One of the most inspiring books on writing that I have ever read. This is not a how-to, or even a book of exercises to get started. It doesn't explain how to create plots, or dialogue, or how to submit manuscripts. Instead, it looks at why so many writers procrastinate, give up part-way through novels, and don't get around to sending anything in.

The author explains - broadly - how we have two sides to our writing: the creative, inspiring part and the critical, editing part. We need both, but at different times. We need to show the editor the door when engaged in the first draft of anything, and invite him in, politely, when read to revise.

Various techniques are suggested to get in the right frame of mind for writing - getting going early in the morning, branching diagrams (called 'creative search' elsewhere), ruminating, and more. Procrastinating tendencies are examined, with pointed questions asked, and the reader is freed from the victim mentality that blames circumstances, into the attitude that we can choose - if we wish - to write, or not. Writing rubbish is just fine, and we may be surprised that our apparent rubbish is not as bad as the internal editor feared.

I was slightly dubious about the final section on meditation which seemed almost to suggest a 'spirit guide' in the form of a famous author, but it was only a brief addendum. The rest of the book was excellent. I must read it regularly. Very highly recommended to anyone who writes - or would like to write - anything. ( )

All about writer's creative process, art rather than craft. I've outgrown it. ( )