January 11, 2012

I wish I’d had this writing book thirty years ago when I started out. I would have avoided some pitfalls and loooong detours that have taken years to correct.

If you want a writing mentor, you need look no further than Cec Murphey’s Unleash the Writer Within. The subtitle calls it ”the essential writers’ companion.”

I would have to agree.

What’s Different About This Book?

It’s honest, it’s transparent, and it comes from the heart. It also made me laugh on more than one occasion because the author had the guts to say some things that need to be said about the writing life, how we market, and so many other topics dear to a writer’s heart.

Before you get stressed out and caught up in all the things “they say” you have to do and be and write about to be successful, I urge you to get a copy of this book. It will help you discover your own personal voice and style so you sound authentic. It will show you how to actually make friends with your inner critic and writer’s block–and eliminate them. And the author deals so honestly with a writer’s fears–and how to use them and learn from them to grow as a writer.

Who Is This Man?

So who is Cecil Murphey? Why should you listen to his advice? Well, he’s a New York Times’ best-selling author who’s written or co-written more than 120 fiction and nonfiction books, including the runaway bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. His books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Just to give you a taste of the book, below are some quotes from Unleash the Writer Within by Cecil Murphey:

• “Too many want-to-be-successful authors get the idea that you must write in a certain way to succeed.”
• “Your most honest writing becomes your best writing.”
• “I don’t advocate rigid self-discipline. I tried that. For years, I held to tight schedules, refused to allow deviations, and castigated myself when I failed. I’ve since learned that true self-discipline flows out of gentleness and self-respect.”
• “How would it affect your writing if you weren’t constantly looking at your faults but focusing on what you can do?”
• “You write best what you know best. The better you know yourself, the higher the quality of your work.”
• What if you follow everyone else’s advice about your writing? “If you heed their words, you may end up trying to be somebody you’re not. To follow that advice not only weakens the power of your words, but the writing doesn’t ring true because it no longer comes from deep within.”
• “If it’s easy or simple to write, it probably isn’t what I’d call poignant or powerful.”
• “You don’t have to be productive every day….for compulsives (like me), it takes a major decision not to be productive and not to feel guilty. I remind myself that the best part of my writing takes place inside my head.”
• “Start within your comfort zone and write from who you are.”
• “I feel afraid when I bare my soul. I run the risk that others will despise me, ridicule me, or ignore me. That’s who I am. That’s all I have to offer.”

When Cec Murphey explained to his agent why he didn’t want to write a book for writers–that he actually dreaded it–this was her response: “Too many writers won’t acknowledge their fear, and when they eventually come to the place where they realize they’re afraid, they freeze. You need to write it for those still behind you on the pathway.” I’m glad he took her advice.

I hope Cec Murphey decides to teach a workshop or lead a writer’s retreat based on his book for writers. I would love to attend! Until then, I’m starting the book over–from the beginning.

9 Comments »

1. 

   Okay, I’m convinced, I’m buying this book NOW!

   But before I do, I have to speak to this quote-

   “How would it affect your writing if you weren’t constantly looking at your faults but focusing on what you can do?”

   I’ll tell you how it would affect my writing: It’d be having fun like I used to in the first place!

   This is supposed to be FUN, not JUST WORK, and as hard as I’ve worked. and proud of it, I missed the FUN.

   It’s like feeling a constant mourning for a dear friend who died. Unlike some writers I know, I don’t think fun should be sacrificed just to do good work, not everyone can or is simply ABLE to compartmentalize these things, they can’t forsake one for the other, and I’m still in the healing stage, though after three years in this stage off and on, I’d like to move from healing to achieving.

   Finally, for those writers who, like myself, are not the most patient souls on Earth, I probably need to stick this to my desk-

   “Start within your comfort zone and write from who you are.”

   I normally don’t find it helpful putting notes on my desk, which people often suggest I do, as if reading it will instantly calm me down, it doesn’t and really only adds to the pressure when it just brings guilt when that’s not happening, but if I don’t embrace this particular mantra, I’m not going to make 30, and be happy about it, so wish me luck there.

   Take care, Kristi, and I hope you’ll find fun in writing, not just the work that goes with it, now that you’re making more time for it.

   Taurean

   Comment by Taurean Watkins — January 11, 2012 @ 7:14 am

2. 

   Taurean, this is exactly why I wished I had had this book years ago. One of my goals this year is putting the JOY back in writing. Having more time to write without the pressure turned out to be one of the big keys, hence the less time blogging. I hope you find his book as encouraging as I did. And it’s a message from a writer who has succeeded beyond anything I would even hope for, so I’m inclined to listen to him!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 11, 2012 @ 7:53 am

3. 

   I’m all for getting good advice (and taking it!) when starting out on the writing journey! When I think of the time (and paper) I wasted, trying to be something I’m not…well, let’s just say that I’m sorry for the trees who gave their lives so needlessly.

   I’ll give this a look, Kristi. Though I’m a pretty joyful writer, I tend to take the easy route. Maybe I need a Cecil kick in the pants!

   Comment by Cathy C. Hall — January 11, 2012 @ 8:30 am

4. 

   Cathy, I had to laugh about the trees who gave their lives needlessly. I think Cec’s book is great for a writer at any stage. I can see by the list of awards on your website that you’ve been writing seriously for a long time…so I’m glad that you’re still a joyful writer!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 11, 2012 @ 9:30 am

5. 

   Wow, what a great review. I didn’t know about Murphey until I signed up for a Christian children’s writing conference (Write 2 Ignite) and applied for a scholarship that he sponsors. I hope I run into him at one of these venues someday. Thanks so much for spotlighting a book that I believe will help me to achieve my writing dreams and goals (which I blogged about in my latest post and humbly ask you to read, even though I know you are trying to cut back — link is http://www.vijayabodach.blogspot.com )

   Comment by Vijaya — January 11, 2012 @ 10:21 am

6. 

   Yes, read your post! Love your ideas–AND your huge jigsaw puzzle of the tiger. (LOVE that Cicero quote on your blog, too, by the way!) I think Cec’s book would help you along the way with your goals. He has the same world view, which you’ll like.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 11, 2012 @ 1:51 pm

7. 

   Thanks Kristi. I ordered his book — after all, it is still my birthday month

   Comment by Vijaya — January 13, 2012 @ 6:47 am

8. 

   Very good reason to buy it, Vijaya. That’s my “excuse” for buying it last month!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — January 14, 2012 @ 9:39 am

9. 

   Great review, Kristi. Thanks for letting us know about this book. I’ve followed Cec Murphy’s blog for a while and found it very informative. It’s great to know his wisdom is now in a book. I agree that it would be wonderful to attend a retreat with him.

   Comment by Samantha — January 18, 2012 @ 3:10 am

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