Let the Crazy Child Write

[Griffey]

Being (as those of you from Mafia 1 know) a writer, I stumbled across this jewel recently:

Let the Crazy Child Write!
Written by Clive matson
Published 2003 by Barnes & Noble, Inc.
ISBN 0-7607-3584-0
272 pages
Nonfiction writer's aide

This book basically goes over different elements of creative writing (plot, dialouge, description, point of view, and other fun stuff like surrealism). It describes in detail how these elements can be applied to novel-type pieces, poetry, essays, and even plays. It also includes exercises to be done individually or in workshops. In the preface it also includes workshopping "rules" and other guidelines for writer's workshops that have been extremely beneficial in practice, I've noted.

Much of the book also has a psychological undertone, dealing with writing in terms of the Freudian "id, ego, and superego" and how they influence your writing. Interesting theories and hints about this, too.

This book sucked me in, especially considering writing and psychology are my two favorite intellectual areas. I reccomend this book if you are into creative writing, or want to be. It's a great resource and confidence-booster. The only thing is that it's a little on the short side for a book on such a big, diverse topic, in my opinion. But still a good entertaining read, nevertheless.

[Yaw]

That does sound good, Griffey.

What's the context of the title? Is it written for kids, for parents with creative kids, or is the title just random?

On a similar note, anyone have any experience with Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way"? Every once in a while I've come across someone who swears by that book, but I haven't seen it myself. It's apparently supposed to help people open up their creativity. I'd be interested to hear opinions.

[Griffey]

Yeah, the title is misleading; the book was most certainly not written for kids, or at least, kids who are at a level that would put up with being called a "crazy child." The author refers to the Freudian id, ego, and superego throughout the book. However he applies these more specifically to writing by renaming them, and the id is the crazy child, according to his theories.

No, I haven't heard of The Artist's Way, actually. But I'll try to look into it.

[AuntieSocial]

It is encouraging to see books out there that introduce the basics of story development. I learned these in school, but I have found that these concepts aren't being offered in the standard curriculum any longer.

I, too, am a writer and I must say that the bulk of the fiction that surfaces in my genre (erotica) is lacking in the basic elements of a "good story". Character development is non-existant and there is no evidence of conflict/resolution to be seen. How can you possibly have a story that doesn't have a struggle on some level?

Thanks for the recommendation, Griffey. I'll have to find a copy of this book.