Remind me next time not to read one star reviews of something I intend on giving five stars. Yes, the self-deprecation does get a bit much. She does sRemind me next time not to read one star reviews of something I intend on giving five stars. Yes, the self-deprecation does get a bit much. She does seem to have some problems with low self-esteem now that you mention it. Also, I must admit you're right, there are some tidbits that are not politically correct or graceful to say out loud. And truly, on this part I definitely agree with you, she really does go on and on about how getting published isn't all that and quite frankly it's a bit much. She's a bit crass at times, I think, with her swear words and how she seems to hate and envy everyone in her life who have achieved success in writing or criticized her writing, or took too long to respond to her writing... The style of this book isn't for everyone. But it seems like it is for me. I can see how the personality in the book could feel disruptive, unnecessary and attention-seeking, but I, and my fellow four or five star-giving reviewers, felt an intimacy with the author. I'm all about sentimentality, especially as someone who was looking to be entertained by this book more than instructed. I'm not really a writer... On that topic: I suspect that inexperienced writers might benefit most, despite Tim Ferriss allegedly saying that this book is all you need to learn how to write. Then again, how can I be the judge of that? Maybe it really is this simple. And let me just say, I did find myself feeling inspired to write, which resulted in a whopping two "shitty first drafts".
My main takeaways:
- It's okay to feel insecure and worried and jealous and frustrated, she says "I don't think there is anything wrong with this way of thinking, only that it is ultimately not all that productive. So you might as well try to get something done. And it's better if contact with another human being is involved." Expecting not to feel negative emotions (and resenting when we do) is the real enemy.
- She also emphasises the value of writing itself, encouraging people to write even if it never goes anywhere. "Writing can give you what having a baby can give you: it can get you to start paying attention, can help you soften, can wake you up. But publishing won’t do any of those things."
- 90% of writing is just sitting down to do it. Eventually something will come out, and if that something isn't perfect or won't necessarily lead to anything, so what? "Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived. Clutter is wonderfully fertile ground—you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip. Tidiness suggests that something is as good as it’s going to get. Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation, while writing needs to breathe and move." (On this, I'm all for the power of tidiness. But there's a place for it, and that place is more often your room than your life/writing.)
All in all, I enjoyed reading it. What more do you want?...more
Love the way Tim writes books. His books are companions rather than one timers. It's like Pinterest; every time I open it there's 1000 ideas of thingsLove the way Tim writes books. His books are companions rather than one timers. It's like Pinterest; every time I open it there's 1000 ideas of things I want to try. It's a lot actually; to be enjoyed over years. ...more
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