Book Description
Each card in this inspiring deck offers an idea to stretch your approach to observing and chronicling the daily events around you. You'll learn how to harness the power of words (what to write about, and what to write with), explore extreme photography techniques without having any previous photography experience, focus on the little things (like a two-inch section of a painted mural you drive by every day), and discover unusual ways to create a self-portrait (from plastic wrap and tree lights, to close-ups of your hands). Includes 50 cards and a creativity notebook to record your own art-journal explorations.
Customer Reviews:
Very Cool Concept.......2007-09-26
I love these creativity cards! The graphics on one side are unique, interesting, colorful, and eye catching. The prompts on the flipside are thought-provoking, meaningful, and different. The small journal is a great creative jumpstart in itself. I love the colors and techniques that were used to produce the backgrounds. Think I'll even attempt to create some of those myself. The box housing the creativity cards and journal is sturdy and pleasant to look at.
This is a fresh concept, and I am enjoying this package very much.
By the way, this is in no way a "how to" of any type. It is intended to make you think about doing old things in a fresh way or to help you attempt something new altogether.
Highly recommended.
Wow!.......2007-08-05
these cards are amazing. each one is a little piece of art in itself. you'll want to frame and hang them. except then you wouldn't be able to turn them over and get a shot in the arm of inspiration... yummy. i'm too afraid to work in the little workbook as yet, tho. i don't wanna mess it up. :)
if you're looking for cutesy, pretty art, tho, look somewhere else. this is real, gritty from-the-soul art. the kind that hits you "right there". and hopefully will help you make your own journal pages that do the same.
several of them are geared towards photography but lots of it is the kind that can be done with even an el cheapo camera. the author will also have you using tape, glue, spraypaint, and maybe a few things you never thought of as art supplies before. this is the kind of journaling that begs you to jump in and get messy.
if you do any kind of visual journaling, i highly recommend these cards and workbook.
So Much Fun.......2007-08-05
I got this after much thought. I figured it was just another "how to do a journal book". But, I found it to be much fun to do the exersizes and if you are an artist with a block, this will help to unblock you. It can give you ideas you never really thought of before on approaching your art work. Plus, as I said, it is a lot of fun to do the exersizes suggested on the individual cards. The kit also includes a fun little notebook/journal book to do as you please with. If you teach art, these are also fun ideas to inspire your students. I plan on doing that with my students this Fall.
This is a Gem.......2007-07-26
First of all, this will make a perfect gift for anyone crafty or involved in journaling, scrapbooking, altered books, ATCs, etc. It's a very affordable gift that keeps on giving.
The author opens your eyes to new ways to be creative in a way anyone, whether an "artist" or not, can use everyday observations to create real, unique, personal, fun, journal pages. She'll encourage you to take in all your surroundings and find a common element - she was able to find the common element while sitting in an Italian restaurant and watching war protesters: she, the waiter, the protesters were all waiting, caught up in a moment in time which was the theme she used for one one of her journal pages. She uses paint, photography and any object that she can use to express herself in her work -and makes no apologies. I LOVE this little gem. Just lovely and real. You won't be disappointed.
Great things come in little boxed sets..........2007-07-04
I noticed that there was a 1 star review of "Wide Open...". No offense, reviewer, but clearly you don't have a clue. Yes, the cards in the set are sort of vague -- if you are looking for step-by-step instructions for making something, don't waste your money on this. And, yes, you do need to own... and have some very basic knowledge of... art supplies (again, no offense, but if you've been within spitting distance of an art supply or craft store, then you'll know what gesso is).
[Ok, stepping off my soap box and done with the snarky comments.] Randi Feuerhelm-Watts is such an inspiration! I love her style and the ideas for inspiration that she presents on the cards go way beyond some of the tired, old suggestions that seem to always crop up in art/craft publications.
I read all the cards in one sitting (because I'm obsessive like that!) and I did notice that some of them related to each other. Not that they are dependent on each other or that you would be lost if you pick them at random... but I did observe some links between the individual ideas. I think this is great for continuing themes in your art work. Also, while she references photography quite a bit (she is a photographer after all), I definitely do not feel that any of the ideas are pigeonholed by the techniques. The author's basic ideas translate really well no matter what kind of visual artwork you might do.
The cards themselves each feature snippets of the author's artwork on the back. This alone is incredibly inspirational. You almost get double the bang for your buck - pull out one of the cards to interpret the visual side and then come back to it later for inspiration from the narrative side.
My only complaint would be about the Creativity Notebook... I wouldn't really call it a complaint, persay. I guess I'm just ambivalent about it's inclusion in the set. On one hand she has provided some great backgrounds to help you combat "white page syndrome" as well as some random instructions to offer a jump start to someone who is new to visual journaling. But on the other hand, I don't see myself personally using it since I already have half a dozen journals and prefer to make my own backgrounds (once you get on a roll, its half the fun).
The ideas and techniques are presented in Randi's conversational style, along with her great little stories. While I have not had the pleasure of taking a class with her or meeting her, she comes across as the kind of person you'd love to have as an art friend because she'd always be inspiring and challenging. I think that's the greatest thing about this kit... she's managed to package a ton of her personality and a lot of what I imagine she teaches in her workshops into one cool product. This set definitely gets a front row spot on my art-bookshelf.
Book Description
For anyone challenged by the changes and controversies in the world's most widely used language: Standard American English.
Right, Wrong, and Risky provides simple, direct answers to questions about word choice, spelling, grammar, and punctuation—in straightforward alphabetical order. The answers are supported by thousands of up-to-date published usage examples. And the reader is told not just that particular usages are right or wrong, but why.
In addition, Right, Wrong, and Risky warns the reader about risky words like cleave and suspicious, and the many risky situations in which usage authorities disagree about what is and is not acceptable in Standard American English. For every such quandary, this book provides a risk-free solution.Browsers will learn why we tell stage performers to break a leg, why it's not really an insult to call someone a philistine or even a Neanderthal, and why it's wise never to use the word fortuitous or say the word forte aloud.
Customer Reviews:
Who Can Do Without?.......2007-01-27
I can't think of anyone who uses the spoken or written word who wouldn't be intrigued by this book. Oh, how we misuse our English language with word useage that we are unsure of or mangle. Although not meant as such, I bought this book as a reference gift for my Crossword Puzzle obsessed son. It is amazing the amount of research and scholarship that is invested in this book. Look up the definition of the word "peruse." My guess is you haven't been using it correctly. Welcome to the club.
A must for anyone who writes...anything!.......2006-12-08
If you write letters, books, emails or just quick notes to the kids, you need this book. I have been honing my writing skills for years and found a plethora of information that I can use everyday. This book showed me how far I still have to go.
I'm buying four copies for Christmas gifts, I'm sure they'll be well received.
Brillant Yet Flawed.......2005-12-04
I just bought this book today and was absolutley delighted to see such an up-to-date reference book on American usage. I have been waiting for a comphrensive yet readable book on this subject, and Mr. Davidson's book fills the bill fairly well. The entries are alphabetically arranged, with very entertaining and informative prescriptions on what's right and incorrect. On the more controversial entries he even suggests a "risk-free" alternative to keep the prospective writer/editor out of possible hot water. A nice touch! Most aspects of usage and style are covered. From the usual collection of confusing and misspelled words, to excellent discussions about fused gerunds, redundant phrases, and other matters likely to trip up people who want to write clearly and correctly for their readers. The excellent bibliography is exhasutive and lists all the books that have been published on this topic since the early 90s (and earlier!).
On the negative side, I was very disapppointed that there was no index for the individual entries. This proved to be especially troubling, since not all entries are listed where they should be. For example, in looking up the word "yet", I found it not under the y's, but under the b's with the entry "but, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, still and all, or yet?" An index would have been helpful to point me directly to the page on which this item was discussed.
Lastly, I was surprised there was no reference to the recent Cambridge Guide to English Usage (2004) by Pam Peters who is also at Macquarie University. The two books together should answer any usage question for years to come.
Customer Reviews:
Gorgeous.......2007-08-01
The Paperblanks line is great. A couple of things about this one - the spine is exposed on the outside which is how it is supposed to be but you can't see that in the picture. Also, it doesn't really look like stained glass, it's painted with some type of raised paint. Still, I challenge you to find a journal more beautiful. I give it four stars not because of its own merits, but only because the pictures on Amazon aren't quite accurate. On its own I would definitely give it a five.
Perfect...they are all...Perfect.......2007-06-14
First off, in response to L. Lindsey's original comment (the reason, above all, I chose to comment on this in the first place), is that this is also suitable for a male, such as myself. :) just thought I'd point that out. ;)
On to the product itself, well, as the title suggests, it's an amazing journal, should you choose to use it that way. For myself I use it as as an all-in-one memory keeper. A pensive, if you will indulge a little mysticism. I also ordered Varsity fountain pens to use while writing in this thing, and let me say, it's amazing. By the time I'm done writing, I have ink all over my fingers. >.
< It makes me feel almost like an old-fashioned writer. The pages aren't thick, but they aren't thin enough to where the ink from my pen will bleed through the other side and garble whatever I was writing previously. I also use a straight razor to slit the paper on some pages where I want to keep Polaroid pictures of things seen, done, experienced, etc.
This baby works extremely well for me. Not to mention the cover, which is worth almost five stars in and of itself. I'm extremely pleased that I was able to find this, because I know already that it has become part of me, it represents a stage in life where I'm trying to figure things out, and it does marvelously at filling in where my permanent memory fails sometimes.
Happy hunting.
Absolutelly gorgeous!.......2007-03-08
This journal was even more beautiful when I actually had it than when I was purchasing it. I highly recommend this product to any female.
Beautifully-Made Journal.......2007-01-28
Bought this as a gift so I didn't get to spend too much time with it, however I couldn't help notice how beautiful the cover was and the high quality of the pages and binding. The cover has an embossed design and the colors are wonderful. This makes a great gift, almost too beautiful to use! (Although one caveat for gift-giving; mine arrived with a 1-inch indentation in the cover, presumably from the shipping or packaging.)
Amazon.com
You need no previous experience reading hieroglyphs to benefit from this book. This is a hieroglyphs guide for the layperson, tourist, or museum enthusiast who'd like to have more of a clue when it comes to understanding Egyptian hieroglyphs. Focusing on the funerary symbols one would be likely to see in Egypt or at a museum, and illustrated with hieroglyphs that are on display in the British Museum (drawn by Richard Parkinson, curator in the Department of Egyptian Antiquities at the British Museum), How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs makes possible a deeper appreciation not just of museum displays but of the Egyptian culture that used this writing system.
Both experts in Egyptology (Collier teaches Egyptology at the University of Liverpool, and Manley teaches the subject at the University of Glasgow), they explain how most hieroglyphs are used to convey the sound of the ancient Egyptian language, then go on to teach, in easily digestible segments, the basic phonograms (sound-signs) used in inscriptions a traveler or museum-goer would be most likely to encounter. Each chapter teaches a new portion of hieroglyphic script and a new aspect of the Middle Egyptian grammar, with a section to practice the new reading skills and exercises to solidify the lessons taught. It provides a wonderful opportunity to sit at home and learn about the pharaonic administration, ancient Egyptian family life, and the Egyptian way of death, while building a firm understanding of the most common features of hieroglyphs. --Stephanie Gold
Book Description
Hieroglyphs are pictures used as signs in writing. When standing before an ancient tablet in a museum or visiting an Egyptian monument, we marvel at this unique writing and puzzle over its meaning. Now, with the help of Egyptologists Mark Collier and Bill Manley, museum-goers, tourists, and armchair travelers alike can gain a basic knowledge of the language and culture of ancient Egypt.
Collier and Manley's novel approach is informed by years of experience teaching Egyptian hieroglyphs to non-specialists. Using attractive drawings of actual inscriptions displayed in the British Museum, they concentrate on the kind of hieroglyphs readers might encounter in other collections, especially funerary writings and tomb scenes. Each chapter introduces a new aspect of hieroglyphic script or Middle Egyptian grammar and encourages acquisition of reading skills with practical exercises.
The texts offer insights into the daily experiences of their ancient authors and touch on topics ranging from pharaonic administration to family life to the Egyptian way of death. With this book as a guide, one can enjoy a whole new experience in understanding Egyptian art and artifacts around the world.
Customer Reviews:
Incredibly well thought out and put together.......2007-09-03
I love this book! It absolutely is for the "true beginner" and has plenty of exercises, well thought out chapters and a ton of information in the many appendixes (including a small dictionary, hieroglyphic sign lists and small descriptions). I'd recommend this book to ANYONE who is looking to improve on their Hieroglyphic knowledge or who would like to learn even a little bit about them!
Exactly what I wanted........2007-08-15
I do not know a lot about hieroglyphics beyond touring Egypt 3 times, which is why I purchased this book. But I can tell you that it is very detailed and easy to read. I'm very happy with this purchase.
Perfect Introduction for a Beginner Like Moi!.......2007-06-23
This book is more than I had expected. It holds an important place in my Reading Corner, and I have spent bits of time [almost] daily, working at my own pace... and find I am in complete understanding of the entire text... ready to move on to more advanced material.
That I have absorbed this material on my own, without an instructor, is -- to me! -- significant. I recommend this book to those who may be casually interested in learning to decipher Middle Egyptian funerary texts, which in retrospect appears to be a logical way to introduce the language.
== m htp ==
An Excellent Introductory book.......2007-03-09
A top line, well structured book that reads easily with clear explanations. Serious study, guided by this book will provide a good foundation for further study of this fascinating language.
Unclear.......2007-02-17
Though I found this book somewhat useful. I also found there to be many inaccurate translations. In ancient Egypt, they read from either left to right, top to bottom or bottom to top, however, never did they read from right to left. When I seek to add to my knowledge in any ancient language, I seek to learn it as they would have read it and in this book, it was confusing as the authors guide you through as if reading the english language.
I recommened E.A. Wallis Budge's Easy Lessons in Egyptian Hieroglyphics a much more accurate source as he breaks it down, and yet guides you easier and with less confusion in how the ancients would have read the script.
Average customer rating:
- I'm Trying To Follow In Leopold Bloom's Footsteps.
- GIves you a giggle
- Cute, funny, but not trustworthy
- Funny, not realistic, Irish phrase book
- A joke book
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Wicked Irish
Howard Tomb
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
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ASIN: 076111355X |
Book Description
Master the gift of gab with the phrase book that makes Erin go ha!
From Dublin on Five Pints an Hour to Genuflection for Beginners, Wicked Irish helps visitors negotiate the nuances of a country where even trees are considered Protestant or Catholic. Learn to flatter customs agents: "'Tis a grand machine you have there, officer!" Politely decline the heavy Irish breakfast: "I've given up pig entrails/congealed blood for Lent." Show appreciation for fine whiskey: "ACK ACK! Mother Mary! That goes down the nun's knickers!" There's even a special section just for golfers: "Should I replace divots in consecrated ground? Am I entitled to relief from this dolmen/ewe/leprechaun? Shite! I don't usually lose a putt in the wind."
Wicked Irish is instant gift of gab, and soon you'll be toasting newfound friends, strangers, barmaids, and even stray dogs with confidence.
Customer Reviews:
I'm Trying To Follow In Leopold Bloom's Footsteps........2007-08-10
I have been teaching myself Gaelic for the past year or so but felt my instruction was lacking something; where was all the slang? How could I possibly make it in Ireland without knowing how to say that I've given up congealed blood for Lent, in Gaelic? What would I do if I was in a pub making eyes at a gentleman and couldn't tell him that I was spellbound by his deltoids, in Gaelic? How could I properly yell at a Dubliner without knowing to call him a Jackeen?
Wicked Irish is a pocket sized little book and its 64 pages are filled with some hilarious phrases. It gives you pick up lines, things to say at a wake, in church, on the golf course or in the pub. Mixed in with all the fun and frivolity is an equal amount of useful Gaelic sayings, if you're inclined to try it out on the locals. Each word is phonetically written out so if you are not familiar with the language you will have no problem pronouncing the words.
This book doesn't cost very much and the entertainment I have received from it was well worth the price and then some. One night after a few too many Guinness, my sister and had a grand time reading through it and shouting insults at each other and our husbands; laughing the entire time. If anything, this book is a great conversation starter. Enjoy!
GIves you a giggle.......2005-12-01
This is the type of book you would read on the long flight to Ireland if you're leaving from the US. No real practical use but it will delight your friends in Ireland if you share some of the phrases. Reading this book is a good way to relax and just have fun. Don't expect anything more.
Cute, funny, but not trustworthy.......2004-12-22
If you are considering getting this book as a fun way to add some vocabulary to your study of Irish, don't. It's very funny, but even with my very (!) limited knowledge of Irish I've found a mistake - so now of course I don't take anything it says at face value.
Specifically (leaving out the marks that are difficult to type), p. 59, Social Ireland, Kiss My Aphorism:
"May the road" = "Go n-eiri",
"rise to meet" = "an bothar",
"your face" = "i t'aghaidh"
Apparently they just cut apart the phrase, without regard for grammar.
Well worth the price as a general humor book. A nice thing to leave on the coffee table to amuse your friends. Just don't try to learn from it.
Funny, not realistic, Irish phrase book.......2004-08-18
When you think you might want to learn a new language, first read How To Learn Any Language. You'll find a path to follow for learning languages. One tool is the phrasebook. This phrasebook, however, isn't really what you're looking for. It is funny, outrageous, and it has a pronunciation guide. There are a lot of golfing references (strange enough), and really interesting bits of background history of the country. I just can't imagine ever saying "That goes down like the nun's knickers!" in a pub, no matter how strong the whiskey.
It is funny to see it laid out in Irish's horrific grammar.
Get this book to lighten you up a bit as you slosh through Learning Irish (the best Irish course out there).
A joke book.......2002-09-15
This book isn't for the serious language student. Thankfully, I can't imagine ever using any of the phrases in it. Also, if you find ethnic stereotype humor distasteful, you might not enjoy this book. But, it has its entertaining moments.
Book Description
Wendy Ewald asked children a compelling question-What is the best part of you?The resulting book captures children's thoughts about their bodies in striking photographs and disarmingly honest words.Sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always provocative, The Best Part of Me is a distinguished, deeply personal book that is sure to be welcomed by teachers and parents looking for creative ways to discuss body image, self-esteem, and diversity and children.
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring Idea.......2006-11-06
I shared this book with my third grade class in the beginning of the year. Each double page spread has a child's writing (best self-edited) and a black and white photo. Since the writers were close to their ages, they could model their own writing after the writing in the book. Each child chose their "best part" to write about and then posed for a picture of their hair, feet, etc. I used a digital camera to take black and white photos. The lack of color really emphasized their work. These are now mounted on their lockers for all to see and I have never had as many comments on student writing. This book could inspire writers of many ages.
Interaction at its Best.......2006-09-17
Great book. What an easy way to get children involved with writing associated with literature. Not only does The Best Part of Me expose children to engaging prose, which they can relate to, it also gets them thinking about what they might say about their own bodies. This is an easy and instant writing project for any classroom, K-12, and the end project creates a terrific bulletin board. The book is worth every cent.
Photos that touch your heart.......2002-05-29
My wife, Marilyn, did a Best Part of Me project with one of the classrooms she consults with. The children who wrote and the shildren and adults who saw the photos and the writing about them were engaged.
Wendy Ewald is an amazing person who uses a camera as a way to learn.
knees & elbows & necks, oh my!.......2002-03-08
Immediate, poetic & bright this big book brings you up close & personal with children's feet, hands, eyes, backs, hair, elbows in award-winning Wendy Ewald's magical photos.
The poems penned by these 15 youngsters are funny & eloquent, touching & proud. As is usual with children, it's more about what they don't say as much as it is about what they do.
Bound to get kids thinking about what they like about their bodies, might even get them writing little ditties about it too! A must in a classroom or school library!
The poems & black & white photos in THE BEST PART OF ME are drawn from Literacy Through Photography, a program Wendy Ewald originated in the public schools of Durham, North Carolina.
Book Description
The Peacock Ebony Lined journal reproduces a striking French fabric design with astonishing fidelity. Dating from the 1860s, this master pattern was hand-painted prior to machine production. Providing a glimpse into the creative process, this cover is inspired by the original artwork with a new fabric design which draws inspiration from the natural world and features an abundance of luscious plume-like foliage and twining tendrils.
In addition, this peacock journal features spectacular stylized peacocks whose feathers fan out, poised in a border that swirls with intricately patterned paisley motifs in bright, fiery colors, reminiscent of a phoenix in the flames.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect Gifts!.......2007-08-26
I first saw these books in Old Town, San Diego and they were exquisite. I bought one as a gift and then stumbled on to them on Amazon (much cheaper!) so I bought about six more, all different, for Christmas gifts. They are so beautiful I am going to hate to part with them.
Journal .......2007-07-03
This journal is exactly what I was looking for. It is nothing special but very nice. It has lines but they are not too dark so as not to distract from the writing. It is smaller than my other paperblank journals, only about 7x5". It's cover is magnetic so it stays shut. One thing, from the picture I thought it was a chocolate brown color, but it really is black.. not a big deal to me but maybe to some other people. I hope this helps.
Beautiful and practical.......2007-06-10
This journal is gorgeous. It is the perfect size, and I love the pocket on the inside back cover. The pocket is a great place to put photos, cards, etc. without having to tape thaem into the journal.
The cover is beautiful, with a few gold metallic accents, and there is a paragraph at the back with information about the design.
I only have one tiny complaint... After a while (a month or so) the cover started peeling at the corner just a little. I think it is only because I carry my journal with me everywhere I go, so this didn't keep me from giving a 5 star review.
Beautiful.......2007-02-17
I love the way this little journal feels in my hands and slips into my bag to go along with me. The artwork is beautiful. Well worth the price. paperblanks journals are the best!
Amazon.com
The Observation Deck is kind of like an I Ching for writers. At an impasse in your essay or novel? Looking for a new approach or even merely a warm-up exercise? Simply pluck a card from the deck, refer to the appropriate section in the accompanying book, and go with it. Each card--there are 50--is accompanied by a meditation on its subject by Naomi Epel, whose own warm wisdom is supplemented by that of the hundreds of writers she has met in her role as a book-tour escort in San Francisco. For the card labeled "Get specific," for example, Epel calls upon eight writers in the space of a two-and-a-half-page rally against the vague and superficial. Among them is Gabriel García Márquez, who advises, "If you say that there are elephants flying in the sky, people are not going to believe you. But if you say that there are four hundred and twenty-five elephants in the sky, people probably will believe you." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
This may be the most useful tool for writing to come along since the computer. The Observation Deck is a 160-page book by Naomi Epel presenting the writing secrets—insights, tips, exercises—of today's most talented writers. It's paired with 50 inspiring flash cards to break the spell of writer's block and overcome hurdles to creativity. Great for both beginning and seasoned writers, The Observation Deck offers encouragement and ingenious strategies from great writers who've been there. This little box, tailor-made for writers, is loaded with effective techniques to get the writing going, right now.
Visit observationdeck.com!
Customer Reviews:
Creative Play. .......2007-08-11
This is a 50 card deck created by literary escort, Naomi Epel who would get writing advice/ideas from the authors that she toted around. She used an index card system where she had wrote phrases or questions. When she was feeling stuck, she'd pull out a card to induce ideas.
The cards have words, suggestions, ideas to help pull you out of being stuck or to spark your creativity with your writing. Accompanying the cards is a book that is slightly larger than the cards. The book contains suggested uses for the cards and meanings. I like in the introduction where Naomi says: "The spontaneity of pulling cards freed me from having to be too self-directive and my writing began to flow."
I have enjoyed using the cards and the book is interesting. I have been keeping the cards beside my computer when I write, and sometimes when I take a break I'll shuffle and see what comes up. This morning when I went to my computer, (after reading a book that had me thinking about writing down some goals)I looked at the cards sitting atop a pile of books. The top card facing me read: "Set realistic goals." -Wow, maybe they're psychic too!
The cards and book come in a nice box. Mine haven't been back in the box since I got them. This is a great gift for writers or anyone who enjoys creativity and expanding their thinking.
Book Alone.......2006-10-28
I bought the book used here sans cards and the book itself is interesting. It has about five references to the wonderful writer Julie Smith whose work I'm reading now as a result. She's terrific and until now I had not considered myself a mystery reader.
A few of the topics/ideas in the are common sense (well, actually they all are), but I am surprised at how having them in one place is inspirational. I wish I had this book on my writer's retreat last weekend for a craft lesson presentation.
The edition I have is a small paperback and has a colorful, interesting cover. It would make a great gift.
So, in short, I recommend the book as a gift for writer friends or for yourself to nurture your creative side. I'm so torn between the two, I'll buy another copy.
A must have for writers!.......2005-09-30
My soon-to-be published friend Debra introduce me to The Observation Deck -- which I now lovingly call "a writing class in a box."
This is not new, published in 1998, so I was late to join the fan club, and when I tell other friends about it, some look at me patiently and say: You just found it now!
The idea (should you choose to accept this mission) is to use the deck of get-off-your-duff cards to urge you out of writer's block.
This may sound melodramatic, but it has changed my life -- as a writer, editor, listener and observer of people, places and things.
When writer's block hits, pick from over 20 cards that might say: Take a walk; or zoom in and out; explore the underside; follow the scent.... You get the idea. My favorite is: EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER.
The purse-sized, 160-page book has a chapter on each of the "pushes" on the cards. My book is highlighted in yellow, with X in red and Q for wonderful quotes. I read a little, think a lot, and then an idea, or a new way to look at an idea that has been rumbling and grumbling around in my head pops into my thought process.
If you are wannabe writer (or better writer), this would be a great self-gift or for family or friends who are writers.
Your Booker Prize is all in the cards.......2005-01-23
These pretty cards are an excellent device to jump-start ideas when that sneaky writer's block comes up. Great for brainstorm sessions and getting ideas organized. This is a fun tool for those who love cards - playing cards, tarot decks, and affirmations. Creative minds will have a blast using this "ingredient" in their recipe of book writing!
Just an Observation.......2004-06-23
"The Observation Deck" is a cute boxed set from Naomi Epel for writers who suffer from writers block or other inspiration malfunctions.
The set from Epel contains 50 cards meant to inspire thoughts, stories or other ways of thinking during the writing process. A little book is also included that contains techniques that have worked for other writers such as "Eavesdrop" a little trick apparently used by famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eudora Welty and many others. The book is more effective than the cards and I would like to see that thought continued in larger volume by Epel.
This set is a nice handy tool to have at hand when doubting your worth as a writer. Grab it for inspiration but rely on your own observations.
Book Description
Every writer needs a simpatico environment to be productive, and what better place than that mecca of creativity, San Francisco? The city by the bay has been home to generations of writers, from Rudyard Kipling to Mark Twain to Armistead Maupin. In this lively book, Eric Maisel gives writers the guidance they need to take a literal or figurative soul-renewing sojourn to San Francisco. Maisel, one of America’s foremost creativity coaches, explores the how and why of making an artistic pilgrimage to the city, including the pesky problem of finding the perfect pied-a-terre for writing that elusive masterpiece. Thirty individual essays profile the best sections of the city for pumping up the juices (“The View from Bernal Hill,” “South of Market”), noted literati of the past (“Mark Twain and the Onion”), how to find the perfect landlord, dealing with those inspiration-inhibiting earthquake fears, and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Food for the starving artist.......2006-12-31
Every year in December I read a creativity book and take as much time as I can to rejuvinate my creative soul and decide what projects I want to focus on in the coming year. Last year I read A Writer's Paris and this year I read A Writer's San Francisco. Both books are wonderful, inspirational texts that will help any writer find creative energy and meaning through their work. The first book made me want to get out and travel the world, using the opportunity to hone my senses and gather new experiences for my writing. It was wonderful, as far as that goes, but I don't generally have the money to fly off to Paris for a month, or even a week, to feed my creative soul. You can tell Maisel lives in San Francisco, while he himself has been only a tourist in Paris, because the second book brings writing home. It makes you appreciate your own home town, even if it's not as artist-friendly as San Francisco, and it offers an illuminating look inside a successful writer's daily life with out the rules and regulations so often laid out in "a writer's life" type of book. Recommended for all aspiring, struggling, and successful writers.
Midwest Book Review: December 2006 Issue.......2006-12-02
From Bernal Hill to Washington Square Park, Alcatraz Island to the West Portal Tunnel, Eric Maisel has traveled physically and metaphorically, and in this beautiful new book, he gives the reader a guided tour of heart, soul, and place.
The physical book is stunningly beautiful. Paul Madonna's colorful drawings of buildings, streets, interiors, and still-life scenes add amazing depth to the narrative. A center foldout shows a typically hilly San Francisco street full of narrow houses and flats with a view to the Golden Gate Bridge. Quotations by Imogen Cunningham, Dylan Thomas, Mark, Twain, and Oscar Wilde on the reverse side attest to the strength and attractions of the city.
Those who have followed Maisel's career, read his books on writing, received his frequent newsletters, and participated in his creativity workshops will be further entranced by this book of reflections, memories, and wise observations, but any author or artist who has fallen in love with a city - or, indeed, any place - will find this "Guided Journey of the Creative Soul" irresistible. Highly recommended. ~Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review
A Writer Writing for Writers.......2006-10-31
I just finished reading A Writer's San Francisco and I'll be buying extra copies to give as gifts. I think this one is even better than A Writer's Paris (which BTW was also very good). With A Writer's San Francisco, Eric Maisel manages to weave history, his personal connections to the city and the best of his creativity coaching lessons together into a delicious mix. The wonderful illustrations by Paul Madonna were paired with the essays to compliment them perfectly.
A Writer's Paris made me consider it viable to go to Paris for a writing vacation. A Writer's San Francisco is even bigger than that--it's a writer writing for writers and revealing why it's important to write, how connection to place and events can be so meaningful and rich, and how non-fiction essays can be creative and satisfying.
This really is a great idea--I can hardly wait to read the next city that Maisel profiles from his unique perspective and writer's experience.
A real find........2006-10-22
I opened the book randomly to page 33, where the first line of the chapter read, "For a year I dated a schizophrenic poet-- let's call her Carol."
This is a travel guide?!
This essay was about a woman who hallucinated roses and poked strangers in the midriff and ended up institutionalized for some time, but who also wrote and recited poetry when she was "sane." And at one reading, a woman came up to her and said, "You are a real poet." It's the validation every writer craves, and it's the theme of this essay. Sure, the setting is San Francisco, but this is no "You must see this fine little café with the lovely murals" guide.
Having been drawn in by this essay, I flipped back to the first page and began reading. It's even more of a niche book than I imagined. It's written for nonreligious Democrat novelists who consider themselves "artists" and love San Francisco. I am precisely none of these things.
Considering how far out of his target market I am, I probably shouldn't have enjoyed this book. But I did. I enjoyed it despite wanting to toss mackerel at his kneecaps a few times. I enjoyed it partly because of that, maybe. What really matters, above all else, is that he's writing about the lives of writers. And even if I roll my eyes at the idea of "artistes" in coffee houses, we're going to have a lot in common.
The experience of walking into a bookstore and finding out someone else has already written the book you were planning to write, for instance. Trying to write even through tragedy and pressures. Missing a fabulous writing opportunity because you were in the wrong place at the right time. Blowing your first public speaking engagement in support of your book. Having conversations about the meanings of words like "haberdashery."
There are brilliant sentences and paragraphs here, things you'll wish you wrote. There are experiences you'll "get" even if you've never had them. This is part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of writers. The part that believes, regardless of what we write and where we live and what demographic boxes we check on subscription forms, that the merits of our work are still important. That those who try to belittle the craft should have their noses rearranged. That writing matters.
San Francisco - the literary muse.......2006-10-18
Armistead Maupin's fictional tales of the city are one long love letter to San Francisco ... and here is why. A must have book for al writers who plan to visit the Bay Area.
Book Description
The core of scientific computing is designing, writing, testing, debugging and modifying numerical software for application to a vast range of areas: from graphics, meteorology and chemistry to engineering, biology and finance. Scientists, engineers and computer scientists need to write good code, for speed, clarity, flexibility and ease of re-use. Oliveira and Stewart‘s style guide for numerical software points out good practices to follow, and pitfalls to avoid. By following their advice, readers will learn how to write efficient software, and how to test it for bugs, accuracy and performance. Techniques are explained with a variety of programming languages, and illustrated with two extensive design examples, one in Fortran 90 and one in C++: other examples in C, C++, Fortran 90 and Java are scattered throughout the book. This manual of scientific computing style will be an essential addition to the bookshelf and lab of everyone who writes numerical software.
Customer Reviews:
A top pick for college libraries........2007-03-12
Writing Scientific Software: A Guide to Good Style provides college-level audiences studying computer technical writing with a clear guide to writing numerical software. Tips are geared to real-world challenges and scenarios and include plenty of examples, so students learn how to write efficient, workable software, test it for bugs and performance, and more. Examples are provided in Fortran 90, C++ and Java throughout and offer plenty of detail on common scenarios, pitfalls, and the elements of sold scientific software production. A top pick for college libraries.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Books:
- Will to Murder, 2nd Edition
- Zapata and the Mexican Revolution
- 101 Great American Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
- 220 Aran Stitches and Patterns (The Harmony Guides , Vol 5)
- A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
- A Man Without a Country
- After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory, Second Edition
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (Signet Classics)
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass (Signet Classics)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
Books Index
Books Home
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