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4.24 AVERAGE
4.24 AVERAGE
informative
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I found it uneven, but the parts that were useful were very very useful. However, I had to force myself past the author's casual racist and misogynistic remarks. I know they were typical of the time when this book was first published, but that doesn't make them any easier to overlook.
For the writer who wants to write and sell fiction, Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain is your book. Published in 1965, this book is still relevant today. From creating an interesting story to character development, Swain helps to break your story down into paragraphs, sentences, and words. His formulaic approach will help your writing flow and keep your reader interested.
[As an aside, although some of the popular references and expressions are dated, what is more disheartening is how many of the iconic magazines he mentions have subsequently ceased publication.]
Swain not only helps you develop your craft, but admonishes you to approach writing as a business and focus on the bottom line; writing fiction that will make your readers keep turning the pages.
I took copious notes while reading this book; Techniques of the Selling Writer should be on every writer’s bookshelf.
[As an aside, although some of the popular references and expressions are dated, what is more disheartening is how many of the iconic magazines he mentions have subsequently ceased publication.]
Swain not only helps you develop your craft, but admonishes you to approach writing as a business and focus on the bottom line; writing fiction that will make your readers keep turning the pages.
I took copious notes while reading this book; Techniques of the Selling Writer should be on every writer’s bookshelf.
Published in 1965, this book offers tried and true advice on writing and publishing. How do I know? Current books talk about writing the same way, but the difference is that Mr. Swain follows through with his instruction for clarity. He writes in a question/ answer format: Conflict and How to Build it
1. How to plan a scene
2. How to plan a sequel
3. How to write a scene
4. How to write a sequel
5. How to mesh the two together
He proceeds to define scene and sequel. Then he shows how they work before going to the how to's.
Sure, a few jokes and sources are outdated, but the information is solid.
1. How to plan a scene
2. How to plan a sequel
3. How to write a scene
4. How to write a sequel
5. How to mesh the two together
He proceeds to define scene and sequel. Then he shows how they work before going to the how to's.
Sure, a few jokes and sources are outdated, but the information is solid.
IT CAME FROM THE SLUSH PILE!!!
Back in the pre-computer dark ages I was sentenced to cull the slush pile of a best forgotten magazine, Cthulu has nothing on that horror. Please read this book if you are writing popular fiction and stop the nightmares of innocent readers. Swain provides meticulous instructions on how to write basic pulp, even if you're a James Joyce wannabee, you should learn the basic forms before mutilating them. Literati will turn their nose up at this, the descriptions are over 50 years old and a bit sexist in spots. The basics though are timeless and of the various writing books I've been exposed to, for fiction, this seems to be the best basic instruction book.
I don't write fiction but I may buy it anyway, I would give it another star then.
Back in the pre-computer dark ages I was sentenced to cull the slush pile of a best forgotten magazine, Cthulu has nothing on that horror. Please read this book if you are writing popular fiction and stop the nightmares of innocent readers. Swain provides meticulous instructions on how to write basic pulp, even if you're a James Joyce wannabee, you should learn the basic forms before mutilating them. Literati will turn their nose up at this, the descriptions are over 50 years old and a bit sexist in spots. The basics though are timeless and of the various writing books I've been exposed to, for fiction, this seems to be the best basic instruction book.
I don't write fiction but I may buy it anyway, I would give it another star then.