THE COMPASSIONATE WRITER

In this prose-writing guide, Beall encourages would-be writers to proceed with empathy.

If asked to name the top attributes required to be a successful writer—such as imagination, determination, discipline, or an affinity for language—compassion likely would not make most people’s lists. According to the author, however, compassion is essential when it comes to telling engaging stories. “Compassion gives me permission to take my time and really listen for what the story wants to be,” writes Beall in her introduction. “Whether I’m writing memoir or fiction, I try to meet myself where I am—with regrets and pride, failure and grace.” In this writing guide, the author lays out how aspiring writers can better incorporate compassion into their work, from the way they envision their characters to the way they treat themselves. Beginning with self-compassion, Beall discusses why doubt is so common among writers at all stages of their careers, especially those who are just starting out. Self-compassion, she asserts, means giving yourself permission to write freely, without feeling the need to justify yourself. This does not mean silencing one’s inner critic completely, since, as Beall points out, that internal voice is necessary for improvement. Rather, the author helps readers train their inner critics to be supportive and constructive rather than judgmental and intrusive, demonstrating how self-compassion can help writers to be more vulnerable in their creativity and to find their voices on the page. A trained psychologist, Beall incorporates ideas from that field, like cognitive biases and reframing life experiences to see them from a new perspective. She discusses the necessity of empathy when turning real experiences into prose narrative, particularly when the writing grapples—directly or indirectly—with real people from the writer’s life. From crafting complex characters and enticing conflicts to finding literary community and facing rejection from the publishing world, Beall demystifies the process from a place of kindness.

Her prose is gentle but precise: “Emotional truth doesn’t always come in the form of dramatic speeches or outbursts. Sometimes it shows up in silence, hesitation, or subtle reactions—a pause before speaking, a glance away, the way someone’s fingers brush a photograph before setting it down.” Each chapter features writing exercises to help readers practice craft concepts, personal anecdotes from Beall’s own experiences as an author, and writing prompts that encourage readers to generate their own material. The author also includes guided visualizations (a rare feature in writing guides) to assist aspiring writers in opening their minds to the process. Readers are invited to imagine themselves walking down a beach, for example, where the shells they find represent stories that have been spat out of the ocean of life experience, or to picture an imaginary house in which they feel so safe and welcome that they can revisit painful memories while sitting inside of it. The book is certainly emotion-forward, and readers may sometimes feel as though, on the way to the writing workshop, they accidentally wandered into a self-help seminar. (One chapter is called “Overcoming Writer’s Block With Compassion.”) For those amenable to an openhearted approach, however, Beall has much sound advice to offer.

A productively therapeutic writing guide that balances practical and emotional advice.