Mommy Brain

(The Train-of-Thought Writing Method: Practical User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers was provided to me by Active Christian Media for the purpose of review.)

Most of us bloggers would admit we have a novel inside us just yearning to break free. Right? I can’t be the only one. So when I was contacted to review Kathi Macias’ book The Train-of-Thought Writing Method, I jumped at the chance. And I was not disappointed.

Kathi Macias has authored or co-authored fifteen books; edited, rewritten, or ghostwritten more than 100 other books; published numerous articles, short stories, and poems in various periodicals; and serves as a staff memeber for a major manuscript critique service. This lady knows what she’s talking about!

Ms. Macias’ book is aptly subtitled – this book is practical. She uses a down-to-earth method to help get your writing ideas out of your head and onto paper. (Or your hard-drive.)

First, she advises that we “lay the track:” write one sentence that sums up your book, article, or short story. She asks:

“Can you capture the heart of that masterpiece that is burning inside of you and write it down in one brief, succinct statement or synopsis, understanding that this statement is the “takeaway” you want to impart to your readers? In other words, when your readers finish reading your piece, will they have been able to find the meaning of your manuscript within the one-line synopsis that was the starting place for your writing?”

Next, she tells us how to craft a “cow-catcher”. That’s a first line or paragraph that will scoop up your reader and make them want to keep reading. Think of those memorable first lines in your favorite books, the ones that gave you that instant “thrill” of knowing this was going to be a good read. Ms. Macias shows us how to craft that kind of an opening line or short paragraph and keep our readers right along with us.

She goes on with her train analogy, explaining the locomotive, the boxcars, the couplers, the observation car, and the caboose. After reading this book, I now have a clear idea of how to get my ideas and direction down on paper. Now all I have to do is write the darn thing!

If you have ideas in your head that are trying to pop out, this book would definitely be a good start. It is designed as a workbook, with writing exercises to do along the way that help illustrate Ms. Macias’ techniques. This would also make a great Christmas gift for any budding writers in your life – even your junior high or high school students.