Reviews of Writing Books
Page Two of TwoThe Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner
Riverhead Books, November 2000.Paperback, 284 pages.
ISBN: 1573228575
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Writers should always listen to advice
from experienced editors, whenever and however they
can get it. The Forest for the Trees is a
reference for writers,
by an editor. Author Betsy Lerner begins the book by profiling
what she believes are the different types of writers, including
the ambivalent writer, the natural, the wicked-child,
the self-promoter and the neurotic. (As a writer, you
might find characteristics of yourself described in
one or more of these chapters that could provide some
valuable insight as to your writing style and behavior.)
The next sections in the book cover the publishing
world, including agents, publication, rejection
and interesting chapters about what both editors
and writers are looking to get out of the process.
Author, editor and literary agent Besty Lerner provides solid advice and inspiration for writers in this reference that lets writers in on how editors think. Lerner excels at describing the various character types of writers and in explaining the interactions between editors and writers. At the same time, she is equipping writers with knowledge of the inner-workings of the business; she is also encouraging and inspiring writers to succeed. Lerner's book is a must-read for writers who are serious about getting published in today's tough market.
Writing Romantic Fiction by Daphne Claire and Robyn Donald
A&C Black, 1999.Trade Paperback, 122 pages.
ISBN: 0713648872
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Writers looking for information about how to
write a romance novel will find a variety of
helpful information in Writing Romance Fiction.
Written by two popular New Zealand romance novelists, Daphne
Clair (aka Laurey Bright) and Robyn Donald, the book
offers writing instruction from many
different viewpoints; the two authors have
very different writing styles and they also include
methods used by other romance writers. Daphne Clair and
Robyn Donald have written over
fifty books each. Here they offer what
they have learned throughout their careers
and through the courses they have taught.
There are valuable tidbits on many topics,
including characterization, tension, pacing,
setting, emotional intensity, editing and rewriting.
Some highlights include a list of classic
romance plot situations, an editing and rewriting
checklist, a list of clichés to avoid and a fiction techniques
section which
provides a collection of helpful romance fiction writing
tips. Aspiring romance authors will find Ms. Clair's and Ms. Donald's
advice to be extremely helpful.
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