A Writer's Time

There were some helpful tips within these pages. Some I have tried before reading, but some of the ideas are on my list to try. Interesting thoughts and helpful.

Near the end of “Write Time,” author Kenneth Atchity includes a list of “rules” to help with creativity. These rules include a mixture of writing tips and basic thoughts on successful living. I found it insightful that he included as his final rule (concerning everything he had written in the book) to “Ignore all rules that don’t prove useful.” He then explains that everything he has offered are suggestions, and that we should take what we find useful and discard the rest, simplify anything that appears too complicated, and to remember that what we have read are merely what has worked for himself and other writers. After reading various books by authors who consider their advice the “be-all-and-end-all,” it was refreshing to be told it’s okay to ingest Mr. Atchity’s book with a grain of salt.

Even though the author shares these parting words, there are more ideas contained within “Write Time” than any person could assimilate within a few weeks, let alone over the course of a year. Serious writers understand that their chosen path is not an instantaneous road to success, and thus should have no qualms about incorporating Mr. Atchity’s suggestions into their routines.

The book begins with some of the normal challenges writers face. Contrary to other authors who offer methods to bull your way through whatever wall has appeared in front of you, Mr. Atchity suggests deliberate and scheduled time away from your project. His concept on how your mind works is entertaining as well as informative, and helps present a writer’s challenges as normal and part of the creative process rather than as demons that must be wrestled in order to be defeated.

One chapter dealt with publishing, including the two paths available today, the traditional route versus self-publication. Other chapters address the mechanics of writing, and explain the basics that would develop into books that grab the attention of readers and leave them wanting more. The author delves into the different markets open to writers, such as television and movies, and if you are a person who has trouble with structure, there is even a section on how to set up your writing area and what tools would be most advantageous to have at hand.

Finally, the book ends with quotes from various authors concerning their thoughts on different aspects of writing. One included quote is from Auguste Rodin: “For an artist, the thing is not dreaming, or talking, but work.” If you seek a path to successful productivity, there is no way you can go wrong by spending a few hours reading and incorporating some of Kenneth Atchity’s suggestions into your writing. Five stars.

As a Writer, reading this book was inspiring because though it had ideas that I'd heard of before, it also had new ideas that I had overlooked, especially on draft revision. It's the kind of book that has practical insights to offer any writer who is seeking clarification on a certain aspect of the writing process.
I loved the quotes from writers on writing in chapter ten.
I'd recommend it as a great book for writers to read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

While the original book remains probably the best book on writing, the additions to this new edition do not really add much value. Highly recommended in any case.