Review by Nicole Pyles
Remember when you first fell in love with writing? Maybe you were a little kid and wrote short stories about your dolls and stuffed animals. Maybe you read a book that touched your heart so much you thought to yourself, I want to do that for another reader, too. Maybe it was specific words themselves that pulled you close.
Over this past year, I have had quite a few stops and starts when it comes to my writing. At times, I forgot about it completely. Other times, I used it as an escape. Several months ago, I had the chance to read Mari L. McCarthy's 14 Days of Journal Magic for Writers and it helped me get back in touch with my love of writing.
One of my favorite exercises asks you questions that you must answer honestly.
A few of them include:
- When did you first consider yourself a writer?
- What about writing most appealed to you in the beginning? What made you want to continue?
- What do you enjoy most about writing now? What do you find most rewarding?
Answering these questions - and others included in the book - helped me realize why I am a writer and why I love telling stories.
I think this book is incredibly important for all of us right now, especially if you are feeling too stressed to write. Mari's book helped me quiet my spirit and reflect on where I'm at now and where I'd like to be.
Although this book can be worked through in a linear fashion, there were many times I jumped ahead a bit. I also let a few days go by between exercises, too. And this is one of those books that I plan on reading more than once. Like many of the books on writing that I have come to treasure, I know I will get something new out of it every time.
If you are in a spot in your life where writing seems far away, I encourage you to purchase Mari L. McCarthy's 14 Days of Journal Magic for Writers. It will help you get back on track and process the stress that keeps coming at us this year.
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a copy of the book 14 Days of Journal Magic for Writers. Giveaway ends on August 22nd at 11:59 PM EST. We will announce the winner on the Rafflecopter widget the next day. Thanks!
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Nicole--Being reflective over your process, your journey, your obstacles--that's all valuable. Too often, we get caught up in the frenetic whirlwind of writing (when it's going well) or we get mired in the tar pit of slugdom when it's going badly. Reflecting on our craft is so important. The more we know about what we do and how we do it... the better we'll get at writing. Thanks for this review, Nicole. It sounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteI often consider journaling but I always get overwhelmed by the idea 2 or 3 days in. This class sounds like it would be helpful for getting past that. :)
ReplyDeleteNicole this sounds like a gem of a book. As one who loves to journal and knows how cathartic it is, I will definitely purchase a copy. Great review.
ReplyDeleteNicole, thanks for the review. 14 Days of Journal Magic for Writers sounds like a must have book to help process why we do what we do as writers. Appreciate the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole. #JustWriteON! #MePower! 🥰🙏📓✍️
ReplyDeleteAwesome review, Nicole! Journal Magic for Writers is one of my absolute favorites because it sparks so much creativity. It uses multi-media prompts with objects, books, magazines, creative writing techniques like interviewing your characters with a timer. I've worked through it and love it! One of Mari's best! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ang! #JustWriteON! 🥰✍️📓🌹
DeleteI whole-heartedly endorse any of Mari's books and have learned so much from her! This one especially has always helped spark my creativity.
ReplyDelete