Reader Response
This is the best book I've ever read about the fear of writing. I highly recommend it. When I start feeling my writing isn't good enough, I pull out this book and read a chapter.
Carmel Thomaston, owner, Book in a Week
This morning I discovered The Courage to Write, bought it, read it, highlighted it so that it is a mass of pink ink and have benefited from it more than any book on writing I have ever encountered.
Sarasota, FL
This is just the book this aspiring writer needed to revolutionize the way I think about writing. I'm not alone in my fears and silly writing habits! If you think you might like to write but you're not sure how, why or whether, read this.
Los Angeles, CA
This book hit many sore spots, made me take a good hard look at myself, and got me to write some of the best work I've come up with in a long time.
"Carolyn," Useful Books for Writers
I like the way it's written: open, friendly, reassuring. It's a fantastic piece of work.
New York, NY
It really is a wonderful book. I've already recommended it to a couple of people
La Jolla, CA
I recommend it to everybody. I've lent my own copy to half a dozen people.
Dayton, OH
I'm not someone who struggles much with writer's block, and I still appreciate this book.
Carolyn L. Smith, children's book writer
I'm impressed with its research and practical insights. Wish I had found The Courage to Write before I completed my dissertation.
Mike Bellah, PhD
Keyes has a delightful section in which he explains why university teachers encourage vague, flowery, jargon-ridden prose.
Bryan M. Knight, PhD
This book - itself an example of good writing ... offers readers valuable insights from an experienced author and teacher ... This man has amazing insight.
Bryan M. Knight, Knight Reading (Internet)
[The Courage to Write] is a wondrous book. It has something of relevance to say to anyone who writes, anyone who dreams of writing, anyone who has always promised himself "someday I'm going to write a book."
Holly Lisle, Holly Lisle's Writing Pages
I only consider a few books essential to every writer ... now this book.
Holly Lisle, Internet (HollyLisle.com)
A very useful and inspiring book about getting past your fears of failure or whatever, and getting the words out on the page. I really, really liked this book.
Carolyn K. Armistead
On nearly every page I found a new source of inspiration.
Evanston, IL
This book was inspirational because it lets us struggling writers know that all writers struggle with the same doubts, fears, and hindrances to writing.
Westlake, OH
Keyes's words fairly leapt off the page and grabbed me by the throat. Often, I couldn't read fast enough to keep up with my racing thoughts.
Ontario, Canada
Helped me realize that performance anxiety is quite common among even famous writers.
Contributor to Inkspot Writer's Poll
This is an exceptional book about the fear all writers face, and on some ways to deal with it.
Very inspirational.
Inkspot Writers' Bookstore customer
This author taps into the soul of every writer, professional or aspiring.
Inkspot Writers' Bookstore customer
This is just the book this aspiring writer needed to revolutionize the way I think about writing. I'm not alone in my fears and silly writing habits! If you think you might like to write but you're not sure how, why, or whether, read this.
Amazon.Com customer
[Since reading The Courage to Write] I feel so much better. I'm not the only one! And it's simply one of the conditions of being a writer, like having fingers!
Santa Fe, NM
I like how the author talks about the fears that go along with putting your writing out there, that someone you know and love will read what you write and will hurt them, the baser motives we have for writing.
Diane Patterson, The Paperwork
Each fear described is of acute familiarity to me. I could read The Courage to Write in small installments only, until I appreciated its insights.
Ontario, Canada
It's a great book. Not only did I learn from it, I loved it because it made me both laugh and cry at the personal experiences of other writers. Best of all, your book encouraged me.
Wellington, NV
No writing book I've ever assigned has stimulated so much classroom discussion among first-year students.
Richard Bullock, Wright State University
I liked your book so much I've decided to use it as part of my Spring curriculum.
Santa Cruz, CA
This book has really inspired me to at least consider becoming a writer and has definitely enhanced my desire to teach writing.
Dayton, OH
I have begun talking about your book to the writing instructors, as well as to students looking for further stimulation and "courage."
San Francisco, CA
What a success The Courage to Write has been in my creative writing classes. It makes an excellent reference book for students, classes, creative writing programs.
Springfield, OH
One of my students calls it her "Bible."
Charleston, SC
I am thrilled that Keyes has assembled enough anecdotal evidence to convince any abashed freshman that they, too, can write despite their personal fears. Every fear is accounted for and answered in a reassuring, humorous, and often-times sympathetic voice.
Fairborn, OH
After reading Keyes, I feel motivated and inspired to write, not totally courageous but more so than before I read this book.
Beavercreek, OH
I loved the book. It spurred me to write spontaneously -- unsolicited -- a story I otherwise wouldn't have written as it happened around me when I was reading your book at the laundromat. A story erupted and I had the courage to write it down.
Dayton, OH
I was thrilled to be able to find myself on so many pages: To know that the fear is common -- normal, and probably healthy.
Nova Scotia, Canada
Keyes wrote this book for me, and in many ways, about me.
Enon, OH
Ever since I found this book in the local library, I've needed to read it every few months to keep my strength up. Yesterday I finally purchased it. Thank you for creating this book.
I have enjoyed your books, but especially The Courage to Write.
Hawthorne, CA
I wish I had read your book years ago, if it had been available. Perhaps I wouldn't have wasted so much time wondering if I could write something meaningful. It has given me new dedication to go on.
Brighton, MI
Thank you for your book The Courage to Write . For a long while I was (and am) dealing with the kind of issues you wrote of. The writers I knew rarely discussed anxiety, or failure, or even fear. I thought we were supposed to strut around with this hard shell attitude, this blazing self-confidence, and I always wondered why I alone suffered these crippling anxieties and doubts. Could it be I was just a big old fraud who thought he could write but couldn't? I'm glad to say I have overcome this to a degree. My first book will be out in Canada in September and I am happily, if anxiously, at work on my second. Again, thanks. The Courage to Write has been a big help.
I'm now halfway through The Courage to Write -- haven't finished it yet, because I rushed to my computer and started outlining ideas for several books I want to write but just couldn't get cracking on!
I enjoyed your book. It is one of a very few to which I turn for inspiration and counsel.
I cannot tell you how much your book, The Courage to Write comes to grips with my past and write what I know best. I've purchased countless copies of The Courage to Write for other writers.
I just finished reading your book, The Courage to Write and I wanted to thank you profusely for saying the exact words I needed to hear. I hope that one day you may see my writing on the shelves of your local bookstore and know you had a huge part in helping me understand that what I was feeling was normal, and, in fact, necessary, to produce a published work.
I've been looking for something like this for years. My book shelves are stocked with 'how-to' write books, but none come close to what you have accomplished in yours.
This is an exceptional book about the fear all writers face, and on some ways to deal with it. Very inspirational.
Internet
This author taps into the soul of every writer, professional or aspiring.
Internet
I consider this book my personal savior. ... Very warm and compassionate, and without even a hint of that presumptuous "self-help book" element.
Internet
A very useful and inspiring book about getting past your fears of failure or whatever, and getting the words out on the page. I really, really liked this book.
Carolyn K. Armistead, Internet
Whenever I am feeling insecure about my writing, I reread this book and take great comfort in the fact that other writers go through the same thoughts and fears as I do.
Susan Taylor Brown, Children's Author & Motivational Speaker, Internet
The best thing I ever did was read The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes. This book goes into the personal struggles of writing better than any I've read.
Lynda S. Robinson, Internet (Sisters in Crime)
This is one of my all-time favorite books because it inspires me to know that even 'successful' writers face the same panic that I do from time to time.
Lisa Burks, Internet (lisaburks.com)
I can't say enough about this book. It's brilliantly honest.
Christi, Internet (Writer's Notebook)
This book is one self-help book I would suggest that any would-be writer and any writer read.
Kitsune, Internet
This is not a superficial how-to, but an educated, assuring essay from a professional and prolific writer and teacher who really knows and understands the demons and self-doubts that can invade the solitary life of the writer.
The Writer's Store
I just finished reading your book, The Courage to Write, and I wanted to thank you profusely for saying the exact words I needed to hear.
I hope that one day you may see my writing on the shelves of your local bookstore and know you had a huge part in helping me understand that what I was feeling was normal, and, in fact, necessary, to produce a published work.
I've been looking for something like this for years. My book shelves are stocked with 'how-to' write books, but none come close to what you have accomplished in yours.
I cannot tell you how much your book, The Courage to Write come to grips with my past and write what I know best. I've purchased countless copies of The Courage to Write for other writers.
It is one of a very few books to which I turn for inspiration and counsel.
Wayne, NE
I'm now halfway through The Courage to Write – haven't finished it yet, because I rushed to my computer and started outlining ideas for several books I want to write but just couldn't get cracking on!
It is 1:44 on this Saturday morning and I woke from a dead sleep, the kind where you don't know if hours or days have passed, and as drifting back to sleep, a short story began to emerge in my sleepy mind. On any other night, I would have just let myself fall to sleep to that story, much like a lullaby, but tonight was different, because I spent the hours before reading The Courage To Write. Instead of falling back to peaceful sleep, I went to my computer and wrote it out.
The most amazing part about this is I haven't written, for a variety of reasons, for over 10 years. I haven't felt this good in a long, long time.
I happened upon The Courage to Write at Barnes & Noble the other day, bought it, and have set aside my other reading until I finish it. It's kind of consuming.
Manchester, NH
I absolutely loved the book. I checked it out at the library, and liked it so much I will buy one for myself. I feel a tad bit more "normal" having read it.
Suffering with “writer’s block,” I decided to go to Borders – just to get away and take my mind off things. I really had no intention of buying any book – especially a book on writing (I have millions). [But] I noticed a book on the shelf. The word “COURAGE” jumped out at me. Something told me to pick it up. “Ah, a book on writing,” I thought to myself. Once I opened your book I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked. I was helped. I’m in love with your book. Thank you so much for writing it. I’m also recommending The Courage to Write to non-writers I know who struggle with anxiety in one form or the other. It has great therapeutic value. Your book has given me courage to go places that I am terrified of getting lost in. I’m able to write again – thanks to you.
St. Louis, MO
I’ve read The Courage to Write twice and perused it often. Thank you for a book that has been one of the most helpful to me as a writer. I have underlined many passages that I keep coming back to …
Saco, ME
I recently read your The Courage to Write and it gave me the kick-start I've been needing to 'hit the road running.' … I can't thank you enough for helping to guide me there. Writing has always been at the core of my being, but you are helping it 'come out of the trunk.'
Columbus, OH
As a terrified, panic-stricken writer, I found it most encouraging to learn that not only am I not alone, I am actually in good company.
Triona
I just finished The Courage To Write, and I just had to tell you what a great book it is. A few other books that deal with writing have crossed my path, but your book connected with me like no other. As I was reading, there were so many times I was nodding "yup, that's me" that my fellow train commuters must have thought I was deranged. Clearly, you put a lot of effort into the book, and it shows. And you took away my remaining excuses for not writing. Dammit. Thanks
Mark
Thank you! The Courage to Write is just what I needed.
Glassboro, NJ
Your book helped me to take the leap of faith necessary. Since then, I've published over a dozen short stories, won two contests, and had a couple of my works chosen for anthologies. Your book had something to do with that. A few weeks ago, after finishing the first draft of a long, draining new novel, I again picked up The Courage to Write and found even more wisdom there than I did the first time.
Mount Vernon, NY
I just finished reading The Courage to Write - it helped me to send in a short story to a Writer's Digest contest ...
Indianapolis, IN
If you have not read this book, please do so. When I am finished this one, The Writer's Book of Hope is next on my list.
San Diego, CA
On the advice of a fellow struggling writer, I picked up a copy of The Courage to Write. I read it over the weekend, highlighting many passages and came away with one feeling... "I'm normal!" You see, I've been a writer all my life...ten years ago I won a short story contest, but it wasn't until two years ago that I decided I couldn't ignore the voices in my head. I was determined to fulfill a dream and finish a romance novel I'd started a few years before. Well, the novel is now complete and I have an editor in NYC who has requested to read it. I am in the editing/cutting/polishing stage at the moment, and of course, I hit the "this book is terrible, no one will want to read it, I can't do this, what was I thinking!" wall. One of my critique partners sent me a story about E.B. White and how he worried over every word and told me to buy The Courage to Write. So I did (and also picked up The Writer's Book of Hope which I am reading now) ... [This] wonderfully en"couraging" book ... has done more for my writing than any of the numerous technical how-to books I have down in my basement office.
I'm just beginning my writing journey and have gleaned a bit more inspiration and an extra dose of courage from The Courage to Write.
What helped me the most from The Courage to Write and The Writer's Book of Hope was understanding vividly for the first time that a writer's feelings of insecurity/anxiety/demoralization is not a good indicator of their talent or lack of talent.
Rockville, MD
My two favorite books on writing are The Courage to Write and Bird by Bird.
Butte, MT