The prompts are helpful when stuck in the droll of a headspace. I appreciated taking these prompts for myself, but also, they helped in character development for a few short stories to unravel the deeper story for a few characters. I appreciated te brevity of each section and the 7 minute time cap. Made it accessible and attainable. ( )

Are you a writer looking to develop your skills? Are you not a writer but feeling stuck, uninspired, overwhelmed, or not sure what you're doing or where you're going? Whether you can say yes to one option or the other this book is for you!

As someone who has dabbled with writing my whole life combined with a deep love of books of all kinds, I have read many books (and have had many more on my to read list) that aspire to do exactly what this book does. Notice I said aspire to, this is because this book is a total gem that pushes beyond what most other books and guided meditation/writing journals have achieved. This book isn't one you can read and forget, or read idly. The very night I started reading it I also started with one of the prompts, and have been doing so daily (and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future) From the start this book is an invitation, a challenge that you can't help but accept.

Some of the prompts are similar to others I've seen suggested, many however are unique though simple and seemingly obvious yet often overlooked giving you a deeper source of knowledge and inspiration. The prompts are also not a one and done thing. Suggestion from the author as well as from me is to revisit each prompt as often as needed. This book was written to guide you for life and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this book to the fullest extent.

In particular I love near the end when the author shares some of her own raw writing/responses to some of the topics throughout the book. It's lovely that she was willing to share and it forms a unique bond between yourself and the brilliance behind the book, as well as even more inspiration!

there is only one slight negative in my opinion, which is simply that some of the prompts start to feel a bit repetitive, but this is likely due to my previous experience rather than an error on the authors part.

A huge thank you for gifting me with a copy of this well of inspiration in exchange for my honest review. I will be revisiting not only this book, but any future books by Natalya Androsova.

Read this book, gift copies to loved ones you wont be sorry!
( )

This book came into my life during a time of great transitions and it provided me with much needed fresh lines of inquiry. The exercise structure includes insightful reflections followed by clear instructions to write your way through a range of relational themes like time, faith, feelings, and freedom. This book has heart. Natalya compassionately encourages us to be creative and courageous with our inner lives and journeys. I recommend this highly to seasoned and nonwriters alike who are looking for new and deeper ways to grow their practice and life. ( )

7 Minutes to Freedom by Natalya Androsova, North Spirit Publishers (2020, 364 pps.)
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: April 20, 2021

7 Minutes to Freedom is a combined inspiration and meditation book. This is not a text which provides guidance or even encouragement for those who wish to become a career author. Instead it uses writing as a tool for the reader's self-discovery, which may lead to freer thinker and perhaps an easier flow of writing in general. You are the main character of your life and your thoughts, experiences, hopes have supporting roles. The book often asks the reader specific questions dealing with events, people or goals they may have. The author suggests that the reader reflect, write and sometimes "let go." At times to release that goal, boundary or how we define what our paths should appear as or how easy we assume they should be—especially for those who belabored towards their goals. It is a text which recommends a state of being, rather than always performing.

As a novelist, I would not say this was of much help. As someone who has practiced yoga in the past, it is a familiar theme of separating oneself from the tangible and reaching for the intangible. That elusive part of you that has become buried by the everyday mundane, the struggle to survive or to achieve in a world which seeks to define you by what you do and what you possess. The author refers to retreating to nature or just being still in the moment as a way of releasing tension and freeing the mind.

7 Minutes to Freedom is bit formulaic. In each chapter are subsections in which Androsova recites a quote, then she reflects upon it by sharing her own experience. Thereafter, she provides suggestions, whether similar to what she has actually implemented in her own life or based on presumed obstacles the reader is facing. Lastly, she asks the reader a series of questions to contemplate and use as guideposts to "free write." If you are an aspiring author or experienced author, this is not a text that directly showcases how to write a novel. This book can be considered a break from the pressures of career fiction writing in order to write through and for your inner self. ( )

Are you a writer looking to develop your skills? Are you not a writer but feeling stuck, uninspired, overwhelmed, or not sure what you're doing or where you're going? Whether you can say yes to one option or the other this book is for you!

As someone who has dabbled with writing my whole life combined with a deep love of books of all kinds, I have read many books (and have had many more on my to read list) that aspire to do exactly what this book does. Notice I said aspire to, this is because this book is a total gem that pushes beyond what most other books and guided meditation/writing journals have achieved. This book isn't one you can read and forget, or read idly. The very night I started reading it I also started with one of the prompts, and have been doing so daily (and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future) From the start this book is an invitation, a challenge that you can't help but accept.

Some of the prompts are similar to others I've seen suggested, many however are unique though simple and seemingly obvious yet often overlooked giving you a deeper source of knowledge and inspiration. The prompts are also not a one and done thing. Suggestion from the author as well as from me is to revisit each prompt as often as needed. This book was written to guide you for life and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this book to the fullest extent.

In particular I love near the end when the author shares some of her own raw writing/responses to some of the topics throughout the book. It's lovely that she was willing to share and it forms a unique bond between yourself and the brilliance behind the book, as well as even more inspiration!

there is only one slight negative in my opinion, which is simply that some of the prompts start to feel a bit repetitive, but this is likely due to my previous experience rather than an error on the authors part.

A huge thank you for gifting me with a copy of this well of inspiration in exchange for my honest review. I will be revisiting not only this book, but any future books by Natalya Androsova.

Read this book, gift copies to loved ones you wont be sorry! ( )