If You Want to Write

By: Brenda Ueland

Narrated by: Molly Mae

If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland is a best-selling classic on the process of writing that has inspired thousands to pursue their talents. The author makes it clear that the word writing in the book stands for anything that one loves and wishes to do. Quoting Keats, Blake, Dostoevsky, Chekov, and others, Ueland writes about the free flow of creativity, telling the truth, and dedicating oneself with passion. She maintains that “art must be truly felt and cannot be willed”. She writes from experience and explains how she had to train herself to let go and free herself of all inhibitions. Ueland’s infectious enthusiasm has inspired many to successfully pursue their dreams.

Public Domain (P)2020 Museum Audiobooks

If You Want to Write then you ought to write

Deceptively complex in its thought process, If You Want to Write by Brenda Ueland begins, first and foremost with encouragement. Much like a fiction writing workshop, Ueland starts with praise, claiming that everyone is creative, but not everyone expresses it authentically. Only later does the author become more proscriptive.

I will most definitely listen again to more fully absorb the message!

Poor Narration

The content was somewhat interesting and inspiring, but the narrator’s annunciation, and often mispronunciation of words, was annoying to listen to. She sounded robotic like the book was being read by SIRI.

Unlistenable

Such a great book but what’s wrong with this narrator? I’m returning it. It’s unlistenable. Very disappointed.

Narrator is awful. Ruins a great book.

The book itself is terrific for aspiring writers. I highly recommend buying the paperback.

This narrator speaks with a halting, jerky style. There is no flow. I’ve heard computer programs do a substantially better job of narrating like a human. My aggravation at hearing her read is far too distracting for me, and it’s difficult to get any value from the book in this format.