Sun Signs for Writers

By Bev Walton-Porter

Helping readers discover their writing strengths and weaknesses based on their astrological sign, this text brings together the creative worlds of astrology and writing for an instructive guide that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582974039
• ISBN13: 9781582974033
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 0.5" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Sun Signs is Out of This World...!

When I received my copy of Sun Signs for Writers, I was taken by the lovely cover and the size, perfect for stuffing into a purse or bag to take along on a trip. What REALLY wowed me was the wonderful organization of the material and the sense of humor displayed along with great information about writers and their signs. There is a list of famous writers at the end of each chapter which were born under that particular sign. There are also writing exercises to get you in gear. I was particularly thankful for the section on "cusp writers" since I fall into that category myself (Capricorn-Aquarius). Bev Walton-Porter has not only produced a helpful book on writers and astrology but has also given authors a great tool for developing characters using the Sun Signs as a model for them. Bravo Bev!

Unusual advice for writers

"Sun Signs for Writers" by Bev Walton-Porter is a fascinating concept. It uses the basic sun signs of astrology to address some of the various personality issues writers face when it comes to such issues as rejection, criticism (giving and receiving), and trying to get published. It also includes a section on using the personality profiles of the sun signs to create interesting characters for your stories. The book is colorful and attractive, and certainly a unique and interesting approach to handing out writing advice. My first thought was that it would be little more than a curiosity, because I don't particularly believe in astrology. However, after reading through the first few signs, I realized it has a strong value even to people who scoff at such things. Because it addresses issues such as criticism and rejection based on personality rather than some attempt to give universal advice, you can look through the book for the bits and pieces that fit your personality and use the suggestions given regardless of whether they fit your sun sign. There are many different suggestions depending on how you tend to handle various situations, and you're sure to find something in here that's relevant to your own issues and abilities. Finally, the book ends with a section on creating characters using sun sign personality sketches as archetypes. Each sign's notes include tips on professions that might suit a given sign, motivations and flaws, and sun signs they might well be paired with or oppose. The suggestions here certainly could help spur some creative material. However, I wish that each sign had included a few thoughts on details that could prevent stereotyping. These are old personality archetypes, and because of that it's all too easy to end up with stereotypes when using them if you aren't careful. This book would make a fun gift for any writer. It's an attractive curiosity piece, but it has a great deal of valuable advice tucked within its pages.

Informative, inspirational, and FUN!

I love this book!!! I could not put Sun Signs for Writers down. (I read Virgo first because that's my curse -- er -- sign, but then I wound up reading all the other signs, too.) This delightfully well-crafted read is also a genuinely useful reference. Everything Ms. Walton-Porter said about Virgo writers is TRUE, TRUE, TRUE. And probably the most helpful sentence in there (for this Virgo scribe, anyway) was "Rejection happens, dear Virgo!" It's also incredibly appealing visually, and packed with fun tidbits like lists of writers born under each sign. For me, knowing that Mary Shelley, D. H. Lawrence, Roald Dahl, and Agatha Christie were all Virgos is a huge boost. The next time I hear that voice in my head saying, "Silly, Virgos can't be writers," I'll have some serious answering-back ammo. Thanks, Ms. Walton-Porter, for a book that has already earned an honored spot next to my computer!

Charming, Clever and Useful

Bev Walton-Porter's gorgeous new book "Sun Signs for Writers" is the perfect gift for both students and professional writers. It's a handy-dandy reference for authors in the midst of developing characters for their next "whodunit". On top of that, it's full of tips for novelists based on their astrological signs such as, "Ten Paths to Publication for Geminis" or "Four Fool Proof Ways Taurus Can Smash Writers Block." Even if you are not a writer, this book is just plain fun. Colorful and printed on heavy gloss, it's the perfect size to tuck into a computer bag or backpack. My husband and I took it to dinner with us one night and enjoyed reading the predilictions of the various signs -- especially those of people that we know. I especially liked knowing that Scorpio's Key Physical Corrspondence is the genitalia and that Cancer's astrological opposite is Capricorn. I highly recommend this book for anyone with an urge to write or those who enjoy New Age subjects.

Let the Stars Guide Your Pen

Ever wonder why certain genres call to you? Or why you head straight for a particular section of the library when looking for a new book to read? Turns out you may be fated to connect with specific types of stories. "Sun Signs for Writers" presents the idea that a writer's astrological sign directly relates to his/her muse. Can the words you choose be pre-determined by destiny? Look up your sign's listing in this book and then decide. Useful tips on conquering writer's block and creating fictional characters are also included. Bev Walton-Porter's insights, which are based on years of experience in astrology and publishing, make "Sun Signs for Writers" a fantastic addition to my reference shelf.