Synopses & Reviews
Review
Praise for
A Year of Writing Dangerously:
Turn to [it] every morning, noon, or night when you sit down to write.”
Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries
Review
Praise for Barbara Abercrombies Writing Books:
Barbara Abercrombie is a truly gifted teacher.”
Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs mysteries
Funny and full of comfort (and the company of writing rock stars), this book is as essential to any writer as a verb.”
Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You
There is something necessary in these pages for everyone, from the beginning writer to the widely published author.”
Naomi Benaron, author of Running the Rift, winner of the Bellwether Prize for Fiction
Synopsis
I would go as far as I could and hit a wall,” said musician and memoirist Patti Smith. In response, playwright Sam Shepard advised, When you hit a wall, just kick it in.” Writing teacher Barbara Abercrombies powerful writing prompts give us just the push we need to do it. Like a workout with a top trainer, her exercises warm up, stretch, and build creative muscle.
Kicking In the Wall includes quotes from famous writers to accompany the exercises, as well as real-world examples of completed exercises by the authors students in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Though Abercrombie says readers need only commit to five minutes per exercise, she writes, Ive seen novels, memoirs, and many essays get started in those five minutes, and a lot ended up being published.” Her playful method is essential fuel for writers trying to get off the starting block, persevere through challenges, and cross their personal creativity finish lines.
About the Author
Barbara Abercrombie is the author of books on writing, bestselling childrens books (including Charlie Anderson, 40,000 copies sold), and is editor of Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost. A beloved writing teacher, she lives in Santa Monica, CA.