Book Review: Sarah Quigley’s Write

If you’ve ever struggled to unveil your creativity or floundered in the search of something to write about then you could benefit from owning a copy of Sarah Quigley’s book, Write: A 30-day guide to creative writing. Sarah offers 30 days worth of inspirational topics and idea starters.

Each chapter begins with a mind-churning few pages that offer a unique perspective on some often overlook aspects of creative writing and includes some personal anecdotes that show readers Sarah knows just what you’re going through. At the end of these Sarah Quigley offers a few short prompts to get you writing that day.

Write can be used as a 30-day routine writing exercise or from time to time to starch flagging inspiration. Some of the prompts include:

• Write in a style conveying that you’re becoming progressively drunker. (p25)


• Write about a shark’s-tooth necklace or a rabbit’s foot. (p37)


• Write about a boot hanging from a tree. (p48)


• Think of a physical metaphor for writer’s block and describe it in words. (p56)


• Imagine discovering a time capsule from last century. (p103)

With chapters such as, Borrowing a springboard, Hunter-gatherers, Conquering the cliché, And a side order of fear and Heroic villains, and villainous heroes, there are a whole slew of ideas and interesting snippets to inspire a writing frenzy or to warm up with each day.

The writing advice for professional writers is slim in this book. It is a ‘guide’ better suited to hobby writers or those looking to get into the habit of writing regularly. Each day offers a new collection of raw material but there is very little progressive information. This book is fantastic for opening your mind to daily writing but is perhaps too light for anyone who already commits a significant portion of their day to writing. Having said that, Write offers some great, thought-provoking prompts if you’re looking for a chance to kick back and enjoy writing something just for you.

Sarah Quigley is a New Zealand born award winning writer with a range of short stories, poetry, novels and non-fiction works. Her books include, Facing Fear, Finding Courage: Your Path to Peace of Mind (1996), After Robert (2000), The Little Book of Courage: A Three-Step Process to Overcoming Fear and Anxiety (with Dr. Marilyn Shroyer, 2002), Love in a Bookstore or Your Money Back (2003), Shot (2003), and Fifty Days (2004)

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