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20 Best Books For Writers (2023 Update)
Are you looking for the Best Books For Writers? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Books For Writers can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as LEGO, Nintendo, Penguin Random House, Sounds True, Taschen, Amazon.com. We have done a lot of research to find the Top 20 Best Books For Writers available.
The average cost is $13.04. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $3.99 to a high of $24.99.
Based on the research we did, we think On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft [Book] is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Books For Writers (19 Sellers)
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Features:
- Number of pages: 291
- Genre: language + art + disciplines, biography + autobiography
- Sub-genre: personal memoirs
Features:
- Mint condition
- Dispatch same day for order received before 12 noon
- Guaranteed packaging
Features:
- Inspires writers with creative prompts and samples
- Gets writers in the right headspace to let creativity flow
- Features 60 writing exercises and other creative games
Features:
- Series: writers express
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: great source education group
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: potter/ten speed/harmony/rodale
- Year published: 2014-04-15
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: ten speed press
- Year published: 2018-10-09
Features:
- Lists of phrases for describing facial expressions, body language, gestures, physical appearance, and emotions
- 175 master plot ideas, including romance, high-stakes, family, and workplace stories
- Lists of words for writing action scenes and love scenes
Features:
- Manage multiple writing projects at the same time
- Develop a prolific writer's mindset and increase your output with the 12 week year system
- Deal with actionable specifics, like when and where to write
Features:
- The fundamental elements of fiction craft-character, plot, point of view, etc.-explained clearly and completely
- Key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction
- The complete text of "cathedral" by raymond carver-a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: harpercollins
- Year published: 2003-07-29
Features:
- Master the elements of fiction, from plot and character to dialogue and point of view
- Develop a unique voice and sensibility in your writing
- Manage the practical aspects of writing, from overcoming writer's block to revising your work
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: houghton mifflin
- Year published: 2018-04-17
Features:
- Recommended
- Better than mostkirkus review
- Children 03/01/2010 pg. 206bulletin of ctr for child bks 07/01/2010hornbook guide to children 07/01/2010
Features:
- Binding type: paperback
- Publisher: ww norton & co
- Year published: 2010-01-01
Features:
- Improve your writing: brainstorm ideas, research like a pro, draft and structure your paper, and polish your writing.
- Master the nuts and bolts: avoid common mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Turn it in on time: stay organized with timelines tailored for a variety of papers.
$11.99
3.3
Features:
- Technical writing for dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand.
- Research and organize information for your documents.
- Plan your project in a technical brief.
$4.19
3.3
Features:
- Technical writing for dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand.
- Research and organize information for your documents.
- Plan your project in a technical brief.
$5.09
4.5
Features:
- Binding type: hardback
- Year published: 2005-09-20
- Number of pages: 208
$14.95
5.0
Features:
- "if you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write.".
- Here is stephen king's master class on his craft.
$3.99
5.0
Features:
- The writer published on 1982-01-01 format
- Hardcover condition: new, sku: book-hb-writ-l1-19, isbn: 9780871161291
1. On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft [Book]
Product Details:
Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of stephen king’s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.“ long live the king” hailed entertainment weekly upon publication of stephen king’s on writing. part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. king’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, on writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.
Specifications:
| Weight | 2.89 lb |
Reviews:
Stephen King gives us a snapshot of his early life as a writer with great humor and simplicity. That intro, not truly an autobiography, provides a background to understand how he thinks about writing and his own work habits. He writes with great humility and knocks, where appropriate, pomposity about the ART of writing. He doesn't like the formal structures such as plot and outline, preferring his own organic story "situations."nightbird523
Amazing book and inspiring to the aspiring writer, he keeps everything brief and when it comes to his own life, its funny and tragic in both measures. I never really read anything Stephen King has written but after reading this book, I cant wait to read everything he has written. A superb book!jamesblake2009
Casual and hardcore fans as well as anybody interested in writing should own this. It's a great reference and contains everything you need to know to write books. It's also probably the closest thing there will ever be to an autobiography from King. Some of it is instructional but it's told in a compelling and entertaining manner. I've read it three or four timeshanphh-dnhgou
2. A Writer's Book Of Days: A Spirited Companion & Lively Muse For The Writing Life [Book]
Product Details:
First published a decade ago, a writer's book of days has become the ideal writing coach for thousands of writers. newly revised, with new prompts, up-to-date web resources, and more useful information than ever, this invaluable guide offers something for everyone looking to put pen to paper — a treasure trove of practical suggestions, expert advice, and powerful inspiration.judy reeves meets you wherever you may be on a given day with: – get-going prompts and exercises – insight into writing blocks – tips and techniques for finding time and creating space – ways to find images and inspiration – advice on working in writing groups – suggestions, quips, and trivia from accomplished practitionersreeves's holistic approach addresses every aspect of what makes creativity possible (and joyful) — the physical, emotional, and spiritual. and like a smart, empathetic inner mentor, she will help you make every day a writing day.named one of the five hottest writing books by writer's digest
Reviews:
This book is required for a graduate class; one not about how to write well. It has been helpful to improve the detail of my assignments such as use of more descriptive words and images. The information offered in the book is similar to content from interpersonal communication.Regardless of the purpose of your writing, this book can help you improve.maryot1
3. The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games And Exercises For Inspiring The 'write' Side Of Your Brain (Writing Prompts, Writer Gifts, Writing Kit Gifts) [Book]
Product Details:
Writer's block has met its match with writer's toolbox! designed by a longtime creative writing teacher, this innovative kit includes a 64-page booklet filled with exercises and instructions that focus on a "right-brain" approach to writing. sixty exercise sticks: first sentences, non sequiturs, and last straws will get stories off the ground, 60 cards fuel creative descriptions and four spinner palettes will ignite unexpected plot twists. for any aspiring writer, this kit is the perfect first step on the path to literary greatness! inspires writers with creative prompts and samplesgets writers in the right headspace to let creativity flowfeatures 60 writing exercises and other creative gamesmake those days and nights of struggling to create writing ideas go away without having to bury yourself in more books with writer's toolbox, which makes for the perfect gift for writers.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Comes in a nice box, great as a gift to keep the aspiring writer entertained.dididex7
4. Writers Express: A Handbook For Young Writers, Thinkers, And Learners [Book]
Product Details:
Specifications:
Reviews:
Product was in great shape and delivered on time. Thanksri-drsdo-fekylx4xb3
Bought this handbook to help my Daughter improves her writing, it has been a great help. highly recommended.818simo99
I like the book a lot. I hope it will help in learning how to write.I fell it will help in many ways.marshac8674
5. The Best Punctuation Book, Period: A Comprehensive Guide For Every Writer, Editor, Student, And Businessperson [Book]
Product Details:
This all-in-one reference is a quick and easy way for book, magazine, online, academic, and business writers to look up sticky punctuation questions for all styles including ap (associated press), mla (modern language association), apa (american psychological association), and chicago manual of style.punctuate with confidence—no matter the style confused about punctuation? there’s a reason. everywhere you turn, publications seem to follow different rules on everything from possessive apostrophes to hyphens to serial commas. then there are all the gray areas of punctuation—situations the rule books gloss over or never mention at all. at last, help has arrived. this complete reference guide from grammar columnist june casagrande covers the basic rules of punctuation plus the finer points not addressed anywhere else, offering clear answers to perplexing questions about semicolons, quotation marks, periods, apostrophes, and more. better yet, this is the only guide that uses handy icons to show how punctuation rules differ for book, news, academic, and science styles—so you can boldly switch between essays, online newsletters, reports, fiction, and magazine and news articles.this handbook also features rulings from an expert “punctuation panel” so you can see how working pros approach sticky situations. and the second half of the book features an alphabetical master list of commonly punctuated terms worth its weight in gold, combining rulings from the major style guides and showing exactly where they differ. with the best punctuation book, period, you’ll be able to handle any punctuation predicament in a flash—and with aplomb.
Reviews:
Great reference book and super easy to navigate. Recommend for sure.Katherine
6. Save The Cat! Writes A Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need [Book]
Product Details:
Story-structure series, which reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any novel a success.novelist jessica brody presents a comprehensive story-structure guide for novelists that applies the famed save the cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of novel writing. revealing the 15 "beats" (plot points) that comprise a successful story–from the opening image to the finale–this book lays out the ten story genres (monster in the house; whydunit; dude with a problem) alongside quirky, original insights (save the cat; shard of glass) to help novelists craft a plot that will captivate–and a novel that will sell.
Reviews:
7. Master Lists For Writers [Book]
Product Details:
Write faster…write more! master lists for writers makes "show, don't tell" a lot easier and helps you figure out your story more quickly. in this book, you'll find: lists of phrases for describing facial expressions, body language, gestures, physical appearance, and emotions; 175 master plot ideas, including romance, high-stakes, family, and workplace stories; lists of words for writing action scenes and love scenes; inspiration for figuring out character traits and quirks, backstories, occupations, motivations, and goals; lists for describing settings and writing dialogue; lists of good character names for contemporary stories…plus medieval england, regency england, wild west, and wwii settings; and more!
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Release Date | October 2015 |
| Length | 270 Pages |
| Dimensions | 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0" |
Reviews:
Invaluable reference source for writingcjs722140
This is what I needed to make my novels better. Thanksrubenous73
8. The 12 Week Year For Writers: A Comprehensive Guide To Getting Your Writing Done [Book]
Product Details:
"millions of people have to write for their jobs; millions want to write for their own reasons. as a result, the need for "writing skills" literature is large. most of it falls into a few big categories: technical writing skills and references (think: strunck and white's the elements of style). however, the 12 week year for writers system is a writing-specific implementation of the 12 week year productivity system, created over many years of thrall's use of the 12wy himself. the 12wy for writers system, based on the principles of the 12 week year and honed over many years of helping students learn to write more effectively, is a strategic operating system for writers. the system helps writers answer the most fundamental and big picture questions: what is my vision for the future? what are my writing goals? what are the best strategies and tactics to achieve those goals? how can i manage my writing process to ensure that i stay focused, productive, and on track? this book will be the system for helping writers of all kinds and genres do a much better job planning and executing their writing and will be the only book that harnesses a proven execution system to improve the writing process. this means that our system starts with a high level of credibility and benefits from the existing reputation and name recognition of the 12 week year, while tailoring the system and the message to a more targeted audience."–
9. Gotham Writers' Workshop: Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide From New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School [Book]
Product Details:
Gotham writers' workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book. – here you'll find: the fundamental elements of fiction craft—character, plot, point of view, etc.—explained clearly and completely – key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction – the complete text of "cathedral" by raymond carver—a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book – exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing. – written by gotham writers' workshop expert instructors and edited by dean of faculty alexander steele, writing fiction offers the same methods and exercises that have earned the school international acclaim. – once you've read—and written—your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels. you will be a writer. – gotham writers' workshop is america's leading private creative writing school, offering classes in new york city and on the web at writing the school's interactive online classes, selected "best of the web" by forbes, have attracted thousands of aspiring writers from across the united states and more than sixty countries.
Reviews:
10. A Writer's Notebook: Unlocking The Writer Within You [Book]
Product Details:
Tap into your inner writer with this book of practical advice by the bestselling author of how writers work and the ala notable book fig pudding. writers are just like everyone else—except for one big difference. most people go through life experiencing daily thoughts and feelings, noticing and observing the world around them. but writers record these thoughts and observations. they react. and they need a special place to record those reactions. perfect for classrooms, a writer’s notebook gives budding writers a place to keep track of all the little things they notice every day. young writers will love these useful tips for how to use notes and jottings to create stories and poems of their own.
Reviews:
11. The Complete Handbook Of Novel Writing : Everything You Need To Know To Create & Sell Your Work
Product Details:
Get advice from the best in the business on every stage of the novel-writing and publishing process!. inside this comprehensive resource, readers will find hundreds of pages showing them how to master the novel-creation process, generate saleable ideas, implement invaluable techniques, and find the inspiration they need to finish their work. | the complete handbook of novel writing, 3rd edition, provides an extraordinary gathering of more than 70 best-selling authors and publishing insiders whose advice and experience will help readers turn those ideas, notes, and half-finished manuscripts into finely polished novels that are ready to sell.
Reviews:
12. How To Write An Autobiographical Novel: Essays [Book]
Product Details:
Named a best book by: time, washington post, entertainment weekly, npr, wired, esquire, buzzfeed, new york public library, boston globe, the paris review, mother jones, the a.v. as a novelist, alexander chee has been described as "masterful" by roxane gay, "incendiary" by the new york times, and "brilliant" by the washington post. with how to write an autobiographical novel, his first collection of nonfiction, he's sure to secure his place as one of the finest essayists of his generation as well. how to write an autobiographical novel is the author's manifesto on the entangling of life, literature, and politics, and how the lessons learned from a life spent reading and writing fiction have changed him. in these essays, he grows from student to teacher, reader to writer, and reckons with his identities as a son, a gay man, a korean american, an artist, an activist, a lover, and a friend. he examines some of the most formative experiences of his life and the nation's history, including his father's death, the aids crisis, 9/11, the jobs that supported his writing–tarot-reading, bookselling, cater-waiting for william f. buckley–the writing of his first novel, edinburgh, and the election of donald trump.
Reviews:
it's very exciting read for me, thank you!!!!dannj.uk.64b8d0v6x
13. Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook [Book]
Product Details:
Learn how to write like the experts, from the experts. in spilling ink: a young writer's handbook, you'll find practical advice in a perfect package for young aspiring writers.after receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice,accomplished authors anne mazer and ellen potter joined together to create this guidebook for young writers. the authors mix inspirational anecdotes with practical guidance on how to find a voice, develop characters and plot,make revisions, and overcome writer's block. fun writing prompts will help young writers jump-start their own projects, and encouragement throughout will keep them at work.
Reviews:
14. The Making Of A Story: A Norton Guide To Creative Writing [Book]
Product Details:
A los angeles times bestseller: wonderfully lucid and illuminating, alice laplante’s guide to writing fiction “recalls francine prose’s bestseller, reading like a writer” (library journal). the making of a story is a fresh and inspiring guide to the basics of creative writing—both fiction and creative nonfiction. its hands-on, completely accessible approach walks writers through each stage of the creative process, from the initial triggering idea to the revision of the final manuscript. it is unique in combing the three main aspects of creative writing instruction: process (finding inspiration, getting ideas on the page), craft (specific techniques like characterization), and anthology (learning by reading masters of the form). succinct, clear definitions of basic terms of fiction are accompanied by examples, including excerpts from masterpieces of short fiction and essays as well as contemporary novels. a special highlight is alice laplante's systematic debunking of many of the so-called rules of creative writing. this book is perfect for writers working alone as well as for creative writing classes, both introductory and advanced.
Reviews:
Widely used text, well written, very usefulwednesdayschild
15. Essential Writing Skills For College And Beyond [Book]
Product Details:
Hone your writing skills for success in college and in life! every student knows that writing a successful college paper is no small undertaking. to make the grade, you need to express your ideas clearly and concisely. so how do you do it? in essential writing skills for college and beyond, you'll learn down-to-earth strategies for organizing your thoughts, researching the right sources, getting it down on paper…and earning an a. – write any type of college paper: techniques for writing term papers, essays, creative assignments, and more. – improve your writing: brainstorm ideas, research like a pro, draft and structure your paper, and polish your writing. – master the nuts and bolts: avoid common mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. – turn it in on time: stay organized with timelines tailored for a variety of papers. – take it to the next level: get advice for writing effectively after graduation and on the job. college writing may seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. no matter what your major or field of study, essential writing skills for college and beyond will help you take charge of your writing, your grades, and your path to success.
Reviews:
This book explains how to begin writing in a manner that is practical in a step by step manner.natud0
This text is an excellent reference for writing college papers. Lean it's content and you'll be an excellent writer.rrbsteve
16. Technical Writing For Dummies [Book]
Product Details:
A complete and friendly guide to technical writing! let’s face it, a lot of technical documentation reads as if it had been translated into english from venutian by a native speaker of gibberish. that’s why good technical writers are in such big demand worldwide. now, technical writing for dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand. whether you’re contemplating a career as a technical writer, or you just got tapped for a technical writing project, this friendly guide is your ticket to getting your tech writing skills up to snuff. it shows you step-by-step how to: research and organize information for your documents plan your project in a technical brief fine-tune and polish your writing work collaboratively with your reviewers create great user manuals, awesome abstracts, and more write first-rate electronic documentation write computer- and web-based training courses discover how to write energized technical documents that have the impact you want on your readers. wordsmith sheryl lindsell-roberts covers all the bases, including: all about the red-hot market for technical writing and how to get work as a technical writer the abcs of creating a strong technical document, including preparing a production schedule, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, rewriting, testing, presentation, and more types of technical documents, including user manuals, abstracts, spec sheets, evaluation forms and questionnaires, executive summaries, and presentations writing for the internet—covers doing research online, creating multimedia documents, developing computer-based training and web-based training, and writing online help combining examples, practical advice, and priceless insider tips on how to write whiz-bang technical documents, technical writing for dummies is an indispensable resource for newcomers to technical writing and pros looking for new ideas to advance their careers.
Reviews:
The last thing I need after installing new software or buying new items to learn how to use is to read its manual that comes free with it. I never understood those thick looking bible like scripts. This book is a great substitute, I’d recommend any day, bar having a free teacher. Illustrations within are minimal, which is disappointing as it looks like a book that is suppose to appeal to the “rest of us”. Most of us learn far better with images than literary. The creators should keep that in mind, because teaching through a book can be more ineffective than tutoring so it needs more oomph to make info stay in the learner’s mind.
Good book – I like itleoshch
Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts does not practice what she preaches and makes obvious mistakes. If you have never written a technical document you will be left asking "what did I Just read" I'm 3/4 way through it and I'm not sure I will waste the time to finish it. It is very weak with little meat. The book is 9 years old possibly it was good for some back then, but I don't think so.metzgertec
17. Technical Writing For Dummies [Book]
Product Details:
A complete and friendly guide to technical writing! let’s face it, a lot of technical documentation reads as if it had been translated into english from venutian by a native speaker of gibberish. that’s why good technical writers are in such big demand worldwide. now, technical writing for dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand. whether you’re contemplating a career as a technical writer, or you just got tapped for a technical writing project, this friendly guide is your ticket to getting your tech writing skills up to snuff. it shows you step-by-step how to: research and organize information for your documents plan your project in a technical brief fine-tune and polish your writing work collaboratively with your reviewers create great user manuals, awesome abstracts, and more write first-rate electronic documentation write computer- and web-based training courses discover how to write energized technical documents that have the impact you want on your readers. wordsmith sheryl lindsell-roberts covers all the bases, including: all about the red-hot market for technical writing and how to get work as a technical writer the abcs of creating a strong technical document, including preparing a production schedule, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, rewriting, testing, presentation, and more types of technical documents, including user manuals, abstracts, spec sheets, evaluation forms and questionnaires, executive summaries, and presentations writing for the internet—covers doing research online, creating multimedia documents, developing computer-based training and web-based training, and writing online help combining examples, practical advice, and priceless insider tips on how to write whiz-bang technical documents, technical writing for dummies is an indispensable resource for newcomers to technical writing and pros looking for new ideas to advance their careers.
Reviews:
The last thing I need after installing new software or buying new items to learn how to use is to read its manual that comes free with it. I never understood those thick looking bible like scripts. This book is a great substitute, I’d recommend any day, bar having a free teacher. Illustrations within are minimal, which is disappointing as it looks like a book that is suppose to appeal to the “rest of us”. Most of us learn far better with images than literary. The creators should keep that in mind, because teaching through a book can be more ineffective than tutoring so it needs more oomph to make info stay in the learner’s mind.
Good book – I like itleoshch
Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts does not practice what she preaches and makes obvious mistakes. If you have never written a technical document you will be left asking "what did I Just read" I'm 3/4 way through it and I'm not sure I will waste the time to finish it. It is very weak with little meat. The book is 9 years old possibly it was good for some back then, but I don't think so.metzgertec
18. The Complete Writer's Kit [Book]
Product Details:
Here's just the thing for anyone who's every said, "i wish i could become a writer," but hasn't the foggiest notion of how to begin. this smart new kit provides step-by-step direction and inspiration for potential writers. included is scott edelstein's superb paperback, 30 steps to becoming a writer, which takes the reader methodically through the process of getting thoughts on paper. once the steps have been completed, it's time for edelstein's miniature book, get published in 6 months or less. as a bonus feature, best-selling author natalie goldberg contributes a card deck, which offers 52 quick lessons and jumpstarts for overcoming writer's block and unleashing one's creativity. this unique combination of the practical and the inspirational makes the complete writer's kit a program of real value to anyone with the urge to become a writer.
Specifications:
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 208 pages |
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 1.5 x 8.25 inches |
| Language | English |
| Dimensions | 5.75 x 1.5 x 8.25 inches |
Reviews:
19. On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft [Book]
Product Details:
"if you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." here is stephen king's master class on his craft.on writing begins with a mesmerizing account of king's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. a series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer.king then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.king was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. on writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life. "if you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." here is stephen king's master class on his craft.on writing begins with a mesmerizing account of king's childhood and his early focus on writing to tell a story. a series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, carrie, offer a fresh and often funny perspective on the formation of a writer.king then turns to the tools of his trade, examining crucial aspects of the wriiter's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.king was in the middle of writing this book when he was nearly killed in a widely reported accident. on writing culminates with a profoundly moving account of how his need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life.
Specifications:
| Narrators | Stephen King, Joe Hill & Owen King |
| Length | 9 hours 6 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Published on | October 1, 2000 |
Reviews:
I don't read Stephen King books…too scary! But I once saw this book in a high school English class when I was substitute teaching and started to read it. I like to write and I also like nonfiction stories so I found myself enjoying this book right away. I never finished it. When I saw it for sale on ebay, brand new, still in the plastic wrapping, and unabridged on compact disk, I had to buy it. I just finished it and it was really great! It's read by Stephen King himself and the first part is a sincere autobiography. The next part is a lesson on how to write. It is precise and informative in a no-nonsense kind of way. It inspired me to start writing again. At the end, Stephen King tells us the story of how he was hit by a van one night while taking a walk near his home. It was so poignant it almost made me cry. If you love to write and need a few practical suggestions, this is the book for you. Also, if you like reading Stephen King novels (which I don't), I think it would be very interesting to read about where he was in his life when he wrote each of his books. I am now reading "The Stand", to get a taste of his writing technique. I think I may have read it many, many, years ago and it's one of the few that I may be able to get through (although it's also his longest novel) without being totally freaked out! Thanks for reading this review and I recommend "On Writing by Stephen King" to everyone!!gid711
I bought this book in paperback a couple of years ago, because I wanted to improve my writing skills. I never got to read it, because I got too busy. I decided to purchase it on eBay in an audio format so I could "read" it while working or driving. This was the best decision for me. I have completly read the book, and I'm preparing to read and study it again.adelegirl
20. Guide To Fiction Writing [Book]
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Format/binding | Hardcover |
| Used | Good |
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Place | Boston |
Reviews:
Phyllis A. Whitney was one of my first favorite authors. Back in the day, I could hardly wait for her new releases to show up in my dad's monthly book club mailings. He would always buy them for me because, of course, he wanted to encourage a lively interest in books. Phyllis Whitney fueled my love of reading then, and now, years later, she fuels my love of writing. Her "Guide to Fiction Writing" covers all of the basics including plot, characters, outlines, research, conflict, suspense, revision, etc. She delves into the craft of writing and expounds on the finer points such as "show, don't tell." The whole book is written in a comfortable, casual style, as though she is having a private discussion with the reader-who she clearly respects as a fellow writer. She's not sitting on a high horse looking down her nose at all of us. It feels more like she's sitting on the other end of the sofa. What I like best about this book is the way the author projects enthusiasm for the business of writing and stays positive about finding success. "Good fortune and opportunities are always coming along," she writes. "Perhaps opportunity is like a train on an endless track. Now and then it makes a stop at your station, often without fanfare, and without warning…When the breaks came for me I was doing the right thing. I didn't know it was the right thing, but even when there was no opportunity in sight, I was working. You, who may be just beginning: What you do now counts. Never mind the rejections, the discouragement, the voices of ridicule (there can be those too). Work and wait and learn, and that train will come by. If you give up, you'll never have a chance to climb aboard." Although it was written over twenty years ago, this book is timeless…as is Phyllis Whitney herself. –Lana Jordan, author of "Journey to Motherhood" and "The Sleepytime Ponies Trick a Trickster"flyingponies
