Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares Hi...
Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether newcomers or accomplished professionals. ...
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Jun 29, 2011
Charlie
rated it: 
I have not found many books about the craft that I want to read. Most of what I have seen of the "how to write" genre is focused on overcoming personal and emotional insecurities and the variety of techniques writers use for staying with the "pen and page", or sticking to the work (wow, get obsessed, drink more coffee and abandon having a real social life, and boom, no more writer's block.) Stein goes much deeper and so I have yet to put him down. For one, he focuses more on
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Apr 29, 2011
Chris
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Sol Stein is pompous. If I judge correctly from his writing, he is a curmudgeon with a serious personality defect. His view is very narrow and it is the only right view. I wouldn't want to his friend, his client, or even his trashman. I was not impressed with Stein.
That being said, Stein does know something (not everything) when it comes to writing. Though there were times during my read of Stein on Writing when I wanted to fling the book across the room, there were more instanc More...
That being said, Stein does know something (not everything) when it comes to writing. Though there were times during my read of Stein on Writing when I wanted to fling the book across the room, there were more instanc More...
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Jul 12, 2011
Seth
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Great tutorial on writing. The book isn't just for fiction authors. I wish it had more instruction on characterization and plot building. The brevity is also the strength of the book. Stein encourages and even inspires writers to take pride in their work. I found some of the editing exercises to be immediately helpful. The book surveys many areas where authors struggle the most. The advice is detailed enough to be useful yet clearly explained. For example, Stein suggests using adjectives
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Jun 02, 2009
Rebecca
rated it: 
If you can slog through the Stein ego and attitude, there are some useful things here. But it's hard not to question a self-titled "master editor" on his editorial skills when he sees no problem with quoting his own fiction as masterfully written and obvious models for all of us. And his students' fiction, too. At best, these examples are uninspiring; at worst, they are actively horrible. So my main question is--why would you do that, when you have thousands of years of perfectly m
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May 12, 2009
James
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Ambivalence is the perfect word to describe my feelings about this book. When concentrating on the fundamentals of construction, it was incisive. When illustrating how to formulate a story line, I found it vapid.
Stein is excellent when discussing sentence structure, the use of adjectives and adverbs (minimize) and the use of tools such as aphorisms, etc. When discussing plot and story structure, his recommendations are often clichéd and formulaic.
He also has the annoying More...
Stein is excellent when discussing sentence structure, the use of adjectives and adverbs (minimize) and the use of tools such as aphorisms, etc. When discussing plot and story structure, his recommendations are often clichéd and formulaic.
He also has the annoying More...
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Jan 20, 2011
Stacey
rated it:
Week 5 - a little late, but well worth the wait!
There are a lot of different books on writing out there and I have picked up a lot of them. Most of them I've also put back down and never gotten back to picking them up. Stein on writing is completely different. It is a compelling read with great insight for both writers and readers. Stein does an excellent job of breaking down the components of a good story and describing how to recognize those pieces and include them in your work.
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There are a lot of different books on writing out there and I have picked up a lot of them. Most of them I've also put back down and never gotten back to picking them up. Stein on writing is completely different. It is a compelling read with great insight for both writers and readers. Stein does an excellent job of breaking down the components of a good story and describing how to recognize those pieces and include them in your work.
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Jan 17, 2008
Steve
rated it:
The risk in recommending a book on writing is that too much weight will be placed on how well-written the review is. I doubt Stein would want these sentences to serve as testimony to his expert tutelage. Be that as it may, I will still raise my voice in praise like the gospel choir at the Triple Rock Church. (In one section he said metaphors could be effective, though I'm not sure references to James Brown and The Blues Brothers were what he had in mind.)
Anyway, the book is full o More...
Anyway, the book is full o More...
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Aug 14, 2011
Tyra
rated it:
If this book isn't a must read for anyone serious about popular fiction, it should be. I suggest you go to the library and take this book out. Then, after you have to return it (Yes, you HAVE to return it), get your own copy, a nice cup of tea/coffee, a highlighter and tabs, then take a weekend and go through it again. I have written in my book, made notes, etc. I found sticky notes were just not good enough. Those permanent tabs and the little one are what you need.
And NO, you can't More...
And NO, you can't More...
Aug 10, 2010
Stephanie M.
rated it:
To date, this is the best book I have read regarding how to write and sell a novel. Sol Stein explains exactly what a budding writer needs to learn in order to see his novel in print. He breaks it down for you in topics by chapter and even gives you helpful things to review at the end of each chapter. Nonfiction and fiction writers will both benefit from Mr. Stein's book. I've read a significant amount of books on the craft and "On Writing" is the one I recommend above all others.
Sep 20, 2011
Louise
rated it:
Once again, Sol Stein, gives me the information I need to continue with my writing.
Here are some of the best tidbits:
Show rather than tell.
Create tension and suspense.
Dialogue deals with character and plot simultaneously.
Use all six senses: smell, taste, touch, hear, see and it.
Less is more.
The purpose of a title is to sound exciting and exude resonance(prolonged response).
If figures of speech are overdone, they backfire.
Here are some of the best tidbits:
Show rather than tell.
Create tension and suspense.
Dialogue deals with character and plot simultaneously.
Use all six senses: smell, taste, touch, hear, see and it.
Less is more.
The purpose of a title is to sound exciting and exude resonance(prolonged response).
If figures of speech are overdone, they backfire.
Nov 11, 2011
"A practical guide for writers by a master editor who has worked with such figures as Dylan Thomas, James Baldwin, and Jack Higgins covers character development, speeding up the pace, applying the Actors Studio Method, and creating suspense and tension." - Ingram
Listen to Stein on Writing on your smartphone.
Listen to Stein on Writing on your smartphone.
Jan 09, 2012
Heather
rated it:
I was so naive before reading Stein on Writing. I thought I knew how to write a novel; I didn't. Within the first one-hundred pages I learned enough about how to write that I spent two weeks gutting and heavily editing many chapters I had written. This was a humbling yet exciting experience because I began to see my characters and plot come alive.
Reading this book can be overwhelming if you do so too quickly. Stein gives so many thought provoking, brilliant tips on how to improve More...
Reading this book can be overwhelming if you do so too quickly. Stein gives so many thought provoking, brilliant tips on how to improve More...
May 05, 2011
Jim
rated it:
A comprehensive study of writing that touches on topics such as characterization, building and sustaining suspense, dialog, and the art of creating a compelling plot. It provides a practical approach to addressing each element of fiction, exposing the "man behind the curtain" in regards to the books I've read. Not only has it improved my writing, but it has changed the way I read.
Sep 25, 2010
Joshua
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This is a must read for any aspiring writer. Stein leverages his experience as a playwrite, novelist and editor to teach critical elements of writing. You will find many principals that you can apply to your writing regardless of the stage of your career.
If you are looking to learn or bring your current professional writing to the next level, you need to read this book.
If you are looking to learn or bring your current professional writing to the next level, you need to read this book.
May 09, 2008
February
rated it: 
This was the first time I returned a book to Amazon and asked for a refund. What persuaded me? He doesn't like the sentence, "Ellen looked terrific in her gown." Okay, sure. I'll buy that. But he thinks this sentence better: "In her gown, Ellen looked like the stamen of a flower made of silk."
... sorry, buddy. I wasn't happy with the book, though I forced myself through the preceding pages, and you finally lost me with that one. Flower made of silk, or stamen ma More...
... sorry, buddy. I wasn't happy with the book, though I forced myself through the preceding pages, and you finally lost me with that one. Flower made of silk, or stamen ma More...
Mar 17, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
This is what a writing class should be- but almost never is. Stein taught me more about writing than anything since...reading! For fiction writers of all genres I cannot recommend the book highly enough. (Nonfiction help is included as well, but as I'm not a nonfiction writer, I cannot comment on that.)
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Dec 30, 2008
Craig
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I found the book educational and a great resource. I borrowed it from the library but I believe I will purchase this book for reference. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because he is biased against my favorite type of novels, entertaining, or as he puts it transient.
May 24, 2010
shriekofnature
rated it:
Great! Stein packed this book with lots of real examples from writers. It is not just theory, he gets into the nuts and bolts of how to build your character and plot. Sadly for the books I am reading following this one (sorry Dean, your plot needs work not to mention you overuse adjectives), I will be looking more critically at the writing.
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Jun 30, 2008
Shivering William
rated it:
It's kind of hard to take someone seriously when they refer to themselves as a "Master Editor" in their own subtitle and use writing from their own novels as excellent examples of writing. I didn't find any of his personal passages particularly engaging, and a lot of his other references felt watered down.
Another thing that turned me off was the book's sterility. If you want books about the passion of writing read Bird by Bird or Stephen King's On Writing. Stein's work i More...
Another thing that turned me off was the book's sterility. If you want books about the passion of writing read Bird by Bird or Stephen King's On Writing. Stein's work i More...
Oct 01, 2011
Phyllis
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Awesome book! As a writer of both fiction and nonfiction I found numerous ways to improve my writing. I listened to the audiobook and many times I found myself rethinking parts of my novel while listening to Stein's advice. So much so, that I had to rewind and relisten (after jotting down my notes, that is). A great book for any writer!
May 29, 2009
Laurie
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I'm about halfway through this book and pretty disappointed with it so far, though it was recommended by a writer I respect. Stein's examples of "good" writing seem pretty hacky to me and often when he's explaining something, his logic seems really flawed to me. Still plugging through it.
Aug 28, 2010
Patty
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For those interested in the writing process like me, this would be a must read. I found many important tips in the craft of writing. I refer to the book often when writing my novels.
Jul 31, 2010
Braden
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This is an excellent book for a writer, packed with all kinds of useful and helpful bits of advice, techniques and anecdotes. I need to buy my own copy so I can underline and re-read.
May 21, 2010
Brent
rated it:
An excellent book that combines theory and practical advice. It's hard to argue with Sol Stein's success in the publishing industry, and I enjoyed reading what he had to share.
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Apr 16, 2011
Kathryn
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This book addressed every applicable writing technique in clear, easy to read chapters. A good book to look into if you're trying to polish up a manuscript.
Feb 20, 2011
Erika
rated it:
If you think you know everything there is to writing, you're wrong, unless you own this book. It is worth the money and I will NEVER regret it, I promise.
May 15, 2009
Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies by Sol Stein (2000)
Nov 19, 2011
This doesn't look like something I'd actually like but I'm sure if I read it I'd have some interesting (bitchy) things to say!
Oct 13, 2011
HKd
rated it:
Not the most inspiring book on writing, but lots of pragmatic and practical advice - some of it I've read before but looking at the dates it seems Sol was there first.
On the negative side he uses his own books - and the books of a few famous authors in his stable - to illustrate good technique far too often. So it makes the book rather ego-centric and that's a quite off-putting
Also, his examples don't always support his point, this ma have something to do with changing More...
On the negative side he uses his own books - and the books of a few famous authors in his stable - to illustrate good technique far too often. So it makes the book rather ego-centric and that's a quite off-putting
Also, his examples don't always support his point, this ma have something to do with changing More...
Mar 11, 2009
Excellent! The best book on writing I have ever read, bar none. Mr. Stein is brilliant!
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