One Continuous Mistake: Four Noble Truths for Writers

by Gail Sher

Book Overview

Based on the Zen philosophy that we learn more from our failures than from our successes, One Continuous Mistake teaches a refreshing new method for writing as spiritual practice.

In this unique guide for writers of all levels, Gail Sher--a poet who is also a widely respected teacher of creative writing--combines the inspirational value of Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way with the spiritual focus of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140195874
• ISBN13: 9780140195873
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.6" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A writers duty well done

All writers apart from writing their 'magnum opuses' should make their 'key to their art' available in the form of writing or recors for interested readers who wish to know what writing meant to the authrs, how they went about ideas etc. Gail Sher has done a good job of letting us know not only the above things but also how other authors like woof,thoreau and so on interacted with writing. While writing about the four truths for writers, she also tells us how writing a haiku has got her stated on writing, the common fallacies like getting discouraged by feedback,how to deal with the well known writers block and well sated 'writers anorexia' that writers are bound to get stuck with, how much of reading is good or bad for writing, the importance of a making a habit of writing. Five Pillars of writing is an excellent chapter on how to start with 'flat writing' of everyday events and tring to build something out of it in phases. Her truths all echo 'write' which is a message well sent across in the book.

An inspiring and delicious read...

I opened this book intending to browse the first few pages. Instead, I finished the book and went right to work writing. I've never thought of myself as a an actual "writer," but now I do! She blows away the concept of "writer's block," inspiring the reader with clear and simple suggestions for writing as a daily process. Even if you are NOT interested in writing, chances are that you will be after reading this book. Her prose resonates like poetry.

so much inspiration in one little book

I was so inspired after reading the first couple pages of "One Continuous Mistake" that I had to stop reading to go about the business of writing (of all things). Gail Sher has merged her years of experience as a writing teacher (who has clearly listened to the issues her students confronted) with her years of practicing, studying and teaching Zen Buddhism to make a very simple demystifying guidebook to a writing life. If you are looking for a workbook, there are wonderful exercises and a very useful guide to writing haikus in the appendix. But even more, if you aren't looking for ideas about the specific "what" or "how" of writing, but are concerned with the continual challenge of maintaining a writing life, this is a great book to have on hand. I plan to re-read this book throughout my writing life and give it as a gift to all my writerly friends.

thought-provoking

This book is concise and insightful. The truths it illustrates are applicable to, not only writing, but almost any other creative endeavor imaginable. Simply replace the word "writing" with "painting" or "design" or whatever interest captivates you. While I read, I found I had to keep my journal beside me to record passages that I didn't want to forget - there were many.

Brilliant

This short, pithy book will guide you on a journey of thought and exploration. The principles within can be applied to more than your writing skills. This book is, in brief, a brilliant work of art. Buy this book today and become the writer you were meant to be! Highly, highly recommended.