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Write Mind: 299 Things Writers Should Never Say to Themselves
For every excuse writers have for not writing, for every anxiety they have about the quality of what they have written, Write Mind has an answer. Offering an instant antidote to creative negativity, this beautifully designed book shows writers how to turn their 299 most common "wrong mind" thoughts about what, why, how, and how much they are writing into a corresponding "write mind" thought that will help them feel more fulfilled by their art. For example:
Wrong Mind: "I need what I am writing to be loved."
Right Mind: "I need what I am writing to be strong."
Addressing such concerns as coping with writer's block, dealing with rejection, and maintaining momentum and interest in one's work, Write Mind is fresh, original, and direct.
Wrong Mind: "I need what I am writing to be loved."
Right Mind: "I need what I am writing to be strong."
Addressing such concerns as coping with writer's block, dealing with rejection, and maintaining momentum and interest in one's work, Write Mind is fresh, original, and direct.
134 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2002
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Eric Maisel
137 books163 followersEric Maisel, Ph.D., is the author of more than 40 books in the areas of creativity, coaching, mental health, and cultural trends. He is a psychotherapist and creativity coach, and writes for Psychology Today and Professional Artist Magazine and presents workshops internationally.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 8, 2011
I saw this book on display at my library and thought, "all right, this is going home with me." This book is hilarious! Page after page of this:
Wrong Mind: "I can't choose what to write."
Right Mind: "I can choose what to write."
Wrong Mind: "I would love to write."
Right Mind:" I intend to write."
Wrong Mind: "I have nothing to say."
Right Mind: "If I write truthfully and carefully, it may turn out that I have something to say."
Wrong Mind: "I need a master's in creative writing in order to impress agents and editors. "
Right Mind: "I need to write."
Wrong Mind: "I need to nag myself about all the chores that aren't getting done."
Right Mind "I need to write."
The book is made up almost entirely of this, exceptions being the rare quote or paragraph of pop psych advice. There's 299 of these...um, things in here. Even funnier is how correct the book proves to be. By using "right mind" the author was able to convince himself that his ridiculous book idea is a good one and now he's a published author. Say what you will about this ridiculous book, but it's proof in itself that he's on to something.
Wrong Mind: "No one will get behind this stupid idea for a book."
Right Mind: "I need to write down 299 of these and I'll have a published book."
Wrong Mind: "I can't choose what to write."
Right Mind: "I can choose what to write."
Wrong Mind: "I would love to write."
Right Mind:" I intend to write."
Wrong Mind: "I have nothing to say."
Right Mind: "If I write truthfully and carefully, it may turn out that I have something to say."
Wrong Mind: "I need a master's in creative writing in order to impress agents and editors. "
Right Mind: "I need to write."
Wrong Mind: "I need to nag myself about all the chores that aren't getting done."
Right Mind "I need to write."
The book is made up almost entirely of this, exceptions being the rare quote or paragraph of pop psych advice. There's 299 of these...um, things in here. Even funnier is how correct the book proves to be. By using "right mind" the author was able to convince himself that his ridiculous book idea is a good one and now he's a published author. Say what you will about this ridiculous book, but it's proof in itself that he's on to something.
Wrong Mind: "No one will get behind this stupid idea for a book."
Right Mind: "I need to write down 299 of these and I'll have a published book."
October 23, 2018
We as normal people, make excuses most of the time when we want to write!
This book has (some) insightful thoughts that can modify and enhance your idea about writing! And not writing too.. however, there were many right and wrong minds thoughts shouldn’t be written or mentioned!
I had to skip a lot of pages because of too many insignificant and ridicules ideas!
This book has (some) insightful thoughts that can modify and enhance your idea about writing! And not writing too.. however, there were many right and wrong minds thoughts shouldn’t be written or mentioned!
I had to skip a lot of pages because of too many insignificant and ridicules ideas!
April 22, 2011
This review originally appeared on my eCapris review site:
A lot of writers are drawn to books on how to write or how to survive the writer's life. Steven Pressfield, of The War of Art and the recent release Do the Work, would likely chalk up this love of reading books on writing to Resistance.
One great thing about Write Mind is that it isn't likely to distract you from actual writing. A collection of writing affirmations, it isn't meant to be read start to finish in one sitting; rather, I believe its intention is to be referenced in time of need.
Writers are notorious for their negative self-talk and monkey mind. Maisel provides 299 short pairings of negative phrases and their opposites: positive affirmations.
So many of the negative phrases are familiar (I recognize them as a writer), and many of the positive affirmations seem so easy to believe.
The task of the writer is to steer their thinking from negativity to positivity, positivity being the mindset that will accomplish tasks and promote creativity. Negativity is another face of Resistance and must be combated with mindfulness/awareness. Taking action against negative self-talk will (eventually) give the writer "Right Mind" or "Write Mind." The writer can become empowered from within. Don't let that last statement turn you off or cause you to roll up your eyes. Cynic or not, the ability to squash the naysayer in your brain is power.
"Wrong mind: There are so many voices on the Internet that my voice can't possibly get heard.
Right mind: Many voices on the Internet get heard and mine can be one of those."
"Wrong mind: Writing is primarily about having great ideas.
Right mind: Great ideas are wonderful but writing is primarily about showing up."
From Maisel's "About" page on his website:
"Dr. Eric Maisel is an author, family therapist and cultural observer and is widely regarded as America’s foremost creativity coach. His more than 30 books include Coaching the Artist Within, Creativity for Life, Creative Recovery, Fearless Creating and The Atheist’s Way. Dr. Maisel has written on a wide variety of subjects, from handling toxic criticism and performance anxiety to living the writing life in Paris and San Francisco, and his special interests are the classical existential themes of making meaning and taking personal responsibility."
I'm not the only one that appreciates his writing, thinking, and ideas:
"Eric Maisel has made a career out of helping artists, musicians, dancers and writers cope with the traumas and troubles that are the price of admission to a creative life."
— Intuition Magazine
"Eric Maisel is a meticulous guide who knows the psychological landscape that artists inhabit."
— The Writer Magazine
As previously stated, the best part of Write Mind is that it is composed of wordbytes. You won't lose yourself in someone else's writing; rather, you'll be guided to positively think about your creative work. You won't spend your time wrapped up in someone else's work, but should feel strong about working on your own projects.
"Wrong mind: Once I appear on Oprah I will have it made. Therefore, I'm going to build a shrine to Oprah in my living room and begin worshiping.
Right mind: Better to write than to fantasize."
"Wrong mind: I was taught not to make waves. I learned that lesson very well -- all too well.
Right mind: I am teaching myself a new lesson, that I will make any waves that need making."
I wouldn't buy this book to read on a trip or commute. However, I would definitely buy this book to initially skim through and then retain in my elibrary as a reference material.
"Wrong mind: I have no future in writing.
Right mind: I have a passionate present in writing."
"Wrong mind: I'm such a beginner! I've written virtually nothing so far.
Right mind: I can start to write at any time, if I am willing to think."
These pairings are a small selection from the two hundred ninety-nine groups in Maisel's short ebook. For anyone that needs a little nudge towards right/write mind, Maisel is a solid choice.
A lot of writers are drawn to books on how to write or how to survive the writer's life. Steven Pressfield, of The War of Art and the recent release Do the Work, would likely chalk up this love of reading books on writing to Resistance.
One great thing about Write Mind is that it isn't likely to distract you from actual writing. A collection of writing affirmations, it isn't meant to be read start to finish in one sitting; rather, I believe its intention is to be referenced in time of need.
Writers are notorious for their negative self-talk and monkey mind. Maisel provides 299 short pairings of negative phrases and their opposites: positive affirmations.
So many of the negative phrases are familiar (I recognize them as a writer), and many of the positive affirmations seem so easy to believe.
The task of the writer is to steer their thinking from negativity to positivity, positivity being the mindset that will accomplish tasks and promote creativity. Negativity is another face of Resistance and must be combated with mindfulness/awareness. Taking action against negative self-talk will (eventually) give the writer "Right Mind" or "Write Mind." The writer can become empowered from within. Don't let that last statement turn you off or cause you to roll up your eyes. Cynic or not, the ability to squash the naysayer in your brain is power.
"Wrong mind: There are so many voices on the Internet that my voice can't possibly get heard.
Right mind: Many voices on the Internet get heard and mine can be one of those."
"Wrong mind: Writing is primarily about having great ideas.
Right mind: Great ideas are wonderful but writing is primarily about showing up."
From Maisel's "About" page on his website:
"Dr. Eric Maisel is an author, family therapist and cultural observer and is widely regarded as America’s foremost creativity coach. His more than 30 books include Coaching the Artist Within, Creativity for Life, Creative Recovery, Fearless Creating and The Atheist’s Way. Dr. Maisel has written on a wide variety of subjects, from handling toxic criticism and performance anxiety to living the writing life in Paris and San Francisco, and his special interests are the classical existential themes of making meaning and taking personal responsibility."
I'm not the only one that appreciates his writing, thinking, and ideas:
"Eric Maisel has made a career out of helping artists, musicians, dancers and writers cope with the traumas and troubles that are the price of admission to a creative life."
— Intuition Magazine
"Eric Maisel is a meticulous guide who knows the psychological landscape that artists inhabit."
— The Writer Magazine
As previously stated, the best part of Write Mind is that it is composed of wordbytes. You won't lose yourself in someone else's writing; rather, you'll be guided to positively think about your creative work. You won't spend your time wrapped up in someone else's work, but should feel strong about working on your own projects.
"Wrong mind: Once I appear on Oprah I will have it made. Therefore, I'm going to build a shrine to Oprah in my living room and begin worshiping.
Right mind: Better to write than to fantasize."
"Wrong mind: I was taught not to make waves. I learned that lesson very well -- all too well.
Right mind: I am teaching myself a new lesson, that I will make any waves that need making."
I wouldn't buy this book to read on a trip or commute. However, I would definitely buy this book to initially skim through and then retain in my elibrary as a reference material.
"Wrong mind: I have no future in writing.
Right mind: I have a passionate present in writing."
"Wrong mind: I'm such a beginner! I've written virtually nothing so far.
Right mind: I can start to write at any time, if I am willing to think."
These pairings are a small selection from the two hundred ninety-nine groups in Maisel's short ebook. For anyone that needs a little nudge towards right/write mind, Maisel is a solid choice.
February 4, 2015
One of my favorite sources of inspiration. Reprinted here from AARP.org article "If You Want to Write...Start Here! For more suggestions go to http://bit.ly/1I2lwgb
Dip into this slim volume of writing affirmations for some quick confidence-builders. Maisel, a creativity coach, has heard just about every excuse imaginable for writers not writing — and knows how to rebut each one:
Excuse No. 64: “Reading four hundred novels would probably help me find my voice.”
Rebuttal: “I will only find my voice by writing many novels, including the bad ones I will probably have to write, and learning by writing.”
Excuse No. 166: “I need to nag my children about their dirty rooms.”
Rebuttal: “I need to write.”
You get the idea.
Dip into this slim volume of writing affirmations for some quick confidence-builders. Maisel, a creativity coach, has heard just about every excuse imaginable for writers not writing — and knows how to rebut each one:
Excuse No. 64: “Reading four hundred novels would probably help me find my voice.”
Rebuttal: “I will only find my voice by writing many novels, including the bad ones I will probably have to write, and learning by writing.”
Excuse No. 166: “I need to nag my children about their dirty rooms.”
Rebuttal: “I need to write.”
You get the idea.
February 8, 2017
As the title sounds, Write Mind a list of negative things writers say to themselves and the positive statements to replace the negative ones. Eric Maisel's concepts had resonated with me before so I thought this would be helpful and I was right. It helped me feel better about moving forward. I may have to read it periodically to help correct my thinking and it's a quick, easy read (one hour). It was funny, too.
September 11, 2007
A little gimmicky, with Wrong Mind doubts and the Right Mind thoughts one should replace them with.
That said though, I did find it helpful when I recognized some of the negative thinking that I sometimes engage in.
I like Eric Maisel’s writing books. He’s got a very helpful attitude
That said though, I did find it helpful when I recognized some of the negative thinking that I sometimes engage in.
I like Eric Maisel’s writing books. He’s got a very helpful attitude
March 11, 2012
I'm not entirely sure what this book is for. Everything in it is perfectly worthy but I'm not sure I've gained a great deal from reading it in one sitting. It's not the Heart Sutra for writers, if you see what I mean.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews