Escaping Into the Open: The Art of Writing True

by Elizabeth Berg

Both autobiography and primer, Escaping into the Open is an inspiring, practical handbook on the joys and challenges of the writing life. Renowned author and writing instructor Elizabeth Berg interweaves the story of her own journey from working mother to bestselling novelist with encouraging advice on how to create stories that spring from the heart. Continually in print since its original 1999 publication, this invaluable resource is a true and constant friend to all writers, no matter their stage of development.

With wit and honesty, Berg provides numerous exercises that will unleash individual creativity and utilize all five senses. Most important, she tells how to fire passion—emotion—into writing itself; to break through personal barriers and reach one's own outer limits and beyond.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir, Reference, How To, Self Help, Teaching

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Elizabeth Berg is an American novelist.
She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and lived in Boston prior to her residence in Chicago. She studied English and Humanities at the University of Minnesota, but later ended up with a nursing degree. Her writing career started when she won an essay contest in Parents magazine. Since her debut novel in 1993, her novels have sold in large numbers and have received several awards and nominations, although some critics have tagged them as sentimental. She won the New England Book Awards in 1997.
The novels Durable Goods, Joy School, and True to Form form a trilogy about the 12-year-old Katie Nash, in part based on the author's own experience as a daughter in a military family. Her essay "The Pretend Knitter" appears in the anthology Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, published by W. W. Norton & Company in November 2013.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this book, I feel as if I am having tea with my friend and we are sharing our joy of writing.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years back, I had the pleasure of hearing Elizabeth Berg speak at a literary event. This memoir / writing manual is consistent with the message she gave then. Berg was a 'regular person' (mom, wife, and nurse) when she started writing and had relatively instant and big success early on in her efforts, which gives the impression that anyone can do this. She is of course extraordinarily talented, so perhaps it simply came easy for her. However, her suggestions for beginning and/or developing a writing habit are simple and do-able. She provides some practical advice for working with agents, too. What is not covered here due to the fact that it was written in 1999 are the changes in the publishing industry as a whole ... which are huge these last 10-15 years. The advent of e-books, Internet use, self-publishing, author blogs, and more and new territory for today's authors. Perhaps she'll write a sequel...

[Amelia Strydom · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Writing non-fiction is like a three-in-the-afternoon, sunny-day walk, where one foot naturally precedes the other toward a known destination, where the path both behind and ahead is well defined. Writing fiction, on the other hand, feels like being in some dark place where I don't see anything well, but I walk on anyway, trusting in something I cannot really define, having no idea where I'll end up."
This is one of the best descriptions of writing I've come across. For me, writing a book feels exactly like taking an unknown road to a destination I can't quite picture. Like a nocturnal road trip: I can only see as far as the beams of the headlights and simply have to trust that the road exists and leads to the right destination. It can be a lonely journey and I've discovered that books about the writing life and process are my most trusty companions. I read the same ones over and over: On Writing by Stephen King, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, The Right to Write by Julia Cameron, Still Writing by Dani Shapiro. How delightful to find a new favourite! Elizabeth Berg has a warm, chatty style and it felt as if we were having a conversation, perhaps with two generous slices of her home-baked chocolate cake (the recipe is included in the book). What I also loved is her passion for writing: she delights in the process and writes from a place of joy instead of - like many - existential pain and blood-sweat-and-tears. Yes, writing is hard - tell me about it! - but it's great to be reminded why I set off on the journey in the first place. To be reminded that magic happens when you write without self-consciousness and doubt, when you turn your inner auto-correct of and go with the flow. I wholeheartedly recommend Escaping into the Open for anyone who writes or has the desire to do so. If you are like me, it will be a slow read: you'll want to savour Berg's beautiful words and advice and, even better, you'll keep putting the book down and picking up pen and paper because you're simply ablaze with inspiration. I'm really looking forward to reading more of Berg's novels.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but I just didn't. I've found that if I like someone's non-fiction (like Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird), then I don't like her fiction very much. I think the reverse is true here, since I like Berg's fiction. As an aspiring writer I really wanted to like this book and find it helpful, but it was almost too condescending. I didn't like the tone and ended up returning it to the library unfinished.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly stream-of-consciousness writing advice and encouragement with a good number of exercises included. It does give a good feel for how she writes and the time a project can take. She's also not as dogmatic as some writers, making it clear that not everyone is the same and not every writing project is the same, either. Probably a book best read a bit at a time so you can absorb what's useful for you.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this was skimmable. I didn't find the "homework" very valuable.
I think she's a great writer but not really very sure how to teach it.
I did love the chapter on writing about the senses.

[Donna Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good writing tool. Gives you lots of tips and hints about writing, as well as homework to practice the craft.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical writing advice and inspiration.

[Ruth Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yikes! What a wonderful book by a very readable writer. This is Elizabeth Berg's book for writers on writing, and it is one of the best I have had the pleasure of devouring. Not only is she an engaging writer, Elizabeth's take on the art and business of writing is open and fluid. She believes in listening to one's own heart and paying attention to intuition.

In addition to good, common-sense advice and exercises for writers at every level of their career, Elizabeth weaves in stories for the heart and soul. And to the reader's delight the book ends with decadent recipes for hungry tummies. Elizabeth believes that writers should be well fed. This book is a thoroughly engaging experience to the very last page. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many book fanatics, I fantasize writing myself. This book opened my eyes as to how to dip my toes into the experience of doing just that. I really enjoy most of Berg's books and stories so I appreciated the biographical section of the book. Since I admire her writing style it was impactful for me to know how she got started and her tips to get started myself. I do feel a certain kinship with Berg after reading almost all of her novels and her book of short stories. The writing exercises to try and her suggestions of subjects really opened my mind and I purchased a journal at her suggestion on starting the exercises. She is obviously a creative and talented person and I enjoyed every aspect of this book.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a writing book - part account of how Berg writes herself, part exercises to help readers create some writing.

I have read the book twice. the first time I read it through without stopping, ignoring the creative writing exercises completely. The second time I read it slowly, and completed those exercises that inspired me. I will never write as simply and beautifully as Berg, and the things that I did write were autobiographical, not fiction, but they were very meaningful to me. I shall keep the book, and doubtless get something more out of it next time I pull it from my shelves.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Its very encouraging and makes you want to have a go at writing everything and anything. It's not just for professional writers but for people who feels like they want to try expressing themselves through this media. There are lots of exercises to get you started, which I haven't tried yet. There is also lots of information if you want to become a professional writer. As soon as I finished it I felt like I could read it all over again and still enjoy it immensely.

[Josephine Ensign · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I found her cheerful chirping about how easy writing comes to her and how quickly she can dash off a book--decidedly annoying (and suspiciously un-truthful perhaps)--the rest of the book was interesting. I like that she makes the connections between her work as a nurse and her writerly instincts and insights into human nature.

[Sarah Butterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this practical and inspirational look into the writing life. Written by a mom/nurse who is a novelist with no official writing training, she was so relatable! I loved the exercises she suggests but her advice about publishing is outdated and no longer as relevant. Worth the read for any writer!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open-hearted writing technique

[Pam Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some truly great writing exercises that always work for me, no matter how many times I've used them. Elizabeth has captured so many that I keep her book near my writing desk at all times.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre how-to/inspirational book on writing.

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great writing advice book. I actually liked it more than most of her fiction novels.

[Heather Mattern · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite writing book! Elizabeth Berg never fails to inspire me with her writing.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book off and on over the last two months. It reminded me a lot of a more practical Bird by Bird, and I wish I had read it earlier in my "journey" (gross) toward taking my writing more seriously. A lot of the tips—about submitting manuscripts, handling rejection—are good, if a little outdated, but I got the sense that they were for people who've never thought about writing professionally until picking up Berg's book. Which is great! Just not super illuminating for me.

However, what I want most in a book on writing is to be told that I can do it, and to be given opportunities to envision myself as the writer I want to be, and Berg does both of those things, and often. Plus, there are tons of great writing activities, brainstorming activities, even just thinking activities that I know I'll go back to.

If I weren't such an annoying completist, I would have skimmed the last three or four chapters, and that would have been fine. If you're interesting in being a writer, or if you liked Bird by Bird, pick up this book, and treat it as a resource, but don't feel compelled to read it word for word.

[Barb Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Elizabeth Berg and there is very few books that I don't enjoy of hers. This is a non fiction writing tool that is wonderful....it has different exercises to practice your writing skills and all of the advice she gives is wonderful....I've journaled and tried to write many different times over the last 4 decades and this book makes me feel like if I truly want to do this, I need to put the work in....and keep at it! Great advice and things to make you feel very creative....again, I read this book quickly and did not take the time to do most of the exercise because of time constraints but this is another one I'll revisit at a time when I have more time to commit....or when I'm ready to. Great book! A keeper for sure.

[David Doty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both entertaining and practical, this "how-to" book by Elizabeth Berg provides aspiring (and current) authors a wealth of helpful tips on how to become a better (and published) writer. With chapters such as "Getting Started," "Exercises to Unleash Your Creativity," "Making the Move from Nonfiction to Fiction," "Techniques for Getting Unstuck," and "The Business of Writing," Berg shares many of her own experiences as an author, and guides the reader, even one who has never published anything, along the path to becoming a writer.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to attempt some of the strategies that Berg mentions. She definitely makes writing sound fun, interesting, and rewarding.

[Teegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hands down the most joyful book about writing. I’ve read many books on writing and this will probably be the only one I’ll recommend. It’s encouraging and, for once, avoids all ideas of the tortured writer and the painful process of publishing. Of course she makes it clear it’s hard work sometimes, but it doesn’t have to be a process of agony. But the part that sold me was just two paragraphs she included to say that if you’re a mother, writing should never take away from your children. What a relief to hear that. She made it feel like you can have a real, full, rewarding life where writing is an accessible job and not a weight about the neck. And I agree.

[Ada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a thoughtful, delightful, and humorous introspection into the art of writing. It’s a very quick and light read and I think it’s perfect whether you are wanting to dip your toe into writing, or if you are looking for some inspiration to pick up the craft again (like myself). This book is written from the heart, and while I don’t agree or adhere to all of the advice given, the book sets a casual enough tone to allow for those differences of opinion. Refreshing all around. Plus there are some great recipes at the end!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only does this book offer several, excellent, inspiring writing exercises, Berg offers some honest insight into her own journey to becoming a writer. This book is as much memoir as it is a guide to developing as a writer. It is written with honesty and clarity. There were so many times I wanted to pick up the phone to call E. B. and say, "Yes, I felt/feel exactly the same way! Thank you for giving me validation." Love every word. Will keep it by my desktop.

[Katie Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason it took me a really long time to get through this one (mostly bc I got distracted by great fiction over and over), but I enjoyed most of it. Some of it is a little dated (ie- mailing in submissions for publication), but I found a lot of it to be universal and inspiring for any aspiring writer.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I good book for those who write fiction at the beginning or advanced beginner stage. Although it was a little more basic than my current skill level, I thought many of the writing prompts were particularly creative and enjoyed them.

[Veronica Samek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

I really did love this book even though I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. I’m a genre fiction writer is probably why and she focuses more on literary fiction but her advice is sage and I loved the exercises!

[Treasure Island Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely combination of why Elizabeth Berg writes and how she writes. If you love Elizabeth Berg's fiction, you'll love this book. Many, many writing prompts if you like that sort of thing. Many, many insights into the writing life, if you prefer that.

[Patty Mcdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Love Elizabeth Berg's books! Writers (and aspiring writers) will want to pick up a copy of this one.