This slim book is chock-full of great advice for the aspiring writer, and pleasingly accessible - rather like having a personal tutor at your elbow. With many examples of the author’s own work, it uses the wheel of the year as a basis, with hints to kick start creativity. Through developing a response to the spirit of place, folklore, myth and legend, the student learns to craft their own tales. The author, an experienced creative writing tutor, shares ways he has found of activating a spiritual response to nature. But he doesn’t skimp on the very necessary nitty gritty of writing - narrative techniques, structure, length, style and handling source material. This is a very useful complete first course for the beginner and welcome refresher for the more experienced. The advice to ‘take your story for a walk’ and to express your inner responses to the seasons through story, mediated through landscape and myth, make it well worth a place on the bookshelf. Recommended. ~ Penny Billington, Druid speaker & author of The Path of Druidry

What a fantastic idea to connect writing with the magic of place, seasonal celebration, and the art of ritual. As I read through ‘The Ritual of Writing' I found my desire to write reignited, and I must confess I even found myself wishing I had thought of this idea that Andrew has so skilfully developed in this inspirational and highly practical book. I look forward to reviewing this book when it is in print and to recommending it to all students of the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids. ~ Philip Carr-Gomm

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to make writing part of their spiritual life, or looking for new ways to make deeper connections with the land and the cycle of the seasons. ~ Nimue Brown

I so enjoyed reading this book. I’ve been writing for many years and use this sort of practice myself but I’d never met anyone who had actually put it together in a way to help others to use it. Anderson does precisely this. His style is very friendly and readable; you feel as if you’re sitting with him, chatting over a cup of tea. He doesn’t pontificate but allows you right in to meet him. I feel as if I’m talking with him eye-to-eye, at eye level, he’s not talking down to me. He has excellent little exercises to help you get the hang of each chapter and he puts in lots of anecdotes which really help understanding too. Whether or not you’re already writing, do give this book a go; I’ll bet it will get you writing if you don’t yet do this, and help you develop if you already are. It’s on the reading list for my students. ~ Elen Sentier

The Ritual of Writing: Writing as Spiritual Practice by Andrew Anderson is an excellent course on integrating your spiritual practices with creative writing. The Ritual of Writing covers a wide variety of techniques, from poetry to creating rituals. More importantly, the expertly crafted exercises provides the opportunity the try out these practices while developing solid writing skills. A great resource for anyone who writes, especially those of us with a pagan perspective. ~ Cyndi Branden

As I read the ‘Ritual of Writing’ I found myself becoming more and more inspired to pick up a pencil and paper and start writing again myself, not by continuing with the draft that has been languishing on my desk but by working through the exercises suggested by Anderson within his book. These are neither prescriptive nor onerous but link with the author’s premise that there needs to be a ritual in the process of writing and that the ritual can become a spiritual practice. The more I read the more I found myself becoming excited by the idea of reconnecting with writing in a more spiritual way and with the suggestion of using the Wheel of the Year but through connecting with the spirit of place as a focus. The ‘Ritual of Writing’ is a practical book, perfect for anyone looking to start, or develop their writing in a spiritual way whatever their background or religion. ~ Yvonne Ryves Author of Shaman Pathways Web of Life, Shamanic Healer, Reiki Master and Past Life Therapist.

As a writer and a witch I was immediately drawn to the title of this book, having considered for some time that writing can indeed be a spiritual practice. I was excited to explore this idea more, and discover how others work writing into their religious or spiritual paths. From the outset Andrew’s passion for writing shines through. His reverence for the written word, and the power it can hold, are inspiring. As a reader of his book, you are an active participant in his journey, as he provides interesting and useful tasks which allow you to discover and develop your own writing talents. Although Andrew’s path is Druidic, and there is some focus on the eight festivals of the wheel of the year, the wonderful thing is his book would suit anyone, no matter their path. If you have an interest in writing, poetry, or ritual, then you would benefit from reading this book. For beginners, it’s a treasure to be unearthed. For experienced practitioners or writers, it’s a reminder that we never stop developing our skills, and that our words can be the greatest gift that we can give. ~ Mabh Savage, Author of Pagan Portals: Celtic Witchcraft and A Modern Celt: Seeking the Ancestors, Email