Beyond the words The three untapped sources of creative fulfillment for writers

Goldberg (Room To Write: Daily Invitation to a Writer's Life) takes a holistic approach to writing. More than just an income-generating venture, the writing process, according to Goldberg, should be an enjoyable fulfillment of the creative spirit; the act of creation not the accolades and monetary remuneration that might follow successful publication is what should satisfy the writer. According to Goldberg, three elements are essential to creativity: "percolation," the mostly internal process that precedes any written draft; "revision," a different process from rewriting; and "going public," which involves a broader sense of publishing to include establishing relationships with other writers, as well as with readers. Goldberg has taught creative writing at Johns Hopkins and the University of Baltimore and currently leads writing workshops across the country. Her nurturing and artistic focus differs from the writing-as-a-business philosophy exemplified by Marc McCutcheon's Damn, Why Didn't I Write That? and will find appeal in workshop and support-group settings. Public libraries should consider. Denise Sticha, Murrysville Community Lib., PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.