The Way of the Fearless Writer
Ancient Eastern wisdom for a flourishing writing life
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
A revolutionary approach to writing inspired by ancient Eastern wisdom, from the bestselling author of Wabi Sabi
Join author and Japanologist Beth Kempton on a sacred journey to uncover the secrets of fearless writing which have lain buried in Eastern philosophy for two thousand years.
In a radical departure from standard advice and widely-held assumptions about the effort and suffering required for creative success, The Way of the Fearless Writer will show you there is another way to thrive - a path of trust, ease, freedom and joy.
Learn how to free your mind so your body can create, transform your relationship with fear, dissolve self-doubt, shift writer's block, access your true voice and bravely share your words with the world.
This profound book reveals the deep connections between mind, body, spirit, breath and words. Offering a rare insight into the writing life and a host of fresh and original exercises, it will open your eyes to writing as a direct connection to life itself.
Welcome to The Way of the Fearless Writer.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Writing instructor Kempton (Wabi Sabi) outlines in this wise guide a creative practice inspired by Buddhist philosophy. In a departure from advice that centers on "painful effort," Kempton contends that becoming a "fearless writer" requires embracing three principles derived from Buddhism's Gates of Liberation: "desirelessness" teaches writers to "serve the writing, not the ego"; formlessness encourages them to freely "spill" their words onto the page before fashioning them into a shape; and "emptiness" urges writers to see "through fixed ideas about separate selves" so as to write without fear of critique. Kempton weaves abstract musings with practical suggestions; in discussing desirelessness, for example, she suggests "it's the process that's sacred, not the individual words" and cautions readers against becoming "too attached to what lands on the page." Readers should carve out writing rituals, and once finished, "come back to your day and carry on, as if you haven't just traveled to other worlds and back." Kempton mixes Buddhist principles with writing advice in a seamless, down-to-earth prose, and the prompts, such as emptying one's pockets and writing about "what you carry," are more innovative than the usual fare. Writers seeking a freeing approach to their craft should give this a look.
