"Here's what I tell my students on the first day when I teach one of my creative writing courses: You will be published if you possess three qualit...
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reviews
May 31, 2008
Cathy
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I love reading Elizabeth George's novels. They are, as she calls them, literary mysteries. And they are masterfully plotted. But also contain a lot of scene-setting verbiage that I regularly skip. These passages often seem to take me away from, rather than closer to, the dramatic tension of the current characters and plot.
But the passages remain in all of her best-selling books. So perhaps I should not have been surprised to find that she takes a great deal of time to craft those por More...
But the passages remain in all of her best-selling books. So perhaps I should not have been surprised to find that she takes a great deal of time to craft those por More...
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Mar 17, 2008
Jocelyn
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Two main exceptions I took with this book:
1) When writing about writing, do not include as examples numerous lengthy excerpts from your own fiction books. Especially when the excerpts are so long that, by the end of them, the reader has forgotten the purpose of reading them in the first place. I find this objectionable in its tackiness.
2) When writing to writers about writing, do not assume that your readers do not know the difference between first and third person. This More...
1) When writing about writing, do not include as examples numerous lengthy excerpts from your own fiction books. Especially when the excerpts are so long that, by the end of them, the reader has forgotten the purpose of reading them in the first place. I find this objectionable in its tackiness.
2) When writing to writers about writing, do not assume that your readers do not know the difference between first and third person. This More...
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Jan 15, 2011
Bob
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I taught with Elizabeth for 7 straight years at the Maui Writers Conference and we now both live on Whidbey Island, a few miles apart. She came and spoke to my last Writers Workshop here on the island and outlined her creative process and it was fascinating as she laid it out. She kept saying the #1 trait to be successful as a writer is the ability to be ruthless. What she meant was ruthless was oneself. To sit and work hard. The one common trait I see in every successful writer I know is t
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Oct 05, 2009
Ray
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Novelist Elizabeth George (author of the Inspector Lynley mysteries) shows the refreshingly left-brained process she uses to craft novels with tight, character-based plots. Her process is heavily front-loaded with background research, character creation, and plotting in advance, which allows her to focus on the art of writing when it finally comes time to draft the novel itself. This is almost the polar opposite of Stephen King's approach given in "On Writing," where King encourages
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May 04, 2009
Margot
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This is one of the best books on writing that I have read so far. It provides practical insight and advice and really gets down into the dirty details of process and perseverance. Despite George's crime novel background, her advice and insight is practical for any genre.
My only complaint with the book is that she frequently uses her own writing as example for the techniques or issues she's discussing. I find this both pompous and wearing. How many little snippets of scenes do I real More...
My only complaint with the book is that she frequently uses her own writing as example for the techniques or issues she's discussing. I find this both pompous and wearing. How many little snippets of scenes do I real More...
Aug 02, 2011
Erika
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If you are looking for a practical, how-to become a writer book, look no further. George, who is a well loved mystery writer gives us a glimpse into how her books take shape. It's always fascinating for me to find out how a writer arrived at a particular character or scene. But she does more than give us biographical snapshots of her work, she breaks writing down into manageable chunks. Ms. George gives some very hands-on advice on how to develop character and plot, and even leaves her aspiring
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Feb 06, 2012
Interesting, and very glad to have read it. Gave me some new ideas on how to tackle different aspects of the 'getting ready to write' part of writing.
Would recommend the book to an individual who wants a step by step formula on creating a story. (Not suggesting EG writes formula fiction.) That said, her methods may strangle some writers / writers-to-be. Could see people following this book becoming so wrapped up in the 'get ready to write' process that the actual sit-down-and-write More...
Would recommend the book to an individual who wants a step by step formula on creating a story. (Not suggesting EG writes formula fiction.) That said, her methods may strangle some writers / writers-to-be. Could see people following this book becoming so wrapped up in the 'get ready to write' process that the actual sit-down-and-write More...
Jul 12, 2011
Vivien
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I skimmed this for the parts that were relevant to me, but those parts I read I really liked. It's somewhat validating and interesting that Elizabeth George shares some of my habits; I think there are certain instinctual things that many writers do. For instance I have a theory that five-pages-a-day feels good to the brain. More than that is a stretch but possible with pressure or inspiration; less than that indicates that I'm stuck over something. And she likes doing a quick read-through of the
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Jan 31, 2010
Terry
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Although I prefer Stephen King's book "On Writing," this is an excellent book from a woman who knows of what she speaks. Nothing revolutionary here - indeed, is there really anything new to be said about writing? - but well put. Fans of her mysteries will get lots of tasty morsels about her thinking and process.
My favorite lines are, "Teaching English well at the high school level is generally a twelve-hour-a-day job," (p. 193, and so true) and her repeat of Bryce More...
My favorite lines are, "Teaching English well at the high school level is generally a twelve-hour-a-day job," (p. 193, and so true) and her repeat of Bryce More...
Jul 04, 2009
Anne
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Part how-to, part "This is how I do it" by the successful author of 22 books, WRITE AWAY is an interesting look at how George works (she does more work than before actually beginning to write than any author I know). Beginning writers could also get the basics (different points of view, how to hook readers, how to flesh out characters). George's "Examples and Guides" at the end of the book include her list of THADS (Talking Head Avoidance Devices), possible story structures (
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Mar 08, 2010
Jean
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I actually took notes as I read this. I'm not sure that I actually want to write myself, but this helps me savor EG's works that much more. How many times have I looked at another profession and wondered "what it took to do that job?" This book answers that question for at least one writer. I can almost feel how EG's methods have come into a life of their own, all that stream of consciousness writing prior to the actual novel. Neat stuff! I'll enjoy rereading my notes as if I am
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May 12, 2009
Deb
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If I had tons of manuscript written, I would find this book more helpful. But since I don't it just makes me worry that writing is too hard and I'll never put in enough effort to do it for real.
The book has a lot of nuts and bolts description about elements of writing that make stories work. Many lengthy examples from novels are included. My favorite parts are probably the quotes from George's personal journals that begin each chapter. I like knowing her own struggles with story, and More...
The book has a lot of nuts and bolts description about elements of writing that make stories work. Many lengthy examples from novels are included. My favorite parts are probably the quotes from George's personal journals that begin each chapter. I like knowing her own struggles with story, and More...
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Nov 05, 2008
Winna
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This book is perfect for a beginner with no experience or any idea about writing at all. However, for beginners and experts who have tried writing and become successful in it, this book merely serves as a guide to remind them what they have to do.
This book is all about craft of writing. Technique, plotting, voice, process. Sadly, I feel that this is so similar to James Frey's how to write a damn good novel. Many chapters and samples are similar, therefore I feel like reading the same More...
This book is all about craft of writing. Technique, plotting, voice, process. Sadly, I feel that this is so similar to James Frey's how to write a damn good novel. Many chapters and samples are similar, therefore I feel like reading the same More...
Apr 07, 2010
Daniela
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One of the books I've read numerous times.
I always find it interesting to see another writer talk about the craft and thier approach to writing. Elizabeth George does so with refreshing honesty and a subtle humor and self-deprecation. I found it rather endearing that even as a bestseller-writer she still worries about every book and is nervous and insecure. It makes her very human.
I also found her approach rather helpful as it is similar to my own.
I always find it interesting to see another writer talk about the craft and thier approach to writing. Elizabeth George does so with refreshing honesty and a subtle humor and self-deprecation. I found it rather endearing that even as a bestseller-writer she still worries about every book and is nervous and insecure. It makes her very human.
I also found her approach rather helpful as it is similar to my own.
Jul 13, 2010
Sophia
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Auch wenn man nicht plant ein Buch zu schreiben, ist dieses Werk ein toller Einblick in das Handwerk. Und es erinnert einen an längst vergangene, heiß geliebte Deutsch- und Literaturstunden in der Schule.
Even if one does not plan on writing a book this book delivers great insight into the craft of writing. Furthermore does itremind one of much loved literature lessons at school.
Even if one does not plan on writing a book this book delivers great insight into the craft of writing. Furthermore does itremind one of much loved literature lessons at school.
Aug 14, 2010
Mamatua
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I really enjoyed this book by Elizabeth George on writing. I'm working on a story, which may only ever end up being read by myself, but I seem to need to get it out in written form. Reading her process and the examples she provided from her own writing and others was very valuable. I got this from the library, but I'm going to buy it so that I can refer back to it.
Apr 28, 2009
Jeana
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I'm going to call it quits on this one--I made it through the first 50 pages. This book is directed mainly at people who want to write thriller/detective/murder type stories. This is not something I think applies to what I like to write, so for now, I find this book useless.
The book contains long excerpts from the author's own novels as well as that of others. While I enjoyed to a degree the excerpts from To Kill a Mockingbird and Beloved (it actually makes me want to reread Bel More...
The book contains long excerpts from the author's own novels as well as that of others. While I enjoyed to a degree the excerpts from To Kill a Mockingbird and Beloved (it actually makes me want to reread Bel More...
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Mar 18, 2011
Victoria
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What makes her Lynley novels terrific to read--her exquisite and detailed plotting--makes this book a disappointment to this writer. Her explanation is so much focused on the mechanics that it is like seeing the woman behind the plotting curtain. What I thought was magic turns out to be outlining.
Jan 31, 2010
Valerie
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George offers a peek into her life and habits as a writer. She shows the reader how she does it and then encourages them to find their own process. She includes excerpts from her writing journals (which I loved!) as well as excerpts/examples from published fiction (which at times was very tedious). Some good ideas and solid jumping off points for the beginning writer.
Dec 12, 2009
Christine
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Very informative as I jump into writing my fifth novel... She is the most thorough instructor on plotting and character I have come across, insisting that it can all be learned and with hard work can be produced. We shall see.
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Mar 08, 2009
Robin
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This is probably my second favorite writing book, the favorite being Bird By Bird. This one is more structured and lays out her very precise process.
Jan 13, 2010
Lee
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I think Elizabeth George is one of the few mystery authors who is also a really great writers. That talent combined with her years as a teacher make her the perfect author to write a how to write book. It's not just about how she does it but gives practical lessons for anyone interested in writing their own stories. Nicely done.
Jul 01, 2009
Lew
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Terrific book for any writer. Full of the techniques as well as the angst of writing. Ms. George is a meticulous writer; this book explains how she does it.
Dec 07, 2011
Pamela
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Great book filled with helpful examples and discussions. Skillful and encouraging teaching offering permission to release your creativity. Recommend repeated reading.
Nov 21, 2009
Tom
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One novelist's advice to prospectie writers on the creative aspect of writing, as well as the craft.
May 26, 2010
Rick
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I love this book. Great examples and very usefull tools to use honing in on my craft.
