Zen in the Art of Writing

Ray Bradbury's non-fiction is as enchanting and mesmerising as the best of his fiction. "Zen in the Art of Writing" is a superb example. This book blends personal history, thoughts and reflections on life, plus much motivational and practical advice to creative writers. It is (of course) very well written and a page-turning read. Highly recommended for aspiring writers and for those who simply want to know more about Bradbury, the man.

I think that this book gets sometimes to the extreme part of the passion as like being obsessed or devoted into writing. This is the resume for my way of thinking for the 3 fist chaptersInteresting ideas tough the 'minimalistic' books of J S Bell are easier to follow that is short chapters with a aim per chapter.

This is a curious but very interesting book which came as something of a surprise. Those of you familiar with Ray Bradbury's work will probably know him for his novels and short stories, often with a science fiction theme.In this book Ray talks of the creative process. The book is actually a collection of essays written over a period of over twenty years. Though he describes creativity directed at the process of writing, the lessons and ideas have a much broader relevance.Ray reveals some how-to's including the simple idea of capturing key words to describe ideas in a notebook. He describes how sometimes these key words have lay dormant in his notebook, even for decades, before they have been the spark for a story, almost as if as keys they waited for him to realise the ideas they represented.For me however the main feature revealed is the immense passion associated with creativity. The book exudes this passion through the use of sometimes exquisite language which captures the essence of a life of creative change."I have not so much thought my way through life, as done things and found out what it was and who I was after doing it."On later realising why he chose particular names for characters in a story, he writes "What a sly thing my subconscious was to name them thus. And not to tell me,"On ideas he writes "I'd thought that you could beat, pummel and thrash an idea into existence. Under such treatment, of course any decent idea folds up its paws, turns on its back, fixes its eyes on eternity and dies."A book that captures something of the real magic of creativity

It's a small book but with valuable content for a writer. Basically, it's a collection of essays by Ray Bradbury, about his life and writing experiences, and about writing in general. I find them inspiring, and I think most writers will.The title and subtitle may raise false expectations, though. This book is not about 'Zen', and it's not about 'Releasing the Creative Genius Within You'. It's not about *your* writing and *your* genius, but about Bradbury's. As long as you understand that, it's good.

Thoroughly enjoyed this collection of essays and found plenty of nuggets of wisdom inside the pages. Would recommend to anyone considering writing or in the process of writing.