Ueland, Brenda. If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit. (Saint Paul, MN: Graywolf Press, 1987).
As the title makes clear, this book does not offer a “how-to” approach to writing. Ueland’s aim is to free individuals from the inhibitions that keep them from writing. Through a series of essays, she encourages readers to claim their innate talents, use their imagination, and express their ideas. One word in the book’s title deserves special mention—the “if.” Many individuals have no desire to write and may dismiss the book as irrelevant. Scholar-Practitioners, however, are often called upon to write. Those who dread such writing tasks may find Ueland’s views the catalyst they need to embrace their inner writer. This book relates to the Scholar-Practitioner qualities of Ethical Stewardship (Commitment to Inquiry) and Aesthetic Imagination.