Writing projects often get bogged down when self-doubt, writer's block, and everyday distractions begin to pile up and take their toll. The enthusiasm that was nearly overflowing at the beginning dries to a trickle and eventually ceases. Even worse, that old advice, "Do something else and you'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to write," doesn’t always work. This “Writing Workshop in a Book,” The Power to Write provides an interesting and useful resource for breaking through these distractions for writers of all varieties and commitment levels. Based on the premise that we all can write, but most of us have difficulty getting started, Ms. Adams shares with us many techniques and inspiring quotes to get the creative juices flowing. There are seven keys to inspiration: become aware that you have the power to write; start your story with a powerful opening; create an emotional journey (an interesting revision of the old adage ‘show, don’t tell’); ask yourself six questions about the unfolding story; focus on the five senses as you flesh out the tale; discover and develop you unique voice (perhaps the most important key); and share your work with others. The Power to Write is generously sprinkled throughout with inspiring quotes from many authors (my favorite is from Stephen King “Once you know what the story is and get it right…right as you can anyway… it belongs to anyone who wants to read it.”), as well as writing methods, practice techniques, creative development exercises, and potential story topics. This book truly feels like a writing workshop. If you work your way through it, doing the exercises and responding to the inspiration, I believe your writing will improve immeasurably, and no matter how passionate your commitment, we all can enjoy the benefits of better story-telling. Who knows? Perhaps your story will be the next one we read in the Oprah’s Book Club. ~review by Lisa Mc SherryAuthor: Caroline Joy AdamsConari Press, 2003
