Reviews of Writing Books

The Art of the Book Proposal by Eric Maisel, Ph.D.

Tarcher/Penguin, May, 2004
Hardcover, 288 pages
ISBN: 1585423343
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


The Art of the Book Proposal
 by Eric Maisel, Ph.D. The Art of the Book Proposal is an excellent tool for helping writers focus on what they need to do to develop a saleable nonfiction book. If you have an idea for a book, but don't know what it takes to turn your ideas into a solid manuscript and book proposal that can pitched to an agent or publisher, then this is the guide for you. Author and psychotherapist Eric Maisel, Ph.D. teaches numerous methods for developing your book, selecting a title, organizing the table of contents, distinguishing your book from the competition and effectively expressing your credentials. No matter what problem you're having in writing your nonfiction book, Maisel is there with an answer. For example, if you have trouble with chapter summaries, Maisel offers twelve techniques for summarizing. If you are stuck on how to get the book written, Maisel discusses a concept called chunking which helps you write the book in different chunks -- the building blocks of your nonfiction book. He also explains book proposals and helps writers select a sample chapter, create the marketing points and write the query letter. Exercises and checklists are also provided to help writers achieve their objectives. If you are considering writing a nonfiction book, do not miss out on this wonderful book that will help you plan, organize and create a winning book and book proposal. Highly recommended.


Dojo Wisdom for Writers by Jennifer Lawler

Penguin, August, 2004
Paperback, 204 pages
ISBN: 0142196312
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Dojo Wisdom for Writers
 by Jennifer Lawler Writers are always seeking inspiration and encouragement that can help them tap into their muse. Dojo Wisdom for Writers gives aspiring writers the strength and wisdom of the dojo (a martial arts training room) to tap into their creativity. Author Jennifer Lawler, who also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, has used this wisdom to quit smoking, lose weight and get into top physical shape. She has also learned to apply these techniques to her writing and in Dojo Wisdom for Writers she passes along her experiences and knowledge so that writers can learn to use them to increase both creativity and productivity. Lawler offers 100 lessons from the martial arts and 100 exercises to go with them. The lessons and exercises focus on dojo concepts like "Practice daily, regardless of circumstances," "Discipline leads to strength," "Sometimes, remain silent," "Accept criticism to grow" and "No one gets the jump spinning wheel kick on the first try." Lawler teaches writers how each of the lessons applies to writing and how they can use the wisdom to become a focused, disciplined and successful writer. The hard truth is that for many writers the problem is not a lack of time or writer's block, but a lack of discipline and focus. Dojo Wisdom for Writers is the perfect book to help you gain the discipline, strength and commitment you need to achieve your writing goals.


Write Away by Elizabeth George

HarperCollins, March, 2004
Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN: 0060560428
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


Write Away
 by Elizabeth George A high school English teacher who became a bestselling novelist has written a book on writing fiction. This is cause to celebrate. Write Away is a textbook on how to write fiction, written by someone who actually knows how to write fiction. The result is a down to earth, honest and immensely practical guide on how to do it with plans, examples, summaries and the encouragement that a master teacher always gives.

Elizabeth George is a teacher who will patiently take the would be novelist, or the person who teaches writing, through the process. She never rhapsodizes about writing a great novel or how inspiration can drive one to a work of genius. Instead, she demands that the would be writer understand that writing is a craft requiring self-discipline, tools of the trade (not word processors but plans, lists, notes, outlines and other practical if not often inspiring devices.) This book could be titled How to Build a Novel.

Elizabeth George states repeatedly that to be a writer one must have three qualities: talent, passion and discipline. If, she asserts, you have only the first two qualities and lack the third, you will not be published. To reinforce this concept she has titled chapter 16 "Bum Glue" which is defined is the ability to sit oneself down in front of the typewriter or computer and not get up until a certain amount of pages of work have been accomplished. She is honest enough to share her own feelings of inadequacy and depression that go with the very hard work of being a writer. Nevertheless, she observes, for a writer there is no other real choice.

Since Write Away is a handbook on how to write a novel, it is divided into the elements of storytelling. Part I is an overview of the craft with chapters on the expected character, setting, landscape, and plot. It is followed by sections on the basics, technique, process, examples, and guides. This is to be expected. What is a pleasant surprise is that the author's style and well chosen, if rather long examples, never bore. One is forced to look at examples of technique that please while they teach. As a teacher of creative writing courses, Elizabeth George cannot close the class without a final summary, aptly named "The Process in a Nutshell." Write Away is full of techniques such as character charts, step outlines, the hook, as well as stream of consciousness writing.

A minor annoyance that runs through Write Away is the author's constant use of the feminine pronouns "her" and "she" when discussing what a writer should do to produce good writing. It makes the writing sound as if it were written for a creative writing class at a women's college. Yet the author consistently uses examples of male writers for which she has great admiration. Perhaps this is just a stylistic device, but it does seem to serve no positive purpose.

Write Away will be very helpful for any aspiring writer of novels, but it will also be very helpful for teachers who teach writing . Best of all, Write Away is a very interesting book to read just get an insight into what a writer really goes through to provide us with a book we are going to enjoy.

--Sarah Reaves White


Return to Book Reviews Index







More from Writers Write


  • Clarkesworld Magazine Temporarily Closes Submissions After Surge in ChatGPT Generated Stories


  • Prince Harry Easily Tops Bestseller Lists With Spare


  • Stephen King Compares Elon Musk to Tom Sawyer


  • U.S. Postal Service Honors Shel Silverstein With Forever Stamp


  • Twitter Reveals Edit Button Under Development


  • Writing Contests
    upcoming contests
    Write Jobs
    find a job
    Writing Memes
    funny writing-related memes
    Stephen King Quotes
    quotes from the master
    Grammar Tips
    improve your writing
    Writing Prompts
    spark your creativity