The Way of the Fearless Writer

Starred review from April 24, 2023
Writing instructor Kempton (Wabi Sabi) outlines in this wise guide a creative practice inspired by Buddhist philosophy. In a departure from advice that centers on “painful effort,” Kempton contends that becoming a “fearless writer” requires embracing three principles derived from Buddhism’s Gates of Liberation: “desirelessness” teaches writers to “serve the writing, not the ego”; formlessness encourages them to freely “spill” their words onto the page before fashioning them into a shape; and “emptiness” urges writers to see “through fixed ideas about separate selves” so as to write without fear of critique. Kempton weaves abstract musings with practical suggestions; in discussing desirelessness, for example, she suggests “it’s the process that’s sacred, not the individual words” and cautions readers against becoming “too attached to what lands on the page.” Readers should carve out writing rituals, and once finished, “come back to your day and carry on, as if you haven’t just traveled to other worlds and back.” Kempton mixes Buddhist principles with writing advice in a seamless, down-to-earth prose, and the prompts, such as emptying one’s pockets and writing about “what you carry,” are more innovative than the usual fare. Writers seeking a freeing approach to their craft should give this a look.

May 31, 2023
As a Japanologist, Kempton (Wabi Sabi, 2018) has spent years immersing herself in that culture, applying her extensive knowledge and insights to everyday life. In her latest self-help entry, she turns to a new audience. Many writers expect to produce flawless work on the first try, which only leads to stress and suppression of creativity. Kempton invites writers to slow down using Buddhist principles. She emphasizes that there is no need to follow that particular religious tradition; rather, the goal is to let go of hard-wired perfectionist behaviors. The book is structured via three entry points: the Gates of Desirelessness, Formlessness, and Emptiness. As writers move through the gates, they learn to connect to their bodies, nature, and breath to bring out new, free work. Kempton sprinkles in lyrical passages from her time in Japan to illustrate the concepts while also suggesting new ways of approaching journaling, drafting, and fine-tuning pieces. Like Natalie Goldberg's 1986 classic, Writing Down the Bones, this book will inspire any writer who seeks a fresh way of working and living.

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