How to Write or How to Live?

By Ava T.

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland is a guide to learning how to write.  The author covers topics having to do with originality, creativity and truthfulness.  She claims everyone can write and she'll show you how to do it.

Ueland's instructions for good writing have to do with a person's character.  She talks a lot about tapping into your imagination and being in the present.  To her, being idle is a good quality because she feels good writing takes a lot of time.  Being yourself and true to your thoughts is the idea that seems to be her main focus.  She urges, just write what's in your heart, don't worry about how good it is or will it make money.  In her opinion, if you've written what you believe to be from your authentic self, there's no need to listen to bossy parents, teachers or critics.  There is very little technical instruction in this book.  Keeping a diary of your thoughts and writing recklessly and carefree is important in her opinion.  She talks a lot about spirit and reaching your divine self that comes from God.

This book seems more like a self-help book than a writing tool.  Most of what she talks about is like instruction for living a more soulful life.  Her advice would be helpful to anyone in improving their lives.  Using her advice toward being a better writer makes sense but it lacks technical advice that I felt should be included.  It is a good book about being a better person but I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who is looking for information about being a better writer.

This book is available online and in bookstores.