Fearless Writing: How to Create Boldly and Write with Confidence

My bookshelves at home are stacked with writing books that provide me with inspiration, motivation and guidance in my writing. However, William Kenower’s book, Fearless Writing stands out as a book that stopped me in my tracks with its refreshing perspective and homespun wisdom about what it means to be a writer. In a profession steeped in rules, he challenged me to let my curiosity and passion for a story lead the way. Kenower addresses the core issues about why we write, why we procrastinate or stop writing altogether and what we can do about it. Reading this book is like being in the presence of a trusted friend and mentor who gets my concerns about my writing and helps me find my way back to what he calls “The Flow” where the magic of my creative abilities come alive. At the end of each chapter, he offers writing exercises to practice writing fearlessly. He engages, entertains and informs with realistic and vivid examples of the struggles and triumphs from his personal and professional lives. His writing, while bold and confident, reflects a deep compassion and understanding that held me spellbound and inspired. Once I started reading this it was hard to put down. It made so much sense that I found myself nodding yes as I read it. This book will not only stay with me but has changed the way I approach writing. The quote that stands out the most to me is “You will find your confidence and begin writing fearlessly the moment you stop caring about what anyone else thinks”. I highly recommend Fearless Writing to new and experienced writers alike who are feeling the challenges of getting “in the flow “ of their writing journeys.

FEARLESS WRITING is special. I'm so glad I found it. It's a must for burned-out authors and for anyone who has lost joy in their writing. Kenower offers a much-needed alternative to the memes and mindsets that are driven by "nose to the grindstone," "sit your butt down and write even if you don't feel like it," "grind out those words," "hit that word count even if it means writing crap" "get that tough skin" philosophies. Forget all that. Here, you find out how to explore, to slow down, to enjoy and love your writing process again. This book gives writing back to the writer -- it reminds you why you write in the first place (or do anything in the first place) and it unapologetically places the roots for that in love, joy, trust, and inspiration. Kenower's book helps you understand 1) why you can't write/are stuck 2) why you aren't enjoying your writing 3) why you are procrastinating and 4) WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT. The advice is a mix of common sense based in personal experience and interviews with authors, as well as cognitive reframing and mindfulness. You can take from it what works for you. This book helps you get grounded in your writing practice (or any creative endeavor, really) and remember (or discover) what you love about it in the first place. This book is not a one-time read; it's a keeper you will have on your shelf and return to over and over again.

The book started out very strong and gave lots of great insights and exercises. It looks at the writing process from a psychological standpoint which is unique and necessary - so that was great. As the book progressed it began to lose steam because it went over the major points with more specifics, where the reader got to the point of saying, "Alright, already, I've read that before." Still and all, it is a book worth reading because it looks at the writing process from an important new angle and the exercises (one at the end of most chapters) are very worthwhile. I also liked that the author made his point and then gave examples from his own personal experience.

I have read a lot of books on the writing process and this stands out as the best for at least two reasons: it encourages you to go within and *trust yourself* while at the same time, I loved how Mr. Kenower recognizes how easy it is as writers to sink into doubt and fear of what others will think. As I read this book I felt comforted, encouraged, and inspired. Thank you to the author for a book that I will surely refer to again and again.

Amazing insights from this knowledgeable author. However, I prefer non-fiction reference books like this to include section titles, bullet points, and similar formatting features. Most Writer’s Digest books do this. As it is, the essay format caused the experience to be slow and dull for me, taking me a year of off and on reading to finally complete the book. If I decide to read it again, I’ll definitely skim over the content, especially the writing exercises at the end of most chapters, instead of reading everything.

BUY THIS BOOK! This author could sell his book for more than I bought it for. I got it as a last ditch effort to try and get past a beast of writing anxiety. I honestly didn't expect much, but oh how happy I am to be blown out of the water by this book! I've inserted a picture to show how far I've read before writing this review. Everything I've read up to that point helped me adjust my though process so that I could sit down and write uninterrupted after nearly a year of vicious anxiety attacks everytime I've sat or even thought to write. Granted, I'm sure I'll get more attacks down the road, but for now this is a victory that has gone to show I'm still destined to be a writer and I do still love to write!! I promise, even if you are already a confident writer this book with change to you think you knew about being a writer.

A nice sequel to Kenower’s first book, Write Within Yourself, which I also enjoyed. As an author dealing with the business and marketing side, I found it refreshing to dive back into the Zen of the writing life. Interspersed with tips and tricks he’s gleaned from best-selling authors. The message is one we all need: shore up that inner confidence, because artists through the ages have had to deal with unfriendly landscapes. -Sue

The author makes connections between writing and life in ways that are inspiring, fresh, and very practical.

A lovely, inspiring book. Good for any writers who need a cheering reminder of why they write. One to go back to when it gets hard.

Simply the most thoughtful and deeply encouraging hug to writers I have ever read. This book is genuinely inspiring as it addresses the reasons for the fear and self-doubt that beset writers when pursuing their creativity. A sensitive analysis of the creative process that offers far more than the usual "feel the fear and do it anyway" approach, this book will leave you feeling free to create on your own terms and in your own way. Highly recommended!

The first edition of this paperback used better paper, especially for the cover!