silvernfire's review against another edition
4.0
In this book, Susan Reynolds talks about how the brain functions and how to best work with it to increase your focus, stimulate your creativity, and react to writing as a positive experience. This is a similar approach to [b:Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence|13126099|Wired for Story The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence|Lisa Cron|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333580864s/13126099.jpg|18301957] by Lisa Cron. But my recollection is that Cron's book focused more on writing instruction, adding relevant information on brain science where appropriate. Reynolds' book is more about the neuroscience, applying it to the act of writing. Although she mostly discusses fiction writing (novels), she also mentions other forms of writing such as journalism, screenwriting, and poetry. Indeed, I suspect that much of what Reynolds talks about could be applied to other creative pursuits, such as drawing.
The weakest part of this book is the writing instruction, the actual how-to-write-a-novel parts. They're fairly generic and don't really go into much detail. However, this is what just about every other writing reference book out there covers. Read this book if the idea of applying neuroscience to writing and creativity appeals to you, because that's where it shines, but it probably won't work as your only guide to writing a novel.
The weakest part of this book is the writing instruction, the actual how-to-write-a-novel parts. They're fairly generic and don't really go into much detail. However, this is what just about every other writing reference book out there covers. Read this book if the idea of applying neuroscience to writing and creativity appeals to you, because that's where it shines, but it probably won't work as your only guide to writing a novel.
williamsdebbied's review against another edition
5.0
I found the neuroscience aspect of this book fascinating. As a starter (but not a finisher) of novels, I especially appreciated the tips on staying motivated and nurturing the brain's ability to focus.
There are some writing tips that I found helpful, as well as lots of resources listed in the Appendix. If you need a book about the nitty-gritty details of the writing craft, there are books that will better meet that need. However, there is plenty of advice here to at least get you started. And since I came for motivation rather than instruction, I found this book to be a helpful resource that I will be likely to refer back to over and over.
There are some writing tips that I found helpful, as well as lots of resources listed in the Appendix. If you need a book about the nitty-gritty details of the writing craft, there are books that will better meet that need. However, there is plenty of advice here to at least get you started. And since I came for motivation rather than instruction, I found this book to be a helpful resource that I will be likely to refer back to over and over.
kacey's review against another edition
1.0
This book probably has not bad advice on how to really get into "writing mode" but I found it terribly bland and hard to get much out of.
bookishclaire's review
4.0
This was full of useful tips, but to be honest - I'd heard almost all of them before. They were reframed in a scientiifc context and people of a more scientific bent will probably find that more interesting/useful than I did. That said, if you're just starting out on your writing journey, or you've never really read any books to help with it, this will be a great starting point.
jenlouden's review
3.0
Seriously uneven book - moments of great usefulness followed by sections that made me do the RCA Victor dog - huh?? Either because the author made sweeping generalizations, odd ball suggestions, or rehashed info that didn't need to be rehashed.
More of a survey than an in-depth way to practice using your brain to write more effectively or joyfully but still, will refer to it when teaching and writing.
More of a survey than an in-depth way to practice using your brain to write more effectively or joyfully but still, will refer to it when teaching and writing.
alyssakeiko's review
This was good but I also read it to procrastinate actually writing which is bad so it’s a tossup
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