Joy Writing: Discover and Develop Your creative voice

by Kenn Amdahl

Book Overview

An entertaining and readable introduction to creative writing by the author of There Are No Electrons, The Land of Debris and the Home of Alfredo, Jumper and the Bones, Revenge of the Pond Scum, and co author of Algebra Unplugged and Calculus for Cats. Features examples from over 50 authors (both how to and how not to), from Shakespeare to Donald Trump. Blurbs by George Garrett, Reg Saner, Edward Ormondroyd, Barbara Steiner, Leslie O'Kane, and Francine...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0962781525
• ISBN13: 9780962781520
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Clearwater Publishing Company, Incorporated
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.7" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Kenn Amdahl definitely puts the "Joy" back into "Writing."

I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Amdahl and can tell you this book is as intelligent and amusing as he is! I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. The information is presented in an informal, fun, yet educational tone as if the author is right there speaking directly to you. You will learn some invaluable lessons that will put the joy back into your writing. Karen L. Reddick, author of Grammar Done Right!

A delight for writers of any genre...

From the very first sentence in this book, ("There's a party in my basement populated by the most intelligent, interesting, and creative people who have ever lived..."), Kenn reveals his writing skill in one masterful stroke of the pen. His style makes you feel as if he were sitting on the sofa across the room reading his book to you and making you feel right at home. This one belongs on every writer's book shelf. Or better yet, right there on the desk top within easy reach! ---Stan Swanson (The Songwriter's Journal: 52 Weeks of Songwriting Ideas and Inspiration

Strongly recommended and "user friendly" reading for both novice and seasoned writers

Joy Writing: Discover And Develop Your Creative Voice by published author Kenn Amdahl is an expertly presented introductory guide to the artful approaches to creative writing. Covering the major aspects of the writing process, Joy Writing begins with the fundamental question of "Why Writer?" and then presents five major sections in methodical order: "Before You Write"; "Beginning to Write"; "Thinking about Language"; "The Overall Flow of any Work: and "Improving". For its outstanding perspective, interpretation, and quite stimulating presentation, Joy Writing is very strongly recommended and "user friendly" reading for both novice and seasoned writers alike, but most particularly those aspiring writers struggling with expressing or developing their own distinctively artistic and creative style.

Inspirational for budding writers

A little like reading Elements of Style on amphetamines, Joy Writing by Kenn Amdahl, cascades over its pages with enthusiasm for writing. I wanted to take up my pen and buy a box of yellow tablets before I finished reading it. Yellow highlights throughout my copy remind me that there are other writers that I want to read. The examples he chooses are engaging and witty. Much of his advice is common sense: "Revising means making choices." Some of his advice is surprising, "Let yourself write badly when you create first drafts..." And some of his advice is phrased in a silly way, "...the poet must distract the Colonel Klink/editor within himself. Simply telling him to wait in the closet isn't enough, we need him in a different time zone." Most of it is practical; join a writing group. And all of it is written in an intimate, conversational tone as if Kenn were talking directly to the reader. Joy Writing is 160 pages of inspiration for budding writers. Reviewed by Alice O'Grady, English Teacher, Wilson HS, Long Beach, CA. for Flamingnet Book Reviews www.flamingnet.com Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews adn recommendations.

Should be called "Joy Reading," because that's what it is.

I've read quite a few books on the craft of writing, and there are as many opinions on the subject as there are titles. This book is a unique jaunt through the fields of imagination. Not only does Mr. Amdahl provide us with concrete instruction and samples from famous writers to back it up, he injects the proceedings with an almost narrative style that makes you feel like you're reading a novel. It's both entertaining and informative, and damn funny to boot. Highly recommended for anyone interested in improving their writing or just wanting a rollicking good read.