Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content
By Mark Levy
Berrett-Koehler Publishers (2010)
Paperback, 192 pages
Rated 5 stars of 5 possible
Accidental Genius is a well-written treasure trove of valuable advice for authors, and for ordinary people. By following Mark Levy's suggestions, you not only improve your writing skills, but you can also learn problem solving techniques. Best of all, you don't need to be an established writer to benefit from this advice. Anyone can use the techniques taught by Mr. Levy, and nearly everyone who tries the techniques will benefit to some extent.
Mr. Levy provides anecdotes from his personal experience, some of them humorous, all of them valuable examples of what can be accomplished using his techniques to improve both your writing and your life. If you use these techinques, you might even find that, along the way, you have developed a manuscript for that great American novel residing in the back of your brain.
Author notes (actually more of a bibliography) and a detailed index are among the concluding pages of this book, and, also among the more valuable pages included here. The bibliographical information included in the notes can lead to more resources, while the index will help to quickly locate topics of interest when you don't have the time to read whole chapters, or just want to quickly verify a point or two.
Recommended for readers ages 16 and up who are interested in learning problem solving techniques or improving writing skills. This book was provided to me free by the publisher in exchange for review. This review has been simultaneously published on Dragon Views, Amazon.com, LibraryThing and wherever else I may deem appropriate.
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Long Road to Publication
The Creative Writer's Survival Guide: Advice from an Unrepentant Novelist
By John McNally
University of Iowa Press (2010)
Paperback, 272 pages
Rated 4 stars of 5 possible
The Creative Writer's Survival Guide: Advice from an Unrepentant Novelist is a handbook full of practical and - at times - humorous advice on how to get paid for your creative writing efforts. This book contains not only the how to get your novel published, it also contains information regarding the ways you should not present your work, and yourself, to publishers and agents. The alternate ways to be paid for your writing experience if you're not quite finished with that great American novel, as well as how to find the job that will buy you the writing time you're looking for are discussed in this easy to read, fast-paced book.
The self-publication avenue is also explored, along with the reasons that such a choice is not right for every book or every writer. Pros and cons of placing your novel with a major pubisher, a independent small press, a university press or a print-on-demand type publisher as well as the amount of control the author has with each type of publisher are discussed. Last but not least, the author provides advice on promoting your book once you have a contract and after publication.
Mr. McNally wrote this book as if giving advice to a friend, so much of his personality comes through in the succinct and well-written chapters. Each topic naturally leads to the next in smooth transitional steps, making this guide a pleasure to read and an asset that belongs on the reference shelves of all aspiring creative writers. Once again, the addenda at the end of the book prove to be as interesting as the main portion of this excellent guide. Authors notes, recommended reading lists and a short bibliography at the end of the book contain material to further explore the concepts discussed in this book.
The Creative Writer's Survival Guide was provided to me by the author free in exchange for this review. Recommended for writers and wanna-be writers looking for advice on selling the products of their hard work. Look for it in your favorite book store. This review was simultaneously published on Dragon Views and LibraryThing.
By John McNally
University of Iowa Press (2010)
Paperback, 272 pages
Rated 4 stars of 5 possible
The Creative Writer's Survival Guide: Advice from an Unrepentant Novelist is a handbook full of practical and - at times - humorous advice on how to get paid for your creative writing efforts. This book contains not only the how to get your novel published, it also contains information regarding the ways you should not present your work, and yourself, to publishers and agents. The alternate ways to be paid for your writing experience if you're not quite finished with that great American novel, as well as how to find the job that will buy you the writing time you're looking for are discussed in this easy to read, fast-paced book.
The self-publication avenue is also explored, along with the reasons that such a choice is not right for every book or every writer. Pros and cons of placing your novel with a major pubisher, a independent small press, a university press or a print-on-demand type publisher as well as the amount of control the author has with each type of publisher are discussed. Last but not least, the author provides advice on promoting your book once you have a contract and after publication.
Mr. McNally wrote this book as if giving advice to a friend, so much of his personality comes through in the succinct and well-written chapters. Each topic naturally leads to the next in smooth transitional steps, making this guide a pleasure to read and an asset that belongs on the reference shelves of all aspiring creative writers. Once again, the addenda at the end of the book prove to be as interesting as the main portion of this excellent guide. Authors notes, recommended reading lists and a short bibliography at the end of the book contain material to further explore the concepts discussed in this book.
The Creative Writer's Survival Guide was provided to me by the author free in exchange for this review. Recommended for writers and wanna-be writers looking for advice on selling the products of their hard work. Look for it in your favorite book store. This review was simultaneously published on Dragon Views and LibraryThing.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
For Your Writer's Muse
The Writer's Retreat Kit:
A Guide for Creative Exploration and Personal Expression
By Judy Reeves
Publisher: New World Library; Boxed edition (April 10, 2005)
Paperback: 144 pages/Card Deck: 25 cards
Rating: 4 stars of 5 possible.
Despite its resemblance to The Creative Writer's Kit, this kit's contents are quite different. The book has only a few pages in the back for notes rather than a significant portion of pages devoted to writing practice; however, it contains a wealth of information on creating and managing a writer's retreat based on one of twenty themes and several possibilities within each theme.
The bulk of the cards - 20 of them - contain a total of over 400 new and powerful writing prompts, (something here for every writer) while a handful of the cards provide suggestions for entering, managing and leaving your retreat. Each retreat section contains exercises and tips to get writers and artists started and keep them going.
This kit makes the perfect gift for a would-be or practicing writer...or a great treat for yourself. I recommend it for any writer - even when you don't know what you want to write about. There is sure to be something in this kit to trigger your muse, no matter what style of writing you prefer. Can be used alone or in conjunction with other books or kits featuring work by Judy Reeves.
A Guide for Creative Exploration and Personal Expression
By Judy Reeves
Publisher: New World Library; Boxed edition (April 10, 2005)
Paperback: 144 pages/Card Deck: 25 cards
Rating: 4 stars of 5 possible.
Despite its resemblance to The Creative Writer's Kit, this kit's contents are quite different. The book has only a few pages in the back for notes rather than a significant portion of pages devoted to writing practice; however, it contains a wealth of information on creating and managing a writer's retreat based on one of twenty themes and several possibilities within each theme.
The bulk of the cards - 20 of them - contain a total of over 400 new and powerful writing prompts, (something here for every writer) while a handful of the cards provide suggestions for entering, managing and leaving your retreat. Each retreat section contains exercises and tips to get writers and artists started and keep them going.
This kit makes the perfect gift for a would-be or practicing writer...or a great treat for yourself. I recommend it for any writer - even when you don't know what you want to write about. There is sure to be something in this kit to trigger your muse, no matter what style of writing you prefer. Can be used alone or in conjunction with other books or kits featuring work by Judy Reeves.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Disappointment Is The Word
The Essential Writer's Notebook:
A step-By-Step Guide to Better Writing
Natalie Goldberg
Publisher: Peter Pauper Press (July 2001)
Spiral-bound: 160 pages
Rating: 1 star of 5 possible
Much of the content of this book is merely blank lined pages that would best serve my purposes if those blank pages were not interrupted by so much art and having the writing prompts appear scattered throughout, in what I am certain are going to turn out to be the wrong places much of the time. As with the writing prompts, the author's paintings are scattered throughout the book, inhibiting the usefulness of the volume.
As an educational tool, this book is lacking much due to the content being so scattered; as a writer's journal or writing exercise book, it is only so-so for the same reason. Since there is no way to predict how much a writer will put out based on one prompt, I would rather have seen a section at the front devoted to the prompts, and a second section (maybe at the back) devoted to the paintings, making them easier both to find and to use as prompts. Another point concerning the paintings... well, they can best be described as eclectic, and though they might serve as prompts to some writers, to me they are so much wasted paper. This writer's painting style just does not fit my taste in art.
Since the book is wire-bound inside a cover that hides the wires (nice looking, I'll admit), I can't even take the darned thing apart to reorganize the paintings as I would prefer to have them. If I had seen this at a traditional bookstore, where I could have examined the book prior to purchasing it, I probably would not have made the purchase. This book is very much not recommended to anyone, with the possible exception of rabid fans of the author who MUST have every book with her name on the cover and who happen to also like the author's painting style.
A step-By-Step Guide to Better Writing
Natalie Goldberg
Publisher: Peter Pauper Press (July 2001)
Spiral-bound: 160 pages
Rating: 1 star of 5 possible
Much of the content of this book is merely blank lined pages that would best serve my purposes if those blank pages were not interrupted by so much art and having the writing prompts appear scattered throughout, in what I am certain are going to turn out to be the wrong places much of the time. As with the writing prompts, the author's paintings are scattered throughout the book, inhibiting the usefulness of the volume.
As an educational tool, this book is lacking much due to the content being so scattered; as a writer's journal or writing exercise book, it is only so-so for the same reason. Since there is no way to predict how much a writer will put out based on one prompt, I would rather have seen a section at the front devoted to the prompts, and a second section (maybe at the back) devoted to the paintings, making them easier both to find and to use as prompts. Another point concerning the paintings... well, they can best be described as eclectic, and though they might serve as prompts to some writers, to me they are so much wasted paper. This writer's painting style just does not fit my taste in art.
Since the book is wire-bound inside a cover that hides the wires (nice looking, I'll admit), I can't even take the darned thing apart to reorganize the paintings as I would prefer to have them. If I had seen this at a traditional bookstore, where I could have examined the book prior to purchasing it, I probably would not have made the purchase. This book is very much not recommended to anyone, with the possible exception of rabid fans of the author who MUST have every book with her name on the cover and who happen to also like the author's painting style.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Stimulate Your Muse
A Creative Writer's Kit:
A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life
Judy Reeves
Publisher: New World Library; Boxed edition (August, 2003)
Paperback: 144 pages/Card Deck: 25 cards
Rating: 4 stars of 5 possible
The deck of cards and small amount of text in the book are the essence of A Writer's Book of Days by the same author; including the all-valuable writing prompts; yet this kit is more compact (suitable for traveling) and includes space in the paperback volume for your journal entries. Pack this kit and your favorite pen or pencil for your next trip out of town and see what I mean.
While the 5 X 7 inch cards can be a bit unwieldy depending on how you might use them, they are also convenient in their own way. You can refer to important points on one or more cards without needing to flip through the book... which you may want to have open to a past or current writing exercise at the same time. Having space in the book for your writing exercises eliminates the need to carry a separate notebook; Weight reduction of the baggage is always a good thing.
Recommended for creative writers age 10 and up.
A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life
Judy Reeves
Publisher: New World Library; Boxed edition (August, 2003)
Paperback: 144 pages/Card Deck: 25 cards
Rating: 4 stars of 5 possible
The deck of cards and small amount of text in the book are the essence of A Writer's Book of Days by the same author; including the all-valuable writing prompts; yet this kit is more compact (suitable for traveling) and includes space in the paperback volume for your journal entries. Pack this kit and your favorite pen or pencil for your next trip out of town and see what I mean.
While the 5 X 7 inch cards can be a bit unwieldy depending on how you might use them, they are also convenient in their own way. You can refer to important points on one or more cards without needing to flip through the book... which you may want to have open to a past or current writing exercise at the same time. Having space in the book for your writing exercises eliminates the need to carry a separate notebook; Weight reduction of the baggage is always a good thing.
Recommended for creative writers age 10 and up.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Set Your Creativity Free
A Writer's Book of Days:
A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life
Judy Reeves
New World Library (November 1999)
Paperback: 240 pages
Rated 5 Stars of 5 Possible
A Writer's Book of Days is full of inspiring and challenging prompts to get you started in your own writing. There is also practical instruction (ignore that critic in your head) on how to get past the stumbling blocks that every writer encounters at one time or another, and encouraging, supportive advice on making writing part of your daily life. Daily prompts culled from hundreds of writing workshops taught by the author help open the door to your own creative process.
What does the beginning writer need? Just a pencil and paper! Everybody has those, or can easily get them at their neighborhood store. Judy Reeves recommends going back to paper and pencil to discourage you from editing your work as you go. The main thing about writing practice is to get it down on paper. Spelling, grammer, and punctuation are all secondary and should come AFTER that first draft is complete.
I'll admit that edit as I go has been my writing style since I started using computers oh so many years ago... I don't write that way in my practice notebook though. I just write - and I don't even worry about how sloppy my writing turns out. With the solid advice contained in this book, my writer's block is broken...and my creativity has been set free. I have seen my writing improve day by day,and you can too!
Work through the book day by day (my personal goal for 2008) or skip around as I have been doing this year. Do not forget to read the author's excellent advice. There are sufficient daily prompts to keep you busy writing for an entire year, plus extras in case you should need them; but you shouldn't need the extras. You can use each prompt multiple times and get different results each time, so when you've gotten through the book the first time, you will probably find you are nowhere near finished. I highly recommend A Writer's Book of Days.
A Spirited Companion and Lively Muse for the Writing Life
Judy Reeves
New World Library (November 1999)
Paperback: 240 pages
Rated 5 Stars of 5 Possible
A Writer's Book of Days is full of inspiring and challenging prompts to get you started in your own writing. There is also practical instruction (ignore that critic in your head) on how to get past the stumbling blocks that every writer encounters at one time or another, and encouraging, supportive advice on making writing part of your daily life. Daily prompts culled from hundreds of writing workshops taught by the author help open the door to your own creative process.
What does the beginning writer need? Just a pencil and paper! Everybody has those, or can easily get them at their neighborhood store. Judy Reeves recommends going back to paper and pencil to discourage you from editing your work as you go. The main thing about writing practice is to get it down on paper. Spelling, grammer, and punctuation are all secondary and should come AFTER that first draft is complete.
I'll admit that edit as I go has been my writing style since I started using computers oh so many years ago... I don't write that way in my practice notebook though. I just write - and I don't even worry about how sloppy my writing turns out. With the solid advice contained in this book, my writer's block is broken...and my creativity has been set free. I have seen my writing improve day by day,and you can too!
Work through the book day by day (my personal goal for 2008) or skip around as I have been doing this year. Do not forget to read the author's excellent advice. There are sufficient daily prompts to keep you busy writing for an entire year, plus extras in case you should need them; but you shouldn't need the extras. You can use each prompt multiple times and get different results each time, so when you've gotten through the book the first time, you will probably find you are nowhere near finished. I highly recommend A Writer's Book of Days.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Advice From An Experienced Writer
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King
Scribner, October, 2000
Hardcover: 288 pages
Rated 5 stars of 5 Possible
Stephen King, master of the macabre, tells some of the events in his life which, he says, turned him into the writer he is today. Partly autobiographical and partly good advice, On Writing is a quick, enjoyable read, that, unlike the average text book, isn't full of difficult to comprehend and otherwise useless data. King likens the process of writing to archaeology and digging up fossils... he uses "What if..." to define the situations and discover the fossils that become the novels King is famous for writing.
On Writing isn't a text book, yet, the teacher in him couldn't resist including just one writing exercise near the middle of the book. King shows the wanna-be writer a fossil and encourages that writer to explore the situation and expose more of the fossil. This is the master's technique for turning out novel after novel after novel.
Stephen King
Scribner, October, 2000
Hardcover: 288 pages
Rated 5 stars of 5 Possible
Stephen King, master of the macabre, tells some of the events in his life which, he says, turned him into the writer he is today. Partly autobiographical and partly good advice, On Writing is a quick, enjoyable read, that, unlike the average text book, isn't full of difficult to comprehend and otherwise useless data. King likens the process of writing to archaeology and digging up fossils... he uses "What if..." to define the situations and discover the fossils that become the novels King is famous for writing.
On Writing isn't a text book, yet, the teacher in him couldn't resist including just one writing exercise near the middle of the book. King shows the wanna-be writer a fossil and encourages that writer to explore the situation and expose more of the fossil. This is the master's technique for turning out novel after novel after novel.
King claims that his novels are created from story, not from plot. King says the huge difference is that "story is honorable and trustworthy, plot is shifty, and best kept under house arrest." I think using King's advice, I will be able to turn my fiction onto a better path by using more situation, exposing more of the far too often over-looked fossils, and keeping that shifty plot where it belongs.
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