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The Way of the Fearless Writer
Beth Kempton's The Way of the Fearless Writer is a mindful approach to the writing life, based on Buddhist thought…
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2023
264 people are currently reading
2906 people want to read
About the author
Beth Kempton
11 books354 followers日々是好日 - Every day is a good day (Zen proverb)
Beth Kempton is a Japanologist and a bestselling self-help author and writer mentor, whose books have been translated into 24 languages, who loves uncovering life lessons and philosophical ideas buried in Japanese culture, words and ritual.
Beth has two degrees in Japanese and has spent many years living and working in Japan, which she considers her second home. Over the years she has studied Japanese papermaking, flower arranging, pottery, noren-making, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and weaving. Collectively these experiences have led to a deep love of the country and a rare understanding of Japanese cultural and linguistic nuances. She has been inhaling the magic and mystery of Japan - and been influenced by its philosophy and aesthetics - for over two decades.
A qualified yoga teacher and Reiki Master trained in Tokyo, she also has an incurable addiction to chocolate and Japanese stationery. Beth lives a slow-ish life near the sea in Devon, England, and is currently working on her fifth book, ‘Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well-lived’, a follow up her earlier bestseller ‘Wabi Sabi’
Beth is the mother of two small girls who fill her with joy every single day.
https://bethkempton.com
https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com
IG @bethkempton
Facebook/Twitter @dowhatyoulovexx
Beth Kempton is a Japanologist and a bestselling self-help author and writer mentor, whose books have been translated into 24 languages, who loves uncovering life lessons and philosophical ideas buried in Japanese culture, words and ritual.
Beth has two degrees in Japanese and has spent many years living and working in Japan, which she considers her second home. Over the years she has studied Japanese papermaking, flower arranging, pottery, noren-making, calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and weaving. Collectively these experiences have led to a deep love of the country and a rare understanding of Japanese cultural and linguistic nuances. She has been inhaling the magic and mystery of Japan - and been influenced by its philosophy and aesthetics - for over two decades.
A qualified yoga teacher and Reiki Master trained in Tokyo, she also has an incurable addiction to chocolate and Japanese stationery. Beth lives a slow-ish life near the sea in Devon, England, and is currently working on her fifth book, ‘Kokoro: Japanese wisdom for a life well-lived’, a follow up her earlier bestseller ‘Wabi Sabi’
Beth is the mother of two small girls who fill her with joy every single day.
https://bethkempton.com
https://dowhatyouloveforlife.com
IG @bethkempton
Facebook/Twitter @dowhatyoulovexx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 16, 2024
I’ve read this twice now. The first time I read it with a writing friend and we talked about our progress as we did the exercises. The second time, I began to reread before I’d even finished the first read through.
As I neared the end of the book, things from earlier on suddenly made more sense. This book follows a path but it’s not a path from A to B, more a loop and when you’ve done that first loop, you can see how all the pieces join together and work with each other.
I highly recommend working through it with some momentum. I got a lot more from it when I was actively engaged with it week in, week out and not dipping in and out.
Fearless Writer has done more for my writing, and my confidence than any other book I’ve read about writing. It has given me confidence, made me feel more relaxed and capable and has provided me with dozens of ways into writing. I also really recommend the accompanying podcast as well.
As I neared the end of the book, things from earlier on suddenly made more sense. This book follows a path but it’s not a path from A to B, more a loop and when you’ve done that first loop, you can see how all the pieces join together and work with each other.
I highly recommend working through it with some momentum. I got a lot more from it when I was actively engaged with it week in, week out and not dipping in and out.
Fearless Writer has done more for my writing, and my confidence than any other book I’ve read about writing. It has given me confidence, made me feel more relaxed and capable and has provided me with dozens of ways into writing. I also really recommend the accompanying podcast as well.
March 15, 2023
**I received an eARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
"In the West, the creation of masterpieces has long been associated with struggle. In the East, the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoyment."
In college, I changed my minor 6 times before finally landing on Asian Studies. It was always a fight between the Eastern philosophies of being present in the moment and the Western views of overly ambitious until you die. Most writing-centered nonfiction books follow that Western philosophy because they're written from a Western POV, but Beth Kempton provides practical and easy-to-practice writing advice with a focus on letting the words in your body command the page and not our editorial brains we can't shut off.
I wrote so many notes down while reading THE WAY OF THE FEARLESS WRITER. The three gates of Invitation, Initiation, and Integration will allow writers to break down the stages of writing even further, and it took away all my reservations about finishing projects. I always thought of my writing in terms of publication, but Kempton illustrates the power and openness gained from journaling and brainstorming before we write pieces of drafts to later put together into a whole piece. The idea of writing a book out of order because of which scene interested me first is a new one I'm tackling, and Kempton's advice flowed with it beautifully.
She offers 50 writing exercises and countless Japanese translations of the Dao de Jing, which I loved, and now I'm itching to pull out my copy that's been stashed away since 2018. The idea of zuihitsu, writing freely without any particular form or structure, is definitely a practice more Western writers should take up if they're struggling putting words on the page.
Overall, I recommend this book for any writer for any craft, be that fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. It highlights a more relaxed writing process, provides dozens of writing exercises, and reiterates the benefits of sharing your words with close writerly friends and colleagues. If you're a writer, you need to read this.
The paperback of this title (which is the form of the title I received) will be out on July 11, 2023.
"In the West, the creation of masterpieces has long been associated with struggle. In the East, the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoyment."
In college, I changed my minor 6 times before finally landing on Asian Studies. It was always a fight between the Eastern philosophies of being present in the moment and the Western views of overly ambitious until you die. Most writing-centered nonfiction books follow that Western philosophy because they're written from a Western POV, but Beth Kempton provides practical and easy-to-practice writing advice with a focus on letting the words in your body command the page and not our editorial brains we can't shut off.
I wrote so many notes down while reading THE WAY OF THE FEARLESS WRITER. The three gates of Invitation, Initiation, and Integration will allow writers to break down the stages of writing even further, and it took away all my reservations about finishing projects. I always thought of my writing in terms of publication, but Kempton illustrates the power and openness gained from journaling and brainstorming before we write pieces of drafts to later put together into a whole piece. The idea of writing a book out of order because of which scene interested me first is a new one I'm tackling, and Kempton's advice flowed with it beautifully.
She offers 50 writing exercises and countless Japanese translations of the Dao de Jing, which I loved, and now I'm itching to pull out my copy that's been stashed away since 2018. The idea of zuihitsu, writing freely without any particular form or structure, is definitely a practice more Western writers should take up if they're struggling putting words on the page.
Overall, I recommend this book for any writer for any craft, be that fiction, poetry, or nonfiction. It highlights a more relaxed writing process, provides dozens of writing exercises, and reiterates the benefits of sharing your words with close writerly friends and colleagues. If you're a writer, you need to read this.
The paperback of this title (which is the form of the title I received) will be out on July 11, 2023.
November 7, 2022
Move over Anne Lamott and Natalie Goldberg, there's a new classic on book writing on the shelf.
I love books on writing but they can often get repetitive. That's not the case with this book! Beth Kempton's unique format, using ancient Eastern wisdom as a guide, is loaded with fresh and new tips and ideas for both beginning and seasoned writers.
I enjoyed every section of the book and am looking forward to dipping in and out of it as I use the generous number of unique writing prompts to spark my creativity and writing practice.
I love books on writing but they can often get repetitive. That's not the case with this book! Beth Kempton's unique format, using ancient Eastern wisdom as a guide, is loaded with fresh and new tips and ideas for both beginning and seasoned writers.
I enjoyed every section of the book and am looking forward to dipping in and out of it as I use the generous number of unique writing prompts to spark my creativity and writing practice.
July 18, 2023
This incredibly helpful guide for writers offers tips on mindful creating and living, with powerful exercises and insights to help you get out of the way of your work. Highly recommended!
May 21, 2025
A solid and introspective book that goes beyond craft to explore a loving and long lasting relationship with writing.
August 29, 2024
In my journey to intuitive writing I found ‘the way of the fearless writer’ and I must say this book blew me away. Such a treasure. I would especially recommend this book to every writer that struggles with writing block, procrastination or self sabotage. Beth invites you to travel with her in this book through a few Asian gates.
In each chapter of the book she illustrates Japanese wisdom with personal experiences, quotes from research and literature. At the end of every chapter are writing prompts and exercises.
Things in particular that I appreciated in this book were: the calm and kind tone of voice, the deep investigation, the feeling of freedom, hope and possibility it gave me.
I digested this book slowly and found it truly a book to read again and again.
In each chapter of the book she illustrates Japanese wisdom with personal experiences, quotes from research and literature. At the end of every chapter are writing prompts and exercises.
Things in particular that I appreciated in this book were: the calm and kind tone of voice, the deep investigation, the feeling of freedom, hope and possibility it gave me.
I digested this book slowly and found it truly a book to read again and again.
January 4, 2023
This review is for an ARC ebook version of Beth Kempton's The Way of the Fearless Writer: Mindful Wisdom for a Flourishing Writing Life (Kindle Edition) provided by NetGalley.com Thanks to NetGalley.com and St. Martin's Press for making this copy available.
As a writer and aspiring author (readers of The Way of the Fearless Writer Mindful Wisdom for a Flourishing Writing Life by Beth Kempton will understand the distinction), I've stumbled across more than a few guides to writing. Most, ultimately, offer the same advice: if you want to be a writer, write. Some offer suggestions on how to approach the craft, how to succeed at writing, and often, how to market and sell your work. Some offer writing exercises and prompts to help stir the imagination and get the reader writing. Author Beth Kempton does all of this and does it well in her book. What's most successful in The Way of the Fearless Writer, and perhaps what will be most useful for an aspiring author like me, are Kempton's writing exercises, which are presented frequently and generously throughout the book.
Where Kempton really differentiates herself from other authors in this space is that her approach is rooted in her passion for Japanology, or the study of all things Japanese. Her approach to writing takes on a particularly Asian influence, specifically Japanese, and it's something this reader hasn't seen in previous writing how-to books. Kempton's approach may not be for everyone. What's actually an age old tradition influenced by ancient Japanese teachings and methodology will strike some readers as perhaps a bit too new agey for their tastes. I found it a refreshing change from the style and approach offered by other authors of books that might be found alongside Kempton's on a bookstore shelf and one that I found surprisingly effective. It took me a while to get there, I'll admit. I chased away a fair amount of skepticism before finally becoming comfortable and, ultimately, embracing Kempton's approach.
Will Kempton get me from writer to author? Probably not. I need to do that hard work myself. But her writing exercises and unique approach to becoming a fearless writer are things I can see myself returning to from time-to-time, even if just to page through (electronically) her book looking for passages that might inspire or help ignite any stagnant creativity.
As a writer and aspiring author (readers of The Way of the Fearless Writer Mindful Wisdom for a Flourishing Writing Life by Beth Kempton will understand the distinction), I've stumbled across more than a few guides to writing. Most, ultimately, offer the same advice: if you want to be a writer, write. Some offer suggestions on how to approach the craft, how to succeed at writing, and often, how to market and sell your work. Some offer writing exercises and prompts to help stir the imagination and get the reader writing. Author Beth Kempton does all of this and does it well in her book. What's most successful in The Way of the Fearless Writer, and perhaps what will be most useful for an aspiring author like me, are Kempton's writing exercises, which are presented frequently and generously throughout the book.
Where Kempton really differentiates herself from other authors in this space is that her approach is rooted in her passion for Japanology, or the study of all things Japanese. Her approach to writing takes on a particularly Asian influence, specifically Japanese, and it's something this reader hasn't seen in previous writing how-to books. Kempton's approach may not be for everyone. What's actually an age old tradition influenced by ancient Japanese teachings and methodology will strike some readers as perhaps a bit too new agey for their tastes. I found it a refreshing change from the style and approach offered by other authors of books that might be found alongside Kempton's on a bookstore shelf and one that I found surprisingly effective. It took me a while to get there, I'll admit. I chased away a fair amount of skepticism before finally becoming comfortable and, ultimately, embracing Kempton's approach.
Will Kempton get me from writer to author? Probably not. I need to do that hard work myself. But her writing exercises and unique approach to becoming a fearless writer are things I can see myself returning to from time-to-time, even if just to page through (electronically) her book looking for passages that might inspire or help ignite any stagnant creativity.
February 11, 2023
This book is a great resource for writers of all kinds, beginners or veterans. The author uses her love of all things Japanese to explore writing in a very original way. She includes lots of journal exercises which are encouraging the writer to think about things in a different way. Kempton talks about the three gates theory and how it applies to writing. The author tells you how to write without having a set purpose in mind, how to put together your writing in a way that makes sense to you and how to shape your writing to publish or sell. I really enjoyed all of the little pieces of advice such as writing down some objects and your thoughts around them and creating a sacred space for yourself to write.. The author also encourages movement and exposure to nature as natural writing inspiration.
Some of this advice mirrors what is said in other writing books like Julia Cameron's morning pages and Anne Lamotts Bird by Bird approach, but this author gets more specific which is very helpful. The author has led an exciting and amazing life and while most of us cannot just get on a plane to Costa Rica when we need a creativity break, we can all find ways to bring our attention to our writing in a meaningful way. I fully attend to purchase a hard copy of this book so I can dip in and out of the journal prompts. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
Some of this advice mirrors what is said in other writing books like Julia Cameron's morning pages and Anne Lamotts Bird by Bird approach, but this author gets more specific which is very helpful. The author has led an exciting and amazing life and while most of us cannot just get on a plane to Costa Rica when we need a creativity break, we can all find ways to bring our attention to our writing in a meaningful way. I fully attend to purchase a hard copy of this book so I can dip in and out of the journal prompts. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.
February 2, 2023
This book is more than just a book of writing. Even if you don't consider yourself a writer, you will be moved by this book. It is so beautiful written that it felt like reading poetry. The flow was so easy, like listening to waves. I felt free, present, and grateful the entire time I was reading it, as if I was just immersed in nature. This book was honestly therapeutic and empowering. A nature bath for my artistic, creative mind. I love the exercises and can't wait to explore them. So many more things I love about the book... the reminder that everything exists because of everything, all is interconnected and one. The relationship between writing and living. The spirituality and sacredness of writing. How we write today is influenced by everything that has every happened to us, everything that we've ever experienced or witness, and everything we've ever learned. So grateful to have read this book and am looking forward to buying a physical copy. A beautiful, beautiful book.
Much gratitude to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Essentials and NetGalley for the ARC.
Much gratitude to St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Essentials and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 16, 2023
3.75 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
This book on creative writing examines the craft through the lens of mindfulness. I believe a strong mindfulness practice can enrich any work or craft. If you don't already believe this, Kempton's book will certainly persuade you to believe it. I underlined lots of her wisdom to refer back to in the months to come as I continue my writing journey.
I especially appreciated the writing prompts and exercises included throughout the book. Although I didn't do them as I read through, I will be able to go back and do them when I can take all the time I need to really savor them. I also appreciated the writers' resources listed at the end. I haven't checked them out yet but will definitely do so.
Kempton refers often to Buddhist principles in her writing advice; although those passages weren't always relevant to me due to my own religious beliefs, I still found value in her views.
This book on creative writing examines the craft through the lens of mindfulness. I believe a strong mindfulness practice can enrich any work or craft. If you don't already believe this, Kempton's book will certainly persuade you to believe it. I underlined lots of her wisdom to refer back to in the months to come as I continue my writing journey.
I especially appreciated the writing prompts and exercises included throughout the book. Although I didn't do them as I read through, I will be able to go back and do them when I can take all the time I need to really savor them. I also appreciated the writers' resources listed at the end. I haven't checked them out yet but will definitely do so.
Kempton refers often to Buddhist principles in her writing advice; although those passages weren't always relevant to me due to my own religious beliefs, I still found value in her views.
November 24, 2022
This book arrived in my life at a time when I wanted to nurture my writing. Beth is a gentle, insightful guide that will help you to trust in yourself—your heart, instincts, and your voice. She is encouraging throughout the book, while offering a fresh perspective on the writing life. My writing has deepened and expanded as a result of this book, and I will return to it again and again. ~ Stacey H.
July 7, 2023
I have been putting words on paper nearly all my life, ever since that initial short story in third grade. I am always on the lookout for books on writing, not only to hone my work but also to understand my intense desire to write, even if it is only my thoughts in a journal.
Kempton's approach is something I have not seen before, from an eastern viewpoint. Rather than techniques focused on achieving that words per day goal, she concentrates more on the personal why of writing. She encourages us to write to pay attention to life and open the channel to magic and mystery. We are reminded of the healing nature of writing and are encouraged to write to feel more alive.
I really liked her illustration of water in its forms of gas, liquid, and solid. Gaseous-state writing has the rules of allow everything, write anything, share nothing. It is a cleansing type of writing and is predominantly what I do. Liquid-state writing is focusing deeply on ideas from within. I do that sometimes by writing my thoughts on an issue I find bubbling inside, not sharing it with others but just for my own clarification. Solid-state writing is for the benefit of others, to inform or entertain or educate. The three states serve to free the mind, write from a deep place, then prepare that work for others.
This is a good book for people desiring to write, whether it be daily thoughts in a journal or a published work. It is sort of in the style of Julia Cameron but with a different slant. In case you need some inspiration, Kempton includes 50 writing prompts and a long list of additional resources. Mostly you will be encouraged to experience and understand your life by writing, through the joy of words on a page. Now, go write. Write now.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Kempton's approach is something I have not seen before, from an eastern viewpoint. Rather than techniques focused on achieving that words per day goal, she concentrates more on the personal why of writing. She encourages us to write to pay attention to life and open the channel to magic and mystery. We are reminded of the healing nature of writing and are encouraged to write to feel more alive.
I really liked her illustration of water in its forms of gas, liquid, and solid. Gaseous-state writing has the rules of allow everything, write anything, share nothing. It is a cleansing type of writing and is predominantly what I do. Liquid-state writing is focusing deeply on ideas from within. I do that sometimes by writing my thoughts on an issue I find bubbling inside, not sharing it with others but just for my own clarification. Solid-state writing is for the benefit of others, to inform or entertain or educate. The three states serve to free the mind, write from a deep place, then prepare that work for others.
This is a good book for people desiring to write, whether it be daily thoughts in a journal or a published work. It is sort of in the style of Julia Cameron but with a different slant. In case you need some inspiration, Kempton includes 50 writing prompts and a long list of additional resources. Mostly you will be encouraged to experience and understand your life by writing, through the joy of words on a page. Now, go write. Write now.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
May 31, 2023
This book was so good. A must read for anyone who wants to be a writer. It was full of interesting prompts, encouragement, and helpful tips all delivered in a very compassionate and non judgmental way. I will be buying a copy for my permanent shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
August 19, 2023
a solid writing book. I listened via audio, which was calming and British(?) full of exercises including meditations plus writing advice such as distinguishing between the state where you write freely and the state where you’re aware that you’re writing. each is valuable.
dnf
September 23, 2024I started this beautifully written book on 11 September 2024, but I have not picked it up since. DNF on 23 September because now is not the right time for me to read this. When I am read for this book, it will find me again.
July 27, 2023
One way to approach the complex, mysterious process of writing is through metaphor—and this book is filled with thought-provoking analogies. In The Way of the Fearless Writer, Beth Kempton applies ancient Eastern wisdom to the writing life, and the result is lovely.
The metaphors don’t stop there. I am particularly taken with her concept of writing’s three states: gaseous, liquid, and solid.
I recommend it for anyone who could use more fearlessness (more love) in their writing life—and isn’t that all of us?
The metaphors don’t stop there. I am particularly taken with her concept of writing’s three states: gaseous, liquid, and solid.
I recommend it for anyone who could use more fearlessness (more love) in their writing life—and isn’t that all of us?
July 16, 2023
Based on the title, I expected a book on writing routines and mindsets. What I got was so much more. This was such a lovely book, written in a gentle voice that I’ve only encountered once or twice in writing craft books. That may be because this book goes beyond writing advice into the realm of the spiritual.
While Fearless Writer will help you get into a mindset to get words on the page, it’s so much more. It’s really a guide to living in flow, to detachment, and being gentle with yourself. Drawing heavily on Japanese zen theory and the author’s history, this work walks the reader through how to bring an Eastern mindset into our competitive Western lives.
Honestly, it’s a valuable resource for any creative, not just writers. Although, writers beware: if you’re a hard-core plotter, you might find this advice uncomfortable. This book is a guide to detaching and letting go, allowing the words to find themselves. Not for sticking to hard and fast rules.
Personally, I loved it because it synchronistically reinforced other spiritual research I’m involved in. Everything comes at the right time and this book is no exception.
While Fearless Writer will help you get into a mindset to get words on the page, it’s so much more. It’s really a guide to living in flow, to detachment, and being gentle with yourself. Drawing heavily on Japanese zen theory and the author’s history, this work walks the reader through how to bring an Eastern mindset into our competitive Western lives.
Honestly, it’s a valuable resource for any creative, not just writers. Although, writers beware: if you’re a hard-core plotter, you might find this advice uncomfortable. This book is a guide to detaching and letting go, allowing the words to find themselves. Not for sticking to hard and fast rules.
Personally, I loved it because it synchronistically reinforced other spiritual research I’m involved in. Everything comes at the right time and this book is no exception.
February 21, 2023
If you are new to writing and need help sticking to your writing discipline, this would be a good book for you. If you are into yoga and Japanese philosophy, you will love this book. The author uses her own experience with these topics to help you write more and with more discipline. There is lots of good wisdom in this book.
If you are already well into a writing career, you will still find nice tidbits of wisdom. Personally, I could have done with less Japanese philosophy and more Western language, but I'm sure there are folks out there who will appreciate this book.
If you are already well into a writing career, you will still find nice tidbits of wisdom. Personally, I could have done with less Japanese philosophy and more Western language, but I'm sure there are folks out there who will appreciate this book.
September 6, 2023
Having slogged my way through one of Kempton's online writing courses, which I HATED but had paid for, I wasn't expecting much from this book. Okay, I seem to have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Kempton's work - some of what she writes is genuinely inspiring, but at other times I want to tear my hair out with frustration at what comes across as unbelievable amounts of privilege that makes what she's talking about completely inaccessible. Every anecdote that she uses to explain a concept seems to inevitably happen in far-flung places that I could only dream of going, or involves very-well-connected friends and acquaintances. So when she undertakes a public-speaking course to overcome her nerves, it's in Santa Fe, not Swindon. Of course. It can become a tad grating when you're someone without similar resources - no money, no child care, no network etc.
However, overall the book hums with good advice. I found several of the early writing exercises useful and managed to scribble several pages worth of material in response, but then the suggestions sagged a bit for me, or were triggering as hell. Kempton is evidently an expert when it comes to Japanese culture, or at least as a bridge explaining it to the West, and this focus on Eastern culture and philosophy provides a novel approach to the "How to Write" genre. For me, the notion of the 3 states of writing, and the sections about finishing and revising your work were the most useful, along with her views on actually living as a writer (and the difference between writer and author.) My own writing suffered huge damage via trauma/abuse and sections of this book have suggested possibilities for gently exploring and returning to writing, for which I'm very grateful.
So yes, I would recommend this to other writers as a useful read. I found myself taking plentiful notes by the end - so much so that I might even consider buying an actual copy of it now that I've got to return it to the library!
However, overall the book hums with good advice. I found several of the early writing exercises useful and managed to scribble several pages worth of material in response, but then the suggestions sagged a bit for me, or were triggering as hell. Kempton is evidently an expert when it comes to Japanese culture, or at least as a bridge explaining it to the West, and this focus on Eastern culture and philosophy provides a novel approach to the "How to Write" genre. For me, the notion of the 3 states of writing, and the sections about finishing and revising your work were the most useful, along with her views on actually living as a writer (and the difference between writer and author.) My own writing suffered huge damage via trauma/abuse and sections of this book have suggested possibilities for gently exploring and returning to writing, for which I'm very grateful.
So yes, I would recommend this to other writers as a useful read. I found myself taking plentiful notes by the end - so much so that I might even consider buying an actual copy of it now that I've got to return it to the library!
June 27, 2024
3/5
A bit too much woo woo for me currently.
Beth Kempton has two degrees in Japanese and has studied Japanese life for 25 years. This book is heavy on references to Japanese (and Chinese) ideas and philosophies. She lives in the UK.
I really wanted to like this book, but it didn't resonate with me. Maybe because I don't struggle with writing? The be free, just write anything, step away from expectations, is very similar to Julia Cameron's book, which I also didn't enjoy much. She's gentle and uplifting, just write, don't give up.
I didn't care about her huge moment of enlightenment that lead to her freedom to write without ego. I read 28 pages before the book actually began, and so I couldn't stop the urge of skimming and had to put it down. Maybe just start at Chapter 1 on page 29. The formatting is really interesting and there are a lot of prompts. I appreciate prompts. I appreciate interesting formatting.
There's a bibliography and an index which is pretty cool to see. I never see an index in writing books. There's even a Q&A at the very end.
I'm sure this book will help a lot of people start writing. It didn't inspire me but that's okay. I'll happily give this book a second chance when I have more time. I love the texture of the cover and I do think I'll get more from it than I did from Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer.
Check your local library.
If your struggling to write, this might work great for you!
A bit too much woo woo for me currently.
Beth Kempton has two degrees in Japanese and has studied Japanese life for 25 years. This book is heavy on references to Japanese (and Chinese) ideas and philosophies. She lives in the UK.
I really wanted to like this book, but it didn't resonate with me. Maybe because I don't struggle with writing? The be free, just write anything, step away from expectations, is very similar to Julia Cameron's book, which I also didn't enjoy much. She's gentle and uplifting, just write, don't give up.
I didn't care about her huge moment of enlightenment that lead to her freedom to write without ego. I read 28 pages before the book actually began, and so I couldn't stop the urge of skimming and had to put it down. Maybe just start at Chapter 1 on page 29. The formatting is really interesting and there are a lot of prompts. I appreciate prompts. I appreciate interesting formatting.
There's a bibliography and an index which is pretty cool to see. I never see an index in writing books. There's even a Q&A at the very end.
I'm sure this book will help a lot of people start writing. It didn't inspire me but that's okay. I'll happily give this book a second chance when I have more time. I love the texture of the cover and I do think I'll get more from it than I did from Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer.
Check your local library.
If your struggling to write, this might work great for you!
July 31, 2023
I want to buy a copy of this book for all my writer friends!
Filled with beautiful metaphors, personal examples, as well as practical writing exercises, this book will make you want to leap up, race to your desk, and start writing.
Kempton adds her vast knowledge of Eastern culture to the act of creativity, coming up with a rich and welcoming take that invites everyone from novice to veteran to take their deserved seat at the table.
The structure of the book is so unique and deliciously palatable. I especially loved when she described the 3 writing states as mimicking the forms of water: gaseous, liquid and solid; a metaphor that resonates deeply with my own experience.
A rich generosity of spirit flows through every word. You can tell Kempton's ultimate goal in writing this book was to share the joy she's felt through writing and let everyone know that simply by observing the world and picking up a pen you are allowed to call yourself a writer too. I thank her for that reminder!
Filled with beautiful metaphors, personal examples, as well as practical writing exercises, this book will make you want to leap up, race to your desk, and start writing.
Kempton adds her vast knowledge of Eastern culture to the act of creativity, coming up with a rich and welcoming take that invites everyone from novice to veteran to take their deserved seat at the table.
The structure of the book is so unique and deliciously palatable. I especially loved when she described the 3 writing states as mimicking the forms of water: gaseous, liquid and solid; a metaphor that resonates deeply with my own experience.
A rich generosity of spirit flows through every word. You can tell Kempton's ultimate goal in writing this book was to share the joy she's felt through writing and let everyone know that simply by observing the world and picking up a pen you are allowed to call yourself a writer too. I thank her for that reminder!
June 8, 2023
Beth Kempton’s The Way of the Fearless Writer applies Eastern philosophy and thinking to the process of creating, specifically, writing (though this could be applied to many creative disciplines). The author is a Japanologist and uses her expertise to create a framework to guide a writer from vague ideas to fully-fledged work. Journal exercises aim to remove perfectionism and the desire to reach a particular end-state from the process. It’s quite freeing to write for the sake of writing and writing out of order if that’s what seems necessary on any given day — especially the concept of zuihitsu, writing without any particular form or structure.
It’s an interesting approach, and many of the exercises are very useful — and the glimpses into Japanese culture are fascinating. Overall, very well-written, too. Clearly, this a good example of Ms. Kempton practicing what she preaches!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
It’s an interesting approach, and many of the exercises are very useful — and the glimpses into Japanese culture are fascinating. Overall, very well-written, too. Clearly, this a good example of Ms. Kempton practicing what she preaches!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.
July 13, 2023
Beth’s remarkable book, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿, is out in the world and what an honor it was to get my hands on an early copy from the author and publisher!
I’m a heavy reader but I’ve always been interested in the writing side of it. Call it intimidation or a lack of ambition, but I’ve never taken it seriously for myself. Beth created a supportive, engaging world of prompts, principles, and advice that took me from “yeah right” to “hmm, maybe.” That’s a big change for someone who doesn’t like change, y’all.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦.
Learning to become a “fearless writer” goes beyond creative successes and competition. It’s down toe art and real and raw. The prose reads like a novel instead of a nonfiction. I’ve never read a nonfiction so engaging. I knocked this one out in just a couple of days and walked away with so much information.
I’m a heavy reader but I’ve always been interested in the writing side of it. Call it intimidation or a lack of ambition, but I’ve never taken it seriously for myself. Beth created a supportive, engaging world of prompts, principles, and advice that took me from “yeah right” to “hmm, maybe.” That’s a big change for someone who doesn’t like change, y’all.
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦.
Learning to become a “fearless writer” goes beyond creative successes and competition. It’s down toe art and real and raw. The prose reads like a novel instead of a nonfiction. I’ve never read a nonfiction so engaging. I knocked this one out in just a couple of days and walked away with so much information.
September 12, 2023
THE WAY OF THE FEARLESS WRITER by Beth Kempton seeks to use ideas inspired by Japanese and Chinese culture to invite aspiring writers to further develop their craft. Kempton discusses approaching different "gates" (the gate of desirelessness, the gate of formlessness, the gate of emptiness), the lessons they offer, and how to incorporate those takeaways into a writing life.
Sprinkled throughout are fifty exercises that are provided to allow writers to apply them directly, or to have them serve as inspiration into other avenues that can be explored through writing.
While not all may connect with this format or style, it is a solid addition to the various writing resources that are available.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
Sprinkled throughout are fifty exercises that are provided to allow writers to apply them directly, or to have them serve as inspiration into other avenues that can be explored through writing.
While not all may connect with this format or style, it is a solid addition to the various writing resources that are available.
(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)
February 21, 2025
This is a fantastic book for new or re/newed writers who struggle with confidence and process. It has helped me a lot! You need to be open to hear what she writes. A different version of myself from a different era might have been annoyed with her spiritual reliance and despite her vibe, her egocentricity in how she sees the writing process and her biography in which she values her method and experiences as the "right" way (albeit with a disclaimer here and there).
The best thing this book gave me was a desire for some reason to write longhand. It's changing my work right now. I am "liquid" writing by pen and paper and then "solid" writing that liquid writing in keystrokes and a screen. It's very cool to read a book that inspires you to alter your process!
If you need help with just getting words onto the page and showing up everyday to write this book is for you!
The best thing this book gave me was a desire for some reason to write longhand. It's changing my work right now. I am "liquid" writing by pen and paper and then "solid" writing that liquid writing in keystrokes and a screen. It's very cool to read a book that inspires you to alter your process!
If you need help with just getting words onto the page and showing up everyday to write this book is for you!
August 6, 2023
I love how Beth Kempton challenges you to look around and see the world around you, and take that to inspire you to creatively stretch your writing muscles. She has excellent prompts, tools, and suggestions that really help you expand your normal range to new levels. I love the audiobook, but like other reviewers, I agree that having a physical book really helps as you can go back and look, highlight, take notes on areas you want to try better than listening to an audio version. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Beth Kempton and was very pleasant to listen to, and I even loved the little gong/sound effects that signaled moments to pause and take in what you were doing. Loved this!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
June 8, 2024
I loved the concept of writing as three types of water. Vapor is what you write "for yourself" and in any shape or form like morning page. water is when you begin to polish and you might share this with someone for feedback. ice has been polished. i am staggering towards water- two steps forward and sometimes one, other times two steps back. Water is where i want to be. If ice would ever happen it is beyond what I can see. I want to be able to organize my thoughts enough so i can share my insights with other people and bask in the fellow feeling of shared experience. I am typing this on the library computer, otherwise there would be room for an ironic bitmogie.
Kempton had exercises called "write nows" which were often helpful prompts.
Kempton had exercises called "write nows" which were often helpful prompts.
March 22, 2023
I'm sad now this book is over, it was the perfect breakfast reading to get me into the mindspace for writing each day. My copy of this is packed full of tabs and underlining, there were so many epiphany-moments in the writing.
I feel like, whatever stage of the writing journey you are at, you could learn from this book. Even if it just casts a light on what you have already learned or validates your past discoveries, it is such a valuable book full of wisdom and practical tips.
This is the first Beth Kempton book I have read and I have already ordered another one to replace this as my morning read.
I feel like, whatever stage of the writing journey you are at, you could learn from this book. Even if it just casts a light on what you have already learned or validates your past discoveries, it is such a valuable book full of wisdom and practical tips.
This is the first Beth Kempton book I have read and I have already ordered another one to replace this as my morning read.
July 10, 2023
I cherished every line of Beth Kempton's THE WAY OF THE FEARLESS WRITER. Like the best teacher/guide/companion, Kempton is fiercely compassionate, so profoundly present and personal with her stories that I was inspired to empty my pockets and write a story about what I had in them, to actually spend the time thinking about and writing upon the many exercises, even as I savored stories of her own trials and triumphs. I've read other of her works and like those, this book is a welcome, deeply nourishing and inspiring resource. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
July 24, 2023
I very much appreciated this book. So many books aimed at improving your writing are just that - aimed at improving your writing. This was aimed at improving my mindset which, in turns, will improve my writing. I loved the title "The Way of the Fearless Writer". This book is written to remove the fears that stand in the way of free writing. I didn't even realize that "fear" was an adjective I would use to describe the stumbling blocks I was having regarding my personal writing journey until I read this book. I will definitely be adding a copy of this book to my shelf of valuable writing references.
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