The Pocket Muse:
Ideas and Inspirations for Writing
The Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration
The two volumes of The Pocket Muse are small, handsomely designed books stuffed with writing prompts and exercises, quotations (fresh ones) from a variety of writers, mini-lessons on technique, strategies for battling writer’s block, suggestions (and marching orders) for maintaining your writing life, horror stories from the book world, advice on everything from finding time to finding an agent, and even a few laughs. Black-and-white photographs intensify the directions or advice on the page or stand alone as idea-starters. I’m a firm believer that a writing life should contain more light than darkness, and I hope these books will help you turn on the light. For creative types of all stripes.
Description
Description is a guide for fiction writers. I’ve taught workshops for over 30 years to writers at all stages of their craft, and this book is the result. It covers everything from the use of simple detail to the intricacies of point of view, all in a friendly, approachable style that keeps reminding you that writing is challenging but fun.
REVIEWS:
“Bursting with quirky, short romps of the imagination, The Pocket Muse is an ideal gift book, both for a friend, a writer, an artist, and, especially, for you....Monica Wood, a strong fiction writer in her own right, has assembled this verbal and visual treat, providing a reassuring voice plus completely charming conundrums...making the reader’s synapses snap and sing in response.”
City Beat (Cincinnati)
“Sparkling with delightful, witty, thought-provoking morsels for today’s writers, Monica Wood’s dreamy yet realistic writer’s companion will encourage your muse to take flight. The stimulating visuals laced throughout the book uniquely capture the essence of the literary imagination and provide salve for the writer’s soul.”
The Barnes and Noble Review
“Books of this sort are often forced, or cute, or more about spirituality than writing. Not The Pocket Muse. It is a lively, appealing companion for a writer in need of a good nudge.”
From the Amazon.com Editors
“A wonderful gift book for the writer in your life. It fulfills the promise of its title...upbeat without being cloying, encouraging without being unrealistic.”
from Inside the Cover Book Reviews
“The strength of Description is best summed up by one simple line: ‘Don’t ask who your character is; ask what your character does.’ Wood’s use of description doesn’t distract the reader from the story; rather, it helps create a more powerful plot. A must for writers.”
Arizona Authors’ Association