Write for Your Lives: Inspire Your Creative Writing with Buddhist Wisdom

by Joseph Sestito, Robert Thurman (Introduction)

This practical guide to successful creative writing not only helps you put words on paper, it explains how to achieve optimal productivity and enjoyment throughout the process. Joseph Sestito’s unique approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy and Buddhist spiritual strategies that can liberate people from procrastination, anxiety, depression, guilt, and other self-defeating emotions. Step by step, he shows would-be authors how to develop a concept for a manuscript, create a successful book proposal, overcome writer’s block, bring the project to fruition, and present it to authors and agents. Lively practical exercises and meditations are interspersed throughout.    

Genres: Writing, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Emma Sea · Rating 2 out of 5]

some good content, but ultimately not my book. I've passed on to MLE so let's see what she thinks.

[Cyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, here's the thing ... this book actually ended up being more about Buddhism than about writing. I'd say probably 20-25% (writing) to 75-80% (Buddhism). Now, I'm not knocking the general ideologies presented in the book, but I don't think this work should be viewed as a book 'about writing' (or even really advertised as such). Disappointed.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a guide to spiritual writing than anything else. Its a book that's meant to teach a better outlook and how not to write rubbish and getting out of writer's block. An interesting read, but didn't provide any new concepts about writing.

[Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

Framing is an important element when reading this book. The intention is to help reinforce the benefits of writing for the individual and for greater society as we individually have wisdom to share.

Joseph outlines:
- The importance of writing
- How to identify/break through self-doubt and criticism
- Challenges of getting published
- Positive/Negative Karma
- Buddhist philosophies

I found the insights and workbooks to be deeply rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Buddhist Wisdom. If you haven't been exposed to these concepts they can provide a helpful perspective shift. If you are familiar the reminder and worksheets included are useful.

I recommend reading if you find yourself particularly hard on yourself and would like some inspiration and tools to break through personal barriers.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite unique. Though it's prime objective is to write for the benefit of all beings, the directions, as Mr. Sestito shows, can be applied to everything in your lives.

[Celina Kosarko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! This is not a "how to write" book as alot of people who reviewed this book thought. It's about breaking through your writer's block and more...Joseph Sestito also teaches you how to change your thoughts, bringing out your creative skills that everybody already possesses, but do not know how to access. This book not only brings out your creativity but also teaches you how to change your thoughts so you can break through all the negative barriers in your life. I wouldn't call this a book but a must-have manual to learn how to really "live" and just, be happy. If you are unhappy in any aspect of your life you need to read this book, it will change your thought process just after the first chapter! Google this book and look at the book review in the Erickson newsletter. It's written by a psychiatrist who says that after just reading the book's forward, she broke through her writer's block! She also states that she has this book in her office for her patients. Inspiring, phenomenal,brilliant, wise, life-changing.....

[Dalton Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, here's the thing ... this book actually ended up being more about Buddhism than about writing. I'd say probably 20-25% (writing) to 75-80% (Buddhism). Now, I'm not knocking the general ideologies presented in the book, but I don't think this work should be viewed as a book 'about writing' (or even really advertised as such). Disappointed.