No Experience Necessary Writer's Course

by Scott Edelstein

A unique stress-free approach for anyone who has ever wanted to write.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Since 1978, Scott has studied happily and productively with several spiritual teachers, including Toni Packer, Dainin Katagiri, Tim McCarthy, and (currently) Steve Hagen. As the friend of many spiritual teachers from a variety of traditions, he has also spent much time with them off duty, sometimes serving as confidant. He is a longtime practitioner of both Buddhism and Judaism, and a committed proponent of serious spirituality in all forms and traditions. He has been a member of Methodist, Quaker, Buddhist, and Jewish congregations.

Scotts short work on spiritual topics has appeared in Shambhala Sun, American Jewish World, The Writer, the anthology What About God? (Upper Room Books), and elsewhere. His new book Sex and the Spiritual Teacher will be published in April 2011 by Wisdom Publications. A sequel, Breathe, Listen, Learn: A Practical Guide for Everyone Who Wants (or Has) a Spiritual Teacher, will be published in 2012 by Wisdom.

Scott is the author of 15 other books on a wide range of subjects, including writing and publishing, success in college, and recovery from addiction. "

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this a 4.5 because I would have liked to have seen more examples. A very good basic book for the novice writer. Mr. Edelstein addresses some important issues (myths, fears, secrets, etc.,). He is intuitive and fresh in his approach. This would be a great book for someone instructing a Creative Writing Course. Some great definitions and descriptions. Some of the suggestions are a bit dated though (pertaining to the popularity of digital/ electronic readers and self-publishing, which is becoming increasingly popular).The book is written as a number of (98) two to four page essays, so it is a fast and easy read (I read it in one day while skipping the Writing Exercises* and nursing a cold). Many are like mini-pep talks.

*I reserve the right to test those at a later date!

Thank you Mr. Edelstein for pointing out that Literature was intended to be enjoyed! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It's not about hunting for hidden symbols, metaphors, similes, blah, blah, blah!

This is not ARCHEOLOGY!!!

Finally, someone who gets it! Discussing symbols, tone, similes, etc., should be incidental to the discussion of the beautiful picture painted by the words an author put together for the singular purpose of my reading pleasure!

(Chapter 36: "A Few Unkind but Well-Deserved Words About Literature" - kudos to you!)

[F.M. Burgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to break out of writer's block.