Write Is a Verb: Sit Down, Start Writing, No Excuses

by Bill O'Hanlon

Write Is a Verb: Sit Down, Start Writing, No Excuses

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

212 pages, Hardcover

First published August 6, 2007

About the author

Bill O'Hanlon, M.S., is psychotherapist, author, and speaker.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_O&...

Librarian note:
Some books and editions are published under the full name of William Hudson O'Hanlon

Reviews

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might just have really liked this one because it gave the writing advice that I tend to subscribe to, the one that I agree with--it's different for everyone, but the main thing that is not different is the fact that to write, you have to write. And you can't wait for inspiration, you just have to do it. And that's what it gave me. It didn't even bother me that I already knew this advice that boiled down to what the book really wanted to say, because I agreed with it and I enjoyed it. Also, it wasn't pretentious, which I was a fan of.

[Chris Blocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An aspiring author, a publisher, and a psychotherapist walk into a writer's convention together...

I tend to be attracted to books written for writers by those in the mental health field. These people know what they're talking about. Take for instance Dr. Linda Edelstein's Writer's Guide to Character Traits. Who better to identify the inner workings of my characters than someone who has been in their heads for over 20 years? Likewise, who better to understand my woes of writing than a therapist who has written nearly 30 books? Without ever having talked to me, Bill O'Hanlon knows exactly why I don't write.

The neverending theme of Write is a Verb is simple: if you want to write, then write and don't let others tell you how to do it. O'Hanlon is right. Most books on the subject tell the reader when, where, and how to write. O'Hanlon's advice is to ignore all this and do what works best for you. Along the way, he offers the typical barrage of definitive "dos" and "don'ts" to break through the normal barriers, but these do not detract from the primary message.

Write is a Verb starts strong with great advice and wonderful anecdotes from writers who have succeeded. By midway, however, the book looses steam and begins to sound repetitive. By the end, there is too much focus on publishing and the writing of non-fiction titles that the "fiction writer just needing a kick in the pants" can become discouraged.

O'Hanlon has an engaging voice and has written one of the best books on the subject, but unfortunately he takes it too far and for too long. As a self-proclaimed expert on publishing, he likely knew that anything shorter would have a tough time making it to bookstore shelves. Unfortunately, O'Hanlon shared no tips regarding quantity versus quality in this title; perhaps he is saving that for the sequel.

From The Literary Snob.

[Mark Hennion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill O'Hanlon aspires for a noble goal: to get writes of all stripes writing. This book --this entire book-- focuses entirely on that. Unlike so many other how-to's, O'Hanlon continually focuses on cementing his theory that anybody can find SOME time, somehow. He then gives an entire book to finding that time and motivating that somebody.

I must digress, the book does feel mostly aimed at non-fiction authors. Much of the sales, presentation, and proposal chapters are geared towards the sale of non-fiction. Despite this, authors of fiction will find the opening material just as relevant and helpful as their more serious counterparts.

A brisk, quality read valuable for procrastinators!

[Kimberly [Come Hither Books] · Rating 2 out of 5]

This writing book takes a different slant from most. Written by a psychotherapist, it focuses on concrete actions to form productive writing habits, and cut out habits that aren't working. Though the style was a bit too pop psychology for me, applying behavioral modification to writing isn't something I've seen done so directly before, and was useful. The insight into publishers was helpful as well.

[Manda Rae]

so far i love this book. It helps motivate me. i've never known what i wanted to do when i grew up.. i've kinda been avoiding it.. But i remeber what i was always good at reading and writing. I just got this book last night scaning the $1 books at the dollar tree there it was looking back at me like this could be a part of your future.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got excuses? Get this book! Even if it's not your dream to write, but rather to start and (most importantly) complete some art form, this book can serve as a 'coach' to help you achieve your goals. That said, there really isn't anything in here that is unique or new --- you've heard it all before, but O'Hanlon has an infectious way of getting into your head and helping you understand your own procrastinating and sabotaging ways. The charts and check-lists can be helpful, as long as you use them. He includes a DVD that serves as a mini-workshop, and this book is definitely intended to be a workbook. O'Hanlon is inspiring and his opening chapters should be motivating to anyone reading them. Towards the end of the book, he becomes a bit repetitive, but some points, especially those regarding procrastination, need be reiterated, I suppose.

This is a good and invigorating read!

[Ilena Bickley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read with great key points

[Katy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's the basic 'kick in the butt' inspiration, where the answer is clear and simple: if you want to be a write, you have to write. Too much of our approach to any kind of dream we have is caught up in fears and assumptions, and the only way to really make the abstract turn into something tangible is to actually do it. This book, and every other one, I read was made because writing is a verb. (If only, I start doing it myself.) There's not much in the book that wasn't new or fresh compared to other writing books I've read, however, the worksheets made me think differently about my approach to writing, and the publishing chapter was helpful - even though I don't know how much times have changed from now since the book was published.

[Jonathan Dunkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A writing book by a psychologist. Good stuff on habits. Nothing earthshaking but solid advice, even almost 20 years after publication.

[Emmaline MacBeath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love O'Hanlon's book, Do One Thing Different, and his philosophy that the best solutions are the simplest ones. Again, this is the premise of Write is a Verb. He gives many simple ideas of what writers or soon to be writers can do to get themselves writing. But he takes the writing process one step further. He talks about the inside scoop on getting published. There are many things in this book that you don't see elsewhere such as establishing a platform. I've never heard this concept before and it gives me something new to work on as an independently published writer.

Even though he has much to say to the non-fiction writer, everything he says applies well to the fiction writer. I love the DVD that includes the worksheets so you can print them rather than write in the book or photocopy. It also includes additional handouts and some podcasts.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding book for those who want to write, but are having a hard time getting motivated to do just that. Bill O'Hanlon discusses the energies that are needed behind writing. He also covers the importance of having a platform for your writing and how a bigger platform can help you get published easier. He shares with the reader not only his input on writing, but what it takes to get started and how the publishing industry works. Bill tells of his painful start into writing and how he didn't see himself as a writer even though he had written 17 books. This book was helpful to me, as I was struggling with my writing. But, thanks to Bill O'Hanlon and this book, I am able to press on.

[Ice · Rating 2 out of 5]

You've heard all the rules to get yourself to write--work on a schedule, write in a particular place, always write a certain number of words, and so on ... all rules based on things that have worked for other writers.

But what works for you? What will get your book written?

Psychotherapist and writing coach Bill O'Hanlon provides no rules--just principles and methods that you can personalize to your own style and preferences. You'll learn that you don't have to be a natural writer or a good writer to write; you just have to write--and find out what uniquely motivates you to write.

By combining his experience as a therapist and his own prolific career as an author, Bill shows you how to manage overwhelming projects, while finding the passion to finish what you start.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some interesting ideas and even though I've heard them all before something about the way he says them makes them seem more effective. I read this in an afternoon, and I enjoyed it.

That being said, if you're going to talk multiple times about hating typos make sure your book doesn't have any. The multiple typos and sentences missing words entirely drove me up a wall and made him seem less credible.

I would definitely suggest it to others, though. Maybe people who aren't as nit-picky as I am. It's a good guide for just general procrastination in life, and not just for writers.

[Katherine Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a 4 and 1/3 or 4 and 3/4. It is a wonderful book, and I love it. It isn't as great to me as Bird by Bird, but it is close, and maybe, just might be, more practical. It is an especially good book for people like me with writing anxiety. It also does a nice job of laying out the publishing world. I have more questions for my professional writer friends and a greater sense of encouragement. I highly recommend this book. (It has exercises and a dvd.)

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've read other writer-motivational books, you won't find anything earth-shattering in this one. Still O'Hanlon's advice is solid, and his voice is engaging. The book is a quick read, packing a lot of motivation into relatively few pages. The DVD, which includes footage from O'Hanlon's presentations and several printable worksheets, is a nice bonus.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pop psychology book for would-be writers who suffer from blocks, fears and procrastination-itis. Didn't move the needle much for me, but there were a couple of good points buried amidst the Oprah-babble.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though the book offers practical, concrete strategies for motivating oneself to write, often th examples began to read like padding. I would probably give the book a higher recommendation if it had been condensed.

[B.J. Kurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. It gave some great insight into the things that can keep me from writing. It also provided nice strategies to overcome these barriers. It has some things that relate more to non-fiction writing, but it is a must read for those wanting to make writing a bigger part of their life!

[Riki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that this book was written by a mental health professional and enjoyed his no-nonsense advice for getting your butt in the chair to do some actual writing. I also enjoyed the examples of former students of his to illustrate his points. Great book.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. As a wanna be writer it didn't really tell me anything new. Basically if you don't actually write you ain't gonna get anywhere.

Well yep. That is true.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

How to start writing...just do it! Bill O'Hanlon is a great coach.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever and insightful. I liked it.

[Emily Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of the writing process; fresh encouragement for the writer; filled with ideas for organizing and just writing!

[Bill O'Hanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote it so I probably shouldn't comment.