This is a wonderful generalized book that covers all aspects of writing
920192
This is a wonderful generalized book that covers all aspects of writing. It gave me many "ah-ha!" moments. But the best thing it did was show me how to focus my writing studies. I now have a study plan instead of just grabbing a book here, a magazine there, and I feel more secure in my writing adventure. Thank Mr. Bell.
1920841
I bought this with 'The Negative Trait Thesaurus,' and I can say, without any doubt, it was a wise buy.

The entries are very detailed, and the beginning chapters are a valuable resource for writer just beginning in their chosen craft, and a great refresher for those who have been writing for some time. It goes hand-in-hand with the aforementioned book, and also ties in with the third book on emotions and how to express them. This is in my Writer's Box, which is always next to my laptop. When I'm creating characters, I'll make sure this, and 'The Positive Trait Thesaurus,' are close to hand when in the character creation process.
2183771
I am now reviewing this book, long after purchase, because I took it off the shelf today to look up some information and it was just what I needed. Not only did I find a thorough and clear explanation, I got re-oriented to my idea and back on track writing a complex scene. This book is like a good friend who can answer the question/s you have on writing, give you enough information to make an informed decision, and offers as much as you want to know on a topic, with the option to do more with it if you choose (do writing exercises, read books, read more in this book itself) or go back to your writing. The ideas it has given me on how to work with complex topics and get through being stuck have been invaluable. One of the best writing books I have purchased.
3799325
I really loved this book, it is a perfect level of both breaking things down simply but also not talking to the reader like you are an idiot. If you are reading this book you probably know a bit about comedy and writing and the book assumes that. It is full of great exercises to do that will help you flesh out characters, plot points, stories etc... The exercises alone make this book worth it as you will have a whole array of tools to use for various parts of your writing process.
3101058
What we love about this book is that it covers so many different areas when it comes to brush lettering. There are a lot of useful facts and fun exercises. You will also get to see the letters written in various ways which is a good guide for those who are trying to build up their own alphabet. But it does not stop there. The author has gone out of her way and has also added different facts on how to photograph your work, given an intro to bounce and flourishing, DIY projects, added different worksheets etc. It is truly the ultimate book
517442
I have read many books on writing, and this is among the best. In some ways I would say it is *the* best as it contains insights and advice I have literally not seen covered elsewhere. I rarely reread books, but I'm already looking forward to many future trips back through this book's "pages" on my Kindle. I guarantee that your writing will be improved by reading this book. I am grateful to the author for sharing his wisdom on writing and hope he writes more books on writing on par with this one. Sadly, his book on Resonance in Writing is good, but not *great* like this one is.
162876
Sylvia Cary's book, The therapist Writer is a treasure trove of information for writers of all genres.  It's easy to read and follow with two chapters devoted to marketing.  Sylvia has obviously put a ton of work and effort into this marvelous book and all writers will be pleased at the information she has saved them from  having to find themselves.  I highly, highly recommend it. Stefanie Stolinsky, Ph. D.
3551121
This was a very solid and well-organized book which tackles so many aspects of writing and trying to break into publishing. Beth Revis is empathetic through her entire run, regularly reminding readers that no single piece of writing advice applies universally to everyone. Much of this book is tackled from a "this is what has worked for me" point of view, not a "listen to me, I am totally right" perspective.

Revis covers a bit of everything - characters, plot, setting, revising, grammar, critique partners, querying, rejections. Each chapter is only about two or three pages long, but they all bring something important to the table. I really enjoyed the charts she included for different ways of mapping out a story.

Since Revis is a YA writer herself, most of her examples and advice slant towards that, but she talks a little bit about other age categories. Still, I feel other YA writers would benefit the most from this writing advice book.

Before reading this, I felt like I knew pretty much everything there is to know about the art of writing, but Revis showed me I can always learn more. She twists things I had already internalized and puts a fresh spin on them that makes me aware of how I can be better.

This book is amazing!

***review copy provided by NetGalley**
2725137
Paul Carrol introduces thirteen areas for consideration in planning your writing.  He considers planning to be a major element in writing. These important topics become the titles for his chapters and our covered in two sections in the book.

Part One in details a logical approach to writing by leading  the reader through steps which consider type of writing and how this determines quantity, timeframes, research, preparation for writing, and allocating time. Part Two looks at mind maps, divisions, lists, character sketches, key scenes and more detailed helps in planning  your time and research.

I found the material on crafting characters and his summary of the three parts of any writing both interesting and helpful. Carrol writes with clarity and informative. He writes with confidence and conviction.

Planning Before Writing is compact and concise but comprehensive in content.
A good read with practical helps that can provides material for immediate application.
3307037
Books about writing tend to fall into two categories for me. They are either purely motivational with no substance, or textbook-like snorefests packed with great information but impossible to read. "Fiction Writing" by Karleene Morrow was a perfect mix of inspiration and functional instruction. I found it wonderfully motivating and full of great tips and practices that I will be incorporating into my writing routine.

I highly recommend this book for both new and seasoned writers. I would also recommend "Fiction Writing" to writers' groups as a group-read. I know I'll be taking it to my group!
517182
This book provided excellent guidance for a wide variety of authors.  It provides comprehensive sections about how to publish and promote books via digital or printed page  I especially like a section about living the life of a writer;  finding the  courage needed to recognize personal  vulnerabilities that may enrich  one's  writing, recognizing  that optimum balance between confidence and humility,  exploring  the value and challenges of criticism, and coping with many other challenges.
283180
Everybody Writes is a fantastic if you're looking for how-to help for better non-fiction / business writing. I agree with other reviewers that not everything is new. But at ~270 pages, recapping important ideas doesn't take away from the value. I enjoyed the examples, references, and chapter-lets. Plus, Ann is hilarious.
2342179
I'm currently working on collecting some pieces of writing, hopefully to be placed in a book. I didn't begin this book with the idea that it would contribute to this project, but it ended up being an invaluable compliment to the book on writing I was reading at the same time.

I didn't have any knowledge of arguments before going into this book. (Though I do remember the mention of modus tollens, possibly from grade school?) I now plan to apply some of the practices presented in this book to my writing, by dissecting each and every piece and applying some of the principles. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of forming arguments- whether verbally or in writing.
102785
Anyone who wants to improve her writing will benefit from the advice in this book. Helpful and positive, the author touches on subjects ranging from the importance of finding a critique group and networking to developing a thick skin and rising above mediocrity. She includes several words of wisdom from various writers, all of which are instructive and interesting.

I purchased this book for my Kindle, and the investment has proven to be well worth the money. The author reminds the reader that parents know that part of raising children is raising them in such a way that the rest of the world will love them too, and then she compares that process to writing a book. A book is a creation too, and the writer should make the writing disappear so that all the reader notices is the story.

Thanks to G.M Barlean, I know know the difference between a generative writing group and a critique one, what ARC readers are, and the importance of having a thick skin.
4457743
"How to Write a Letter," by Scribendi.com, is a resourceful read that explains all the intricacies of writing a letter. It covers everything you need to know to create a well-composed and structured letter that is appropriate for the audience and circumstance.

In addition to elaborating on all the correct methods of composing a letter, the book provides details for different types of letters, such as acceptance letters, complaint letters, confirmation letters, cover letters, and many others. Every type of letter you could possibly think of are included in this book.

Furthermore, after the explanations of each letter type, there is at least one sample letter, so that you can see how to apply the tips for the specific letter, which will help you when you write your own letter.

"How to Write a Letter" mentions both handwritten and digital letters. Letter writing is not a thing of the past! This book recognizes that, because its tips are not just for old-fashioned letter writing - although, it does say that letters written in long hand are still best for certain circumstances. This book tells you the right medium to use for each type of letter.

This book is very thorough in covering the topic at hand, and I guarantee that you will not have any questions remaining after you've finished the reading. While it provides just enough material and details to completely express the strategies of letter writing, it doesn't bog you down with unnecessary information. Your time will not be wasted from this reading.

I highly recommend "How to Write a Letter" to everyone, because we all need to write letters, most of us daily. This book is invaluable for composing emails, love letters, letters of apology, and more. This is a great staple to add to your bookshelf. I'm sure I'll refer back to it time and time again. Great read!
1248530
Whether you are a beginning writer or a veteran, this book can be a big help.  Raymond Obstfeld points out common mistakes writers make, while at the same time gently guiding the reader down the path to better writing.  From knowing how long to make a scene to creating the right mix of action and suspense in a chapter, this book is full of usefull tips and absolute rules of the trade.

The book is easy to read, easy to comprehend, and full of great advice.  There are TIP highlights and Instant Workshop assignments that make the book a lot like a college course in writing.  Some writing books try and hit you with so much advice that you feel overwhelmed by the advice.  Not so with this book.  Raymond Obstfeld manages to give us just enough of what writers need to understand and work on.  I found the book to be extremely helpful.

If you want to know how to make a scene more memorable, keep the action moving without ignoring too much detail, or create cliffhanger endings that keep a reader engaged in your work, you'll want to purchase this book on writing.  It's fifteen chapters of good advice for all writers.

See ya next review.
2980296
This is a great book for all writers.  I teach music and song writing in my home studio and I will be using parts of this book with my students.  Straight forward, easy to read "Talk the Talk" will help form good writing tools or hone aleady existing tools. It's given me a fresh set of ideas and methods to use with my students in lyric writing.  If you write or think you want to write, you must add this book to your library.