Brenda Ueland is the author of If You Want to Write, penned 75 years ago, and one of my most beloved books on the creative process. Who else will tell us that aimless 
wandering walking, staring out the window, and “moodling” all count as doing our work? So I was aghast to realize that when I christened my new craft room with a favorite Ueland quote, my hand somehow disconnected from my brain, and I wrote “Barbara” instead of Brenda! Dear me! My apologies to Ueland’s many devotees. But what a good weekend, here in the stirring of earliest spring, to re-visit her book, or to discover it for the first time. Happy moodling to all.
kate // Mar 24, 2012 at 8:28 PM
You know, I didn’t even read “Barbara”; I saw “Ueland” and automatically read “Brenda.” I wonder if others did, too.
I love her book on writing, also (and the fact that she lived a very unconventional life).
It’s great that you’ve shared the title of Ueland’s book with others.
lyanda // Mar 27, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Thanks, Kate. You know, I expected hundred of Ueland fans to correct me, but alas, she is less well-known in the general public than she is in my imagination! Guess it’s just you and me for now…I am happy for the opportunity to spread the word about her beautiful book and life.
Mary Oak // Mar 29, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Just to chime in with Kate:
I saw the Ueland and assumed it was Brenda, too.
I am a fan of “if you Want to Write” and moodling !
Flying // Apr 19, 2012 at 8:06 AM
[...] the morning pages, the messy and unfettered and unedited journaling that Natalie Goldberg and Brenda Ueland and Joanna Field all recommend; the letters that John Steinbeck wrote on the left hand side of the [...]
Maggie MacNeill // Sep 22, 2012 at 9:28 PM
No, forgive me! Moodling?