"I like how this journal/book has so many questions. The first time I read through the book I just wanted to see what the questions were. But I didn't make it to the end. I continually came across questions that I very badly wanted to answer until finally I gave in and just started writing.
Some of the questions I skipped because they didn't seem to pertain to me or I didn't think they would help. But a week or two later, after picking up the book a few more times, I found myself drawn to those questions I ignored before. I found that they helped me even though I earlier thought they'd apply only to other writers.
I started reading this book while hot and heavy in the middle of writing a novel. I read it with hopes that it would inspire me, that it would serve as a creative spark. The book did this, but in a round-about way. It truly is about discovering the writer within. I learned more about ME, about my style, about what I do best, and about my challenges. I refreshed in my mind those things that once inspired me to write and I found myself digging through my bookshelf for those books I've forgotten about and through my CD collection for that music that puts me in just the right mood. As a result, my writing improved. My productivity increased. I was better able to see my mistakes and especially able to capitalize on those things I do well. Was it because the book was the creative spark I wanted it to be? Not really. It was because I discovered the creative spark that lies WITHIN ME.
In other words, to use a cliché (but it's such a good cliché), like many excellent books, this book didn't just give me food, it taught me how to fish. But more importantly, it didn't just teach me how to fish, it churned up my insides so I learned how to fish with PASSION."
-- Rob Daugherty, Editor and Writer of Let Us Ponder

"This comprehensive workbook for writers is designed to get the creative juices flowing from both the novice writer as well as the seasoned professional. Each segment requires the writer to search his or her mind and soul for answers to questions one might not have necessarily asked oneself. The result is a clearer insight into the reason for one’s passion for writing.
The clarification of this insight prompts the writer to dig deeper when putting pen to paper. Such clarification is an enormous plus for the reader of the work.
Divided into 5 chapters: The Writer Within, The Writer’s Fears, The Writer’s Perspectives, and Exercises for the Writer—Barrett and Froese have left no stone unturned. Within these chapters lie a wealth of questions and scenarios intended to evoke feelings, ideas, and clarity from writers. No writer can complete the sections of this workbook without experiencing many defining moments.
Sensible questions like, “What genre do you tend to write in?” provide practical personal reflection on one’s writing style. Statements like, “You’ve purchased a billboard ad. Write down how you would market yourself as a writer,” prompt the writer to look beyond simply completing his or her written work. And more abstract thoughts like, “Create a limerick about your writing fears,” add a hint of whimsy, humor, and personal tone—as writers Barrett and Froese offer friendly advice to other writers.
Published professionals will emerge from these exercises refreshed and refueled to indulge in their craft. Beginning writers will know they’ve taken a giant leap toward their writing goals.
Whether you’ve written for years or are simply contemplating becoming a writer, your writing abilities and your writing career will be enhanced upon reading—and working through—the chapters in this book."
-- Kim Ripley, Freelancing Later in Life

"Approach this workbook with pen in hand and an open mind," begin co-authors Krista Barrett and Michelle Froese in the first installment from the "Inside Writer’s Guide To..." book series, Discovering the Writer Within: Writing Your Way to Creativity!
And, boy, does that one line sum up this entire book!
For starters, it tells you, front and center, no doubt about it, that this is going to be a "workbook." In essence, a book in which you do work! Second, it implies active participation by all but ordering you to go get that pen and put it in your hand. Do it! Do it now! Finally, it reminds us to have an "open mind." And couldn’t we all use just a little – okay, a lot – more of that!
Don’t expect a lot of 'psychobabble' or career guidance from these writing pros, who no doubt could dish out plenty of both. Nope, authors Barrett and Froese are determined to help you help yourself, and they do so through a series of well-organized, well-thought-out writing, or even journal, prompts to guide you through an awakening process that I personally feel many of us could use more of.
After all, how often do we actually have the time to stop and think about what we do, each and every day, for the most part, as writers? When do we make ourselves – face ourselves? I, for one, rarely find the time to do so, or even consider doing so when I do have spare time. For that reason, I found this book invaluable. By weaving it into several weeks worth of intense self-healing, I was able to utilize its invaluable tools to force myself to be more aware of what I was doing, and thus do it so . . . much . . . better!
The five sections of this helpful and, I thought, provocative book include writing prompts designed to steer you through numerous writing situations, and include “The Writer Within,” “The Writer’s Fears,” “The Writer’s Accomplishments,” “The Writer’s Perspective,” and “Exercises for the Writer.” Each is carefully filled with insightful questions or guiding instructions designed to challenge you, provoke you, comfort you, enlighten you, and occasionally even entertain you!
“Write down your writer regrets,” is one I liked a lot, and then came, “Write down any fears you have about writing non-fiction,” and finally my personal favorite, “Describe what worries you about your writing.”
It is just these types of probing, yet non-threatening, writing prompts that guide writers both new and professional, young and old, newbie and veteran, through the intricate world that is, alas and thank heavens, our craft! If you’re like me, you won’t do it for yourself, so an investment in this insightful and helpful workbook may be just what you need to unleash your inner creativity like never before. And if this is a taste to come, I can’t wait to see what the rest of the “Inside Writer’s Guide To...” book series has to offer!
-- Rusty Fischer, Author and Publicist

“Krista & Michelle have compiled 100’s of stimulating exercises to energize writers. Discovering the Writer Within gives the writer a jolt of creative energy.”
-- Sheri’ McConnell, MAOM Founder & President National Association of Women Writers – NAWW

I use Discovering the Writer Within with my in-person memoir writing classes. The exercises in the book stimulate my class. The more ideas they get the more they can remember and write. Many of my students had never written before. Using the Discovering the Writer Within was like digging through a mine and finding gold. Every student left the six week course with notebooks filled with their own writing and several even submitted their work for publication.
I highly recommend the workbook for all writing teachers regardless of the genre.
-- Bea Sheftel, Writing Instructor