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Use Your Words: A Myth-Busting, No-Fear Approach to Writing
Want to write? Got a memoir, novel, blog idea or screenplay in your back drawer? Need to get ‘unstuck’? This is the magic pill you’ve been looking for.
In Use Your Words writer and comedian Catherine Deveny reveals the secrets that have made her ‘Gunnas’ writing masterclasses sell-out successes around the country. With humour and passion, she explains the struggles all writers face and reveals how to overcome them.
Whether you’re already published or just starting out, writing for others or purely for self-expression, Use Your Words has the tips, tricks, techniques and honest truths to get you writing. You’ll learn how creativity is a like a vending machine, how writing is like a magnet and how not to die with your light inside you.
Wait no longer – smash through procrastination and fear and get those words on the page.
In Use Your Words writer and comedian Catherine Deveny reveals the secrets that have made her ‘Gunnas’ writing masterclasses sell-out successes around the country. With humour and passion, she explains the struggles all writers face and reveals how to overcome them.
Whether you’re already published or just starting out, writing for others or purely for self-expression, Use Your Words has the tips, tricks, techniques and honest truths to get you writing. You’ll learn how creativity is a like a vending machine, how writing is like a magnet and how not to die with your light inside you.
Wait no longer – smash through procrastination and fear and get those words on the page.
303 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2016
23 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Deveny
12 books25 followersCatherine Deveny is the author of The Happiness Show (2012), Free To A Good Home (2009), Say When (2008) and It’s Not My Fault They Print Them (2007).
Catherine is a television comedy writer, comedian, author, social commentator and broadcaster well known for her work as columnist with the Age newspaper and as an ABC regular. She cites her biggest influences as Bill Hicks, Richard Dawkins, Billy Bragg and Alice Miller. Deveny’s television work includes Network Seven’s Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, Full Frontal, ABC TV’s Good News Week, BackBerner and Q&A, Network 10’s Rove Live, The Wedge, skitHOUSE and The 7pm Project.
She performs regularly on radio and television and is a popular fill in broadcaster on 774 ABC Melbourne. Deveny has written for the Logie Awards, the Aria Music Awards and co-wrote the 2005 AFI Awards with Russell Crowe.
Catherine is a television comedy writer, comedian, author, social commentator and broadcaster well known for her work as columnist with the Age newspaper and as an ABC regular. She cites her biggest influences as Bill Hicks, Richard Dawkins, Billy Bragg and Alice Miller. Deveny’s television work includes Network Seven’s Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, Full Frontal, ABC TV’s Good News Week, BackBerner and Q&A, Network 10’s Rove Live, The Wedge, skitHOUSE and The 7pm Project.
She performs regularly on radio and television and is a popular fill in broadcaster on 774 ABC Melbourne. Deveny has written for the Logie Awards, the Aria Music Awards and co-wrote the 2005 AFI Awards with Russell Crowe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 16, 2017
This morning I thought of a story that I actually want to tell, and I wrote the general concept down in my Pink Notebook of Happiness and mentally filed it away to work on Some Other Day. You know the day; that great day where I've finally quit my job, bought that house in the countryside in northern NSW, set up a beautifully-appointed study with just enough light coming through the window that overlooks the little orchard the previous owners thoughtfully planted 25 years ago that grows tropical fruits I can pick straight from the tree while I take a stroll whenever I need a little break from writing.
And then when the library opened, I went down to pick up the book I had on hold, and because I had the time and the inclination I browsed almost all of the shelves (my local is a very small library) and recognised this one by the cover as on my to-read shelf. So I picked it up, along with 3 others and my reserve, and read it this afternoon, almost all in one sitting (I would have sat for longer but my washing machine hose came out of the socket and there was a lot of emergency mopping all of a sudden). It resonated very strongly with me and now I have to go write a story. Northern NSW and the fruit orchard will still be there for me, eventually, but according to Dev - and I believe her - I can have the writing now.
And then when the library opened, I went down to pick up the book I had on hold, and because I had the time and the inclination I browsed almost all of the shelves (my local is a very small library) and recognised this one by the cover as on my to-read shelf. So I picked it up, along with 3 others and my reserve, and read it this afternoon, almost all in one sitting (I would have sat for longer but my washing machine hose came out of the socket and there was a lot of emergency mopping all of a sudden). It resonated very strongly with me and now I have to go write a story. Northern NSW and the fruit orchard will still be there for me, eventually, but according to Dev - and I believe her - I can have the writing now.
March 17, 2017
Catherine Deveny is a writer, comic and general shit-stirrer. She's a dyslexic atheist who sees CAPS LOCK as COCK SLAP and is by her own admission pretty lazy. She's also authored a bunch of books, shows and columns, and manages to get shit done with alarming regularity. Use Your Words is an excellent distillation of her work ethic, and a rarity in the world of writing-help books: something that's useful without being bone dry or coming across as some kind of pan-pipe backed recruitment ad for a writing cult.
Big admission first: I bought this book from the author at one of her Gunnas Masterclasses. That's where you get to eat nice food, hear some of the stuff that's in here, write a bit and get more jokes and profanity than you normally would in other artist workshops.
It's now some weeks later and I've just finished the book. I hoovered it up. It's broken into four sections, includes a FAQ and a challenge, and even closes with the exhortation by the author that you don't have to listen to any of what's written if you don't really want to.
The book deals with preconceptions pretty early on: procrastination, effort, and whether you're really someone who wants to write at all. This last is very important, as there's lots of people agonising with the idea that they should write, and beating themselves up for not doing so. It's something not often addressed in creative advice books: the fact that hey, maybe you don't need to do this thing. Maybe you'd be happier doing something else?
For some people, being told it's ok to go do something else to do with books - other than writing them - may be worth the price alone. I certainly found some of the writing in here made me question or reevaluate my motivations.
The rest of the book gives principles which will help with writing, tools to keep in your back pocket, and advice on overcoming obstacles. It's all simply written, funny, and useful. You'll probably end up taking notes; I did, because there's a lot of stuff here that rings true.
Yes, there's some justification to other reviewers' suggestions that the book is repetitive. It is, occasionally. But that's kind of the point: the repetition is to bed down the key ideas. It's so your brain - brains are fairly dumb, regardless of what we might think - can be fooled by repetition into, if not believing something, into tolerating it until we believe it.
Over. Under. Through.
Motivation follows action.
Inspiration is for amateurs.
These are all simple, almost trite nuggets, but Deveny provides enough background to show that they're applicable. She's willing to make herself look silly to get the point across, and herein lies part of the book's appeal: this isn't some Strunk & White fetishist tome. It's written by someone who recognises that you'd rather surf eBay or wank or rearrange the vase cupboard than write. It's written by someone who has the same struggles you do.
That's the real gold of the book. I'm a writer and editor by trade: I know a bunch of the tools that are provided. But where this book excels is in reminding you that writing is basically shit. It's awful. It's not fun. It's the cooking before you get to eat the meal. It's incredibly liberating to read that no, writing isn't angelic trumpets and perfectly typewritten pages in a neat box on a leather desk: it's constipation of the soul and it can be obnoxious as fuck to get through.
At its heart, this is a book that speaks to people who need to write. Who don't feel right if they don't. It skewers the ideas of what you're meant to do and gives you tools for surviving what you want to do, even when you don't want to do it. For me, it's up there with Stephen King's On Writing in terms of being a book that makes the reader want to write. The difference is that Use Your Words is more practically useful. It's a quick read by someone who knows how shit it can be, and who can help you get through it.
It's changed my approach to writing. It could change yours. Thanks, Dev.
Big admission first: I bought this book from the author at one of her Gunnas Masterclasses. That's where you get to eat nice food, hear some of the stuff that's in here, write a bit and get more jokes and profanity than you normally would in other artist workshops.
It's now some weeks later and I've just finished the book. I hoovered it up. It's broken into four sections, includes a FAQ and a challenge, and even closes with the exhortation by the author that you don't have to listen to any of what's written if you don't really want to.
The book deals with preconceptions pretty early on: procrastination, effort, and whether you're really someone who wants to write at all. This last is very important, as there's lots of people agonising with the idea that they should write, and beating themselves up for not doing so. It's something not often addressed in creative advice books: the fact that hey, maybe you don't need to do this thing. Maybe you'd be happier doing something else?
For some people, being told it's ok to go do something else to do with books - other than writing them - may be worth the price alone. I certainly found some of the writing in here made me question or reevaluate my motivations.
The rest of the book gives principles which will help with writing, tools to keep in your back pocket, and advice on overcoming obstacles. It's all simply written, funny, and useful. You'll probably end up taking notes; I did, because there's a lot of stuff here that rings true.
Yes, there's some justification to other reviewers' suggestions that the book is repetitive. It is, occasionally. But that's kind of the point: the repetition is to bed down the key ideas. It's so your brain - brains are fairly dumb, regardless of what we might think - can be fooled by repetition into, if not believing something, into tolerating it until we believe it.
Over. Under. Through.
Motivation follows action.
Inspiration is for amateurs.
These are all simple, almost trite nuggets, but Deveny provides enough background to show that they're applicable. She's willing to make herself look silly to get the point across, and herein lies part of the book's appeal: this isn't some Strunk & White fetishist tome. It's written by someone who recognises that you'd rather surf eBay or wank or rearrange the vase cupboard than write. It's written by someone who has the same struggles you do.
That's the real gold of the book. I'm a writer and editor by trade: I know a bunch of the tools that are provided. But where this book excels is in reminding you that writing is basically shit. It's awful. It's not fun. It's the cooking before you get to eat the meal. It's incredibly liberating to read that no, writing isn't angelic trumpets and perfectly typewritten pages in a neat box on a leather desk: it's constipation of the soul and it can be obnoxious as fuck to get through.
At its heart, this is a book that speaks to people who need to write. Who don't feel right if they don't. It skewers the ideas of what you're meant to do and gives you tools for surviving what you want to do, even when you don't want to do it. For me, it's up there with Stephen King's On Writing in terms of being a book that makes the reader want to write. The difference is that Use Your Words is more practically useful. It's a quick read by someone who knows how shit it can be, and who can help you get through it.
It's changed my approach to writing. It could change yours. Thanks, Dev.
May 24, 2018
The entire gist of this book can be summed up in two words: just write.
That's it. Just write. Because the only thing that's stopping you from being a writer is that you're not currently writing.
Dev takes her own advice: she just writes. There is both some brilliant advice in this book, and a bunch of nonsense about nothing.
The library app just deleted the copy I read, but a few things that stood out:
- her analogy that creativity is like a vending machine that's been painted black. Feeding time into it is what gives us rewards, but we can't ever know if we're going to get something brilliant or something rubbish out of it, so we just have to keep trying until that something great comes out.
- if you put as much energy into doing the thing you want to do as you do procrastinating or avoiding it or thinking up reasons not to do it, you will probably be able to do the thing.
- either write, or realise it's okay to admit that you don't actually want to write
- don't worry about what other people think or want. Just write because you have to write.
That's it. Just write. Because the only thing that's stopping you from being a writer is that you're not currently writing.
Dev takes her own advice: she just writes. There is both some brilliant advice in this book, and a bunch of nonsense about nothing.
The library app just deleted the copy I read, but a few things that stood out:
- her analogy that creativity is like a vending machine that's been painted black. Feeding time into it is what gives us rewards, but we can't ever know if we're going to get something brilliant or something rubbish out of it, so we just have to keep trying until that something great comes out.
- if you put as much energy into doing the thing you want to do as you do procrastinating or avoiding it or thinking up reasons not to do it, you will probably be able to do the thing.
- either write, or realise it's okay to admit that you don't actually want to write
- don't worry about what other people think or want. Just write because you have to write.
July 5, 2017
Honest truths with a side of humour.
A motivational book for writers to help battle the writing blocks of fear and procrastination. Whether you're an established or aspiring author, fear of failure, fear of judgment and procrastination can hold you back. Catherine takes a blunt and humorous approach to help guide you through these obstacles. This guide has a "this is what worked for me" attitude rather than "my way is the only way that works". I found this refreshing and will happily cherry-pick the advice that suits me best.
A motivational book for writers to help battle the writing blocks of fear and procrastination. Whether you're an established or aspiring author, fear of failure, fear of judgment and procrastination can hold you back. Catherine takes a blunt and humorous approach to help guide you through these obstacles. This guide has a "this is what worked for me" attitude rather than "my way is the only way that works". I found this refreshing and will happily cherry-pick the advice that suits me best.
January 4, 2017
I found this book really confronting. I've had ideas, both fiction and non-fiction and really I have no excuse for not having written them. What I found most confronting about this book is how much of her analysis relates to everyday life; living with purpose and integrity.
I walked away genuinely changed after this book. A good read to start the year with.
I walked away genuinely changed after this book. A good read to start the year with.
May 4, 2017
I saw this book appear in my Instagram feed and on the person's recommendation, I ordered it immediately. I devoured it in three days - it was exactly the advice I needed to hear at that moment in time.
The book provides humorous, no nonsense, common sense advice on how to approach your writing, deal with social media trolls and negative feedback, beat writers' block and so much more. The number of times the author calls 'bullish#*t' on 'time honoured' writing advice is refreshing. Catherine uses great metaphors to express her ideas and shares plenty of personal stories.
It is quite different to any other writing craft books I've read so far. It doesn't deal with the technical aspects so much (how to plot, POV's, themes etc), but is more about attitude and giving yourself the permission and freedom to write.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with calling themselves a 'writer', or wondering why they can't just get on with writing that book.
The book provides humorous, no nonsense, common sense advice on how to approach your writing, deal with social media trolls and negative feedback, beat writers' block and so much more. The number of times the author calls 'bullish#*t' on 'time honoured' writing advice is refreshing. Catherine uses great metaphors to express her ideas and shares plenty of personal stories.
It is quite different to any other writing craft books I've read so far. It doesn't deal with the technical aspects so much (how to plot, POV's, themes etc), but is more about attitude and giving yourself the permission and freedom to write.
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with calling themselves a 'writer', or wondering why they can't just get on with writing that book.
January 30, 2020
Catherine has such a wonderful tone, full of practical tips i wish i had this book growing up!
Can be applied to any creative field.
Can be applied to any creative field.
August 19, 2016
After a few long, distracted months off, I'm well and truly feeling the itch to start writing again - and picking up Use Your Words as a kick up the bum was a very good idea. I really responded to Deveny's tough-love wisdom. It's pretty much exactly what I need right now! My copy of this book is littered with purple Post-It notes because of all of the beautiful little mantras I want to remember. One of my favourites: "An artist is simply someone who starts stuff and finishes it."
July 7, 2016
Comes with some great tips and many truths. Cuts the crap out. Get over yourself and write.
November 1, 2017
Really enjoyed reading this practical book. Not because it was some great masterpiece or literary genius (I'm sure Ms. Deveny would kill me or use some choice words at me if I'd written such a thing) but because she taught me heaps about myself (and you). Especially that what we all choose to do in life is okay as long as it is actually our choice and not something forced upon us by others. Not someone's idea of what they think we should be doing. We don't need to be pleasers to try to fill some void in our DNA, it won't achieve lasting happiness. No, we can simply be ourselves and be happy in that. She also taught me that it doesn't matter: win, loose, succeed or fail. We are who we are, and it's our life to live how we choose. Maybe this wasn't what she set out to do but it's what I got and I thank you Catherine Deveny for your straight forward no bullshit approach. Most enjoyable and useful resource.
April 20, 2021
I stumbled across this book on my social media feed and ordered it during a writing crisis. I'm so happy I did! The insights Deveny shared were exactly what I needed to read: most people don't love the process of writing. Sometimes I do and other times it's a total pain in the ass. This doesn't make me, or anyone else, less of a writer. Imposter syndrome, fear of judgement and thinking your writing is shit- been there, done that and it was a RELIEF to read.
The idea of "cook's mouth" is something I have shared with others. JUST WRITE was amazing advice, along with the other tips given by the author. I highly recommend for anyone writing.
My only regret? That I cannot attend an in person workshop!
The idea of "cook's mouth" is something I have shared with others. JUST WRITE was amazing advice, along with the other tips given by the author. I highly recommend for anyone writing.
My only regret? That I cannot attend an in person workshop!
September 26, 2018
Ive been writing forever and have read a mountain of books on writing, so I'm always wary about picking up 'another' book on writing. I was initially sold by the cover, blurb, and the at-a-glance entertaining chapter titles. I needn't have been wary when I bought this book though. I was happy to see large chunks of it were 'straightforward, cut the BS, and just write' motivation. It was an entertaining and easy read. I will be keeping this book on my shelf for those invariable moments down the track when I may feel less than motivated to write. The book will be a tangible reminder that if I want to write I just need to write, or if I no longer wish to write, to let myself off the hook.
October 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and it has some great tips and encouraging advice for those of us who want to write but don't because we believe we can't or people will think what you write is stupid or perhaps you are just a procrastinator. The first half of the book had me hooked and I can't thank the author enough for her words and wisdom. There is a bit of a rant about middle class white men being the devil at numerous points towards the end so it's up to you how you process that (It seems to be a common theme nowadays so I just glossed over those bits) Still if you want to write, I would still recommend reading this book as I found it very helpful.
February 13, 2018
This book helped me get over myself, and all the excuses I have for not finding the time to write. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5: Deveny tells a few interesting stories that are unrelated to writing, and the chapter where she rails against academia got under my skin, as I'm a college professor (although a few of her points are well taken). Also, she is a potty mouth, so if that offends you, Deveny's book might not be for you, but overall this is a GREAT book to inspire you to just write!
November 13, 2018
This is the practical no-nonsense prod that all writers need. Deveny does well to reassure every frustrated writer, whether it be fear, insecurity, self-doubt, procrastination or all of the above, she removes all excuses.
I found it particularly interesting that she no longer runs writing seminars for teens because every attendee she asked said they were there because their parents sent them :\ Her musings about pigeonholing children and teens did make me reflect on how I interact with my niece and nephews...
I found it particularly interesting that she no longer runs writing seminars for teens because every attendee she asked said they were there because their parents sent them :\ Her musings about pigeonholing children and teens did make me reflect on how I interact with my niece and nephews...
November 14, 2021
Great for a kick in the pants, but I do disagree with some of her advice. Which is okay!
The chapter on dealing with trolls and haters was a bit much. I find it kind of funny when people who tout themselves as thick skinned and don’t care what the haters have to say then proceed to write pages and pages trying to prove it. Kind of undermines their point... if you really didn’t care, you probably would’ve forgotten it all by now, rather than spending time writing about it.... ah anyway. Entertaining nonetheless.
The chapter on dealing with trolls and haters was a bit much. I find it kind of funny when people who tout themselves as thick skinned and don’t care what the haters have to say then proceed to write pages and pages trying to prove it. Kind of undermines their point... if you really didn’t care, you probably would’ve forgotten it all by now, rather than spending time writing about it.... ah anyway. Entertaining nonetheless.
October 25, 2018
Happened to read this book all by accident. Saw it on my colleagues desk and snitched it. Read the introduction .. I was engrossed! Sold! Don’t know how to explain it but it felt like a combination of talking to a old friend, counsellor and myself. It explained almost every thought and feeling I have had about my past and current self. Even ones I knew was there but wasn’t able to put in words which was done so clearly. Eye opening.
February 11, 2017
Absolutely brilliant! Are you are gunna-be or a doer. You choose and which ever your choose that's okay, because guess what?! It is your choice, nobody cares!
Best kick up in the pants, and punch in the face I have ever had. Adore Catherine Deveny, she's horrible at sugar coating. Gotta go and write something else now.
Best kick up in the pants, and punch in the face I have ever had. Adore Catherine Deveny, she's horrible at sugar coating. Gotta go and write something else now.
October 31, 2017
Lots of good tips and stories from a very honest and practical writer prepared to expose herself and her working life. But, as I've said before on a similar stop-stuffing-around-and-just-do-it writing book, if writing really is so difficult and you have to bribe yourself with mini cherry ripes to do it, then perhaps it's not for you. Do something you enjoy and want to do instead.
November 29, 2018
An excellent book with plenty of encouragement to get started in writing (or whatever you're finding hard to start)
She admits writing is damn hard, but you just have to put excuses aside and START.
“No one writes a book because they want to. People only write a book because they have to.”
“The Gunnas Challenge: Commit to writing for 1 hour a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks.”
She admits writing is damn hard, but you just have to put excuses aside and START.
“No one writes a book because they want to. People only write a book because they have to.”
“The Gunnas Challenge: Commit to writing for 1 hour a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks.”
November 28, 2021
Disappointing
Enjoyed the writer’s voice and the fun way she had explaining concepts and ideas. Not sure if everyone has $500+ to pay an editor to work on their third draft. Despite the writer’s fun and easy going banter, there was little meat in the sandwich, and a niggling feeling of being conned remained.
Enjoyed the writer’s voice and the fun way she had explaining concepts and ideas. Not sure if everyone has $500+ to pay an editor to work on their third draft. Despite the writer’s fun and easy going banter, there was little meat in the sandwich, and a niggling feeling of being conned remained.
January 9, 2023
Can I give this 10 stars or 59? I highlighted the shit out of this book, there were so many quotes that I will return to in times of struggle. Writing can be a hard path, creativity is a stubborn mistress after all. This books has practical no BS advice to keep you going! Absolutely should be required reading for every aspiring author!
March 27, 2024
Looking for pragmatic, direct and encouraging advice as a would-be writer? You've come to the right place. You might be rearing to go, but pausing to make time to read this before a foray into the writing world is a smart move. Even if you're not planning to start a writing project, this entertaining read offers gems of wisdom to anyone getting started in a creative endeavour.
January 16, 2018
This was a great, no nonsense kick in the pants to get me writing more. It gave handy tips and tools to keep me going. Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to be writing more can’t get themselves to do it.
September 25, 2018
Easy read. Clear message. Write! and keep writing. Some great insights into a writer's psyche and great tips for aspiring, new or experienced writers. Most advice can be summarised as 'get over yourself and write'. Great sentiment.
December 3, 2020
This is one of those writing advice books that is peppered with the usual 'If you want to write, just do it'! There are some good and useful tips throughout which I will be returning to when I need that added reminder / kick in the pants.
October 23, 2021
Originally DNF @ 45% as a repetitive rant. Then when the myriad versions of "just write" drilled into the first half of the book helped me push through, I came back and read the rest. In the end I gave it an extra star for effectiveness and generally living up to the title.
July 11, 2018
If you want to write and you’re not writing, read this book. That’s it. Not negotiable. No excuses. And then keep it close for whenever you need a pep-talk. Straight talking, life improving stuff.
September 4, 2019
Good for motivation and pushing through fear when you want to write. Great encouragement and tips on writing. Hint: just do it and enjoy it for its own sake rather than for anyone else.
April 27, 2020
With humour and honesty, Deveny distills writing into basically two steps (1. Just start, 2. Keep going), and provides some techniques, tools and motivation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews