Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: Gifting the World with Your Words and Stories, and Creating the Time and Energy to Actually Do It

by SARK

"SARK is a sparkler who jump-starts the creative process. Her ideas are user-friendly, innovative, and pragmatic." Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way

Write and share what's in your heart! Let SARK show you how. Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper is your non-judgmental witness, resoundingly supportive friend, and practical guide to the craft of writing and storytelling. For anyone who knows that a writer lives within them but doesn't know how or where to start; for writers who need new ways to work past their blocks and be reinspired; for anyone who loves SARK's wise words and art, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper will help start the ink flowing and keep it going.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Art, Self Help, Spirituality, Inspirational, Graphic Novels

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2008

About the author

SARK (a.k.a. Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is an American author and illustrator of self-help books. Five of her sixteen books have been national bestsellers, and she has sold more than two million copies of her books.

Reviews

[MountainAshleah · Rating 4 out of 5]

People either like SARK's style or they don't. I do. If you're looking for a book about constructing plots, characters, tension in your writing--you won't find any of that here. But if you're looking to jumpstart your work, move beyond fear and self-doubt, or just look at your world a little differently, SARK is a great facilitator of the creative process. While reading this book, I decided to move 20 steps away from a hiking route I had literally been taking for 20 years. I moved 20 steps from the trail and stood there, and noticed a whole new world. That may sound innocent and naive, but SARK encourages us to tap into the natural curiosity we may have forgotten along the path of daily routine. She has the courage to tell us to look at the world differently.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the best finds I've literally stumbled upon in the library! I love when I just start wandering around searching for one thing and find something else that I end up loving!

One of the most inspirational books I've read in a long time, or maybe ever. I admit my mood was in a funk for a couple days....I read this and not only get sucked into it but I get this urge to start writing! I've wanted to write and toy around with the idea of writing more than just these blogs and reviews, and here now that I've read this book I'm thinking even more that I need to get STARTED!! I mean even if I don't write whatever it is I decide to write and don't intend to publish it....well I should STILL write it!

The one of the last novels I read mentioned something about how it is common for authors to carry around a notebook and paper to write down phrases or ideas that they read in one novel that catch them or inspire them. And I realize that I have been doing this for a very long time. I just never really thought about WHY it is that I do it. I'm pretty inspired now to write, now if only I could figure out WHAT to write!

You can find my complete review of the book here: areadersaddiction.blogspot.com

[Jemma (Aussie BookWorm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick and inspirational read!

[McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

After fourteen grand, inspiring books, our delightful SARK has crafted a rich, full, remarkable book on writing. This is not your typical how-to-write-a-book book. She does share scores of insights and practical tips for writing, getting published, and the all-important finding your own "voice." But like all of SARK's work (books, articles, interviews, appearances, and seminars) she gives more than we could ever expect. There are the always-welcome SARK-prises of unexpected treats and secrets. One of the surprises is how much sound, practical, advice she delivers from nearly two decades as a nationally (and internationally) recognized, best selling author/ilustrator/teacher.

There is also another splendidly inspiring SARK BOOK "hidden" inside this endlessly helpful writers manual. Whether you are a published author, experienced and busy writer, or someone who has a good personal story to tell, you will find lots of sparks, prompts, pokes, tips, teasers, and tidbits to guide, encourage, and support your writing. (Whatever your level of experience.)

To all my speaker friends, THIS is a great resource to assist you in crafting talks, keynotes, and sermons that are not just good, but MEMORABLE.

I am on my second read-through, having been privileged to see much of my friend Susan's (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) new book during the manuscript phase. This time, though, I am reading it for me, McNair the writer. So, I am taking my time and making more than a few marginal notes, doodles, and highlights. (In a SARK book, highlighting is almost redundant...but I doodle on anyway.)

The book was officially released yesterday (12 August 2008) and should be readily available from your local independent bookseller (always the best place to buy a great book.) Now stop reading this, step away from your computer, and GO GET IT!

100% McNair

[Jennifer Kyrnin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love SARK's books. They are all so colorful and fun. This one is a very fast read, with a lot of interesting anecdotes and ideas in it. It made it nearly irresistible to work in my journal while I was reading this book.

My biggest challenge in reading this book was in not getting discouraged that my journal efforts don't look nearly as interesting as SARK's. Ironically, I find myself apologizing within the pages of the journal because they are ugly or boring. But if you need inspiration or just want some good writing prompts, this is a great book.

[HeavyReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has all the SARK hallmarks: bold colors; handwriting instead of text printed by machine; the story about living in the nook in the bookstore; info about micro-movements; gentle, supportive advice. I didn't learn anything new, but I always appreciate SARK's kindness and wisdom. Now writers have a SARK book to call their own.

[Jenn Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and inspiring way to get past the fears of writing. It was a good read for me because I spent 4 years studying writing and have written very little since college. It got me journaling again. It doesn't go too deep, and it's written all in sharpie markers, but it's a good avenue for a new perspective for someone in need of one.

[HadiDee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cute book which also had some sensible things to say about starting writing. But the cute factor started to grate after a while and I found the typography quite hard to read. Not a book to read in one sitting but quite pleasant to pick up and flick through now and again

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched me in a way that other books on writing or the creative process haven't. I will have a lot to think about for a long time, and will be going back to read it many times in the months to come.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in like three days. It has really motivated me to start writing again.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a succulent, colorful read. Like all of SARK's books, it feels like a Sunday afternoon curled up with a cat, cups of cocoa, and your bestie talking and laughing. It'll leave you believing in your dreams of writing and brave enough to face the blank page. Part "I see you and you're ok" and part "Do it already. Try this."

So, who do I recommend this book to?
Anyone who loves SARK's books- seriously, even if you've never thought about "writing."
Anyone with a dream of being a writer.
Anyone looking to be inspired and infuse their writing practice.

[M. Jane Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books I recommend to anyone who tells me they "love to write, but..." and it's probably my favourite SARK book. Easy and fun to read, and much less... intimidating, I think is the word, than Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way and Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones (which are the other two books I always recommend).

Juicy Pens is much less... informal than the other two. It makes a fantastic gift, too. :)

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not even sure how I got this book. I think the title captured me. It wasn't what I was expecting. It's kind of a smattering of reflections, encouragements, and other things I can just classify as "stuff".
What is contained in the book is simple, as is the artsy print that makes up the book. There are a few prompts in the book that would be fun to try. I guess her overall message is just WRITE.
At least it made me think.

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sara Blakely mentioned how much she was inspired by this writer, I immediately checked out a couple of her books from the library. They are SO uniquely written - full of color, written by hand, with lots of drawings. I'd recommend this book to any writer who needs a little inspiration and encouragement, as well as some fresh ideas. This book made me open up my journal and start writing!

[Regina Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have read for aspiring writers and creatives. SARK has such a magic way of drawing you into the creative process, leaving space for the storms and tornados of inspiration and self-doubt and clearing the way through with concrete actionable steps. Artistry featured in the book makes for a whimsical tour into the author's mind. Love love love this book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a FUN book with lots of bold colors and hand-written pages. And it REALLY makes you want to write! The unique style was refreshing, and it just makes me glad to be alive. The language and heartfulness is just my cup of tea.

[Dey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some decent advice but I cannot believe that every artist she profiled was White or perceived as White. WTF?

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Not life changing. I appreciate the artistic flair in the way book was written.

[Ellice Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave the creative boost I needed to power through my first book!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

SARKs book aren't packed with content but the white space and whimsical colors are uncannily effective in opening up possibilities and getting your creative juices flowing.

[Anelise · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. So juicy!

[Catherine Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! I read it every few years and it always inspires me to pick up color markers and write.

[Kara Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Sark’s magical book experiences. This one talks directly about writing and provides many concrete tools as well as buckets of inspiration.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

SARK reminds us once again of all the joys of writing and sharing our stories with others in her unique voice.

[Monica Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book just begs to be picked up, so I did, and, boy, am I glad! If you're a writer, you might be blessed to pick it up, too.

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: Gifting the World With Your Words and Stories and Creating The Time and Energy to Actually Do It is as yummy inside as it looks on the cover. SARK (Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) illustrated every individual letter inside the book (she gives us a peek into her creative process by noting she handwrites at least 1,000 pages for each of her books).

This is the sort of writer's book that is short enough so as not to make a writer feel guilty to be reading but long enough that it inspires her to get back to back to her notebook or keyboard.

It's filled with practical tips, the kind of ideas that make you believe there are stories around every corner and truly thirsty reams of paper. But even better are her encouraging words that every solitary writer who works as she looks longingly out a nearby window needs to hear:

"You dare to fill the world with your enthusiasm, perspective and experiences, ... to write the rage and ordinary and dumb details, ... to be seen as flawed, ... to be viewed and projected upon as wildly successful and ingenious ... how dare you?"

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend, Kendra, suggested this book way back in 2012. I bought it, glanced through it but never read it word for word. I lost all my books in a house fire but knew this is one I wanted to replace. I've been teaching creative writing to some underprivileged women and I wanted to encourage their creativity so I wanted to show them the fun that SARK has with her writing. Today, I picked up the book and read the entire thing before taking it to class tomorrow. SARK is fun and so encouraging. She wrote 14 other books before this one and I want to go back and read many of those because if they are as good as this one, they've got to be worth it.

This book is for beginning writers or for those who need a kick-start. There is nothing hugely deep or profound but the truth is about writing - what you really need to do is just start writing. There is no magic formula. You just write and keep doing it. Yay! SARK!

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s the kind of coffee table book you would find in the more liberal English class-room – the kind where students are actually taught to write for themselves rather than just how to fill in a state mandated grid.

Its meant to be picked up and put down many times – not the kind of book you read straight through from beginning to end. It’s filled with advice and quotes and encouragement to get the most calcified of wannabe writers putting words on paper. The biggest lesson the book holds is “no fear” – a very important phrase to hold to heart when attempting any endeavor.

Alas, the book is too scattered for me – the colors and swirls and shapes and fonts left me with a headache – squinting like I was trying to see the 3D imagine in those old 90’s illustrations.
Still, a very good book for some.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

SARK was recommended to me by a friend some time ago and I picked this up first as I'm forever trying to push myself to write more. Since I'm teaching creative writing this summer I thought it was finally time to get through this book and see if it has any useful meat.

It does, although there's definitely a "California hippie" vibe to SARK's overall approach that may be off-putting to some. It puts me on the "take all statements with a grain of salt" front which isn't always useful when it comes to the creative process - it also makes me wonder if I might not have been better off with one of her other books first.

Anyway, there was some useful stuff, some engaging stuff, and some exercises I will likely use that came out of this read. I can't say I'm chomping at the bit to go get more SARK but I would probably pick up another of her books if one came my way.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love SARK, mostly because she tells me things I already know. And she always makes me want to quit typing and start writing, as in handwriting, with markers and colors. And she makes me feel accomplished because I can finish one of her books in two days. This one is about writing, which comes at a good time for me, as I'm just getting out of a rut and feeling some steam gather. My one problem with SARK is her books are a little samey; a chapter or a page lifted from any of her books would probably fit in any other. But since so many people need to read these same things over and over, I forgive her the repetition.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this before and absolutely love it! It is full of inspiration and writing advise. The writing advise is more about getting over the things that block creativity and production (something I'm quite prone to!). The other great thing about this book is the resources that SARK provides. So many books and web-sites and music to look at! I have gotten even more inspiration and ideas from looking at those as well. I have always found SARK to be such a positive beam of light and she delivers with this book as well.