Joy Writing
Verdict: Joy Writing is not just a self-help book-it is a love letter to language, literature, and the creative voice.Kenn Amdahl's Joy Writing will almost inevitably be compared to, and judged against, Strunk and White s The Elements of Style.  It is, after all, a slim, spare volume devoted to language and the art of writing.  Joy Writing, however, is distinguished by the author s winning conversational style and his use of original, arresting images to freshly garnish some familiar pieces of advice.In some ways, Joy Writing is actually more akin to On the Sublime, an ancient treatise on the theory of great writing, which describes what gives great writing its power to move us, whether the best art is that which most closely imitates nature, and the role of the creative impulse in human nature-though Amdahl couches his enterprise in far more modest terms.Anyone who has ever felt the need to write will immediately identify with the writer, but the book is enjoyable and engaging even for those with no grand literary aspirations. Not only is Amdahl's little book an informative, coherent guide to the elements of writing, it is brimming with life, humor, and genuine enthusiasm on every page. --Kirkus/IndieReader.comJoy Writing, by published author Kenn Amdahl is an expertly presented introductory guide to the artful approaches to creative writing. Covering the major aspects of the writing process, Joy Writing begins with the fundamental question of why write? and then presents five major sections in methodical order: Before You Write ; Beginning to Write ; Thinking about Language ; The Overall Flow of any Work and Improving.For its outstanding perspective, interpretation and quite stimulating presentation, Joy Writing is very strongly recommended and user friendly reading for both novice and seasoned writers alike, but most particularly those aspiring writers struggling with expressing or developing their own distinctively artistic and creative style. --The Bookwatch (published by Midwest Review of Books)I love this book. Bold statement, I know, but let me be honest right up front. Kenn Amdahl truly writes for the writer in Joy Writing. He is not writing to impress, he's not writing to be fashionably inscrutable, he really is writing as a guide and coach, albeit a tough and often unforgiving one, for those at any stage in their writing career. Reviewed by Michelle RealeBack cover blurbs complete the picture:Leslie O Kane (aka Leslie Cain):  Amdahl give sound, practical advice for writers of all levels of experience and he augments his pearls of wisdom with laugh-out-loud quips. This work reminded me why I got into writing in the first place. Joy Writing is a joy to read.  Leslie O Kane, screenwriter and bestselling author of nearly twenty mysteries including the Domestic Bliss series, Poisoned by Gilt, Death by Inferior Design, Manor of Death, False Premises and many more.Barbara Steiner:  In this little gem of a how-to, Amdahl offers the same advice I give my students. If writing isn t fun, don t do it. But soon you ll want to share your stories, and Kenn provides sound advice on technique and making your work professional.A must for beginners or anyone who takes joy in writing.  Barbara Steiner is the bestselling author of more than sixty books, including many for children and young adults. She also teaches creative writing.Francine Mathews (aka Stephanie Barron):Joy Writing is a joy to read: full of wisdom, pithy advice, and one essential reminder that writing is pointless when it ceases to be fun.Francine Mathews, bestselling author of suspense novels including Flaw in the Blood, Blown, Alibi, The Cutout, Death in a Cold Hard Light, Death in a Mood Indigo, Death in Rough Waters and (writing asStephanie Barron) the Jane Austin Detective series, including Barque of Frailty, Lordship s Legacy, Ghosts of Netley, Wool House, Stillroom Maid and many more.George Garrett:  I am happy and honored to be included in Joy Writing.George Garrett, professor, poet laureate of Virginia, namesake of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs   George Garrett Award For Outstanding Community Service in Literature, winner of the PEN Malamud Award for short fiction, founding board member of AWP and beloved (if irascible) creative writing professor. Author of dozens of books, articles, and stories. Sadly, George has completed his earthly manuscript and begun his celestial one.Reg Saner:Amdahl s advice comes delightfully lightened with wit and humor. His book equips would-be authors with ignition and saves them needlessly spinning their wheels.Reg Saner, writing professor, essayist, poet laureate of Boulder,Colorado, winner of the first Walt Whitman Award and the Wallace Stegner Award, author of The Dawn Collector and many more.Teresa R. Funke:As a successful writer s coach, I have used Kenn Amdahl s book Joy Writing to help teach my clients the elements of good writing. Kenn s concise approach to each section makes his book quick and easy to read and his humorous writing style guarantees his points will stick in my students memories. Kenn has somehow managed to put together a writing book that is both instructional and entertaining. I now recommend this book to all of my clients. Teresa R. Funke Author and Writer's Coach. Her books include Remember Wake --The Writers Notes