The Daily Writer: 366 Meditations To Cultivate A Productive And Meaningful Writing Life

by Fred White

Make Writing a Part of Your Daily Routine

It isn't always easy to carve out time to devote meaningful thought and energy to your writing. Hectic schedules, distractions, and creative blocks all too often interrupt the dream - postpone it for another day.

But with 366 provocative entries - each addressing a specific facet of the writing craft, and accompanied by an in-depth reflection and a stimulating exercise - The Daily Writer provides you with easy entry points into that elusive space where words matter most and helps you to embrace writing as a way of seeing the world.

Whether you're looking for a way to better integrate writing into your life, get warmed up before you dive into a bigger work in progress, or overcome an old case of writer's block, The Daily Writer can help you establish and maintain an inspired devotion to the craft.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Spirituality, Books About Books

377 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2008

Reviews

[Nytetyger · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an interesting read, but the author is more aimed at the type of writer who has unlimited time to do some of the DAILY multi-page exercises offered. Some of the insights were great, and some of the daily prompts interesting to contemplate and even complete, but if I had the time to write 5 page essays on the motivations of all the main heroes and villains in what I am currently working on, I'd be doing it. What I had hoped this would be, mainly daily prompts for the days when you are stuck, it was not, at least, not for me.

[Jessica Maybury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of daily meditations and writing prompts.

[Yvonne Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book... this is the first time I am actually going through and doing the daily lessons (though not on a daily basis). I read through it again to prep for the new year, and even got a jump start on "journaling" with it!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this reading experience. Everyday there was something new to learn.

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for daily writing inspiration when you need the extra prompt.

[Melodie Wendel-Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginner writers to have (great exercises), and good as idea giver for writers who've read lots of books on topic.

[Samantha Wade]

I'm taking this book a little at a time. Unfortunately, I don't have the time of day to write as much as it suggests. I make time to write as much as possible, but I can't do one exercise a day. I also didn't start January 1st as it suggests, and it includes February 29th for a leap year. I really don't know if they author really expects the readers to follow it like this, but I certainly don't, and I'm loving it anyway. It exercises the writer to work in different forms and techniques, but still with the own writer's free-will.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read with a short entry-a-day style which was perfect for my difficulty in focusing as of late. It also had some really great ideas for me to step up my writing, and it also opened my eyes to the fact that it's okay to have several works-in-progress, that you don't have to be completely dedicated to one manuscript and ignore the others until one is done. I filled the book with post-it-note tabs so I can refer back to my favorite passages and most inspiring entries. Great book, with great ideas and thoughts for reflecting.

[Mike Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have owned The Daily Writer for over a year.I continue to learn about the skill sets of writing and authors style and mindset.Recently I have taken the day to day work to heart.There is a lot to learn about life,even without the writing instruction.My mornings are spent with The Daily Writer and The Free Dictionary.Combined,I have plenty of material to practice.Encouragement is the word that sreams to me,everyday I delve into The Daily Writer.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like learning something new every day, this is the book for you. It's geared towards writers, but any creative soul would probably really like the daily reflections and 'try this' portions.
If you are a writer, one who wants to hone their skills, you'll probably have a hard time only reading one page a day!

[Amanda]

I think this book does a great Jon at giving useful and creative prompts to hone your writing skills. I would Say it would probably be more useful if you are writing fiction. As someone who only recently delved into fiction writing after doing grant and research writing for so long, it's really been a spark of creativity.

[Melissa]

I love, love, love this book! Wonderful meditations and inspirations on "the writing life." I began reading it in July, so started on page 192, for July 8. Now I'm circling back around to the beginning ... page 17, for January 15.

[Tammy Hopkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because it allows your creative side to come out. It allows your mind to work and bring what you think alive into a mind blowing story that adds excitement to anything that you may write. My sister gave this to me last Christmas, and I truly enjoy everything about this book.

[Nanako Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this little book to anyone who is serious about writing. Keep it by your bed and read it first thing in the morning to get your writing brain started. I've enjoyed all of the "meditations".

[Melly]

I feel that this book could be very useful to a young person, say around age 12. I mean no disrespect when I say this. But having done so, I also feel that if you need this kind of advice as a grown-ass human, then whether or not you're motivated to write is the least of your problems.

[Mary Brace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short little daily reads about writing. Some I liked, some just made me shrug my shoulders because I felt they didn't pertain to me. Others may find what I didn't like useful though. I found some very good quotes.

[Robin]

Will be reading this throughout the year.

[Lori]

I will need to put in an ILL for this book or request it to purchase for the library. :)

[William Visher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for prompts.

[Stacy Renee (LazyDayLit) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have the time to write at least once a day for a year, this book is actually very helpful in building your writing skill.

[L.A. Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beside the computer, for inspiration. Is being constantly read.

[Anne Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish

[★ gwiz ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got hints and insights and have a whole bunch of notes to being a writer and for all types of writing that has been helpful.

[Lauren]

Helpful, even if you don't do the exercises. Helps seat me in the "writing mode."

[David Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stimulating and educational, great for new writers (like me)...

[Debbie Dadey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some great ideas.