Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul: Book Review

Over the Christmas holiday, I got so busy with all the festivities and shopping that my writing went by the wayside. I guess it happens to a lot of writers during the holidays. I am not sure. All I know is that once I stopped my writing routine to focus on other aspects of my daily life, it took some effort to get back to that routine of writing. It was especially hard to do these past couple of months. My mind would go blank as I would sit here at my laptop trying to think of what to write about. Sometimes I wouldn't even get this far. I needed help.

Days led to weeks as I tried different things to get me back to writing again. These winter months did help me stay indoors and at my laptop, but no inspiration came to me to write besides the occasional poem or short story. I tried reading my Writer's Digest magazines to get some ideas. They helped some, but not like a book I had found at the local library: Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul.

This book contains many stories from such well-know authors as Steve Allen, Ray Bradbury, Barbara Cartland, Clive Cussler, Art Linkletter and more! When I picked up the book to look over the cover, I was curious to read what the writers had to say to encourage those of us who needed it. The subtitle of the book read: Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Writers. I smiled and checked out the book.

When I got home, I looked over the book more carefully, flipping the pages slowly to check out how long the chapters were. Most of the stories were only a few pages long. There are over 80 titles of great stories written by authors who share their experiences not just to entertain us, but to teach what they have learned about the art and business of writing. This book is broken down into sections that cover topics about mentors, perseverance, overcoming obstacles, insights and lessons, making a difference, defining moments, writers lives and more. Humorous cartoons and inspiring quotes are also sprinkled throughout.

Here is a list of just some of the stories in this book:

1. A Writer's Journey

2. Write - To Conquer Your Fear

3. You Can't Afford to Doubt Yourself

4. Writing from the Heart

5. No One Faces Rejection More than an Author

6. Take that Chance

7. For Love or Money

8. Writers in Prison

9. It Doesn't Matter What You Write

10. Nothing Comes Easy

When I finished reading "Vindication" by Ruben Navarrette, Jr., and "How to Be Madder than Captain Ahab" by Ray Bradbury, I knew I was reading something worth buying and adding to my personal library. I was able to relate to these authors, and realized that what I was going through was no different than what they went through and still go through. Their words hit home and stirred something inside me. The authors shared their feelings about the fear, hardships, work, and seemingly endless rejections.

Like the title implies, the stories were carefully chosen to entertain and inspire anyone wanting to learn about being a writer. Even people who are related or are associated with writers would get an insight about how writers think and feel through this book. It takes a lot of courage and maybe a little insanity to be one. Ray Bradbury wrote, "I dropped myself off the edges of cliffs, daring to build myself wings while falling, so as not to break myself on the rocks below." Just like many artists, many writers have had to give up all their security to do what they passionate love and must do.

This particular book so impressed me, I knew I had to get on this laptop today to spread the good news to other writers out there looking for some help and inspiration. I read it daily now. Ideas are coming back to me and I know I will soon be submitting my stories, updating blogs and exploring new avenues for my articles again. When I get depressed or blocked, I reach for this collection of stories and let these words to their magic on me. There are many many books available for writers, but this is one I truly recommend.

Source: Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul: Compiled by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Bud Gardner.