Writing Brave and Free: Encouraging Words for People Who Want to Start Writing

by Ted Kooser, Steve Cox

Sometimes setting pen to paper requires bravery, and writing well means breaking free of the rules learned in school. Liberating and emboldening the beginning writer are the goals of Ted Kooser and Steve Cox in this spirited book of practical wisdom that brings to bear decades of invaluable experience in writing, teaching, editing, and publishing. Unlike “how to write” books that dwell on the angst and the agony of the trade, Writing Brave and Free is upbeat and accessible. The focus here is the work how to get started and how to keep going, and never is heard a discouraging word such as “no,” “not,” or “never.” Because of the wealth of their experience, the authors can offer the sort of practical publishing advice that novices need and yet rarely find. Organized in brief, user-friendly chapters—on everything from sensory details to a work environment, from creating suspense to revising and taking criticism—the book allows aspiring (and practicing) writers to dip in anywhere and find something of value.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Poetry

178 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Ted Kooser lives in rural Nebraska with his wife, Kathleen, and three dogs. He is one of America's most noted poets, having served two terms as U. S. Poet Laureate and, during the second term, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection, Delights & Shadows. He is a retired life insurance executive who now teaches part-time at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The school board in Lincoln, Nebraska, recently opened Ted Kooser Elementary School, which Ted says is his greatest honor, among many awards and distinctions. He has published twelve collections of poetry and three nonfiction books. Two of the latter are books on writing, The Poetry Home Repair Manual and Writing Brave and Free, and a memoir, Lights on a Ground of Darkness (all from University of Nebraska Press. Bag in the Wind from Candlewick is his first children's book, with which he is delighted. "It's wonderful," Ted said, "to be writing for young people. I am reinventing myself at age 70."

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I would probably have given this just three stars, but it did have a few gems that I'm going to incorporate into my teaching of writing - such as having students go back through a journal entry to highlight "no," "never," and "not" - and then to have them rewrite those passages using positive terms.

I liked the short, easy-to-digest chapters, and overall, it was a useful reminder of many writing tips and tricks without having much that was particularly new or novel.

[Jennifer Worrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet encouraging book with some tips and guidance. There are some interesting notes on writers' groups, which gave me ideas of what I want to look for when I'm ready for one. My favorite quote: "Before you send a poem, story, essay or chapter out in public, you want to make sure its shirt is tucked in."

[Tracy Gaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Very encouraging, sensitively written with some great advice and interesting anecdotes. Most important tools are confidence, joy in the work and the heart to write wild and free! Good man Ted :)

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great advice for beginning poets, including "give up any hope of making money at it," and just enjoy the journey. Practical and inspirational companion to a poetry course I'm taking currently at The Attic Institute in Portland, OR.

[Sam Koenen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kooser's prose is as smooth and simple as his poetry. This book has some helpful advice especially for young writers, or veterans who have forgotten that writing is about more than fame and money.

[Bridgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generous, kind, and patient, Writing Brave and Free is exactly what its title promises, "encouraging words for people who want to start writing."

[Art Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book covering a wide array of topics on becoming a writer.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book on writing, covering everything from getting started all the way to publishing and protecting your work with copyright. One short chapter is excellent about including all the senses in your writing. Lots of additional reading listed in the back. You'll want to take notes while reading this book! Definitely going on my re-read list.

[Philip]

This is a wonderful and supportive book not just for "beginning" writers but anyone who's looking for encouragement to deepen their commitment to writing.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like to read books about writing when I want to get inspired to write. This helped some.

[RRVWP · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to write, go for it...be bold and take a look at this book, a no-nonsense guide to writing.

[Cornelia DeDona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with useful information--

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the more useful books about writing. Short, concise, blunt, but still insightful and inspiring.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inspired me to write even when I wasn't sure of my writing skills.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative and thought provoking

[Nancy Loewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible, well-organized book for people who want to start writing--and I think it has plenty of good advice for those of us who already are. Ted Kooser is a treasure.