This book is hard to find and too expensive when you do find it--BUT it presents a curious, psychology-based, doggedly practical perspective on creating a healthy writing life. Wading through the myriad examples Boice gives gets wearisome. I do appreciate that he has approached the struggles of writers as psychological issues and that he gives such practical suggestions. Here are a few glimpses:

Regular involvement in conversations and in information collecting precedes imagination. Neither motivation nor imagination has any good reason to appear out of the blue. … Collecting ideas cultivates the imagination; summarizing and rearranging them loosens the imagination and brings surprises.

Research shows that the most creative, imaginative individuals display unique talents for avoiding premature closure; they put off final decisions about organizing ideas while maintaining high standards for (1) the quality of the materials they collect and for (2) the purpose of collecting them. In other words, they wait.

Good stuff! ( )