Category: Uncategorized

#NetGalley #BookReview Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche #Meditation

On By Belinda McGrath WitzenhausenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Review

Why We Meditate

The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion

by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche

 

Why We Meditate Cover

Release date: December 6th, 2022

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion by Daniel Goleman and Tsoknyi Rinpoche from NetGalley and Atria Books. in order to read and give an honest review.

“… an honest and inspirational read, I really found this book helpful and wholeheartedly recommend it…”

Why We Meditate: The Science and Practice of Clarity and Compassion is a book that thoughtfully blends eastern spiritual meditation practices with modern psychological research that supports and explains meditation from a neurological/psychological perspective. Familiar to many for his books Emotional Intelligence, The Brain and Emotional Intelligence, and Leadership: The Power of Emotional Intelligence, author Daniel Goleman offers his experience to support and demystify meditation along with renowned teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Both authors have brilliantly crafted a wonderful book on meditation suitable for both novice and experienced meditators alike. Offering step-by-step instructions on various meditation practices designed to bring awareness to disruptive emotions such as anxiety and anger just to name a few that if not acknowledged become obstacles to our peace of mind. 

This book is an honest and inspirational read, I really found it helpful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. It will definitely be a book I return to repeatedly as my meditation practice deepens, learning more each time I read it.

#NetGalley #BookReview ~ Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors by Linda Sivertsen #Writing #Inspiration

On By Belinda McGrath WitzenhausenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Review

Beautiful Writers

A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors

by Linda Sivertsen

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Beautiful Writers: A Journey of Big Dreams and Messy Manuscripts–with Tricks of the Trade from Bestselling Authors by Linda Sivertsen from Net Galley and Ben Bella Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers…

Unique and brilliant, Beautiful Writers is not just any other book on writing. The author intertwines her thoughts into a brilliant and diverse collection of vignettes from authors including Elizabeth Gilbert, Ann Patchett, Terry McMillan, Lee Child, and Danielle LaPorte just to name a few. Every author generously shares their lives, and challenges alongside the reader on their journey. This book is such a wonderful blend, part memoir, part guide on the writing life. Each author shares an intimate and often humorous look into the good, the bad and the ugly sides of “the writing life” and offers sound advice and wisdom that is vulnerable, honest, and yet truly inspirational.
This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for inspiration and advice. I loved this book, I found it insightful, interesting, and engaging, and would highly recommend it to both novice and experienced writers alike.

#Netgalley #BookReview ~ #Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the #Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg #Creativity #Non-Fiction

On By Belinda McGrath WitzenhausenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Review

Writing Down the Bones Deck

60 Cards to Free the Writer Within

by Natalie Goldberg

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg from Netgalley and Shambala Publications, in order to read and give an honest review.

… a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging….

I remember picking up a copy of Writing Down the Bones about twenty years ago and it was one of the books that helped me fall in love with writing again. Anyone who has worked through any of Natalie Goldberg’s books will know that her approach is unique as it challenges you to think about writing in a unique way and these cards are no different. Through these sixty cards, Goldberg inspires and motivates, offering sage advice and proposing challenges which you set yourself allowing you choose how deep you delve into your writing.

These are great for anyone looking to ignite their creativity, whether you’re looking for inspiration, drafting a novel or keeping a daily journal, these cards are a brilliant addition to your writing/creativity library. Writing Down the Bones Deck 60 Cards to Free the Writer Within are a continuation of Goldberg’s wonderful process and as always, are insightful, interesting, and engaging, I would highly recommend.

A #YoungWriter’s Guide to Covid Fatigue

On By Belinda McGrath WitzenhausenIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Writing


As some of us are heading into our second and third lockdowns due to COVID-19 we can feel tired and overwhelmed not knowing when we will see an end in sight. If we don’t have a way to channel our frustrations, they can make us and those around us feel miserable. Writing can often offer a great outlet for these feelings. Here are some ideas for writing projects that might help:

Keep a Journal!
I am a big fan of journaling; it can help to just purge on the page. It can help find solutions to problems, establish ideas or just be a safe place to get your feelings out. Journals can also be a great way to see how far you’ve come down the road helping you find things to be grateful for or even track your progress in a certain endeavor. Gratitude journals are also great ways to boost your mood when Covid-fatigue sets in. Did you know, the simple act of expressing gratitude can help us feel happier? It’s true! Research shows that when we choose to focus on the positive things in our lives, we can experience an increase in our overall well-being.

Get Creative!
Creative writing is great for helping us lose ourselves when we can’t go anywhere. Take the opportunity to write your own stories. Set up a writing journal and try to set a regular time to sit down and write, make it a part of every day.
Play a game of “what if”. Start making a list of scenarios that make you wonder. What if a girl finds out she has been chatting online with her future self? What if a man playing on Google Earth finds the lost civilization of Atlantis? Write down as many ideas, no matter how bizarre, and see if you can find a story in them.

Write Reviews!
Face it to pass the time and offer a distraction we’ve all been trying to occupy our time by reading, gaming or binge-watching series or movies, listening to music, cooking, the list goes on. Why not take a moment to share your opinions? By writing a review for others who are stuck at home you are helping them discover something new. You might suggest TV shows, novels, video games, products, podcasts, recipes or anything else that you think others might enjoy.

Writing Prompts!
There are so many websites out there with writing prompts for everyone. Some write fan fiction about their favorite tv characters or expanded on snippets of dialogue overheard. I have used quotes to inspire me such as the ones below.

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” ~ C. S. Lewis
Write about what happens when your characters’ anger catches up with them. How does their anger manifest itself? Does it cause them to lash out? Has it been channeled into something positive and productive? Do they manage to resolve their feelings? How does their anger serve them in the long run?

“Buying a book is not about obtaining a possession, but about securing a portal.” – Laura Miller
You receive an anonymous package addressed to you inside is an old journal a little worse for wear. Inside there is a name that you don’t recognize so you decide to go on the internet and do a little research on the author. What you discover frightens yet intrigues you at the same time. The writer of your masterpiece is known to have dabbled in the occult until they went missing over a decade ago. It is rumored that by reading the journal you can open a portal to another dimension.
Write about your adventure with this journal. Are you brave enough to read it? What do you find inside? Does this portal exist and if it does where does it lead? Is it a dream come true or your worst nightmare?

“I am intrigued by inanimate objects. They’re a piece of history, someone’s statement and ideas of life.” ~Mike Mills
You have been given the intriguing power of being able to bring inanimate objects to life. What happens when your favorite objects awaken? What is their personality like? What stories do they tell you? Are they indifferent, amicable, or difficult?
Do you have a germophobic toothbrush? Does your favorite pen write you a “Dear John” letter? Does your well-loved old sweater thank you for your loyalty? Does your journal start questioning you about what you have been writing? Does your treadmill reminisce about “the good old days”? Has this power become a blessing or a curse?

#NetGalley #Book #Review ~ The Organised Writer by Antony Johnston

On By Belinda McGrath WitzenhausenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Organised Writer

How to stay on top of all your projects and never miss a deadline

by Antony Johnston

Release date: November 12th, 2020

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Organised Writer: How to stay on top of all your projects and never miss a deadline by Antony Johnston from NetGalley Bloomsbury Publishing in order to read and give an honest review.

well-written and informative this book has something for every writer…

I’ve been working freelance in a few fields for years now on top of taking work-related courses and working towards an archaeology degree. My time is limited, and organization is a must in order to get both work and course assignments done. Having worked in professional offices for many years, I have learned a few organization techniques some of which are in The Organised Writer however, Mr. Johnson offers sound advice that can help those new to freelancing establish an organised work routine while also providing new and unique tips to help those who have been freelancing for a while. This is a no- nonsense all-encompassing approach to getting and keeping the working writer organized.  Well-written and informative this book has something for every writer…I highly recommend it!