Writing Book Reviews
Page One of TwoA Friend in the Business by Robert Masello
Perigee, May 2000.Paperback, 257 pages.
ISBN: 0399526021
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This reference for
TV writers covers the
inner workings
of the lucrative television business and demonstrates
how writers can get their foot
in the door. The book covers
everything writers need to learn
and will encounter in the
television industry. Topics
covered in the reference include
writing on spec, agents, staff jobs,
credits, collaborating, residuals,
script fees and the WGA.
Author Robert Masello also devotes several
sections to staff jobs in
television writing, including
finding a job, keeping a job,
what to expect, rewrites and
salaries.
Robert Masello, an author, journalist and television writer of hit television shows such as Early Edition and Sliders, shares his experiences and knowledge about the television business in this practical guide. Masello presents the ideas and instruction for writers in the form of often-funny anecdotes from his own experiences, which helps give the writer a very clear view of what the life of a television writer is like. This is a well-written and informative guide to breaking into the television business.
Narrative Design by Madison Smartt Bell
W.W. Norton & Company, April 2000.Trade Paperback, 376 pages.
ISBN: 0393320219
Ordering information
Amazon.com.
In this unique writer's tool, author
and writing teacher
Madison Smart Bell analyzes twelve
stories by well-known contemporary writers and
by his former students.
Each short story is provided in
full and followed by an analysis
of the story's plot (including backstory
and present action), characters, dialogue,
tone, point of view, time management,
suspense, imagery and description and
design. Following this analysis is a
list of notes which critique the story
and tell the reader how each part
the story works and does not work.
A short glossary of writing terms is
also provided.
Narrative Design's approach should work well for writers looking to improve their fiction. Madison Smart Bell offers a fresh change of pace with this detailed, learn by example writing workshop. Bell's analysis and suggestions help writers learn the elements of the short story and how these elements can be used effectively to tell a great story. Writers can also learn to strengthen their individual weakness in characterization, plot, dialogue, suspense, imagery and tone. Narrative Design is a helpful writer's aid that is like having a writing instructor right there beside you.
Writing Reviews
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