There is an old statement that one cannot be a servant to two masters, that is, that one can not do more than one thing well. The Magic and The Mundane, a guide for the writer’s Journey by P. June Diehl gives a lie to that statement. This excellent book is really three well written books: an examination of the creative process of writing, a practical guide to the career of being a writer and a resource book with lists of professional organizations, websties, and research books of immense value to anyone contemplating becoming a writer.
It does not steer the reader toward poetry,Young adult, Romance writing, journaling, fiction, prose, screenwriting, play writing, or nonfiction writing, rather: it is even handed in examining all these branches of the writing arts. It is also full of exercises to restart the creative juices in each of the sections, definitions of terms pertinent to each area of a writers world (film terms, contract terms, etc.) and has such nifty things as story starters, famous quotes and a writers ‘book of days’ section that literally could turn a non writer into a writer if each of the exercises were followed.
It is almost too much of a book. It certainly is a book that can not be digested in a single reading. I would suggest re reading it every six months or so (or as I am doing, randomly picking it up and re reading sections of it whenever I am at a creative standstill.
I can’t imagine any writer NOT finding this book useful regardless of their level of success or competence.

Teel James Glenn 3’24’07

I’ve just read Chapters I and II, and know this is the book for me. This is a practical, hands-on, tool for all writers, I have a feeling, both experienced and new. The title is apt, because I was magically drawn toward the author’s invitation to join her on a journey, one on which I seem to have new visions, and deeper understanding on the subject. The exercises are delightful. They are already leading me onward, and awakening my muse! As for the mundane, well, we writers know all about it, and reminders, such as the benefit of practice and accumulation of pedagogy, are well represented. The book is bursting with invigorating suggestion. I’m excited about it.

This book is a wonderful guide in the writing journey. It is a tremendous help. The way June wrote it, it feels like I am sitting in front of the fireplace having a casual conversation with Esumera. This is in no way preachy like most textbooks. Kudos to you June! I highly recommend this book for anyone writing.

One of the best writing books I've ever read. The author takes us on a tour of the writing world. She speaks directly to us and sometimes to her cat. I've never learned so much from a writing book I actually enjoyed reading. All the benefits of a novel & you learn, too!