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Unleash the Writer Within: The Essential Writers’ Companion
Beloved NYT bestselling author Cecil (Cec) Murphey says, “The best kind of writing occurs when it comes from the heart. It’s called being authentic or transparent. Too many writers have an insatiable need to be accepted, liked, or admired, and those needs become more important than being true to their convictions. Be you when you write.”
But having the courage to tap into your innermost self and write purely from your spirit doesn’t always come naturally, which is why he wrote Unleash the Writer Within to guide you along the way. In this book, Cec helps
* Answer why you write;
* Find the real you;
* Understand your inner critic;
* Determine your strengths and weaknesses;
* Honor, embrace, and grow your voice;
* Discover your rhythm;
* Overcome your barriers to honest writing.
Unleash the Writer Within is sure to become your most-used and marked-up writing companion. It also serves as an excellent resource for writers’ events, group discussions, and conferences.
UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN is a previously published work, and is not substantially different from the original edition.
But having the courage to tap into your innermost self and write purely from your spirit doesn’t always come naturally, which is why he wrote Unleash the Writer Within to guide you along the way. In this book, Cec helps
* Answer why you write;
* Find the real you;
* Understand your inner critic;
* Determine your strengths and weaknesses;
* Honor, embrace, and grow your voice;
* Discover your rhythm;
* Overcome your barriers to honest writing.
Unleash the Writer Within is sure to become your most-used and marked-up writing companion. It also serves as an excellent resource for writers’ events, group discussions, and conferences.
UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN is a previously published work, and is not substantially different from the original edition.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2011
11 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Cecil Murphey
162 books58 followersCecil Murphey has written or coauthored more than one hundred books, including the autobiography of Franklin Graham, Rebel with a Cause. A collaborator on the bestseller Gifted Hands with Dr. Ben Carson, Cecil resides in Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 16, 2012
When Editorial Director of Oak Tara, Ramona Cramer Tucker, spoke at our monthly ACFW Chicago Northwest Chapter meeting, she came with a stack of books to sell. One of them was UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN, The Essential Writers’ Companion, by CECIL MURPHEY. She raved about the book, claiming it was different than any other writing book out there. I was currently reading what I thought to be the greatest writing book. Surly UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN wasn’t going to tell me anything I hadn’t already heard.
Only because Ms. Tucker spoke so enthusiastically about UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN, and because it was reasonable priced, as well as it looked like a quick read, I reluctantly purchased it. What did I need with another book about writing? I had several at home waiting to be read.
As I began to read UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN, I was quickly drawn in. This was not your typical book on writing. It reads like a great novel or perhaps a well written diary. The chapters are short, packed full of great information. The content is honest, refreshing, full of wisdom and courage.
If you were to look into my copy you’d find several dog eared pages, highlight galore and words written throughout. What a refreshing read. Over the years I’ve been inundated with how to or what I should write. In this book Mr. Murphey speaks from the heart what many writers often think but are reluctant to express.
At the end of each chapter there is an aphorism that sums up the contents. At the end of the book there is a list of all twenty-seven, a great review/reminder. If I had to pick one that was the most impactful and profound, I couldn’t. Instead I came up with five.
#15. “I learn from other writers. I grow my voice by paying attention to the writers I like to read.”
#21. “I want to be the best me I can, so I follow my natural rhythm, and don’t try to imitate anyone else.”
#25. “I can resent others for their achievements, or I can admire them for what they’ve accomplished. I can determine to work as hard as they do.”
#26. “I am a passionate person. I can be a passionate writer if I choose.”
#27. “This is the best I can do at this stage of my development.”
I have always felt that I must write what I feel in my soul, what is right, not what society, editors, publishers or the market deems I should write. Cecil Murphey’s words not only confirm that to be a good thing, he lives by it. From what I understand of Oak Tara, they too believe the same, and are willing to give author’s the chance to speak from their heart.
If the only thing UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN taught me was #27, “This is the best I can do at this stage of my development.” it was worth every penny. I highly recommend this book to all writers no matter where they are in their journey of writing.
Only because Ms. Tucker spoke so enthusiastically about UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN, and because it was reasonable priced, as well as it looked like a quick read, I reluctantly purchased it. What did I need with another book about writing? I had several at home waiting to be read.
As I began to read UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN, I was quickly drawn in. This was not your typical book on writing. It reads like a great novel or perhaps a well written diary. The chapters are short, packed full of great information. The content is honest, refreshing, full of wisdom and courage.
If you were to look into my copy you’d find several dog eared pages, highlight galore and words written throughout. What a refreshing read. Over the years I’ve been inundated with how to or what I should write. In this book Mr. Murphey speaks from the heart what many writers often think but are reluctant to express.
At the end of each chapter there is an aphorism that sums up the contents. At the end of the book there is a list of all twenty-seven, a great review/reminder. If I had to pick one that was the most impactful and profound, I couldn’t. Instead I came up with five.
#15. “I learn from other writers. I grow my voice by paying attention to the writers I like to read.”
#21. “I want to be the best me I can, so I follow my natural rhythm, and don’t try to imitate anyone else.”
#25. “I can resent others for their achievements, or I can admire them for what they’ve accomplished. I can determine to work as hard as they do.”
#26. “I am a passionate person. I can be a passionate writer if I choose.”
#27. “This is the best I can do at this stage of my development.”
I have always felt that I must write what I feel in my soul, what is right, not what society, editors, publishers or the market deems I should write. Cecil Murphey’s words not only confirm that to be a good thing, he lives by it. From what I understand of Oak Tara, they too believe the same, and are willing to give author’s the chance to speak from their heart.
If the only thing UNLEASH THE WRITER WITHIN taught me was #27, “This is the best I can do at this stage of my development.” it was worth every penny. I highly recommend this book to all writers no matter where they are in their journey of writing.
September 23, 2012
Writing books and writer guides abound, but this is the only you will find from an author who has written over 100 books--as a ghotwriter, as a NYT Best-selling co-author, and as a powerful writer willing to leave his heart on the page).
In his transparent and no-nonsense style, Cec Murphy balances truth with encouragement. He gives us the hard facts of writing and the applause we need to keep going. He tells us that to find our voice we need to find wholeness and then paints a clear picture of how we can begin getting there.
What a rare opportunity to spend hours with an author like Cec Murphy over a cup of coffee--leaving no writing leaf unturned. Highly recommend it.
Standout quote: "If you really want to find your voice, your goal is to journey toward inner wholeness--which is what life is about anyway. It involves self-acceptance and genuine self-respect."
In his transparent and no-nonsense style, Cec Murphy balances truth with encouragement. He gives us the hard facts of writing and the applause we need to keep going. He tells us that to find our voice we need to find wholeness and then paints a clear picture of how we can begin getting there.
What a rare opportunity to spend hours with an author like Cec Murphy over a cup of coffee--leaving no writing leaf unturned. Highly recommend it.
Standout quote: "If you really want to find your voice, your goal is to journey toward inner wholeness--which is what life is about anyway. It involves self-acceptance and genuine self-respect."
August 28, 2012
Great tool for writers. Def worth reading
August 25, 2022
Without a doubt the most influential book on writing I've ever read. I couldn't put the book down. With tremendous sage advice and insight, I learned where my best writing can be found. I feel after reading the book I can face my struggles and fears as a writer with confidence and learn from them. Simple. Easy to read. I feel the author was speaking to me the whole time. I could hear his voice. I recommend this book to all authors discovering who they are, their voice, or even people who just want to find out more about themselves. Incredible introspective approach. A must read.
January 3, 2014
Cecil Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within", is as it states on the book's cover, "Real. Transparent. Honest. Gutsy. Straightforward."
Cecil's writings are seasoned in wisdom and thoroughly thought-out. His book was a personal & timely infusion of insight as I sought to define my own sense of direction & meaning for writing. That being respectful of its voice, its timing - its creative patterns and the need to honor that process. One read through...turned my desire into a reality.
I found Mr. Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within" to be holistic & therapeutic. An excellent read! ~Storm
Unleash the Writer Within by Cecil Murphey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecil Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within", is as it states on the book's cover, "Real. Transparent. Honest. Gutsy. Straightforward."
Cecil's writings are seasoned in wisdom and thoroughly thought-out. His book was a personal & timely infusion of insight as I sought to define my own sense of direction & meaning for writing. That being respectful of its voice, its timing - its creative patterns and the need to honor that process. One read through...turned my desire into a reality.
I found Mr. Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within" to be holistic & therapeutic. An excellent read! ~Storm
View all my reviews
Cecil's writings are seasoned in wisdom and thoroughly thought-out. His book was a personal & timely infusion of insight as I sought to define my own sense of direction & meaning for writing. That being respectful of its voice, its timing - its creative patterns and the need to honor that process. One read through...turned my desire into a reality.
I found Mr. Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within" to be holistic & therapeutic. An excellent read! ~Storm
Unleash the Writer Within by Cecil MurpheyMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecil Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within", is as it states on the book's cover, "Real. Transparent. Honest. Gutsy. Straightforward."
Cecil's writings are seasoned in wisdom and thoroughly thought-out. His book was a personal & timely infusion of insight as I sought to define my own sense of direction & meaning for writing. That being respectful of its voice, its timing - its creative patterns and the need to honor that process. One read through...turned my desire into a reality.
I found Mr. Murphey's "Unleash The Writer Within" to be holistic & therapeutic. An excellent read! ~Storm
View all my reviews
July 6, 2012
I have long admired Cec Murphey and have had the opportunity to learn from him through an online writer's group. What I like most about this is the personal nature of his writing. Cec does in this book what he's exhorting writers to do - he's vulnerable and true to himself.
Unlike other writing books, Unleash the Writer Within doesn't offer steps to follow or exercises to try. Instead it contains a wealth of advice touching on more of the emotional side of writing - envy, self-respect, passion, to name a few.
Here is one of the statements that stuck out to me:
"The corollary is that the more fully you accept yourself, the less you censor or block your writing flow, and the better you produce words that touch others."
In that same chapter he asks the question:
"How would it affect your writing if you weren't constantly looking at your faults but focusing on what you can do?"
Cec offers "aphorisms for writers" - one in each chapter, which are gathered in a list at the back of the book. For example, Number 20 is "When I write from within, I put into words what others think but cannot say." This list alone has the power to propel a writer forward.
Well worth reading for anyone who has been called to be a writer.
Unlike other writing books, Unleash the Writer Within doesn't offer steps to follow or exercises to try. Instead it contains a wealth of advice touching on more of the emotional side of writing - envy, self-respect, passion, to name a few.
Here is one of the statements that stuck out to me:
"The corollary is that the more fully you accept yourself, the less you censor or block your writing flow, and the better you produce words that touch others."
In that same chapter he asks the question:
"How would it affect your writing if you weren't constantly looking at your faults but focusing on what you can do?"
Cec offers "aphorisms for writers" - one in each chapter, which are gathered in a list at the back of the book. For example, Number 20 is "When I write from within, I put into words what others think but cannot say." This list alone has the power to propel a writer forward.
Well worth reading for anyone who has been called to be a writer.
May 20, 2017
I am an aspiring author working on my first book, more of a story teller than a writer. Due to health reasons, I never had the opportunity to further my education. I longed to take a creative writing course, but circumstances prevented this.
I was thrilled when I found this book in Kindle edition. It changed my life. My passion and encouragement to write grew. I learned so much from Mr. Murphey. I found the book informative, fascinating, intriguing, and filled with kindness, patience, and humor for the reader i.e. student writer, making learning enjoyable.
The book captivated me and I could not stop reading and rereading to digest it. I am currently reading it again for the fourth time. I love it this much and highly recommend this book to all authors, aspiring writers, bloggers, poets, etc.
Thank you Cecil Murphey for sharing the amazing journey through your brain and years of experience!
I was thrilled when I found this book in Kindle edition. It changed my life. My passion and encouragement to write grew. I learned so much from Mr. Murphey. I found the book informative, fascinating, intriguing, and filled with kindness, patience, and humor for the reader i.e. student writer, making learning enjoyable.
The book captivated me and I could not stop reading and rereading to digest it. I am currently reading it again for the fourth time. I love it this much and highly recommend this book to all authors, aspiring writers, bloggers, poets, etc.
Thank you Cecil Murphey for sharing the amazing journey through your brain and years of experience!
October 19, 2012
You would think a writer as famous as Cecil Murphey could justifiably be pretty sold on himself, but he sure doesn't come across that way in this book. People I know who have met him say it sounds just like him--humble, unassuming, and helpful.
It's not a how-to book as much as a why-to. Or maybe a why-do-you or a why-do-you-not? It digs deep into your soul and makes you question yourself. And I don't mean that negatively--far from it. Instead, he encourages you to find out what really stirs you and whip up that thought into a saleable missive.
There are not a lot of authors who actually make a good living selling their books, but Mr. Murphey does and has for at least three decades. After reading this one, I can understand why. And he has some wonderful hints for improving your craft.
It's not a how-to book as much as a why-to. Or maybe a why-do-you or a why-do-you-not? It digs deep into your soul and makes you question yourself. And I don't mean that negatively--far from it. Instead, he encourages you to find out what really stirs you and whip up that thought into a saleable missive.
There are not a lot of authors who actually make a good living selling their books, but Mr. Murphey does and has for at least three decades. After reading this one, I can understand why. And he has some wonderful hints for improving your craft.
May 16, 2014
Initially I was taken aback by Cec Murphey's straightforward approach. What that really means is that I felt he was speaking directly to me about the writing I haven't done during the past year. His words skewered me. I continued to read finding myself oddly drawn to his rather blunt way of saying things. He has so much experience to draw on that I ended up enjoying the book quite a bit. This book has ignited the fire within me.
February 8, 2014
I loved this book. I've read a number of books on the subject of writing but this one was diferent. I felt as if I were in a warm cozy room with a few other beginning authors. We were listening to a famous author of 120 books telling us about writing. The main thing I came away with, is allowing yourself to follow your inner feelings and learn to respect and understand your inner muse. I'm going to try to do that. I definately recommend it.
July 7, 2017
Cecil Murphey is just the guy to write this book, a compendium of issues al writers face and how to handle them. His extensive experience and success enrich the content as his humble personality touch the reader.
Thanks, Cece. God bless.
Thanks, Cece. God bless.
April 19, 2012
Very good book on finding your writer's voice.
December 26, 2012
Great tips for writers with lots of encouragement. A book to be passed along in a writing circle and recommended to critique groups.
September 7, 2016
I gained knowledge in doses I could retain. I found this book helpful as a beginning writer.
August 10, 2017
I totally enjoyed this book. I've read it three times, but this is the only time that I've listed it on Goodreads. I rarely give five stars, but if you are a writer, I highly recommend this book!
April 25, 2018
Cecil Murphey shares from his deep well of writing experiences. Best gem for me, Go ahead and write from your strengths.
June 26, 2020
This book holds still holds the first place in my heart this year. I’ve never met the author, yet I felt as if he were speaking directly to me. His conversational writing style, the pauses in just the right places, perfect emphasis for driving an action point, and actionable steps urging readers to look inside for meaning and authenticity, all combined in a life changing experience to guide me to the reasons I write. I can’t thank this author enough. Praise the Lord for writers who share from their hearts. Thank you, Mr. Cec Murphey. Thank you from the depths of my heart for authoring this book.
October 26, 2022
Every writer needs to read Cec's book. While it's important for a writer to understand their craft and the basics of writing well, understanding themself as a writer is an essential part of producing the best work they can. Cec offers great tips and insight in a concise manner. So glad I read this book!
March 6, 2024
I loved this book! It was given to me at a book conference and I have dug deep into each chapter. I have learned not just so much about writing, but also so much about myself. I would recommend this book to anyone who want sot dive into why they write and what it means for them.
November 18, 2021
Other than the totally unrealistic cover, a great primer for writers by a New York Times best-seller.
March 6, 2022
Yes, I read this in two days. I went to have a writing day and got sucked in to this easy read. Easy to read, but super thought provoking. I will need to go back and refer to it often. But what I've written in the days since already shows me how helpful it was.
August 23, 2016
I didn't like some of the words used in this book and I didn't finish it (only 66% of the way through) because I don't agree with the philosophy of listening to your heart, follow your heart, etc. since the Bible says that the heart is deceitful. Murphey threw Bible verses around but he kinda twisted them.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews