brilliant! It's a great way to get reluctant writers ...
935260
This. is. brilliant! It's a great way to get reluctant writers to simply put a pencil to paper every day.
656766
I just started it and already, I love it! None of the exercises are too long, but they are very focused and I think will push anyone to be a better writer.
934194
This book is about the most overlooked aspect of the writer's craft - the fiction novel structure. Many newbie writers, and I was one of them, just start writing stories without realising how easy it is to fall into multiple traps that would ruin their books. Some of us have an excellent inbuilt sense of the structure, others, like me, not so much, yet every writer needs to learn about the rules of storytelling at least to know why our stories are missing something or simply fail to appeal to the reader.
KM Weiland systematically goes through the macro- and micro-structure of the novel. First, she tells us meticulously about the architecture of the three-act plan stories and all the important elements of it, e.g. first plot point, inciting event, climax, resolution. Then, she writes about the structure and dynamics of the scene and the two types scenes and their variations. Finally, she discusses the micro-structure at the level of sentences and the common signs of the clunky prose.

I have started following Katie's blog for writers, Wordplay, years ago and I think I've learned from her most of the techniques described here before I even started reading the book.

"Structuring Your Novel" is a distilled and well-organised digest of dozens of Wordplay blogposts and KM Weiland is definitely the right person to give us her expert opinion. She is a successful historical/speculative fiction writer, so a lot of teaching comes from her own experience.
I congratulate the author with this new brilliant guide for writers, I'm sure it will help many of us become better writers.
961795
I bought this book because Rebecca wanted to interview me about my own book,. Since I've been writing prolifically, it looked like a great opportunity to reflect on what I was doing. Before reading the book, I read her draft of our interview. At that point, reading her book became mandatory!
Rebecca offers a superb and succinct review of different ways to write content. Variety is the spice of quality content. The sauce you have to add yourself. In my view, that is your unbridled passion and enthusiasm for your writing. On that point, Rebecca gives a stunning example of captivating her readers.
Use this book as a newbie starting out to get you moving fast, or as an experienced writer to review and refresh. But most of all, take heed of the example she sets by the way she writes!
3766080
Courage and Craft is a phenomenal inspirational guide for aspiring writers and experienced writers alike. I have been a closet writer for many years and recently enrolled in a MFA program. I have the same fears many new writers do and this book has really helped to inspire me. Not only does it give fantastic exercises to help spark your creativity, it gives lots of great advice about the writing process. Every time I feel like putting down the pen and quitting, I read a small section and it helps me realize that those fears come from the critic crawling around in my head. I pick up the pen and start writing again - even if it is bad writing. This book has something for everyone regardless of what genre you are interested in. It is also structured in small sections for quick reading. I don't have a lot of time outside of writing and reading for classes, but I could pick this up and in a few minutes get the inspiration I needed to start my day. Courage and Craft will be a permanent addition to my writing desk so that I can turn to it any time that I need a boost, some advice, or just some suggestions on how to break free from my inner critic.
4729653
Terrific book (recommended by an Editor at a writing class)that really makes good suggestions for writer's block, and how to move forward.
3059317
I highly recommend this book, especially to new writers. I've read dozens of books on writing, including the classics, and this is one of the best. In my opinion, the 9 days, 10 days...whatever, is not the point or the value in this book. You can buy this book for the 9 day promise or you can do the wise thing and buy it to learn how to be a better writer. The book is written in an entertaining and conversational style, it is extremely well organized and may be the best How-to guide on fiction writing I've seen. It follows a familiar strategy for writing fiction: Hook, Plot turn 1, Pinch 1, Midpoint, Plot turn 2, Pinch 2 and Climax (Resolution). The difference is this book is fresh and fun to read. I could have finished the book in one day but deliberately slowed down so I could take more notes and re-read key points.

There are many but here's one major take-away from my notes: Most writing books challenge the reader to set daily word goals. Write 500, 1,000 or 2,000 good words a day are three common examples. That can be a trap and Ive fell into it many (many) times. You see, producing even 25 good words requires switching from Editor to Writer and back again. Thats tricky business because, once I start flipping the switch, its hard to stop. Steve's approach, and challenge, is write 5,000 to 10,000 words a day (he explains how) because, at that pace, theres no time for switching. Its wide-open, full-throttle, words-on-the-screen writing. It seems like a smart strategy and I can't wait to give it a try.
3728762
As a third grade teacher, I am constantly trying to find ways to catch a student's interest. When it comes time to teach the writing process, I begin by reading this book. Although it seems to be overly simplistic for the grade level, it does convey what happens when your subject is too broad or your ability to stay on topic has gone awry - disaster! The "what not to do" idea in this book has become invaluable.
4596697
Reasons to buy/read this book

1. You have writer's block and need help.

2. You feel that you've confused the many rules of writing.

3. Your writing style bores you.

4. It takes you three pages to explain something that's complicated.

I read "Words Fail Me" for motivation while writing my second book. The best way to move past a writer's block is to lift your confidence by sharpening your writing skills. O'Conner delivers writing confidence in about 20 easy-to-digest chapters.

Patricia T. O'Conner's work is neither preachy nor boring. She speaks to the aspiring writer who may have forgotten some grammar rules while queuing you to times when you may not need to adhere to all the rules in the grammar book.

Her writing is witty and makes grammar fun, for once. It's a neat refresher book to add to your writing library.
3890660
Smart writers read a great deal.  They love words so thats not really surprising.  The smart part is that not only are they enjoying a novel for entertainment, they are learning skills consciously or unconsciously.  Mr. Bazes takes this a step further and deconstructs what exactly were the strategies and techniques used by some authors he admires.
It was a wonderful move that he selected three entirely different writers to chat about.  These approaches work no matter what genre you write.  Some writers struggle with a slumping middle to their books.  Terrys discussion of the James Bond book Dr. No draws attention to how the tension was kept up.  For those that like are looking to improve their plotting, a look at Pride and Prejudice is next. Evelyn Waugh rounds out the masters.
It may sound crazy, because you are reading a book, but I felt like I was having a great confab with writer friends at a restaurant talking about our craft and things wed seen our favorite writers do. Id be reading along and found myself responding to comments Terry was making.  Talking back in my mind, Yes, I never thought of it that way, what if you
Its not a heavy or large book.  Maybe thats why I felt I was sharing an evening with a writing buddy. Certainly it reinforced the idea that a good underlying structure, though invisible to the casual reader, contributes greatly to the success of the work. I would recommend this read to any fiction writer.
I was provided a free copy to read and write an honest review.
2247631
First of all, I love the title, and as a writer I couldn't have thought of my reader in a better way.  I lead a writing class in the Hamptons just as Erica Duncan does and there are so many good ideas for writers and would-be writers in this book that I'll probably swipe a few for my own use.  This book is filled with provocative approaches to writing in general, and memoir writing. well, really all kinds of writing.  It's the kind of book that sets a fire under you, gets you going even before you're ready. and then teaches you how to go back and improve what you've written.  My hat is off to a fellow-teacher, from as writer who doesn't feel like such a stranger anymore.  Grrreat book!  Marijane Meaker, aka M. E. Kerr.
112689
Writing is known to be a solitary effort, and in general those who strive to succeed at it must rely on their own inspiration and discipline as they sit in front of the keyboard every day. But with Write Starts on your desk, you won't feel like you're completely on your own. That's because author Hal Zina Bennett is uniquely gifted at showing up at a writer's elbow, like an old friend dropping by for a cup of coffee. He has the warm, wise, and familiar voice of someone who knows you well--and in a way, he does. With his decades of experience as an author himself (he's published more than thirty books), and also as a writing coach and editor (he's been behind the scenes on hundreds of books, many by authors you know well), he knows what it's like when inspiration and discipline waver. He also has plenty of techniques, tools, and tricks that get the words flowing once again, and renew your confidence in your ability to put something of value on the page.

Write Starts is an invaluable aid for any writer who cares about producing good work, even on those days when it's tough to get started. The short chapters--most are only a few pages long--are just enough to help you shift gears and spark your creativity, without providing yet another opportunity to procrastinate. They cover a broad range of subjects, such as "the importance of good opening lines," "seven ways to steal from real life," and "hooking up with the power that drives your writing," as well as a variety of intriguing writing prompts. The Table of Contents includes a description of each chapter, so you can browse for the subject that suits your purpose of the moment or just open the book to any page and let chance be your guide.

Whether you write nonfiction, fiction, or poetry, Write Starts will itself become a friend you'll keep on your desk and turn to again and again and again. It's packed with solid information that will make you a better writer--and certainly a more productive one. As Dr. Bennett says, "It's all part of awakening the best in  yourself."
3150373
As a writer I've randomly sought writing prompts for years and I've been disappointed with the lack of good prompts available. Due to that experience, I approached this book with skepticism. However, I'm pleased to announce my thirst for quality prompts is finally satisfied! 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts is a well-written and well-organized trove that will generate a creative spark whenever you need a pick-me-up. The categories make it easy to locate a prompt pertinent to your interest or need. These prompts are constructed to help you think and write in meaningful, specific ways about people, experiences, places, and more. As I read I had a number of story ideas strike and also used the prompts for fun in conversation. I received this as a free e-book in exchange for an unbiased review, but I love the book so much that I intend to purchase a hard copy to add to my writing shelf. Finally, a book of writing prompts that is worth something!!
4352718
I'm an unpublished writer with a day job, maybe like a lot of you reading this. I write 1000 words a day. I try to keep myself interested and growing by means of the best books on writing I can find. This is an unusual one, and I've read many. Many. It's written by a rock'n'roller whose low-rent, no-nonsense, Do It Yourself, don't-wait-for-someone-to-give-you-permission attitude opens up a lot of doors in your head. In exhaustive detail--actual documents provided--Dean shows you how he managed to write, publish, and promote three briskly selling nonfiction books and a novel, and how you might do the same. A lot of useful nuts and bolts, some inspirational rah-rah, some wildly revealing autobiography. The author notes somewhere in the book that the underlying question in all great interviews is, What's it like to be you? Read this and you'll get to know Michael W. Dean. He's smart, cool, quirky, and an unashamed hustler. You could do far worse than to learn from him. I'm hoping I did. Comes with an interesting CD.
301007
This comprehensive how-to is extremely accessible. I love the way it's organized, and the examples and activities are spot on. I especially liked the "10 Things You Need To Know Even If You Don't Read This Chapter" pre-summaries, the "Think About It" margin quips, and was very impressed with the inspiration included. This book doesn't just break down the writing process and help teens improve their technique, it encourages writing as an expression of creativity and a means by which people can influence and create positive change in the world, and the "Be a writer like..." samples are a great way to emphasize different voices and purpose and how to achieve them. Incredibly well done, I highly recommend for adult writers as well!
960948
Whether you want to write short stories or even a novel, this book has practical advice that will benefit both. Rob covers the entire spectrum in the process of writing, from your motivation as writer, overcoming writer's block, writing the story and actually getting it published. Yet despite the extensive scope, it's quick and easy to read, giving you everything you need with time to spare to get your own writing done.

The highlight of this book is the step-by-step approach on how to tackle the blank page. I especially liked his "7-step story generator" approach, a quick and easy way to whip up stories in no time. I'll be going back to this one a few times... Definitely worth the buy!
3510379
This is a great series for encouraging reluctant writers. I especially enjoy using it with those that love drawing or have difficulty with visual discrimination. I think it was Ben Franklin that said of himself that to write well he practiced reading good writing, then trying to rewrite that writing. This book has complete sentences and repetition.