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In the present economy, writers becoming unemployed is hardly a shocker. The unemployed becoming writers, however, is a more interesting phenomenon. Jill Dearman, the author of "Bang The Keys," says her a book is now finding a following among the unemployed.

"So many things that are out of control with this economy but one thing is in control. For people who are obsessed with writing - set aside some hours, do do some writing, and see what comes," says Dearman.

A number of her students found success, including playwright Stan Richardson, whose short plays are now being performed in small venues.

"I was unemployed and focused on all kinds of strange ways of making money. Jill suggested I take her workshop," says Richardson.

He built momentum and some income in a field he'd only dreamed of participating in before. For Richardson, the writing forged a creative discipline that translated into success in other areas.

"The effect that structure had on my life was extraordinary. I became more efficient in other areas, including finding a full-time job," says Richardson.

Dearman has other students who've been picked up by agents and publishers.

"I think people feel better about themselves. It's self-esteem building," she says.

However, building self-esteem through writing takes discipline.

"I don't want to hear for five hours about your great idea, I'd like to hear about it for five minutes," says Dearman. "Then, I would like you to sit down and figure out when you're going to do this work and then I'd like to hear a little of what you've written."

"BANG" is actually an acronym for her creative process:

• Begin with your strongest idea.
• Arrange your work into concrete shape.
• Nurture your project.
• Go, as in, finish and let it go out into the world.

Yet in order for writers to finish a product, they have to start.

"Nothing happens unless you do it," says Dearman. "You have to sit down, bang the keys, write the pages."

For more information, go to BangTheKeys.com.