Book Pick: Dancing on the Head of a Pen by Robert Benson

Over the years I’ve recommended many writing aids–books to assist with plotting, characters, or navigating the publishing world.

Today I want to recommend a book for inspiration.

Dancing on the Head of a Pen: The Practice of a Writing Life is a wonderful journey into the heart and mind of a writer. Written by Robert Benson, this lovely little book includes ramblings about discipline, writers block, tools, imagination, and audience. But most of all, it includes deep truths about what it means to be a writer.

I read this book on the airplane en route to a writers conference. Sitting next to one of my critique partners, I repeatedly jostled her arm, saying, “Listen to this…” We nodded and laughed over many of Benson’s observations. I found myself using the highlight feature on my kindle–something I rarely do. This line was one of my favorites: “We who would write must love the work in particular ways–each phrase, each sentence, each paragraph, each story. Until we cannot stand to be in a room with it anymore.”

This book is a delight, not because it instructs–which it does from time to time–but because it tells us frantic writers that we’re normal. Well, as normal as folks who regularly talk with imaginary friends could be, anyway.

After reading Benson’s book, I’m ready to jump back into my own writing with renewed vigor. I may still get a little neurotic from time to time, buy hey–at least I know I’m not alone.

Blessings!

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.