Reviews of Writing Books
Page One of TwoStein on Writing by Sol Stein
St. Martin's Press, December 1995.Hardcover, 308 pages.
ISBN: 0312136080
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Master editor (of writers such as Jack Higgins,
F. Lee Bailey and David Frost) and bestselling
author Sol Stein has created a winning
writer's book with his informative
Stein on Writing. Stein reveals
how to improve your writing skills and how to create
interesting fiction and nonfiction. Topics addressed in
the book include essential writing skills,
the fiction craft, the nonfiction craft,
applying fictional techniques to nonfiction,
literary writing, revision and a resource
section with a glossary. Stein provides instruction
on numerous writing techniques
including openings, characterization, dialogue,
point of view, flashbacks, pacing, book titles,
and plotting.
Using examples from well-known short stories and novels, he shows the writer what works and why and provides numerous professional tips and techniques. Among the quality special techniques Stein shares with the reader are The Secret Snapshot Technique, a trick to get the writer to write material that will bring out emotions in the reader and The Actors Studio Method, a special system for creating conflict in fiction. Stein on Writing is a wonderful writer's resource that the developing writer will refer to time and time again, both for learning skills and for inspiration.
Idea Catcher by The Editors of Story Press
Story Press, April 1998.Trade Paperback, 160 pages.
ISBN: 1884910416
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Idea Catcher is a journal that provides
imaginative exercises for writers. Each page contains
a brief exercise idea for the writer and then a full page
for the writer to complete the exercise. Exercises are
created to inspire the writer to write. Examples include:
"Think of a person who seems to fit his or her name
perfectly. Why do you feel this way?", "You are a
house plant. What do you think about the humans
in your life -- their habits, the way they live?",
"The first human lands on Mars. She steps out of the
spacecraft and says..."
An inspiring journal with plenty of exercises to keep the beginning writer busy writing, Idea Catcher is a great tool for breaking writers block or for coming up with an idea for a future story or novel.
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