Fire Up Your Writing Brain: How to Use Proven Neuroscience to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Writer

by Susan Reynolds

Ignite Your Writing Brain!Whether you're an experienced writer or just starting out, an endless number of pitfalls can trip up your efforts, from procrastination and writer's block to thin characters and uninspired plots. Luckily, you have access to an extraordinary writing tool that can help overcome all of these your brain.Fire Up Your Writing Brain teaches you how to develop your brain to its fullest potential. Based on proven, easy-to-understand neuroscience, this book details ways to stimulate, nurture, and hone your brain into the ultimate writing tool. Inside, you'll learn how    • Identify the type of writer you Do you think or feel your way through writing a book? Are you a pantser or a plotter?   • Develop writing models that accelerate your learning curve.   • Hardwire your brain for endurance and increased productivity.   • Brainstorm better character concepts and plot points.   • Learn to edit your manuscript on both a macro and micro level.   • Recharge a lagging brain to gain an extra burst of creativity.Filled with accessible instruction, practical techniques, and thought-provoking exercises, Fire Up Your Writing Brain shows you how to become a more productive, creative, and successful writer--a veritable writing genius!"An excellent resource--the way that neuroscience and the art of writing are jointly explored allows for a new, unique, and practical integration of the two." --Teresa Aubele-Futch, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame and co-author of Train Your Brain to Get Happy and Train Your Brain to Get Rich"Full of neuroscience facts and tips, this inspiring book will change your brain--and your writing life. I learned techniques that I'll apply to my students and my own writing." --Linda Joy Myers, President of the National Association of Memoir Writers and award-winning author of Don't Call Me A Daughter's Journey from Abandonment to Forgiveness

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Science, Psychology, Neuroscience, Self Help

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2015

About the author

Susan Reynolds's most recent book is "Fire Up Your Writing Brain: How to Use Proven Neuroscience to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Writer." She previously co-authored "Train Your Brain to Get Happy" and "Train Your Brain to Get Rich." Other recent books are "Healthiest You Ever" and "Meditation for Moms." She has also authored "Everything Enneagram, Change Your Shoes, Change Your Life, and co-authored Everything Personal Finance for Single Mothers," and "One-Income Household." Ms. Reynolds is the creator and editor of Adams Media¹s My Hero series, which includes "My Teacher Is My Hero" (2008), "My Mom Is My Hero" (2009), "My Dad Is My Hero" (2009), and "My Dog Is My Hero" (2010). She also edited "Woodstock Revisited, 50 far out, groovy, peace-inducing, flashback-inducing stories from those who were there" (2009). Ms. Reynolds has a B.A. in Psychology and has often written about psychological concepts, as well as edited a plethora of nonfiction books about multiple and varied subjects. In 2002, Ms. Reynolds uprooted her life and spent a year in Paris, reinventing herself, and her career trajectory. Upon return, she founded Literary Cottage, a literary consulting firm based in Boston, through which she coaches writers. Ms. Reynolds currently writes two blogs for mega-trafficked Psychologytoday.com.

Reviews

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. It’s not full of fluff like you’d expect from a writing advice book. There was a surprisingly good amount of depth to it. It’s full of helpful advice about the entire writing process, plus it has quotes, resources, and exercises.

This is just a sample of what you’ll learn:

• Neuroplasticity and how the brain processes information
• Questions to ask yourself
• How to prime your brain for brainstorming and your writing process in general.
• Creating the right mindset
• How to determine what type of writer you are
• What types of books to read to benefit your writing (poems and literary fiction)
• How to meditate
• How to use visualization
• How to enter the flow state
• How to stay motivated
• Writer’s block
• How to edit your book (in detail)

This was the right writing advice book for me to read first because it helped get my mind in the right place while I’m developing a daily writing habit. I really liked the questions it recommends that I ask myself throughout my writing process and things to do to that will help writing sessions become more successful. Not only did I learn a lot, but it got me excited about reading the other writing advice books that I have on my physical shelf.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Susan Reynolds talks about how the brain functions and how to best work with it to increase your focus, stimulate your creativity, and react to writing as a positive experience. This is a similar approach to Wired for Story: The Writer's Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron. But my recollection is that Cron's book focused more on writing instruction, adding relevant information on brain science where appropriate. Reynolds' book is more about the neuroscience, applying it to the act of writing. Although she mostly discusses fiction writing (novels), she also mentions other forms of writing such as journalism, screenwriting, and poetry. Indeed, I suspect that much of what Reynolds talks about could be applied to other creative pursuits, such as drawing.

The weakest part of this book is the writing instruction, the actual how-to-write-a-novel parts. They're fairly generic and don't really go into much detail. However, this is what just about every other writing reference book out there covers. Read this book if the idea of applying neuroscience to writing and creativity appeals to you, because that's where it shines, but it probably won't work as your only guide to writing a novel.

[Angela Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and helpful

This book takes the recent findings of neuroscience and applies them to fiction writing. I know from personal experience that many of the tips--such as the benefits of exercise before writing-- are highly effective. I plan to try others, such as meditation. I think you'll find it a great addition to your library.

[alyssa]

This was good but I also read it to procrastinate actually writing which is bad so it’s a tossup

[Jennifer Louden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously uneven book - moments of great usefulness followed by sections that made me do the RCA Victor dog - huh?? Either because the author made sweeping generalizations, odd ball suggestions, or rehashed info that didn't need to be rehashed.

More of a survey than an in-depth way to practice using your brain to write more effectively or joyfully but still, will refer to it when teaching and writing.

[Gillian Pierce · Rating 1 out of 5]

A strange mashup of pseudo-science and meta-categorizing brain function to "figure out" what "kind" of writer you are. It takes a simple concept - I want to write - and blows it into overintellectualized chaos. I would not recommend this book to other writers regardless of their ability. And i think the "neuroscience" claims and the way the author is applying it, are bogus. Don't spend the money.

[Claire Handscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was full of useful tips, but to be honest - I'd heard almost all of them before. They were reframed in a scientiifc context and people of a more scientific bent will probably find that more interesting/useful than I did. That said, if you're just starting out on your writing journey, or you've never really read any books to help with it, this will be a great starting point.

[Cathy Lentes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advice for writers based on brain research. Particularly helpful to novelists or anyone writing long form. Also of interest to those trying to understand the benefits of writing on a regular schedule.

[Jaiden · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled through this one, folks.

While there are for sure some good moments and pieces of advice, I also felt like I’d done a google search and clicked on a “How to be a better writer” article.

[Justyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a how to writing book in ages, but I though this would be a different sort of book given it drawing from neuroscience. If you have any interest in how the brain works or psychology, this book will deliver. As for the writing aspect, it has some pretty solid advice and exercises too. Reynolds begins with an overview of how the brain works then dives into various stages of the writing process, from prepping your brain to outlining to sustaining momentum to finishing a manuscript. She also intersperses some vignettes with tips supported by research. Overall, as someone with a background in psychology and have read enough writing books that they all start sounding the same, Fire Up Your Writing Brain was a bit of a letdown. The random tips are kind of cool, but the core of the book reads like your standard how to writing book, filled with content you've seen again and again. Yes we know to establish a routine, brainstorm, outline, ask yourself questions regarding plot and character, and so on. Reynolds only loosely adds the neuroscience to support these recommendations, but a lot of it seemed separate from the applied stuff. And much of the content felt redundant. As for the brain stuff, you might as well sum it up as, yes neuroplasticity is a thing, so through practice we can become better writers. As far as the brain stuff itself, I think it only validated a point I heard regarding writer's block, about how it's not even about the writing itself, but about your own mental health. As Reynolds writes about how creativity is tied to our prefrontal cortexes, we need to notice if we're able to use that part or our brain or perhaps if we're stuck in some depressed or anxious fight, flight, or freeze state, we need to attend to ourselves first. Overall, Fire Up Your Writing Brain has some great content if you're a newer writer or have interest in neuropsyschology. Otherwise, it's nothing new.

[Ali Balchunas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was cool reading about the science behind how our brain works, and how we all have the power to guide our own brains into making us more productive and successful. I'd recommend this to anyone (like me) who needs a push to motivate them to do what they love.

[Charla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on the process of writing I have ever read. The end.

[Dr Ariel Rainey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book, not because it's badly written, but because it's not at all what I thought the book was about.

I love brain science, and it does include a bit, especially at the beginning. But really, this book is about writing a novel. If you are looking for motivation and tips/techniques for creating plots, stories, dialogue, and all that goes into creative FICTION, this isn't a bad book at all.

But if you're looking for more general writing, this book is about 70% useless. Every now and then the words "and nonfiction writing" would be thrown in, but the actual *content* doesn't really cover that. Also, about 35% of the book seems like things a writer would already know/do; for example, there are suggestions, like "join a writer's group or club" for developing your skills. Well, yeah. A lot of it was kind of basic, and I guess I felt like I'd moved past some of that already in my writing journey, but maybe for others, that really is helpful?

I didn't hate it, but I don't know that I benefitted from it that much either. I noted some helpful things down, and time will tell if they make a big difference to my actual writing process.

As far as format, I really enjoyed all the quotes from real writers on their craft, and I liked the idea of each chapter ending with some creative projects to try (even if I don't write much fiction).

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became intrigued by Fire Up Your Writing Brain: How to Use Proven Neuroscience to Become a More Creative, Productive, and Successful Writer because I like things based in science, based on scientific research. That said, there were a few times when I wished the scientific research was a tiny bit more front and center in the discussion. When I started it, I thought it would be a fairly quick read even with the exercises... I thought wrong. Instead, I spent several months reading Fire Up Your Writing Brain and working through the exercises. I even did some of the extra credit options though not all. I saved some exercises for later when they fit my projects at hand. Fire Up Your Writing Brain made me look deeper into my writing process as well as more aware of where my attention goes throughout the day including what interferes with my writing process. While I sometimes became frustrated with some of the exercises working through them always brought me to either an epiphany or a new piece of work. Fire Up Your Writing Brain offers a great way to jump start a stalled writing process or even heighten one that isn't stalled. I will keep Fire Up Your Writing Brain on my shelves for reference and will likely return to the exercises when I feel the need to fire up my writing brain.

[Carly Severino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great inspirational read for those who struggle with writing and wish to change their past associations with writing from those of dread to excitement. I enjoyed the emphasis of rewarding oneself for their hard work to create positive neuronal pathways between the act of writing and pleasure. I also thought the idea of changing routines we've convinced ourselves are in our best interest was especially helpful, as often these routines are detrimental because we have not taken the time to get to know our "writing brain" well enough to develop a plan that would be beneficial to it. I do dock one star from this book, however, because while its ideas are thoroughly researched and it is extremely helpful for writers of all skill levels, I feel this could have done with some more thorough editing. Creating a book on craft only for its final copy to be littered with easily avoidable errors seems counterintuitive and almost negates its overall message. Still, it is an important read and definitely one I'm happy to have completed in time for NaNoWriMo.

[Zoraida Rivera Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susan Reynolds' book provides information about the brain and how it applies to the process of writing. I like how she sprinkles facts throughout about studies related to the brain and writing.
She, also, divides the chapter into topics and subtopics.

I liked the test she has on the first chapter about what it included and would have liked something similar or a review at the end of each chapter since they have so much information. The reading can feel dense, at times.

The text can be useful as a reference to write or revise. I specially liked the process of revision that she presents and so many ideas to prepare your brain to write and maintain the effort till the end.

A book to read slow and learn.

[Canuck Mom of Three · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is one teaspoon of flour and a cup of baking powder - it's all fluff and no substance. How did they manage to write this many pages without inserting any new insights or fresh pieces of advice? Every chapter and section of this book feels like it was ripped out of popular online articles, and all they do is regurgitate widely known facts about the brain (such as: the brain is plastic!) and offer a slew of very basic suggestions (ex. try practicing 'mindfulness') none of which are really helpful.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read writing advice books extensively, you've most likely encountered everything this book has to say already. Somehow though, having it all pulled together here really helped me. I appreciated the occasional quizzes and this book was the one that inspired me to give myself permission to be the kind of writer that I really am rather than continuing to try and mold myself into someone else's ideal.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this – it’s a great combination of recent scientific research and ideas on how to apply it to your writing life.
Some of it seems like common sense – go for a walk, take a break, do it the opposite to the way you usually do it – and some more of it was detailed strategies for brainstorming, lists of ideas to try, and even editing tips.
The book starts with the idea and works right through to editing the final draft.
4 stars
Now I’m off to look up Kirtan Kriya yoga.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. This book has lots of useful strategies to maximise your energy and your motivation as you write. What I liked most about it though was the in-depth section about how to assess, edit and rewrite your own work to improve it pre-publication. It's the best information of its kind that I have come across. I learned loads and took lots of notes!

[Dorothy Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good pep talk through the various stages of writing a manuscript including quotes from writers
like Atwood, Le Guin, Bradbury, Kingsolver and Norman Mailer. Reynolds divides the book into
phases beginning with prepping your writing brain. A helpful Appendix of book titles and an index
for spot reviews.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for budding writers. A good skim for those writing professionally that are looking for a few new ways to go about writing. It does not focus on craft, the boo focuses on writing as a process at different stages and what your brain is experiencing.

[Spencer Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for aspiring writers!

The author uses proven neuroscience and applies it to the art of writing. Learn how to use your brain effectively, increasing your imagination and focus.

[Jen Pedrozo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so helpful! I loved all the neurological information to explain the whys of different strategies. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are interested in the psychology of writing!

[Katherynne Boham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was well worth reading-I didn't find all of the information in it useful but enough that the book has earned a permanent spot on my shelves.

I posted more about this book on my blog, Renaissance Woman.
https://kamboham.com/2017/05/21/devel...

[Mikie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for all writers. I highly recommend it. I will revisit this book hopefully daily to internalise the knowledge here.

[Doree Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of interesting information about the brain and different techniques to work with the way the brain works.

[Kacey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book probably has not bad advice on how to really get into "writing mode" but I found it terribly bland and hard to get much out of.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is encouraging and practical, a great resource backed by brain research.

[Maryam Imami · Rating 3 out of 5]

The same content could be provided in half number of pages though I really used its bright drills.