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pdxbridgegirl01's review against another edition
I own this edition, but I've ready a later/newer edition via library loan.
rachelb36's review
4.0
There was some good information in here, particularly for beginning writers. Each chapter is an excerpt from a different book or a previously published piece, so there are some contradictory statements made by the various writers (about the "best" way to write), but I liked seeing the variety in approaches. Some of the information is the same, however, and therefore repetitive. This was a little annoying.
I especially liked reading about various authors' backgrounds and how they first got into the business. Very interesting stuff!
"Beginning a novel is always hard. It feels like going nowhere. I always have to write at least one hundred pages that go into the trashcan before it finally begins to work. It's discouraging, but necessary to write those pages." p 170, Barbara Kingsolver
"The Shakers, whose furniture represents perhaps the ultimate expression of form meeting function, considered the construction of each piece an act of prayer inspired by the grace of God. You may not consider your writing an act of prayer or call upon the grace of God....to inspire you, but if you do, you are honoring the very meaning of the word inspiration, which comes from the Latin inspiratio, meaning "breath of God" or "divine guidance." p 20, Paula Munier
I especially liked reading about various authors' backgrounds and how they first got into the business. Very interesting stuff!
"Beginning a novel is always hard. It feels like going nowhere. I always have to write at least one hundred pages that go into the trashcan before it finally begins to work. It's discouraging, but necessary to write those pages." p 170, Barbara Kingsolver
"The Shakers, whose furniture represents perhaps the ultimate expression of form meeting function, considered the construction of each piece an act of prayer inspired by the grace of God. You may not consider your writing an act of prayer or call upon the grace of God....to inspire you, but if you do, you are honoring the very meaning of the word inspiration, which comes from the Latin inspiratio, meaning "breath of God" or "divine guidance." p 20, Paula Munier
chris_topher's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
caligirlrae's review against another edition
5.0
This is a definitely favorite of mine that sits right on my writing bookshelf. I always recommend this to my students learning to write novels and it's great for current writers looking to jumpstart their writing juices.
A wonderful how-to book that doesn't talk down to you or use big complex explanations. It goes step by step explaining the structure of a novel via essays by a variety of authors so the advice is always from a fresh perspective. Everything from plot structure, characterization, theme, point of view to selling your novel and book contracts are in this book so if you're looking to dive into novel writing, this is a great start.
A wonderful how-to book that doesn't talk down to you or use big complex explanations. It goes step by step explaining the structure of a novel via essays by a variety of authors so the advice is always from a fresh perspective. Everything from plot structure, characterization, theme, point of view to selling your novel and book contracts are in this book so if you're looking to dive into novel writing, this is a great start.
maddiestar's review
I'm not really gonna rate this with stars because each section is done by a different author and there's probably information that will work for me on one project and information that will work for another. In general, I don't really want to grade help guides unless they're like majorly bad on all levels.
mythian101's review against another edition
5.0
There was a stretch of 2 weeks of no internet at my parents' house in TN. I had never read a non-fiction, textbook so quickly in all my life. This glorious collection of articles by countless authors of fiction and non-fiction and from editors of Writer's Digest is the best piece of material any budding or well seasoned writer needs to have. I still go back to sections to remind me of how to keep my writing sharp. I've marked up sections in red, purple, pink, orange and blue ink pens to keep track. So much wisdom in these pages makes me feel like I finished a full writing course without leaving my bedroom. Best book reading investment I've ever made. I would be quick to recommend this book to every fan of my novels I come across. I even put it into a collection on the book shelves at book stores just to leave a 'hint' that I was there; in hopes that a budding writer sees the love I left behind in giving them strength and hope for their books.
juliechristinejohnson's review
4.0
Terrific collection of essays from a variety of writers and industry wonks on every aspect of writing and publishing a novel. I'll be dipping into this for inspiration for my own writing workshops and coaching.
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