For Writers Only

by Sophy Burnham

"I see but one to be clear."
--Stendhal
If only it were as easy for most writers as it was for Stendhal. The truth about the act of writing is much more varied, even violent. In fact, there seem to be as many contradictory admonitions about how to go about doing it as there are writers themselves.
With that in mind, writer Sophy Burnham has collected the thoughts of some of the greatest writers and laced them with her own observations and experiences of the writer's life. With an emphasis on the emotions that writing wrings from those who practice it, Burnham writes about beginning a work prematurely, the ecstasy when the writing is really flowing, the crash that can follow the flight and how to pick yourself up and continue.
Here you will find the motto Zola kept in his workroom (No day without lines), where Agatha Christie plotted her books (in the bathtub eating apples), and what James Thurber's wife replied when a dinner guest observed a strange expression on her husband's face (Don't be concerned. He's only writing). Most of all, you will be reassured, enlightened, and inspired to learn that, in your own writing struggles, you are not alone.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Sophy Burnham is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and non-fiction writer. Three of her books have appeared on THE NEW YORK TIMES and other best seller lists. Her works have been translated into twenty-four languages. Her articles and essays have been published in ESQUIRE, NEW YORK, THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, TOWN & COUNTRY, READER'S DIGEST and many other magazines. In addition to her theater interests, she is a psychic or intuitive, a healer, and a spiritual director. She lives in Washington D.C. New novel, 'Love, Alba' coming summer 2015!

Reviews

[Jen Knox · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read these books when I'm procrastinating--like when I have a big lecture to give in a week, and a reading to stage, and a month-long trip to plan for. Because I should be preparing for all the aforementioned things, I picked up For Writers Only.

Judging from the title, I felt as though there would be something exclusive and secretive, some writing practice or technique that would challenge me, maybe even inspire me, as a writer. But, it began with a contradiction [direct quote:]: "For Writers Only isn't only for writers: it applies as much to a carpenter..."

I'm sorry, why did you title it "For Writers Only" then?

This book went on to irritate me to no end (and no, I didn't finish it). It was a bunch of quotes, bookended with the author's dismal interpretations of said quotes. Her basic thesis, as far as I can tell, is that writing is depressing and hard, but we should all do it anyway--even if we're not writers at all. And I still don't know what that has to do with a carpenter, except for maybe the numerous mentions of Jesus and some loose religious connection--but if so it's not a clear argument.

If I ever write a How-To book, it will be the polar opposite. Here's an overview: Writing is easy, revision is tough, titles are important, and there are far too many writers, far too few of them read. The End.

OK--so I'm better at reviewing the ones I like...

[Quinn Edelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice, as an aspiring novelist, to read about the experience of others. There's nothing more frustrating than to watch as some writers crank out book after book after book while I can barely get down three sentences at a time. Knowing that Uncle Tom's Cabin was written in much the same way that I am writing my book is like a balm to my soul. I don't know that my novel will reach the status of Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic, or even be published for that matter! What I do know, and appreciate, is taht all writer's have felt this way. That even the masters dealt with frustration, writer's block, and rejection.

This is a little bit of a cautionary tale as well. Burnham does talk about depression, drug, and alcohol addiction in some famous writers, and the consequences they faced. I didn't consider it to be morose, merely truthful. Writing is hard. Not being recognized is harder. Don't add to the pain or try to numb it through substance abuse. Embrace it and write from it.

[Sunshine Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

For several months, I kept avoiding getting this book at my local library. Of course, I get this book when I am already reading too much. The book was an interesting read. A few topics in the book included letting go, making time, productivity, rewriting, audience, aloneness, money, rejection, publishing, jealousy, and writer's block. I would recommend this book to all writers. :)

[Beth]

If you need a book that makes you feel like you are less alone as you sit at your desk trying to write, Sophy Burnham's _For Writers Only_ is a good companion because in it she tells both her struggles with writing but offers quotes and anecdotes from other writers that are either a comfort or an inspiration depending on what you need. It's a book you can read from beginning to end or you can dip in and out of as needed. Other reviewers have mentioned problems with duplicate or misattributed quotes. While I wouldn't use this book to quote from without trying to find the original source, I don't believe this is a deal breaker.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back in 1997, and from my notes at the time seem to have been very enthusiastic about it. Otherwise, I can't remember it at all, but I did jot down a couple of quotes from it:

Joyce Cary: ‘I do not write and never have written to an arranged plot. The book is composed at once, like a picture, and may start anywhere, in the middle or at the end. I may go from the end to the beginning in the same day and then from the beginning to the middle.’
Red Smith: ‘Writing is scary. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead.’

I've never read anything of Joyce Carey's, so I don't know how effective his method was (yes, he was a he in spite of the name), and though I've tried something similar with a novel in the past, I don't know that it worked quite as well for me as it did for him.

[Christine Ellis-Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great book to read, especially if you're a writer that is struggling with your own demons. You are not alone with your struggles as a writer. You may feel isolated, depressed and one that can't seem to put your words down on paper. You often wonder if being a writer is worth all the pain and suffering you feel as you try to move your thoughts from you mind onto your laptop or paper. Do you want to be a writer, published or not? If you feel the passion to write, as many of us do, then don't give up. You are not alone.

[Bonnie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book for writers. It's bursting with encouraging quotes from famous authors and packed with endless writing inspiration. The author has clearly faced all of the trials and triumphs that so many writers feel. I'll keep this copy close by, knowing I can open to any page at any time and find motivation to keep me writing.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the title this is actually a good book for any artist. Where most books focus on technique or theory, this book focuses on comfort and encouragement. On every left page readers find inspirational quotes, while the right page is filled with simple stories that demonstrate how to live a happy life while struggling to write, placing a strong emphasis on self-patience.

4/5

[John Forbis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Intimate View of the Life of a Writer

This book delighted me, encouraged me, inspired me and scared me. It showed me the courage and endurance to be a writer, but I also received hope from Burnham's stories about writers and herself. Passion for writing can go a long way to be brave and endure. Sophy Burnham has helped me to get in touch with that passion again after two years of keeping my writing close to my chest even after being published in journals and anthologies. I think I can regain the courage and endurance to submit work again thanks to this book. The book also reminds me of why I am so passionate about writing. An inspiring and realistic and intimate view of the writing life.

[Peris Roney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a special place in my heart. On the last day of school in my 8th-grade year, my substitute teacher gave me this book. She told me this is her favorite book on the journey of writing, and felt that I would grow to love it too. I really did grow to love this book. There are so many quotes in this book (from other authors) that just resign with you. I honestly cannot put into words how much this book means to me. If you enjoy writing as much as I enjoy it, this is certainly a book for you.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think there's something to be said about the intimacy and tenderness of this book. It felt like a guidebook to understanding the different and Romantic meanings that define being a "writer" and creative. I also felt like I saw so many transparent and validating moments in this book - just constantly feeling reassured and as if I had received a big hug from a fellow creative.

This book was simple, honest, meaningful, warm, maternal, and accepting. I believe anyone who truly feels a divine connection with writing would find themselves elated with the moments that Sophy wrote in her book.

[delimatulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a soothing balm to my aches and wounds. Resumed reading this after a while since I'm pushing myself to properly write again & to pick up my abandoned drafts. This book understood me through the experiences of other authors who might've shared similar feelings: aloneness, rejection, etc

My favourite chapters are Letting Go, Audience & Aloneness

[Mandy Eve-Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always interesting to see another author's inner workings, so to speak. How we all suffer for our craft and find solutions to the rejections, idea stalls, time management and more. I really enjoyed the examples of other authors and their comments as well as the quotes. A good read, baring in mind it was published in 1994 and some references are outdated.
Worth a read if you are a writer.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a Published writer and I did not like this book. I expected more of a challenge to teach us how to write. Maybe because first publication was in 1994. Not sure but I have no ratings except this book was boring and dull.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It's like a friend to remind you of all the ups and downs of writing; why we so treasure the ups, and it's totally okay, everyone goes through the downs.
Would definitely recommend for anyone who just needs a boost while working on their projects!
Happy Reading!

[Barbara Toboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great encouragement book for writers.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotes and encouragement. The important thing is that your work is something no one else could do. - John Berryman. And many more.

[Eric Crawford · Rating 2 out of 5]

The quotations included from other writers about writing were interesting, but poorly edited in one instance: an Agatha Christie quotation was used twice, and on successive pages, which makes the mistake even sillier. In the author's content, in the Publishing chapter, she quotes Emerson: "Cut these words and they would bleed." But she used it in the context of editors revising your work. Emerson was talking about Montaigne and referring to his style of writing. Emerson actually wrote, "Cut these words, and they would bleed; they are vascular and alive." Cut as in literally cutting open the words, not the cutting that is done in an editing process. It substitutes a beautiful metaphor with the typical image of a cranky, dramatic writer butting heads with an editor. Most of the book is filled with this kind of melodrama.

Another instance of poor editing: page 115, "How could he sustain that level? When did he rewrite, which is what most writers do?" Page 123, "But now we are into rewriting, which is what most writers do." The one on page 123 is the last line of the chapter; how does one miss this stuff?

Another strange moment in this book occurred in the Aloneness chapter: "[...] and I like the unmarried Dorothy Sayers becoming pregnant (a sin) and later pouring out her love on a man "incapable of receiving it," to use Carolyn Heilburn's words, and thus ensuring for herself both love and freedom, which means time to do her work." As you can see, the author interjects with her opinion on being pregnant while unmarried. It's so uncouth the way it's done, and it didn't even have to be done because it's irrelevant.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while, it’s a good idea for writers to stop and reflect about what they’re writing, and why. Writing is often a difficult, lonely profession driven by fear and insecurity frequently exacerbated by frustration and disillusionment. This book demonstrates how these feelings, and many more, come with the territory. For Writers Only is not a how-to book, but rather a book about the emotional side of the writer’s life. Author Sophy Burnham writes candidly about her own experiences, and shares the thoughts of many famous writers who’ve faced incredible challenges and plenty of rejection.

Burnham divided the book into chapters with provocative titles such as Walking-Around Time, Waiting, Spinning, Drifting, and Letting Go. The sensitive, insightful chapters about loneliness, money, drug, alcohol and mental health issues, as well as jealousy, are topics not often covered in other books.

I liked the simple format: quotations from famous authors on the left page; thoughts and reflections on the right. It made me realize that many of the things I’ve fretted about or experienced are practically everyday occurrences for people deeply committed to writing. Some of the chapters had more depth than others, however I found the reflection of the authors’ struggles inspiring and totally relatable. This is one of those books that will be great to refer back to during those insecure moments when dreams feel like they’re about to derail.

[Suzie Quint · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out on the wrong foot with me.

I don’t relate at all to the first chapter because its description of the highs and lows of writing is almost bipolar. Yes, I have unproductive, down times when writing, but if I felt the way she describes hers, I’d make sure I was medicated. As an example, she writes:

Creative anxiety…must be treasured. Like its destructive sister, it crucifies the writer. It carries with it real suffering and physical distress: migraines, backache and especially the anguish of an aching soul.

For those who share this sort of distress, this assurance that you’re not alone might be just what the doctor ordered, but for me, it’s just depressing. Why would anyone do this to themselves?

Full review is at http://suziequint.blogspot.com/2012/0...

[Dee]

Yesterday I was irritated with my writing progress. Determined to write a decent scene, I went to Barnes & Noble. (Coffee and aisles of books help sometimes.)

I finished the scene and my bad mood dissipated. My reward? Browsing the shelves and buying a book . This one jumped out at me. Flipping through it, I laughed repeatedly, mainly from relief: I was not crazy.

Writing is an emotional roller coaster, from one week to the next, from the beginning of a scene to the final words.

This is not a book on how to write. It's more about how to live as a writer. "This is about the sweetness of creating instead. You read your draft--and want to slash your wrists. Well, that is the appropriate emotion to feel. Wait. Tomorrow you'll begin another phase."

I enjoyed the book and I'll return to it over the years for motivation, inspiration, and consolation.

[Quanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a blessing to anyone who maybe going through an emotional challenge while in the progress of writing there own book.
It helps you understand why you're going through it.

It is also informative in regard to other writers, how they thought, the writing process, the way it comes about differently for everyone and it's just really an inspirationally charged book that keeps your juices flowing, and your mind filled with ideas, vocabulary and imagination.

If you have not read this book then I suggest you do so if you would like a boost of internal self.

Quanda R. Graves (Until...)

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE quotes and this book is packed full of some great ones. A few of my favourite include:

"A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction" - Virginia Woolf

"Be regular and orderly in your life like a bourgeois so that you may be violent and original in your work" - Gustave Flaubert

"I greatly admire the English writer, Henry Green...[He] wrote during the cocktail hour, the only time he could withdraw. Little by little he managed, in the cocktail hour, to produce a dozen novels."
- Christopher Isherwood

[Sarah Obsesses over Books & Cookies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second tine through this and it's as inspirational as the first time. If you love writing this book is for you. It is full of quotes from famous writers about the various facets of the writing life: audience, productivity, making time, money, tools, the how and why, block etc. Just a little short gem to reach for when you need to be reminded why you come to the blank page each day.

[Daniel]

Sophy Burnham has collected the thoughts of some of the greatest writers and laced them with her own observations and experiences of the writer's life. With an emphasis on the emotions that writing wrings from those who practice it, Burnham writes (more)

[AliceinWonderland · Rating 2 out of 5]

- Liked the quotes on the opposite side of the pages; however the content was spotty. At times, it was somewhat inspiring; at other times, "old hat" - I'd heard it many times before & there was nothing new to be learned.

[Alsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A staple comfort book to turn to for writing inspiration.

[Apryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to pick up and put down, find again for inspiration. Great quotes, thoughtful insight to the writing life.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little gem is EXACTLY what I needed to read after going through a bout of self-doubt and fear.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love LOVE this book, and thanks to Rick H/goodreads swap, I am now the proud owner of it. Thanks again Rick!