Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life

by Robert Benson

A compelling combination of advice and inspiration, Dancing on the Head of a Pen will challenge and encourage writers, artists, musicians, painters—anyone drawn to a life of artistic expression.
 
Digging deeply into his own writing habits, failures, and successes, Robert Benson helps you choose the ideal audience for your work, commit to it, and overcome the hurdles that inevitably confront both aspiring artists and accomplished professionals. Extending beyond the craft of writing, this gentle book moves into a rich discussion on the relationship between spirituality and art. Including wisdom from revered writers past and present, Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a beautiful mosaic of inspiration, practical help, and a glimpse into the disciplines that shape one writer’s life.
 
“ Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a pure delight to read. Encouraging, honest, practical, and important. I needed this book.”
—Melody Carlson, author of more 200 books including Finding Alice  
 
“With deceptive simplicity and an almost seductive easiness in his voice, Benson lays open before us the filigreed mystique of the writing life in all its beauty, its unmitigated angst, and its inescapable vocation.”
—Phyllis Tickle, author of numerous books including The Divine Hours
 
“Robert Benson’s Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a gem. It is wise, witty, and inspiring—a trifecta seldom achieved by a book on the writing life.”
—James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Plot & Structure

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

Robert Benson has written more than a dozen books about discovering the Holy in the midst of our everyday lives. He is a lifelong churchman, a graduate of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, a member of the Friends of Silence and of the Poor, and has been named a Living Spiritual Teacher by Spirituality and Practice. Benson lives and writes, pays attention and offers prayers at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Reviews

[Paula Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a likeable book which focuses more on the attitudes we should embrace when we set out to write, rather than the craft itself. The author is whimsical, wry and willing to poke fun at himself. He comes across a bit like the type of friendly University Professor whose classes and lectures we always look forward to.

The book is full of short chapters, each designed to coerce us into the right head space for writing. Some of Benson's advice includes not to think about the fact that we are attempting to write a book, but just enjoy each step, because when you really think about it, who needs another book anyway? So many good books have already been written, that anything by us will seem audacious and pretentious anyway. To quote Robert Benson himself when impressed by another author, 'I felt if I wanted to contribute to the literary world, I should offer to do his laundry and mow his grass, so he has more time to write.' I appreciate books which help us to just plow through inferiority complexes and get on with it.

More of his advice includes courting our muse, who often shows up when we're just wandering around doing something else. He calls Writer's Block 'the affliction that must not be named' and has handy tips on dealing with it. My favourite chapter is one on the several hats we have to wear as writers, but never at the same time. Benson keeps a beret, a baseball cap and a fedora on prominent display to remind him of his separate roles. The first is for the creation of his initial drafts, the second for editing, and the third for getting out into the world to do all the scary, but necessary, PR stuff.

Finally, he counsels us to take it slowly. Fast is good for many pastimes, but not writing, and to help us stay patient, he reminds us that our work in progress is more important to us than to anyone else, after all. In spite of all this common-sense reasoning, it is a book which encourages me to pick up my pen and write more.

Thanks to Blogging for Books and WaterBrook Multnomah for my review copy.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Benson always takes the question of “how to write a book” very seriously. For he was once "in the same spot and grateful for any help that might move [him] along. . . Sharing the things [he] knows about how a person goes about telling his story seems only right. Perhaps it is even, as the old prayer book says, a good and joyful thing.” He’s the perfect mentor to help nudge a new writer on her way.

One of my favorite things about Dancing on the Head of a Pen are the chapter titles. "Dark Marks on a Page", for instance, explains how different writers make their marks. Benson’s way is different from the next writer, which is different from the next. “Whether or not [Benson’s] way will work for someone else remains to be seen. In the end each writer will have to find his own way.”

The chapter that resonates with me the most is "Six Hundred Words". In it, Benson follows Graham Greene’s writing practice and writes 600 words each day. That sounds doable! “[And] know this: six hundred words a day for about four months will leave you several months to do the rewrite and to have a book within a year if you work diligently.”

Benson’s 174 pages are littered with references to other writers, musicians, spiritual leaders and psychologists. Rather than leave them like a trail of breadcrumbs, he sweeps them all nicely together as a list. I found so much inspiration in Benson’s advice I’ve already made a selection. But I’m so enamored with Dancing on the Head of a Pen, I may put it aside and seek out some of Benson's other work.

[Wendi Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book if you want to write.
Read it if you are restless.
Read it if you are low.

Like an authentic Taiwan milk tea, Robert Benson’s book is a refreshing treat for my writer brain, and I don’t want to stop chewing the delectable boba quotes. (My scribbled post-its feather the pages.) The last writing book I loved this much was Writing Without Bullshit by Joshua Bernoff, but in a different, surprisingly good tofu watercress salad kind of way.

I want to frame many included quotes, hanging them all over my house. The most caffeinated quote to me:
“Are you writing?”

I love Benson’s humility, humor, and soul-filled chapters.

Also briefly covered:
• Wandering releases inspiration
• Journaling to listen
• Reading for learning

This is a BUY ME book. I return it to the the library only out of duty.

[Suzyqb87 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books on writing. Everything from philosophical, high-minded, dreamy literature about the artistry of translating heavenly thoughts to paper to the nitty-gritty, tactical, how-to books in which novels are as formulaic to make as bottled shampoo.

Robert Benson has created the best of both worlds in this enjoyable, quote-rich mix of his own personal anecdotes, tips for writing, and authentic sense of God-given purpose in writing. I honestly couldn't put his book down, which is rare for a book comprised of chapters on writing habits. His recommendations all made solid sense and gave me a blend of inspiration and action. It's clear that Benson is not only a writer, but a gentle teacher as well.

I hope to apply Benson's suggestions, such as writing constantly, collecting quotes, not talking about a book too much before it is actually written, and more that I'll not give away here, to my own writing. His work is like delicious Thanksgiving leftovers; flavorfully, and lovingly made, nutritious and filling, but not so much as to feel overstuffed. I'd like to read more!



I received this book free from Blogging for Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wished you could write, wanted to get your story down on paper, or just wanted someone to read what you scribble then Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson is the place to start.

This is a fairly simple book to read; no in depth ways to get published, nor secret tips to becoming a great writer or artist. Robert is to the point in this book...just do it.

I found this to be more of an encouragement than a "how to". And I liked that about this book. There are more than enough how to books on writing out there to last a lifetime but a book on "The Practice of a Writing Life" is just what the writer (wannabe) ordered.

I love the quotes throughout the book. I love how each chapter is short and direct which makes it easy to put down and pick up again when the timing is right. The thing I enjoyed most about this book is that it made me want to write. It doesn't make writing seem overly complicated. Hard, yes, complicated, no.

A very encouraging book for anyone interested in writing, or any other artistic talent that has been on their "to do" list.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unusual for a writing book. While most books about writing cover fundamentals, are how-tos, this one was about living the life of a writer and living with, and working with, your book. It has a mix of devotional/advice book that was poetry while being read. Each chapter covered a different aspect of living and writing, usually starting with an event in the author's life, moving on to general ideas for the reader to think about and consider for their own writing, and a lesson at the end. What did bother me was the short bursts and the a section break before the next part. I felt it would have been smoother to remove the section breaks but that is a stile difference. It was a beautiful read and one I will keep around and want to share with my fellow writers.

In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free through Blogging for Books.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book on writing! I love his style and how he includes the spiritual element of the art.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There are no days when I am not working on the craft. There are no days when I am not a writer."

While I read this book, I imagined myself sitting in the corner of some quaint independently owned bookstore at one of those small round tables that makes you feel vulnerable because you are entirely too close to the other person you are sharing the table with.

I imagined myself sitting there with Robert Benson, feeling discouraged about not finding a publisher for my book or maybe stuck in a book, or just sick of the book all together, and him letting me cry. Then he gives me a tissue and tells me about his struggles as a writer and how he succeeded. When the meeting is over, he gives me a hug, and tells me to get my hind parts back to my desk and finish what I started.

Yeah, that's what this book feels like. And I loved every minute of it. I got it from the library, but this is one that I must buy and put with my other inspirational books.

If you are a writer, or any type of artist, and are feeling discouraged, read this book.

[Heather King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little embarrassed to confess this, but Robert Benson's book, Dancing on the Head of a Pen, is perhaps the first time as an author I've braved reading a book on writing. Maybe I was mistaken, thinking surely these books focused on mechanics or practicalities. Maybe I was fearful, worried that I'd be pushed to write a certain way, with a certain schedule or technique, and I'd end up shoving myself into ill-fitting authorial clothes.

I was wrong. This is a beautiful book, straightforward, easy-to-read, but so thoughtful. I drifted through it slowly. It felt less like a tutorial or a lecture and more like a chat on a park bench. He seemed to say, "So, you're a writer? This is what I've found works for me after all these years and so many books. What works for you?"

He shares a bit on the life of a writer, the disciplines of a writer, the heart of a writer. He encourages writers to read--read well and read carefully and shares some of his favorites. His writing life sounds entirely different than mine. I'm this young mom with four kids, a noisy home, a noisy life. My time for writing is dictated by external schedules. I felt, at times as I read, a little wistful. Wouldn't it be nice to take random strolls into the woods or turn over soil in the garden and linger over my favorite books and spend time on the crossword each day? And yet, I take the principle well. I can't ignore the inspiration my soul needs.

I loved this book, loved the practical advice, loved the humor, loved the understanding and kindred connection, loved the inspiration.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a wonderful book for beginning writers! I learned so much from it and am already implementing the author's suggestions into my writing life. Robert Benson's writing style was refreshing and poetic. It often felt like I was reading fiction rather than nonfiction. I hope to read more of his books in the future. :)

[Sister Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shortly before moving to England for what I thought would be a year (it turned out to be half that), I signed up for a book review service that promised that so long as my Kindle was charged I would not be without something to read. I received (and reviewed) one e-book and then eagerly went to claim a new title. Seeing a book by Robert Benson on the list, I knew that no other book would do. The only problem? Benson's book was not available in e-format. I had to wait until my return to the States to read Benson's latest.

Robert Benson is a reader's writer. He shares his experiences and insights in a gentle, conversational style that I find poetic. There is an authenticity there that makes his genuine Christian witness shine (all the more since he's not trying to “witness”). At least, that was what I found in earlier titles of his that I had read (The Echo Within and Between the Dreaming and the Coming True), and I was not deceived in thinking that Dancing on the Head of a Pen would be similar.

Dancing is both a reflection and a “how-to” guide for the aspiring (or discouraged) writer; not a “follow these five simple steps and you'll be putting out a book every six months!” guide, but a “this is what has worked for me; maybe something here will resonate with you.” While Echo and Dreaming communicated (at least to this reader) Benson's contemplative spirituality, Dancing witnesses to his inner (and to some degree, outer) life as a writer. As an aspiring (but disorganized) writer myself, I found solid guidance here. It was especially encouraging to me that the same things that intimidate me (like the sheer whiteness of a blank page) were familiar to Benson. And the same siren calls that would lure me from my appointed task continue to find their way to Benson's Tennessee home. I was also pleased to be confirmed in my cut-and-paste approach to putting a text together. (Benson uses an X-Acto knife; I use whatever scissors are around.)

Taking a page from Graham Greene (!), Benson set a daily goal of writing six hundred words: a quota I can just about imagine imposing on myself. Through years of journaling (another practice he strongly recommends), he learned what times of day were better for him to tackle which stages of a project. I loved his metaphor of the three hats: the artist's beret; the faded baseball cap for the grunt work of refining and rewriting; the fedora for handling the business aspects of publishing. Wisely, he warns the writer not to multi-task when it comes to writing and refining: You can only wear one hat at a time.

The most surprising advice I received from Dancing on the Head of a Pen was the rather strong discouragement from talking too much about one's writing project. There's a double risk involved when a writer gets a little too chatty about his or her next book: being talked out of writing it at all (especially if the reason for talking is to find encouragement for the project—or the idea behind it), or saying everything that ought to have been written, and finding, when pen hits paper, that the words themselves have been drained dry in the telling. This also relates to the writer's need for silence—and for its opposite: reading the developed work aloud to an audience, as a way of recognizing where it does or does not hit the mark.

Several of my take-aways from Dancing on the Head of a Pen are destined to appear among my New Year's Resolutions. If you are an aspiring writer, I do not doubt that you will find the practical wisdom that can help you refine your skills or find your voice. Better yet, you will be moved and inspired in your calling.

[Phillip Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a book about writing, by an accomplished author, for writers. Robert Benson describes working up to motivation to write, bulling through the obstacles one by one, and sticking it out through to completion. As a writer, the simple act of getting your hands moving causes words to begin to appear on your paper or screen. If repeated enough times, with diligence, determination, and perhaps a little flair, you might, if lucky, have something worth keeping and maybe even sharing.

This was my second trip through this book, last having read it in 2015. No good book should be read only once.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Songs can evolve books are finished.
It’s ok to throw out four times as many words as you keep.
You can wear a specific prop when you’re in author mode.
You can have some sort of special list of words
Write. Make it as good as possible, find it a home.
The test of literature whether we live more intensely because of it.
Elizabeth Drew
Worth making a list of books that effect you the most and or you want to write like
When he can’t start he looks at a collection of wonderful sentences quotes and his own things that he cut. You are finished with a book when you never want to see it again.

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Robert Benson's writing style, and this book tells the reader how he writes. It's great if you are an aspiring writer. There are several excellent books of this kind, but it's great to get different views on what works for different authors. I like how Mr. Benson works in a little of his faith, too. It's a good and enjoyable read. I recommend it to anybody looking to start a writing career, or to improve paint your art with the written word.

[Lael Braday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Benson dispenses wisdom like a kindly grandfather, interweaving advice with life anecdotes, sharing his writing protocols without much self-deprecation. He states a clear case for finding your own way, your own style, and not giving a hoot about if others are better or worse, more or less prolific. He doesn't romanticize the writing life, but states it all matter of factly.

[Lucy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It’s not a how-to, as such - more a meditation on the art of writing. If you’re looking for a list of things to make you a writer, it may not be for you. If you want to catch a glimpse of a writer’s soul, it will hit the spot.

[Shawn Smucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise. The wonderful bookseller Byron Borger recommended this gem to me, and it did not disappoint. A wonderfully encouraging guide into the life of a writer. Thank you, Robert Benson, for your encouragement.

[Nicholas Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very great book for a writer. A lot of my insecurities as a writer that often times tell me I can't do it or I don't add up to those who have done it, get wiped away when I read this book. It's a fantastic look that gives great insight into what the daily life of a writer can actually be like.

[Rachel Paige Hamlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with worthy advice both on writing and the writer's relationship with the craft. However, none of the advice in this book is new. I've heard all of it, albeit in slightly different language, from other books.

[elizabeth hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book for writers of all stages

I have written sermons and public words for almost 40 years. Now I want to write a book. This book was practical, honest, inspirational and firmly rooted in the realities writers of almost anything made public face.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully unexpected

I'm not entirely sure what I expected when I decided to read this book, but it was a delightful trek through the author's attitudes and thought processes. I'm sure I'll read it again.

[Laura Maser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner with tons of wit and lots of heart! It felt like his muse took the pen and poured out these wonderful random thoughts that every writer finds before the finished page. Highly recommend!

[Cristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely and encouraging.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pam Northrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I would give this book 6 stars if I could!

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books on writing.

[Alisha Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding comradery with other writers. I was delightfully surprised with his precision in identifying what I need and don't need as a new writer. I am so glad to have this book on my nightstand. I will read it again and again, I am certain.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing on the Head of a Pen from prolific writer Robert Benson is not just a book about writing a book. It's a book about writing (you know, the action part) a book.

And don't let the title fool you. Sure, it's an artful look at the philosophical side of the craft, but it doesn't stay there. From making decisions to the discipline of showing up and writing every day, this book about writing a book takes the reader on a journey from inquisition to inspiration. Really!

This book came into my life at an interesting time. I had been exhausted for months and used it as an excuse to watch TV instead of write.

I didn't know what to write, my ideas never went anywhere, no one seemed interested, my day job took the best of me.

My excuses, although true, weren't the truth. I wasn't writing because I got out of the habit. Instead of pushing through when things got tough I reverted to thinking about writing, wishing I was writing, and reading books about writing. Then I read Benson's chapter on staying sharp. "Whether working on a book at the moment or not, a writer should always be writing."

The book dropped out of my hands and I picked up my notebook. I plotted a short story and entered it into a writing contest. In an instant (understatement!) my attitude turned and my excuses evaporated. He's right. Even when I'm not working on anything I need to keep writing.

Always be writing.

After my breakthrough I picked up Dancing on the Head of a Pen and continued on. It was here I found advice I've never considered: don't share your work too soon.

"Too many suggestions from too many directions too early and a writer can be devastated and unable to write for days, certain the work is no good and never will be. Too much talk too soon and the writer gets lost, causing the work to slow to a crawl." (152)

I thought about my short story and recalled a few months before sharing the idea with friends. They laughed it off and I laughed with them. "Yeah, how silly."

At the time I thought little of the event, the idea was silly. So why did I stop writing? Was this where things derailed? Because I shared my silly idea too soon?

I don't know if the idea is good or not, I don't know if I'll win the contest or if it will go any further. But now I know my story needed to be written.

No matter what, keep on writing. Keep it close, until it's finished, and then share it with anyone who will listen.

[A.C. Cuddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“In this masterful blend of the practical and the spiritual, Robert Benson invites you into the work and rewards of a writer’s life. More than a primer on effective writing, Dancing on the Head of a Pen is a winsome guide to the place in the heart where the life of the spirit meets the life of art.”

Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson is a book about “The Practice of a Writing Life”, or so the book cover states… in other words, this is a book about writing a book. Well how cool is that. It intrigued me to pick it up and read it.

And how blessed was I to be able to read it. This is more than a how-to book on how to write a book. It is an elegant, yet simple 165+-page handbook of sorts where we are given the privilege to see inside the process of being a writer. Filled with personal anecdotes and tips for the writer, the author openly shares his highs and lows, his successes and failures of his writing career… which is more than a career, it is his art. This book was a true joy to read.

About the Author: Robert Benson is the author of numerous books, including The Echo Within, Digging In, and Home by Another Way. A retreat leader, Benson writes and speaks often on the life of prayer and contemplation, the practice of faith and spirituality, and the art and craft of writing. He is a graduate of and an adjunct faculty member for the Academy for Spiritual Formation, a program of The Upper Room. He is married to the literary agent Sara Fortenberry. Benson lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and he dances on the head of a pen every day no matter where he happens to be.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com

[Sherrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of Robert Benson's book, Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life, drew me in like a moth drawn to a flame. What was behind the choice of the words, "dancing on the head of a pen?" Was this just another book on writing? I'll answer both questions at the end of this review.

Open the cover, flip past the title page, and get to know Robert Benson. Benson is a wordsmith beyond compare. He not only writes about the work behind writing but also shares the rewards. I found Dancing on the Head of a Pen an enchanting volume in which our guide takes the reader straight to that illusive place where the lives of art and the creative's spirit meet.

Benson's work is not another guidebook teaching effective writing and offering tips. In Benson's words, I found encouragement, practicality, humor, and inspiration. I came away feeling as if I had been groomed to take the gift of writing out into the world and so should return to my desk and finish my book. And I could do so with a smile on my face because now I knew where the source of my words resides.

My conclusion upon finishing Benson's book is the relationship between "dancing" and "writing," i.e. the pen, is expression of joy experienced when crafting in the mode one loves. That answers the first question above, and the answer to the second is quite simple. No, this is not just another book on writing. Benson has surpassed many of the books I've read on writing by giving the reader the gift of his own joy and passion for the writing arts.

Recommendation: Without reservation, I recommend Dancing on the Head of a Pen writers at all stages of their writing experience. You will come away with a new sense of purpose and meaning in your writing life.

And for those of you considering writing, or not, this is a delightful look at this one writer's view of writing.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are solely mine.