My Review
Tarot for Writers is an extremely useful resource whether you are a writer, a tarot enthusiast or a tarot enthusiast who writes.
Corrine Kenner (pictured left) writes in a friendly but clear manner. She explains complex ideas in a straightforward way and manages to combine the two arts - writing and tarot reading - very well.
The book is split into three parts:
In Part 1 Corrine Kenner begins with the basic structure of the Majors, the 4 suits (Swords, Pentacles, Cups and Wands) and the Courts. She then moves onto the general interpretation of each individual card and finishes up with some popular spreads/layouts.
Part 2 is really useful and includes using the cards for character creation, storylines, setting and description and breaking writer's block among other things.
Part 3 is devoted to looking at each card in depth from a writer's point of view. Corrine gives some general information, key symbols, keywords, myth and legend, astrological associations, literary archetypes, how to use the card in writing practice and some very useful writing prompts.
Beating writer's block with tarot
I was very interested in this section because I use the tarot for free-writing, which is one of the techniques that Corrine espouses. I don't think you need to experience writer's block in order to benefit from this technique. Using a card (or two) to kick-start my writing always works; it makes my brain twingle and revs me up for the task in hand.My lens "Tapping Into Your Muse" goes into this in detail.
"Look at the card. Begin to write or type as though you were speaking to it. Ask the card a question. Let the card answer. Type as fast as you can, don't stop. If using pen and paper, allow your hand to move across the page. Keep it going. Open up to letting the card speak to you. Don't worry if you are merely typing or writing gibberish. It matters not. After your usual 15 minutes is up, or when you feel ready, stop and read what your wrote. This is very early on in your journey, so don't expect a great deal. However, there may be a nugget in there somewhere - something you had not thought of in connection with that card or perhaps the hint of an idea that resonates with you."
Tarot For Writers
Tarot for Writers
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/06/2009)
Kick-start your creativity as a writer by calling upon the inspirational powers of the tarot. Used by famous authors such as Stephen King and John Steinbeck, tarot is an excellent tool for unleashing creative thinking and imagination. Applicable to short stories, poetry, non-fiction, novels, and more, this unique guide will enliven your writing at every stage, from fleshing out a premise to submitting a proposal. Breathe new life into an existing project; brainstorm character, dialogue, and plot development ideas; and, break through writer's block-all with idea-stimulating tarot spreads and card descriptions. Featuring a clear introduction to all 78 cards in the tarot deck, this down-to-earth guide is fun and accessible for all, from beginners to advanced users. Try your hand at writing prompts and exploratory games that call upon the archetypal imagery and rich symbolism in each tarot card ...and let the wellspring of inspiration flow!
A good step-off point for anyone interested in using the Tarot to enhance their writing.
Would you consider using tarot cards as an aid to writing?
Maybe even to help you decide your next Squidoo topic?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI'd give it a try for sure...
Lisete says:
I would. It's better than sit around and fell down for not having ideas - while taking your mind off from your not well going work, it provides rather interesting twists one hasn't even considered.
Posted November 25, 2009
Tuula_Olin says:
Sure, too bad I've lost my tarot cards years ago...Maybe it's time to buy a new pack!
Posted November 01, 2009
I can't see this working for me...
Your Future is in the Cards
A brief extract from "Tarot for Writers"
Until now, tarot cards have been the domain of mystics and seers. Once you read this book, however, you'll realize that the cards are equally at home in the hands of a writer.After all, writers are fortune-tellers too. Writers have the mysterious ability to envision a possible future - as well as the power to describe it so clearly that it flickers into existence. Writers see the shadows of an alternate reality, and then bring it into the light with the power of their words. Like the ancient oracles of Delphi, writers can peer into the human soul and communicate essential truths to an audience of readers. And writers, like tarot card readers, can seamlessly weave together the past, present and future.
If you're ready to add tarot cards to your writing practice, all you need to do is turn the next page... face up.
Have you read "Tarot for Writers"?
"Writers see the shadows of an alternate reality, and then bring it to light with the power of their words".
Corrine Kenner, "Tarot for Writers"
Corrine Kenner's website
More books by Corrine Kenner
Vote for your favorites, or add any I missed.
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You enjoy writing, yes?
What inspires you?
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Reply
- Tuula_Olin Tuula_Olin Nov 1, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
- This is interesting, I've never thought of tarot cards this way before. Good tarot lenses, and you've done them so fast! Congratulations.
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- BevsPaper BevsPaper Oct 28, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
- What an interesting sounding book! Tarot For Writers sounds like it would help many people. {{{Blessed}}} from my Angel Wings today.
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- Ladydove62 Ladydove62 Oct 20, 2009 @ 10:01 am
- Interesting and thought-provoking lens.
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- jptanabe jptanabe Oct 20, 2009 @ 8:43 am
- Yeah, everyone gets writers block at some point (some more than others!) so why not use Tarot cards. I'm sure they get the inspirations flowing! Good job.
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- Flynn_the_Cat Flynn_the_Cat Oct 20, 2009 @ 7:22 am
- Wonderful lens! Blessed!
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- luvmyludwig luvmyludwig Oct 19, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
- This is great and it fits into your tarot niche wonderfully.
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- mysticmama mysticmama Oct 19, 2009 @ 7:18 pm
- Fun book!
by theraggededge
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