The craft of writing offers countless potential problems: The story is too long; the story's too short; revising presents a huge hurdle; writer's b...
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Sep 28, 2011
Gaby
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I gravitate towards books on writing and grammar in the hope that I'll become a better writer and reduce the tension and procrastination that often characterize a major deadline. Unfortunately, while I tend to be optimistic about improving my writing, much as I tend to look for the latest fitness books in the hope that this will encourage me to "be more disciplined and healthier", my follow through often falls short.
If you write and have reached the point where you feel rea More...
If you write and have reached the point where you feel rea More...
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Nov 29, 2011
Bev
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I've read a lot of books on writers and writing. This one was a little different.
First, it was geared towards nonfiction and journalism, rather than fiction writers or novelists. There was a lot of advice on research, etc -- very useful for a historical fiction writer, even if that wasn't the original intent.
Second, it didn't really attempt to inspire or encourage. Fine with me -- there are plenty of those books out there. My guess? This book was either written by an engi More...
First, it was geared towards nonfiction and journalism, rather than fiction writers or novelists. There was a lot of advice on research, etc -- very useful for a historical fiction writer, even if that wasn't the original intent.
Second, it didn't really attempt to inspire or encourage. Fine with me -- there are plenty of those books out there. My guess? This book was either written by an engi More...
Oct 09, 2011
Marcie
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I really enjoyed this book. Although I am not a writer by trade, I write at work every single day and I found the organization tips and structure tips really relevant to what I do.
I read the book in order from beginning to end, but I will definitely keep this book at hand to refer to specific sections as the need arises. The organization of the book is such that it is easy to find a section that deals with a particular challenge for easy reference. The examples and anecdotes were vari More...
I read the book in order from beginning to end, but I will definitely keep this book at hand to refer to specific sections as the need arises. The organization of the book is such that it is easy to find a section that deals with a particular challenge for easy reference. The examples and anecdotes were vari More...
Jan 16, 2012
Steff
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I really have a love for writing and I have for many years. So, when I walked through the doors of my local library one day and this was on the shelf, it practically screamed at me to pick it up. Many of the tips in this book are useful for any writer out there, but a majority of the way things are explained are from a journalist point of view. If you're a fiction writer you'll still benefit from reading this book, but some parts might seem like a bit of a bore. That is the only reason I didn't
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Sep 23, 2011
Jules
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I have always tinkered with my writing and seem to gravitate to books and classes that aid me in that pursuit. Back in October of 2010 I had the privilege of reviewing Mr. Clark's book The Glamour of Grammar. His newest offering is another book that will be residing next to that one on my bookshelf for years to come.
Roy Peter Clark's writing style is very easy for the reader to comprehend as well as enjoy. As in the previous book, he breaks the material down into bite-size chunks More...
Roy Peter Clark's writing style is very easy for the reader to comprehend as well as enjoy. As in the previous book, he breaks the material down into bite-size chunks More...
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Nov 12, 2011
Alexandria
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This book wasn't the best book I've ever read about writing, which I've only read a few, but it served it's purpose very well. It did exactly what you expected - it gave a lot of solutions to writing problems.
At points it gives specific advice or techniques that might work well for some people, but I like the fact that it stresses to kind of 'do your own thing'. It realizes not the same thing works for everyone but it gives you solutions you can try. Some solutions are precise like us More...
At points it gives specific advice or techniques that might work well for some people, but I like the fact that it stresses to kind of 'do your own thing'. It realizes not the same thing works for everyone but it gives you solutions you can try. Some solutions are precise like us More...
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Nov 15, 2011
Mayda
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You may not consider yourself a writer, and indeed, you may never be a published writer, but you write things all the time: to friends, to businesses, to co-workers. And, whether writing is your career, your art, or just your way of keeping in touch with Facebook pals, you can still benefit from Roy Peter Clark’s insightful guide to writing. His book, Help! for Writers, is based on the premise that most troubles with writing boil down to the same issues, which can therefore be solved with the
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Sep 16, 2011
Dan
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Help! For Writers is just that. I was hoping to learn something new and get me motivated to write again (it’s been awhile) and this book has some motivational tools and suggestions not only for those who have writer’s block, but those who procrastinate (me). It also gives ideas on how to find your ideas. At first, I thought it was a book to help those who write magazine articles, but it is so much more. I believe this book will be dog-eared and used over and over by many writers.
Nov 07, 2011
LuAnn
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I teach writing classes and as a published author I almost blew this book off, but once I settled in to read I found Clark had included lots of great ideas I could use not only in my lectures, but also to motivate myself to keep writing. Well worth the time to read this one, even if you're an experienced author.
Jan 23, 2012
Kate
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These "210 solutions to the problems every writer faces" include what a less charitable coach would call excuses: from "I can't think of anything to write" to "I resent criticism and editing." Clark offers 10 solutions to each of the 21 problems he presents, an encouraging ratio for those of us who struggle daily with the word. His central premise: "Writing is not magic. . . . The big problems of writers are few in number and lend themselves to reliable solutio
Jan 04, 2012
Brendan
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Every writer who takes his/her work seriously needs this book. Some repetitive components with "Writing Tools" and "Glamour of Grammar," but that's a small criticism. Go get Help!
Sep 05, 2011
I won this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Hope to read it soon. Thanks.
Nov 07, 2011
Alla
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Many thanks to Goodreads First Reads for sending me this book!
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned, published writer, there are plenty of ideas and practical advise here to get you motivated and give that writer's block a kick in the backside.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned, published writer, there are plenty of ideas and practical advise here to get you motivated and give that writer's block a kick in the backside.
Oct 30, 2011
Sarah
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I am so glad that i won this as a good reads first read giveaway. It is extremely helpful to any writer. I have learned some much that can help me in my novel writing process. Thank you goodreads for the chance to read this amazing book!
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