For most, the hardest part of writing is overcoming the mountain of self-denial that weighs upon the spirit, always threatening to extinguish those first small embers of ambition. Brenda Ueland, a writer and teacher, devotes most of her book, to these matters of the writer's heart. Still, the real gift of the book is Ueland herself: She liked to write, she didn't care what anyone thought, and she had a great sense of humor. You're simply happy to hang out with her.

In this reissue of a now-classic text, Barbara Ueland shows that it's not so much about how to write as how to live in a manner that will foster what creativity exists within: about how to free the independence of one's spirit in such a way that the art contained therein will find its truest expression.

"The best book ever written about how to write."-Carl Sandburg Brenda Ueland has inspired thousands to take pen to paper through her classic book, If You Want to Write. She has moved countless to become more artistic, optimistic, and charged with possibility. Ueland's charismatic personality and encouragement that "everybody is talented, original and has something important to say," have made her a favorite among fans ranging from creative writing students to computer programmers. For most, the hardest part of writing is overcoming the mountain of self-denial that weighs upon the spirit, always threatening to extinguish those first small embers of ambition. Ueland devotes most of If You Want to Write to matters of the writer's heart. "An inspirational tract aimed at all those who would write but are prevented from so doing by shyness, fear or humility . . . I was with Ueland] right up to the end and wanted to shout, 'Amen.'"-Andrei Codrescu, NPR

Brenda Ueland was a journalist, editor, freelance writer, and teacher of writing. In If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit she shares her philosophies on writing and life in general. Ueland firmly believed that anyone can write, that everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say. In this book she explains how find that spark that will make you a great writer. Carl Sandburg called this book the best book ever written about how to write. Join the millions of others who've found inspiration and unlocked their own talent.

In If You Want to Write, Brenda Ueland sets forth not just a philosophy about how to write or how to create, but also about how to live. Beginning writers will certainly be encouraged by Ueland's words, but even the most experienced have much to glean from Ueland's simple wisdom. "Everybody," writes Ueland in the opening chapter, "is talented, original, and has something important to say."

"Todo el mundo es talentoso, original y tiene algo que decir...." Asi comienza el clasico de Brenda Ueland sobre la escritura y el proceso creativo.

Carl Sandburg lo llamo "El mejor libro jamas escrito acerca de como escribir."

Este libro es eso y mucho mas. Habla de tener valores, de creer (en la imaginacion y en su relacion con la integridad personal) y sobre la valentia de llegar a entenderte y dejar improntas sobre el papel. Brenda dijo: "Siempre que hablo de "escribir" me refiero tambien a cualquier cosa que ames y quieras hacer o crear... Debes estar seguro de que tu imaginacion y el amor estan detras de ello...."