"Dennis Palumbo has great insight into a writers psyche.... Every writer should have a shrink or this book. The book is cheaper." & Gary Shandling, actor, comic, and writer

"wise, compassionate, and funny..." & Aram Saroyan, poet and novelist

"Dennis Palumbo provides a sense of community in the isolation of writing, of knowing that we are not alone on this uncharted and privileged journey. He shows us that our shared struggles, fears, and triumphs are the very soul of the art and craft of writing." & Bruce Joel Rubin, screenwriter, GhostandDeepImpact

Writers block. Procrastination. Loneliness. Doubt. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Just plain...fear. What does it mean if you struggle with these feelings on a daily basis?It means youre a writer.Written with a unique empathy and deep insight by someone who is both a fellow writer and a noted psychotherapist, Writing from the Inside Out sheds light on the inner life of the writer and shows you positive new ways of thinking about your art & and yourself. Palumbo touches on subjects ranging from writers envy to rejection, from the loneliness of solitude to the joy of craft. Most of all, he leads you to the most empowering revelation of all & that you are enough. Everything you need to navigate the often tumultuous terrain of the writers path and create your best work is right there inside you.

Written from the perspective of a successful writer, psychotherapist, and practising Zen Buddhist, these pieces convey encouragement, inspiration, and solid advice to help both experienced authors and novices navigate the sometimes tumultuous terrain of writing.

THE WRITING LIFE.

Writer's Block.

Your "Baby".

Inspiration.

The Buddy System.

It's Alive!

Your "Precious Darlings".

Writing Begets Writing.

YOU ARE ENOUGH.

Simple, but Not Easy.

What Really Happened...

"For I Have Done Good Work".

On the Couch.

"You're No John Updike!"

GRIST FOR THE MILL.

Envy.

Faith and Doubt.

Fear.

The Judge.

Double-Barreled Blues.

Myths, Fairy Tales, and Woody Allen.

The Long View.

THE REAL WORLD.

The Pitch.

Rejection.

That Sinking Feeling.

Reinventing Yourself.

Deadline Dread.

Three Hard Truths.

PAGE FRIGHT.

Gumption Traps.

Procrastination.

Patience.

Perspective.

In Praise of Goofing Off.

Writing about Dogs.

Going the Distance.

THE REAL WORLD, PART II.

Agents.

Home of the Heart.

The Unknown.

Lately, I Don't Like the Things I Love.

Ageism.

HANGING ON.

Commitment.

News Flash: Writing Is Hard!

Burnout: A Modest Proposal.

A Writer's Library.

A Stillness That Characterizes Prayer.

DISPATCHES FROM THE FRONT.

Phone Call from Paradise.

The Idea Man.

I've Come a Long Way on Paper.

Loneliness.

Larry: A True Story.

Conclusion.