Take Joy: A Book for Writers

by Jane Yolen

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209	4	129,473	(4.27)	1
Are you a writer longing to rediscover the joy that you once had in the craft (or even find it for the first time)? In this inspiring guide, Jane Yolen, an author who has been called America's Hans Christian Andersen, shows writers how to focus on aspects of the craft that bring them joy. She remarks in the first chapter, "Save the blood and pain for real life, where tourniquets and ibuprofen can have some chance of helping. Do not be afraid to grab hold of the experience with both hands and take joy." Addressing topics all writers struggle with, Yolen discusses the writer's voice, beginnings and endings, dealing with rejection, the technical aspects of writing, and the process of coming up with an idea–and deals with each of them in a way that focuses on the positive and eliminates the negative. As Yolen says, "Be prepared as you write to be surprised by your own writing, surprised by what you find out about yourself and about your world. Be ready for the happy accident." Get ready to take joy in your writing once again.… (more)

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An easy-to-carry bundle of therapy for writers of all genres and experience levels. While some of the book's references feel outdated now, the overall messages and advice still feels very relevant today. Good to keep nearby for the moments when you need a boost of encouragement! (

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jjpseattle | Aug 2, 2020 |

I picked this one up because I've liked Yolen's fiction, but I'm not sure I'd keep it if I did another culling of my writing books. I'm not sure where the weaknesses are for me, but I did find myself skipping sections. (

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riani1 | Mar 2, 2010 |

Most of all, I appreciate Chapter 13: An Eruption of Poppies, which is about incorporating landscape into your stories. This is a topic I haven't seen much of in other books on writing. I enjoyed being able to read about writing without being asked to do exercises every few pages (think essay collection, not instruction manual), and I like her attitude toward writing (see the title, plus the summary above). But except for Chapter 13, I don't know as I'll remember much about this book six months from now except for a pleasant feeling of, "Yeah, I liked it." (

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Silvernfire | Jun 21, 2009 |

This has turned out to be the best sort of inspiration/tutorial hybrid. Meaning that I couldn't imagine the existence of such an animal before reading this.

Ms. Yolen shares anecdotes and advice in the midst of explaining exactly what she thinks a plot should be, and the stages of story, and what should be paid attention to in each case. Only she also cautions against assuming that all stories, or authors, will happen the same way. Or be chopped up into these particular pieces.

The inspiration I think I will carry with me, and refer to when I've read something amazing written by another and despair at my own efforts (should that be the mood I'm in), but also to alleviate the business sense that writing has taken on as I learn more about the publishing industry.

Write for the joy of it. Ms. Yolen is very wise to say so. (

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storyjunkie | Oct 23, 2007 |

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Epigraph

The gloom of the world is but a shadow, and yet within our reach is joy. Take joy! -- Fra Giovanni

Dedication

For my husband David, my first and still my best editor.

First words

There are writers who believe that writing is agony, and that's the best anyone can say of it.

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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

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Are you a writer longing to rediscover the joy that you once had in the craft (or even find it for the first time)? In this inspiring guide, Jane Yolen, an author who has been called America's Hans Christian Andersen, shows writers how to focus on aspects of the craft that bring them joy. She remarks in the first chapter, "Save the blood and pain for real life, where tourniquets and ibuprofen can have some chance of helping. Do not be afraid to grab hold of the experience with both hands and take joy." Addressing topics all writers struggle with, Yolen discusses the writer's voice, beginnings and endings, dealing with rejection, the technical aspects of writing, and the process of coming up with an idea–and deals with each of them in a way that focuses on the positive and eliminates the negative. As Yolen says, "Be prepared as you write to be surprised by your own writing, surprised by what you find out about yourself and about your world. Be ready for the happy accident." Get ready to take joy in your writing once again.

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