This excellent book is written in a very friendly and engaging tone. It contains advice on the practice of writing, and retains its relevance despite being originally published in 1938. The author, Brenda Ueland, was a writing class instructor, and she comes across as insightful yet humble, with a consistently encouraging voice. She reminds us of our individual talents, the importance of indulging our creative desires (however you may do so, and not just in writing), and the efficacy of clear, direct writing. “With every sentence you write,” she says, “you have learned something.” I found her examples compelling, and I’m eager to try out some of her suggestions. NaNoWriMo approaches!