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A review by donasbooks
Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande
3.0
Instagram Review: http://www.instagram.com/p/CD5CPwOA83H/
Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer could be said to be a certain kind of helpful writing book, if what you suffer from is a motivation problem that can be cured by nagging and guilt. I found her tone and approach to be strident, however, and have read other more pleasant approaches to the same message. I read through this book twice, and the second time I stopped halfway through when I reached the passage in which she instructs writers that they must without question write every single day. This advice is useless; I know no other laborer or professional in this world who is expected or who expects themselves (except workaholics) to work every single day. Why are writers so grievously special?
After prattling on for several eye-crossing pages about how to adjust oneself to a hideous daily regimen, Brande makes this absurd admonition to her readers:
She'll forgive me if I don't let a bossy nobody from the 1930's tell me to quit writing because I don't stick to her schedule. And I hope you don't either.
For a much, much better version of this book from another writer in the 1930's, try If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit. And for a good contemporary replacement, try The Book on Writing. Brenda Ueland and Paula La Roque at least want you to write, just like I do.
All my best to you, fellow writers!
Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer could be said to be a certain kind of helpful writing book, if what you suffer from is a motivation problem that can be cured by nagging and guilt. I found her tone and approach to be strident, however, and have read other more pleasant approaches to the same message. I read through this book twice, and the second time I stopped halfway through when I reached the passage in which she instructs writers that they must without question write every single day. This advice is useless; I know no other laborer or professional in this world who is expected or who expects themselves (except workaholics) to work every single day. Why are writers so grievously special?
After prattling on for several eye-crossing pages about how to adjust oneself to a hideous daily regimen, Brande makes this absurd admonition to her readers:
Right here I should like to sound the solemnest word of warning that you will find in this book: If you fail repeatedly at [writing every day], give up writing. Your resistance is actually greater than your desire to write, and you may as well find some other outlet for your energy early as late. pg. 79
She'll forgive me if I don't let a bossy nobody from the 1930's tell me to quit writing because I don't stick to her schedule. And I hope you don't either.
For a much, much better version of this book from another writer in the 1930's, try If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit. And for a good contemporary replacement, try The Book on Writing. Brenda Ueland and Paula La Roque at least want you to write, just like I do.
All my best to you, fellow writers!