Game-changer for a writer
356191
This book could be a game-changer for a writer. It already is for this one. I've been published in many places and have attended writers' conferences for a couple decades, but this book has helped clarify several issues for me. B.J.'s style is easy to read and her examples are terrific from her own published stories. I was blessed to take classes from her this summer, and this book will help me put it all into practice.
146691
An extremely useful and practical book, that lays out the elements of story openings. It describes the strengths and weaknessness of these elements, provides terrific examples, and it all written in a lightly humorous tone that makes it go down easy.

This book illuminated a number of problems for me, personally, that I was having with backstory and setup, and will make a beneficial impact on my writing.

Buy it! Read it. If you write with any intent to sell, it's worth your money and time.  This is one of those books that can take years off the learning curve needed to becoming a writer with sales.
1530911
This is by far the BEST book I've come across on getting writing done (and I've read a lot of them)! As a full-time (well, almost) procrastinator, I had been putting off my writing FOREVER!! But after reading Bill's book, I am happy to say that I am 15 chapters into my novel, and hope to be finished in the next couple weeks!

The difference this book made for me was this--Bill says that it's ok to work in increments, rather than forcing yourself to spend hours upon hours writing. He suggested starting with 15 minutes of writing time a day and working your way up from there.

The other major thing that made a difference for me was--Bill says that writers should do what works for them, not what works for other writers.

Each writer is unique and has a specific way of getting things done. I used to beat myself up because I'd sit down and write something, then I'd find out it was full of holes, and rather than editing it, I just tossed it aside. But not anymore! Bill made me realize that it's ok to do things how I need to do them.

I was always under the impression that to get writing done you had to do like I was taught in all my creative writing classes--just sit down and start typing away. But that doesn't work for me. For me, plotting the story out ahead of time works. And not only does it work, but it keeps me from having enormous plot holes and makes the whole writing and editing process a breeze. If it weren't for Bill's book, I may have never realized that it's ok to do things my way.

If you're looking to get your writing done...read this book!
2190436
With this brilliant guide, Larry Brooks, gives new meaning to the words I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.  Though Ive read several creative writing guides, this is by far the best. The six core competencies outlined in Story Engineering provide a logical, comprehensive, framework for turning elusive writing dreams into publishing reality. The book addresses not just one dimension or a few elements but the whole complex schemata of great fiction writing.  It is written in a refreshing, entertaining, engaging style that keeps the pages turning in quick succession.  For me there were little light bulb moments all the way through as I gained greater clarity about my current project.  I couldn't wait to apply what Id learnt.  Thank you Larry Brooks for deciding that the world really did need another book about writing!
559986
Write Starts is a delightful smorgasbord of a book, overflowing with sustenance and suggestions for writers to call on when their creative juices appear to have stopped flowing temporarily. A longtime writer and writing coach, Hal Zina Bennett intimately understands the frustrations that writers of any genre can experience when inspiration hits a road block, and his book offers a host of practical and enjoyable exercises to help break through the blockage. Write Starts is an invaluable resource that writers at any level of experience will want to keep nearby and call on frequently.
536886
I've read a lot of books geared toward writers over the years, some fair, some good, and a very few (Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way, and Donald Maas's Writing the Breakout Novel, to name a few) great. But Steven Pressfield's Turning Pro is the first that's had me thinking it could actually save lives.

Beginning with Pressfield's groundbreaking The War of Art:Break Through Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles and continuing with Do the Work, the acclaimed author helps readers identify and prevail against the psychological BS--everything from procrastination to perfectionism to mindless, destructive behavior--that prevents us from doing the work we sense that we were born to do. Both books, especially the former, are so helpful in framing the struggle to create in understandable terms that they have become a word-of-mouth sensation, as well as a tool that I recommend in every writing workshop I teach.

Pressfield's latest, Turning Pro, elaborates on the behaviors that differentiate an amateur/dilettante from a professional and, most helpfully, in my opinion, on the addictions and distractions that prevent all too many writers (and other creative producers) from reaching their potential. He talks about would-be creatives embracing--and often excelling in--less risky "shadow careers" that never fully make them happy, or, far more destructively, careening into negative behaviors to escape the pressure to produce.

In addition to the usual drug/alcohol addictions that you might think of, many creatives, according to Pressfield, become addicted to sex, to drama in their own lives, to getting into trouble. (No one expects a thing of you when you are broken, or in prison. The pressure's off, though the addiction might actually kill you.) Writers also become dependent on approval from without, which makes us so desperate for feedback from an editor, agent, judge, or mentor that we forget how to trust our own readers'/writers' instincts. Distractions, too, become addictions, robbing us of the ability to focus for more than a few minutes without checking our e-mail, Twitter feed, Facebook or sales rankings, and consigning us forever to the shallow end of the creative pool. (Favorite line of the book: "The amateur tweets. The pro works." Though, ironically, I'll probably Tweet this post once my day's work is complete.)

Speaking candidly of his own writer's journey (from the failures of nerve to the screw-ups to the suicidal moments), Pressfield doesn't set himself up as a guru (in fact, he warns against "gurudom," for both the guru and the follower) but as a scarred veteran of the creative wars who's sharing a few hard-won lessons. But through his examples and his wisdom, he might very well steer would-be writers from their most dangerous addictions. With this slim volume, he might save their physical, as well as their creative, lives.

Along with The War of Art and Do the Work, Turning Pro is very highly recommended.

Review first published at [...]
3676608
Cynthia Gregory is one of the most talented writers I have ever read. Her short stories are filled with unforgettable images and stunningly original metaphors. I was so excited when I discovered that she had published this book on creative writing! Whether you journal to record your thoughts or to kickstart your fiction writing, Cynthia's book will inspire you to scale new heights. This isn't just a head trip --- chapters are enlivened with exercises that will break the ice and thaw out your mind. I always wanted to learn Cynthia's secrets, and now she shares them with us all. A Must-Have for any serious writer!
3140123
The first thing I like about this book is that it's realistic ... it offers practical ways to complete your first draft in 12 weeks compared to the over-hyped "write a book in a day" books that lack substance ... "The Writer's Adventure Guide" is different, it is full of useful advice and exercises.

As a writing coach, I'd recommend this book to anyone embarking on the exciting journey towards success as an author.

Even though the title states, "(for Novelists)", I feel that all writers will get great value from this book.

By applying Beth Barany's ideas to copywriting, script writing or non-fiction books you'll open your mind and become a better writer.

PS: I commented earlier on another review of this book and it may be useful to repeat it here in the hope that it may help you decide to choose this book.

The book is full of great advice that is well organised in organic Parts and Stages that guides the reader through the key phases that a writer moves through when they write a book.

I've been a professional writer for many years and found "The Writer's Adventure Guide: 12 Stages to Writing Your Book" to be a valuable addition to my library.

The book delivers on all it's promises and provides exercises that will help serious writers go back to basics and strengthen their writing.

I'd definitely recommend this book to any writer committed to their craft
195664
This is a great book. It was funny, encouraging and informative. I had tried my had at writing once and it took me years to finish a novel. But when I read this I was reminded of one simple fact... Writers write. I told my wife and kids that I was going to be mentally checked out for a month and then I went about the fun of writing. 1600 words a day came and went and instead of being slowed down by re-writing every other paragraph, I was able to have enjoy creating a story and at the end of 29 days, I had a 60,000 page novel complete with loveable and despicable characters, I even worked in a subplot. The novel wasn't magically ready for publication after one draft, but it is something that I can edit and hopefully get out there.

Chris Baty, got me to think about sitting down and putting one word after the other and letting the story develop. It was awesome.
875588
Being a writing newbieI loved how the author starts right off normalizing the obstacleswhat software should I use to write? Set up my brand website.. If you aren't already overwhelmed, navigating these waters can be daunting and you might find yourself sinking. But waitalong comes Ray Brehm and The Author Startup lifesaver or should I say authorsaver?
Practical tips-get started.(duh), go small bite size wins and get it done through simple steps for writing, editing and completing your book. SO no more excuses. Get writingAnd remember, A writer is simply a photographer of thoughts.~(Brandon A Trean)
1792769
Writing is invention and art, a way of creating what is uniquely yours. If you are waiting to be told exactly how to do such a thing, you will never do it because no one can tell you how to invent your story, considering your own brain is the source.
Today You Write the Book: Keys to Start Your Novel

As author Ben Parris emphatically declares in the introduction, Today You Write the Book is not an instruction manual that can instantly transform anyone into a novelist - thats a fate only you can control. Rather, it is an incredibly valuable and insightful collection of suggestions that, when taken into account, allow you to improve your skills and achieve your goal of writing a novel.

Parris has an acute understanding of the fact that writing is a personal process; a good author must have insight and empathy and the ability to take their own ideas and transform them into something larger than themselves. Today You Write the Book captures this spirit, allowing its readers to consider multiple perspectives and opinions about writing and cater their interpretation of the guide to their own needs.

The book begins by outlining three basic types of writers and clearly delineates the strengths and limitations of each group, thus allowing you to use the new self-knowledge constructively.
As you move through the book, Parris takes you through the writing process, from the idea that starts it all to the pros and cons of resources like writers groups. Because of the intuitive format of Today You Write the Book, it is easy to find and focus on the chapters relevant to you, gleaning tips for the stages where you personally need the most help.

Today You Write the Book is also interactive in meaningful ways - chapters are concluded with writing exercises that allow you to practice what you have learned and stimulate your creativity, potentially sparking new ideas you can then incorporate into your novel. It also offers ideas that you may have heard before, but manages to make them compelling and accessible through the use of familiar examples. For example, he uses The War of the Worlds, Planet of the Apes and I Am Legend to illustrate his points about climax and anti-climax.

Parris book is a strong balance between exploration of questions such as who an authors audience should be as they write, and practical advice, as in the section that concisely breaks down the true limitations and surprising value of the passive voice. It is in these moments of subverting commonly held assumptions about writing that Parris is at his strongest. In the end, he manages to create an invaluable resource for writers, one that not only provides many of the necessary tools, but also motivates and inspires its readers as they begin to write something of their own.
2502704
I've just finished reading this. I began it last night as something to read before turning out the light, and found I had to put it down reluctantly, when the graininess of my eyes told me it was time to sleep. When I left for work this morning it was in my bag.

While computers were running maintenance programs, I was reading. While I ate my lunch I read. During smoko, it was my companion and when my wife went to umpire netball this evening, I sat on a sofa and read till I finished it.

I found it to be a compelling read (duh!). And extremely funny in places. Stephen is up front with his experiences that helped develop the writer, millions have come to love. His thoughts on how to write, the mechanics, what works and what doesn't, is thought provoking at worst, eye-opening almost always. He passes judgment on other writers across a multitude of genres, makes comment on the tools a writer needs, critique groups, readers, schedules, word counts and even provides a book list of the titles he's read over the four or five years preceding this book's publication.

He also talks candidly about his accident in 1999.

I've heard in reviews, from other writers, and on the grapevine that as a new writer, I should definitely read this. Now, in this review, I'm repeating that advice. Every writer should read this.

Not everything in it will be of use to every writer. But there will be something that strikes a chord with anyone who has ever put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) with the goal of publication.

I'm not going to go into detail on the contents of the book--you need to go out and buy your very own copy. At less than $10AU at just about anywhere that sells books, not just any good bookstore, you will gain more than your money's worth.

In case I haven't made my opinion clear on this book--go and buy it! I'll be referring to my copy for many years to come.
1965039
Reminded me a great deal of Linda Aronson's great book "Screenwriting Updated" which perfectly blended the practical (in the form of exercises) and the lateral (in the theory behind the exercises).

The chapters are highly focused, and bite-sized for easy consumption, and the talent behind them is quite staggering - as well as their willingness to part with great techniques.

Probably not a book for the beginning writer, but certainly a great tool for the writer with solid understanding of dramatic principles and structure, who wants a refresher, or needs a little kick-start.
3911816
While I was in college, I was free to write however I wanted when I was in my creative writing classes. Throughout those years, I learned a lot about techniques on character building and writing well. However, once I left that environment I lost my gusto because I was no longer required to write a ton. I had ideas but I could not figure out a way to formulate a plan to get the story onto paper. I am huge on organization and I believe that is why I have done so well in the business world. I enjoy keeping my information together, easily accessible and thoroughly researched. I am unsure why I ever thought that writing a story on my own would be any different.
I recently began writing again despite years of neglect due to me working on my career and receiving my MBA. I finally have a positive work/life balance, allowing me the time to pick up on my hobbies again. After the past three to five months of staring at a blank page, trying to research my plot and failing, and pantsing to no avail  I decided to try outlining.
I purchased this book last night around 6 PM while I was sitting in the library getting nowhere. As soon as I read the first chapter, I was convinced that this was the book for me. I immediately packed up my laptop and drove to staples to get a notebook, some neon green post-it notes and some really cool sharpie highlighters. When I got home, I starting reading and taking notes on all the great ideas that were in the book. There are many, many different ways to write an outline as explained by the viewpoints of established authors with in the book.
It is now 4:15 PM the next day, I am finished reading the book and I have a ton of post-it notes on my own newly purchased notebook to reference while writing my own outline. For example: Imagine every scene is a domino; try outlining backwards; Never ignore blank spaces; Make it uncomfortable; Do interesting things for interesting reasons ect.. There are many ways to take these statements but they resonate with me because I know I have the freedom to do what I want because it is my outline.
I have a few blank notes with headers including: Write a single sentence that conveys the plot and theme and What are 10 ways to make things worse? I know I will be including this somewhere in my notebook once I really get started.
There is much more that I learned from this book that I won't go into here. It is a very good place to start. Also, I am very happy that there are other references, websites, programs and ideas that I can research further in the near future. My favorite part about this book is that it is very down to earth and worth the time to read it.
1962241
If you're a writer, read this go-to book. I've been writing for years and I'm always willing to glean new advice or learn a new technique. The author's writing is friendly, honest, detailed and concise. I highlighted most every page. What a treasure to have in my writer's arsenal.
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.
4054817
If this book only contained the advice on how to go from 2k to 10k words a day, it would be worth the money. The author's advice is so clear and simple that every writer should have this book in his reference library.

But there is more. The advice on how to edit is full of practical steps you can take. It will save you so much time and heartache that it makes this book indispensable. But wait, there's more. The rest of the advice on how to develop your characters, plot, and scene construction at the same time is also worth the price alone.

I would strongly recommend this book to any writer or aspiring writer.

Felix