep writing." Opposite each quotation--there are 125--Roland Fishman, the book's compiler, distills its essence. For instance, on one page, Bryce Courtney states that "You don't need to describe the kitchen, only where the carving knife is." The gist, according to Fishman, is, "Don't explain." David Mamet, Ernest Hemingway, Victoria Nelson, and the I Ching are among the book's commonly quoted sources. Fishman has culled a very nice selection of writing quotations, though there is some repetition in his edicts: "put yourself on the line," says one; "don't play safe," admonishes another; still others urge you to "experiment," "be bold," "take chances," "try things," and "challenge yourself." Fishman doesn't explain how the book "will take you through a process," but it is nonetheless comforting to have all these writers by one's side. --Jane Steinberg

A great gift for fellow writers. -- The Internet Writing Journal

A marvelous assemblage of inspirational quotes. -- Travelwriter Marketletter

A collection of quotes from writers and thinkers as diverse as Ernest Hemingway, Anaïs Nin, Albert Einstein, Elmore Leonard, and David Mamet, this book will inspire writers to reach their potential, trust and have faith in their craft, and stimulate their imaginations. It contains instantly recognizable truths about writing and the creative process, expressed profoundly, eloquently, and poetically, to motivate both novice writers and those who have been published and writing for years. Many of the quotes recognize the challenges and obstacles writers face every day and the heartaches experienced by those rendering words onto paper.

Roland Fishman is the author of Greg Matthews: The Spirit of Modern Cricket and Calypso Cricket: The Inside Story of the Australian Cricket Team's Tour of West Indies in 1991. He runs writing workshops.