The Observation Deck: A Tool Kit for Writers

by Naomi Epel

This may be the most useful tool for writing to come along since the computer. "The Observation Deck" is a 160-page book by Naomi Epel presenting the writing secretsinsights, tips, exercisesof today's most talented writers. It's paired with 50 inspiring flash cards to break the spell of writer's block and overcome hurdles to creativity. Great for both beginning and seasoned writers, "The Observation Deck" offers encouragement and ingenious strategies from great writers who've been there. This little box, tailor-made for writers, is loaded with effective techniques to get the writing going, right now.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jen (NerdifiedJen) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I assume that this book is supposed to come with a deck of cards, but my copy was from the library. The idea is that you draw a card from the deck to jump-start writing and inspiration and story-telling, but I had no cards. As I begun working my way through all of the sections of the book explaining the techniques, I decided that it would be worth my while to make my own (and that this was actually more helpful than just buying premade cards). Cut to several hours later and I have turned a random pack of casino playing cards* into my own observation deck. On the backs of my playing cards, I wrote the prompts in sharpie, and on the face of the card I wrote helpful hints to remember what the instructions were for that particular prompt (since, in theory, I have to return this book to the library).

In addition, I have decided to make another deck for pearls of wisdom I find in other books. Cut to the me of six months ago scoffing at the thought of "reading books about writing" to find inspiration. Cut back to the me of the present who has 5,000 words of a novel, which is not nothing.

*yes, I could have used index cards, but the idea of actually shuffling these like playing cards was too appealing

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that comes with this is quite good, but I never use the card deck.

[Lisa McLaughlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most useful suggestion was to open a drawer and write about what was in it. Otherwise, a little generic.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to mark progress in this book. It's more a reference book with an accompanying deck of cards, designed to keep writers writing. I may read the book cover-to-cover, just the same.

[Tara Cloud Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this at BooksAMillion on clearance one day with no clue the treasure I had found.

This "tool kit" includes a booklet of essays on writing as well as interesting, accessible, and inclusive writing prompts that can be used separately from the booklet or in conjunction. I've recommended it to many of my writer friends of all levels accomplishment.

Epel pulls from the experiences and wisdom of dozens of writers and creates a tool that can be used and reused over and over.

Pulling a card for an example, I have received the prompt: switch media.

I can take that prompt and change the format I am writing in, from novel to graphic novel, poem to prose. Or I can take a character who is reading a book and have them decide to watch television. Or I can become aware that my descriptive writing is kind of flat, more like a painting, and look for opportunities to develop it three-dimensionally, more like a sculpture.

But I can also look up the prompt in the index and find the essay on page 99 that discusses how Leslie Mormon Silko was stuck when writing her novel, went outside to paint a mural, and found the two linked. And how she'll draw sketches of her alter-ego to speak to herself, tell herself to slow down or do more. The essay encourages writers to find another artform, one that doesn't require a perfect result, to allow creative freedom: painting, sculpting, dancing, cooking, flower arrangement, etc. The essay then provides a variation on the theme of "switch media" to include direct switching of medium but still within a project. Paint one of the characters, pretend you're one of the characters while creating a piece of art, etc.

The manner in which each prompt can be used is endless and likely triggers creativity in interpretation, leading to more inspiration.

And I haven't mentioned the best part: the "case" it comes in. The booklet and cards fit neatly into a hard carboard box. I love it so much I've even suggested it for a friend developing a board game that can act as writing prompts. It's handy, sturdy, and attractive.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and deck of cards give a writer so many ideas and jumping off points for writing. I especially loved the sections on making lists, building history for places and characters, asking questions, consulting the news, studying photographs, starting with a title, combining elements, locating the fear, and finding the music. Each section has numerous ways to take the idea and run with it. I will look to this book often for inspiration.

[Laini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the interesting perspectives and the "pick a card" option. In addition to the cards in the box, there is a small book that explains each one more so you can understand how to fit the technique into your work.

I really enjoy brainstorming different ideas when my interest is waning in something I'm working on.

I deduct one point for the sloppy editing. At one point she talks about the town where "In Cold Blood" took place, calling it "Hokum, Kansas." Seriously? Anyone who knows this topic knows it happened in Holcomb. That type of thing.

[melydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book comes with a deck of cards. Each card contains a writing idea that corresponds to a chapter in the book. The book can easily stand on its own without the cards (that is, it can be read straight through or you can turn to a random page, rather than drawing a card). The ideas are good, but nothing I've never heard before.

[April Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a book, but a deck of cards *and* a small guidebook. Taken together, the kit is intended to help writers find inspiration and overcome writer's block. I'd recommend it as a tool of the trade for any fiction writer. I rate it 4/5 because in my personal opinion, while most of the cards are very good, some are just so-so.

[Blain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting list of ideas to get you going on your writing or to get you through a block but nothing earth shattering. Now I'll try some of them out and see how they work.