Deep Writing

Library Journal

Psychotherapist Maisel, also an author of fiction and nonfiction, now works as a creativity consultant. He defines deep writing as "writing passionately and well about those things that really matter to you." It involves seven principles: hushing the mind, holding the intention, making choices, honoring the process, befriending the work, evaluating, and doing what's required. Maisel follows five fictional writers through the seven steps and offers various exercises, which include such activities as writing a vision statement (to hold the intention) and finding a totem object to squeeze, thus giving your unfinished novel a loving hug (to befriend the work). "This approach may sound loony to you," he says, but writers who take his workshops "come around." This psychological approach sets Maisel's work apart from the many inspirational how-to-write books. For public or academic libraries where interest warrants.--Nancy P. Shires, East Carolina Univ., Greenville, NC