The Way of the Fearless Writer is a useful guide for those who want to get started on writing, find ways to generate new ideas, and keep up with daily writing, journaling, and reflecting. I enjoy Kempton's writing exercises in each chapter, but I would appreciate a PDF guide along with the audiobook version. In the audiobook, there's a going sound at the end of the chapter, which I find unnecessary and it evokes a sense of orientalism/exoticism.

The Way of the Fearless Writer by @BethKempton was such a supportive, gentle writing guide, and I’m so grateful to @macmillan.audio for an ALC of the book.

The book is written for writers of all types—fiction, nonfiction, memoir, screenwriting. It’s not a plotting guide, but more a method for learning to trust the process of writing and learning to trust yourself in that process. It’s divided into three parts—Invitation, Initiation, and Integration—which are all sort of self-explanatory. The book compares the journey to the Buddhist concept of traveling through “the three sacred gates” (the gate of desirelessness, the gate of formlessness, and the gate of emptiness) and ultimately surmises that you will continue to pass through all these gates simultaneously again and again as you deepen your writing practice.

Kempton includes tons of exercises throughout the book that are really different from exercises I’ve seen in other writing books. Things like meditations with candles, free writing about objects in your house, and writing memories from different perspectives. I haven’t actually tried them yet, but I’m definitely excited to go back and do them.

Kempton narrates the audiobook which I loved. She has such a comforting voice and I felt like she was right there with me working as my personal coach. She includes bonus writer meditations in the audio book (there’s also a link to get them online if you buy the book) that I know will be incredibly helpful. I highly recommend the audiobook, but I think this is the kind of book where you’ll also want a physical copy so you can reference the exercises. I’m definitely planning to buy my own copy, and it would be a great gift for any writer in your life.

I really enjoyed this! It was refreshing and rejuvenating. Recommended for writers looking for something different to add to their writer's guide reading.

a solid writing book. I listened via audio, which was calming and British(?) full of exercises including meditations plus writing advice such as distinguishing between the state where you write freely and the state where you’re aware that you’re writing. each is valuable.

I love how Beth Kempton challenges you to look around and see the world around you, and take that to inspire you to creatively stretch your writing muscles. She has excellent prompts, tools, and suggestions that really help you expand your normal range to new levels. I love the audiobook, but like other reviewers, I agree that having a physical book really helps as you can go back and look, highlight, take notes on areas you want to try better than listening to an audio version. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Beth Kempton and was very pleasant to listen to, and I even loved the little gong/sound effects that signaled moments to pause and take in what you were doing. Loved this!!!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

This book was everything I needed to hear, and the narration was lovely as well. I have recommended this to my writing contacts, and have asked my local library to bring it in as well. Anyone struggling with getting words on the page and/or struggling to appreciate the work they've done so far would do well to read this book,. Anyone who is thinking of writing or is in a bit of a rut or a lull.. really any writer will benefit from this.

Beth Kempton is a Japanese-American writer who shares both her personal writing experiences and many cultural insights in this volume which seeks to inspire, reassure, and encourage other writers. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author, and was particularly intrigued by some of the Japanese characters she discussed as a means of offering unusual insight into the value of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. I'm not sure how valuable an experienced writer will find this volume, but the stories, exercises and suggestions will undoubtedly serve the uncertain beginner.

An uplifting craft book that will appeal to writers with an eye for mindfulness. A physical copy may have wider appeal than audio, but still a recommended purchase for collections where writing craft titles are popular.

I love books that help keep me motivated as a writer. And as someone who loves and embraces yoga and mindful living, this audiobook was a fantastic one for me.

I definitely think a physical book would be better for this one for those who are able to manage that. This narration in this audiobook was great though and I absolutely enjoyed it.