100 Simple Ways to Become a More Inspired, Successful and Fearless Writer:

by Jennifer Lawler

When black belt Jennifer Lawler first started training in the martial arts, she never imagined that learning how to kick people would teach her how to become a more accomplished and successful writer. But she soon discovered that the skills she learned in the dojo (training hall)—how to focus, stay disciplined, and persevere—would help her realize her dreams off the mat. Now a successful author and writing coach, Lawler shares 100 essential lessons from the martial arts that will help you master the craft of writing and build your writing career. Dojo Wisdom for Writers shows you how Cultivate your creativity Stop fearing the blow of rejection Act instead of hope And much more! “Dojo Wisdom for Writers is a rare and lovely guide to the writing life. The advice from the martial artist author is both practical and inspirational, and it must be Jennifer Lawler is a kickass writer.” – Mary O'Connell, author of The Sharp Time and Living with Saints.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2004

Reviews

[Peggy Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own a lot of writing books. Some of them have been very helpful. Some of them are written in a manner understandable and helpful to both beginning and experienced writers. Some have been authored by writers with a broad range of experience. Few to none combine all those qualities. This one does.

Jennifer Lawler has done just about everything one can do in the writing business--she's authored dozens of books, been an agent, an editor and a writing coach. I wouldn't doubt it if she said she cuts down trees for wood pulp to make the paper to print her books on.

She's also holds a black belt in martial arts making her literally a kick-ass woman.

In this book, Lawler brings all those things together to give writers both new and established the benefit of her wisdom. In 100 short and pithy sections she compares her training for martial arts to her life as a writer and gives the reader exercises on how to practice some of her advice. It's a book to dip into over and over again to master the craft of writing and survive the writer's life because each section will mean something different to each writer at various stages of her life. Every writer should own this book.

[Mark Lacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Had hoped since martial arts and writing are both interests of mine, if not passions, this book would be better. But the analogies felt contrived and superficial.

[Amanda Shalaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Lawler is a wealth of writing wisdom. And when I say a wealth of writing wisdom, I’m talking experience that has spanned a career of over 30 published non-fiction and fiction books, essays that have appeared in all of our favorite magazines, a stint as an imprint manager and acquisitions editor at a romance e-book imprint, a literary agent and now a writing coach. What more could you possibly want from an author writing a book about writing? If you said, a black belt martial artist who can apply her dojo wisdom to your writing career, look no further! In Jennifer Lawler’s Dojo Wisdom for Writers, we learn right from Lesson #1, “When the student is ready, the master appears.” And she has appeared in the form of Jennifer Lawler. This book talks about writing strength, confidence, patience, and humility. It touches on knowing and trusting yourself, finding your rhythm and facing your fears. And that is just scratching the surface. Her wisdom is inspiring, practical, and will have you pumping out the daily word count in no time. If you’re looking for a new book on writing to kick your butt into gear, I cannot recommend Dojo Wisdom for Writers highly enough. Do yourself and your muse a favor - and enter the dojo!

[Bobbi Romans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and related to each page. The first few paragraphs in left me wondering how this would relate to writing as strongly as I’d hoped. Bam. A few more in and there it was.

Each and every paragraph grew stronger in what writers struggle with so often, and I found myself nodding my head, yes— yes! This is it. What I needed.

I’m struggling, with life, and family and the sense of wanting to be responsible, yet running after my dream as hard and furious as I can. Looking at dishes or laundry and staying up way later then I should and not knowing if I’m doing the right thing. Am I?

They say in life we need to look outside the box to seek our answers. Maybe the answers have been there, right in front of us, but we’ve failed to see them for whatever the reason.

This book isn’t just about editing, creativity or otherwise.
Within the pages you will discover, tips, wisdoms and insights that go well beyond the loving pages you’ve crafted, and stressed over. Dojo Wisdom for Writers will help you find your balance in doing what you love.

Highly recommend.
Author Bobbi Romans

[Stephanie Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

DoJo Wisdom for Writers Review
By Stephanie Freeman

The Zen quality to the writing and the seamless connection to Martial Arts and the craft of Writing made Dojo Wisdom for Writers a superb read. As a reader this book answered many of the novice questions that plague all new and aspiring authors. For veteran writers, the book offers gems of understanding and gentle reminders needed when the rejection letters flood the mailbox and the insecurities set in.

Anaïs Nin is quoted as saying, ‘The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.

DoJo Wisdom for Writers is a prime example of the quote as reader and writer, with each passing lesson you unlock a truth that colors all that you say and do from that point on. Lawler’s revised version of this classic is one this writer will refer to for many years to come.

[Sean Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book that gives a lot of reminders about what it takes to be a writer and a martial artist, and how both work hand in hand. Being that I've been a writer for many, many years and I spent 8 years of my life as a martial artist until my instructor passed away, this book really hit home. Each chapter was a pleasant reminder about what it takes to be a better writer and a martial artist, and that once you've taken the time to dive into both, neither really go away from being a part of who you are.

[Andrea Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dojo Wisdom for Writers delivers what it promises. It is a Zen Wisdom book for writers. Jennifer Lawler brings together her experience as a black belt in the marital arts to writing.

Not only did she inspire me to act instead of just hoping, but to follow through with my own martial arts training and physical fitness.

I wish I had this book when I first started out writing. There are not only tips for the novice writer, but reminders and motivation for seasoned writers as well.

[1.1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Becoming a fighter is like becoming a writer; both mean looking out for Number One, staying alert, and faking people out before striking them. In writing, as in fighting, it pays to be prepared.

Exercise

If this is the only writing self-help book you ever read, prepare to be in trouble. The good thing is, you'll know how to evade the trouble and subdue it with words.

[Marie-pierre Stien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I go back to this book from time to time. Not only does it provide good tips for writers, but it is a good overall business book on how to face challenging situations.

[Angela Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's certainly interesting to compare the skill of writing to martial arts.