Outwitting Writers Block

By Jenna Glatzer

Reviewed by Audrey Rocque (who is a graduated LR student!)

When I brought home a copy of Jenna Glatzer's book Outwitting Writer's
Block and Other Problems of the Pen, I was afraid to open it. My block
was so cemented; I had convinced myself that reading another dry, how-to
book was only going to push me farther away from my writing. I was
definitely wrong! Glatzer's book, published by The Lyons Press,
retailing at $14.95, gave me confidence, inspiration, and many chuckles!


A page turner at 246 pages, you will definitely need to block off
reading time for this one! Glatzer is easy to relate to and is a
humorous and refreshing read.

Glatzer incorporates quotes from other writers. Here's one quote worth
mentioning about the Block, "A funny thing happens to writer's block
when you address I head-on," says author Kimberly Ripley. "It squirms
when you look it in the face and demand some answers." Glatzer says,
"Writer's block is there to teach you something." And "At the core,
writer's block is fear."

What makes Jenna Glatzer an expert on writer's block? She is a New
York-based full-time writer who's written hundreds of articles for
magazines such as Prevention, Woman's World, Woman's Own, Physical, and
Contemporary Bride. She's the author of nine books and hundreds of
greeting cards, and is the editor-in-chief of AbsoluteWrite.com. In
addition, she is a many-times optioned screenwriter and produced
playwright.

The writing prompts Glatzer provides throughout the book initially had
me distracted. They didn't seem to relate to what she was discussing.
Upon further examination, I applauded this approach. Now I have warm up
exercises to go back to when I feel the need for them.

In chapter two, Glatzer announces that "Publication Won't Erase the
Block." BAM! I felt like I was at Emeril's kitchen and he just added
that special spice. Glatzer is witty, and has great analogies throughout
her book.

Chapter three was one of my favorites (well, that's actually a lie, I
enjoyed them all!), Glatzer outlines some common Myths. I've never read
that you "don't HAVE to write every day". When I read this, a lot of
pent up guilt dissipated.

In Chapter 15, I enjoyed the section on Feng Shui. Glatzer provides
enough details to move furniture around in accordance with this new age
workspace altering state.

Once you complete this book, you will have a list of other author's to
look up, and many valuable websites to research. I've picked up a copy
of Lawrence Block's Telling Lies for Fun and Profit, and I have other
titles on hold at my public library. I spent some time at several
websites; including the affirmation sites mentioned and Glatzer's
Absolute Write site. Glatzer has done the research and handed writers
ample avenues to explore.

Do yourself a favor, get up, get out, (or go online), and buy a copy of
this book. Your writer's block will have no where left to hide. (The
ISBN is 1592281249.)

Audrey Rocque