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Room to Write: Daily Invitations to a Writer's Life
What makes someone a writer? A writer writes, expressing the world through synthesis of mind and magic, sensuality and spirit. With both humor and reverence, Room to Write playfully prevails on us to experience the world through a writer's eyes, and respond to the creative sparks that charge good writing.
In two hundred daily essays, the author invites the reader--whether an experienced writer or someone just starting out--into the crucibles from which creative writing erupts: emotion, imagination, intellect, and soul. Once there, she urges the reader to grab a pen, grasp a keyboard, and seize the moment when perception fires revelation and language becomes art.
Each page features an essay exploring an aspect of the writing process, an exercise to get the reader writing, and a quotation to tickle the mind and keep the writing going. Ultimately, readers learn about how they write, and how to trust their intuition.
Room to Write is a collection of beguiling provocations, an irresistible invitation to all those who believe that writing, like any creative endeavor, is a way of life.
In two hundred daily essays, the author invites the reader--whether an experienced writer or someone just starting out--into the crucibles from which creative writing erupts: emotion, imagination, intellect, and soul. Once there, she urges the reader to grab a pen, grasp a keyboard, and seize the moment when perception fires revelation and language becomes art.
Each page features an essay exploring an aspect of the writing process, an exercise to get the reader writing, and a quotation to tickle the mind and keep the writing going. Ultimately, readers learn about how they write, and how to trust their intuition.
Room to Write is a collection of beguiling provocations, an irresistible invitation to all those who believe that writing, like any creative endeavor, is a way of life.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 1996
32 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Bonni Goldberg
14 books44 followersBonni Goldberg is an award-winning, best-selling writer, educator, artist, and innovator. Since she was 10 years old and her teacher, Mrs. Thaine, introduced her to poems, she's never stopped writing. Bonni uses words and images to empower children and adults to celebrate and make sense of themselves, others, and communities near and far (in time, locale, and imagination). Through Kidlit (picture books to middle grade) like Dona Gracia Saved Worlds and non-fiction books for adults (writing advice and other inspirational topics) like The Write Balance & Room to Write, Bonni supports creativity, courage, pleasure, and resilience while bringing unsung heroes and Jewish joy to light.
A crowd-pleasing presenter, Bonni is available for school visits, bookstore, conference, and library events. Visit her online to learn more, connect, and get useful free resources: http://www.bonnigoldberg.com
A crowd-pleasing presenter, Bonni is available for school visits, bookstore, conference, and library events. Visit her online to learn more, connect, and get useful free resources: http://www.bonnigoldberg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 20, 2011
I'm at the start of a new project, and I've just dug up my copy of ROOM TO WRITE to help fuel the work. And I'm reminded, again, how just wonderful this book is.
I wish I could recall when/where I discovered it, who assigned it to me, etc. All I can tell you is that my copy is worn. For a long while, several of the exercises became staples of my writing routine: I'd be developing a new character or new story and I'd return to certain tried-and-true, post-it-marked pages. Later, when I advanced from writing student to writing teacher, I assigned this book to my students as well.
These exercises can be adapted to whatever genre you're working in (sometimes, I've assumed the persona of one of my own fictional characters in responding to one of Goldberg's "invitations). Direct, accessible, and flexible, the book will always be part of my writing reference shelf.
I wish I could recall when/where I discovered it, who assigned it to me, etc. All I can tell you is that my copy is worn. For a long while, several of the exercises became staples of my writing routine: I'd be developing a new character or new story and I'd return to certain tried-and-true, post-it-marked pages. Later, when I advanced from writing student to writing teacher, I assigned this book to my students as well.
These exercises can be adapted to whatever genre you're working in (sometimes, I've assumed the persona of one of my own fictional characters in responding to one of Goldberg's "invitations). Direct, accessible, and flexible, the book will always be part of my writing reference shelf.
October 25, 2012
I'm not a fan of the "daily devotional" format for writing books. The title can call these "invitations to a writing life," but when someone invites you anywhere 200 times/days in a row, the effect starts to be pressure and obligation.
That's clearly not Goldberg's intention, though. From her intro ("It isn't at all necessary to follow this schedule...There's nothing magic about the order, either") to her easy tone throughout, Goldberg just wants you moving your pencil. She encourages you to trust that if you can move your pencil a little, it'll move a little more, and a little more easily, after that.
Many of the prompts are essentially "Write about X..." or "Start with X and write..." These tend to take you into new/fruitful content without prompting new techniques or skills. Still, many of the ideas for writing are good ones, and I appreciate the index at the end grouping the prompts by topic and writing skill. When I pick this book up again, I'll use this as my way in/through it.
Finally, like many writing books, the pages are studded with fortune cookie-sized quotelets from writers. Lots of these were new to me. And the familiar ones, like cookie fortunes, were improved by adding "...in bed" at the end. ("I feel at times that I'm making up these little people and I've lost my mind...in bed." --Carolyn Chute)
That's clearly not Goldberg's intention, though. From her intro ("It isn't at all necessary to follow this schedule...There's nothing magic about the order, either") to her easy tone throughout, Goldberg just wants you moving your pencil. She encourages you to trust that if you can move your pencil a little, it'll move a little more, and a little more easily, after that.
Many of the prompts are essentially "Write about X..." or "Start with X and write..." These tend to take you into new/fruitful content without prompting new techniques or skills. Still, many of the ideas for writing are good ones, and I appreciate the index at the end grouping the prompts by topic and writing skill. When I pick this book up again, I'll use this as my way in/through it.
Finally, like many writing books, the pages are studded with fortune cookie-sized quotelets from writers. Lots of these were new to me. And the familiar ones, like cookie fortunes, were improved by adding "...in bed" at the end. ("I feel at times that I'm making up these little people and I've lost my mind...in bed." --Carolyn Chute)
February 28, 2009
- This is a wonderful little book full of writing prompts and exersises that are more than prompts and exercises. Each starts with a few paragraphs explaining why whatever the prompt is exploring is important to a writer, then gives the directions for a short writing assignment, and ends with a quotation from published writers, statesmen, artists, etc. that connects to the exercise. This is the book I grab, open to a random page, and start writing when my muse doesn't show up for work.
May 20, 2008
This book has served me well! I have had it since college and it has saved my characters numerous times! It is the best cure for writer's block I've found and it's the type of book I can just flip open to any page and find some inspiration. A "must" for every writer.
January 7, 2011
I love the prompts: not too restrictive, either for genre or style; lovely layout with nice font (it's always nice to have a pretty book, less distracting); nothing too long or tract-like. Just simple, inspiring ideas when you don't know where to start.
October 12, 2007
This little book can get you writing from all your forgotten, uncomfortable, and squirmy places.
March 9, 2008
a good guide to get one writing every day
November 8, 2008
A wonderful writer's companion, Great ideas for journal entries as well.
October 25, 2009
This book has exercises that serve as jumping off points for writing.
February 28, 2010
I tried to follow the daily prompts but it really didn't appeal to my style of writing.
June 6, 2011
Excellent book with various prompts to inspire writing.
November 17, 2011
A good book, but not a lot of new or different or particularly inspired prompts although I'll definitely use a few.
March 8, 2020
A Delightful Writer’s Companion
As a writer and editor, I'm always curious when books about writing show up at one of my book review sites. I'm always looking for books to inform and inspire my own writing and recommend to clients. This book would certainly serve both functions. I wouldn't really call this a book of writing prompts per se, as many of the topics of the studies dig deeper than just expanding your writing chops. You get to explore your memory and relationships, make creative lists, and are even given permission once in a while to write poorly, among other things. Exploring definitely seems to be a keyword here. These studies, as the author calls them, could definitely be repeated with different focuses. While geared for writers, I actually think anybody who has an interest in the written word, journaling, or creativity could find this an interesting read and workbook. For each study, the author gives her take on its concept, gives a brief assignment, and ends with a quote that relates to the topic. I found these quotes to be well chosen and thought they truly augmented the text. If you're a writer or author, you may very well find that these studies help sharpen and focus your mind and writing skills.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
As a writer and editor, I'm always curious when books about writing show up at one of my book review sites. I'm always looking for books to inform and inspire my own writing and recommend to clients. This book would certainly serve both functions. I wouldn't really call this a book of writing prompts per se, as many of the topics of the studies dig deeper than just expanding your writing chops. You get to explore your memory and relationships, make creative lists, and are even given permission once in a while to write poorly, among other things. Exploring definitely seems to be a keyword here. These studies, as the author calls them, could definitely be repeated with different focuses. While geared for writers, I actually think anybody who has an interest in the written word, journaling, or creativity could find this an interesting read and workbook. For each study, the author gives her take on its concept, gives a brief assignment, and ends with a quote that relates to the topic. I found these quotes to be well chosen and thought they truly augmented the text. If you're a writer or author, you may very well find that these studies help sharpen and focus your mind and writing skills.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
November 19, 2020
This book must be on EVERY writer's desk. Not a bookshelf. Your desk. It will inspire, guide, and surprise you. It will stretch your imagination, evoke your best creative writing, and give you a place to rest and put down your self-doubt, even for a little bit. It will also give you courage. To be you. To sound like you in your writing. Read it. Soon. I have to keep buying new copies because I use it so much. Every person I recommend it to falls in love with this little but mighty book. This book has changed my writing life. It can change yours. With deep gratitude to Bonni for writing this book, and to life for guiding me to an obscure bookstore on a cold winter night many years ago where I discovered and was instantly hypnotized by the power of Bonni's words.
September 11, 2019
One of the things that impressed me about this book back in 1997 when I read it was Goldberg's suggestion to give yourself permission to write about "gross" things, even suggests trying to write a whole page about snot.
April 24, 2020
I write a lot for my own personal reasons and I found this book so helpful. I. enjoyed this author's approach to the subject and appreciate the support.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2018
I received this as a gift years ago, and I loved it. It was just the thing a young writer needed.
March 6, 2020
Room to Write is a great resource chock-full of writing exercises and quotes for new and experienced writers, who need motivation and inspiration to keep creating and generating new ideas.
September 10, 2016
A great little resource book of 200 exercises or writing prompts--each with a brief essay discussing the topic behind the exercise and the exercise itself, and finally an inspirational quote from an author or other famous creative folk that relates to it. (One of my favorites: "My object is to show what I have found, not what I am looking for." --Pablo Picasso)
I tend not to follow the order of the book and instead flip through and choose the one that interests me most at that particular time or pick a shorter exercise on a busy day, etc. and that works just fine. This is a great little book to tuck along in a bag or keep on the nightstand for whenever you need a little creative push or inspiration.
I tend not to follow the order of the book and instead flip through and choose the one that interests me most at that particular time or pick a shorter exercise on a busy day, etc. and that works just fine. This is a great little book to tuck along in a bag or keep on the nightstand for whenever you need a little creative push or inspiration.
March 9, 2020
This was a thoroughly wonderful collection of 200 mini-essays and corresponding thought-provoking exercises as well as interesting quotes by other authors. The book was written with a supportive, non-judgemental tone, and felt like a favorite creative writing teacher was standing in the background. I'm more accomplished as a visual artist than a writer, but intriguingly enough, a lot of these essays and ideas could apply to that world too. I highly recommend this book for anybody who is itching to write.
I received a free copy of Room to Write, but that did not affect my review.
I received a free copy of Room to Write, but that did not affect my review.
May 19, 2017
200 daily "invitations" to write. You can do them sequentially or skip around randomly. Some work better for nonfiction, some for poetry or for fiction, some are more about personal journaling. Honestly, I read this in the bathroom a page or two at a time! But I will probably return to it someday and actually do some of the writing exercises. There are some I could even use with my 8th grade students.
December 23, 2007
Another (of which there are many, but few of which are deserving of the resources required for their existence) writer's companion for inspiration. Each page is a suggested exercise to spark the imagination or encourage an alternate perspective. Helpful for generating new writing or breaking through writer's block.
February 24, 2009
Good, although she is a little harsh on the developing writer's fragile emotional state. This is more a book for people who think negative reinforcement works to help motivate us, although she does have a few solid tips and tricks in here.
June 19, 2010
This writer's companion is chock full of writing ideas, musings, and quotes from famous novelists, poets, and authors. I marked about 1/3 of the prompts to use in my high school creative writing class for next school year.
March 12, 2013
I've had the book in my collection for a few years, and have returned to its pages several times. It provides just the right breeze of fresh air. In the same vein, "Room to Write" holds the wisdom and inspiration for writers as does Sara Ban Breathnach's "Simple Abundance" holds for daily living.
October 25, 2013
Great resource for someone looking for guided writing exercises. Would be good use for a professor/class and useful for someone like myself who simply wants to keep creative juices flowing/poetry ideas.
December 22, 2024
This little book is so useful whether you're a beginning writer or published author. Maybe you'd like to try out new ideas or look at other ways of approaching a subject. You'll return to this one time and time again.
December 20, 2008
Daily quotes and prompts for writers. An excellent prompt for writing, as well as a reminder that some ideas are quite simple and yet elegant in their execution. I wish I'd written this book.
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July 3, 2008I took a writing class a few years ago, and this is one of the books they recommneded. I love it. Each page has a different idea to inspire you to write!!!
July 26, 2010
Whenever I need a good writing prompt, this little gem is my "go to" book. I love it. Little prompts with some explanations, plus words of encouragement
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews