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92nd out of 319 books
—
506 voters
How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author
by
Janet Evanovich (Goodreads Author),
Ina Yalof, Alex Evanovich
How many people would kill to be a bestselling novelist? Especially one like Janet Evanovich.Writers want to know how a bestselling author thinks, writes, plans, and dreams her books. And they are primed for a book from Janet Evanovich that tells, in a witty Q&A format:
• How she comes up with such remarkable characters
• How she nails the perfect name every time
• How sh...more
• How she comes up with such remarkable characters
• How she nails the perfect name every time
• How sh...more
Paperback, 264 pages
Published
September 19th 2006
by St. Martin's Griffin
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Since I love Janet Evanovich's books so much, it was only natural that I would want to read the guide she has written to how she actually *writes* them.
How I Write is basically a glorified collection of the writing FAQs gathered from Evanovich's website, with occasional interjections from co-writer Ina Yalof and Evanovich's daughter - and webmaster - Alex, but that's not to say it's not entertaining and valuable, just a bit, well, basic. There is little writing advice that you wouldn't already b...more
How I Write is basically a glorified collection of the writing FAQs gathered from Evanovich's website, with occasional interjections from co-writer Ina Yalof and Evanovich's daughter - and webmaster - Alex, but that's not to say it's not entertaining and valuable, just a bit, well, basic. There is little writing advice that you wouldn't already b...more
I am not very familiar with Evanovich's work. I read One for the Money and thought it was cute but felt no special desire to read anything else by her. However, I am always curious to hear what bestselling authors have to say about writing since obviously something they are doing is working. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Evanovich takes us from character development all the way through book tours in a light, funny question-and-answer format. She is realistic about the publication pro...more
This is another book I listened to on audio book and it was fun.
Janet's daughter, Alex, has been her web-master since the beginning and has kept a page for questions about writing. Ina Yalof is a professor of English who lives in New Hampshire where Janet used to live. So this book is written like a group of ladies gathered around a table drinking coffee and eating coffee cake. Alex poses the question from the web site; Janet answers the question and at the end of the chapter Ina inserts her bl...more
Janet's daughter, Alex, has been her web-master since the beginning and has kept a page for questions about writing. Ina Yalof is a professor of English who lives in New Hampshire where Janet used to live. So this book is written like a group of ladies gathered around a table drinking coffee and eating coffee cake. Alex poses the question from the web site; Janet answers the question and at the end of the chapter Ina inserts her bl...more
What I liked- Being a writer can be tough. It can be lonely. And, because we don’t come to an office everyday to chat with others in our profession it can be easy to wonder if you are normal. Some of Evanovich’s answers were very uplifting. I loved her confession that she always wonders if her last book was the last good book she was ever going to write. I also love that she doesn’t love her rough drafts. I always worry that my book is going to be crap and I hate my rough drafts.
I loved how she...more
I loved how she...more
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
I ended up listening to this book through Overdrive and I want to say that it was really quite enjoyable. Janet, Ina, and Janet's daughter Alex, wrote the book in a Q&A style. So to listening to Janet's thick Jersey accent as she talks about the details of being a novelist really gave it a personal feel. I felt as if she were talking directly to me. She gives a lot of great advice, the most important being, (paraphrasing) JUST WRITE IT! Getting caught...more
I ended up listening to this book through Overdrive and I want to say that it was really quite enjoyable. Janet, Ina, and Janet's daughter Alex, wrote the book in a Q&A style. So to listening to Janet's thick Jersey accent as she talks about the details of being a novelist really gave it a personal feel. I felt as if she were talking directly to me. She gives a lot of great advice, the most important being, (paraphrasing) JUST WRITE IT! Getting caught...more
I read Janet Evanovich's How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author last night. Published in 2006, it's basically a collection of the writing Q & A from her website, and relies entirely on examples from her Stephanie Plum series (unread by me, but I know of it). A brisk, easy read, I was impressed by Evanovich's cheery, encouraging answers to even the most insipid of questions from would-be writers. I can only imagine my own churlish responses to queries such as:
Q: Can you give me some tip...more
Q: Can you give me some tip...more
Oct 05, 2010
Khaya
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
aspiring writers who need basic advice
Recommended to Khaya by:
gift from the husband
Shelves:
readablenonfiction
Well, On Writing this was not. "How I Write" was, though, a thorough and accessible look at the writing process. Janet covers a lot of ground here -- getting ideas, writing dialogue, forming characters, publishing your book, marketing, etc. She does this with her trademark light and entertaining touch.
The information in this book may not be new for the most part, but I believe it is useful and instructive for aspiring writers. I did have some mixed feelings about Janet's unrelenting optimism as...more
The information in this book may not be new for the most part, but I believe it is useful and instructive for aspiring writers. I did have some mixed feelings about Janet's unrelenting optimism as...more
I love this kind of book and this is a good one of its kind. The only other one I've read is Stephen King's ON WRITING: A MEMOIR OF THE CRAFT. If you know of any others in this genre (writers writing about writing), please let me know.
If you like to read Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" novels, you'll enjoy this book too. She uses examples from the series to make her points and keeps the humor coming. The book is written in a Q and A format. Janet (I like to be on a first name basis with my authors...more
If you like to read Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" novels, you'll enjoy this book too. She uses examples from the series to make her points and keeps the humor coming. The book is written in a Q and A format. Janet (I like to be on a first name basis with my authors...more
I have read several books by writers writing about writing. She follows true to the form. She gives a witty introduction to her and her crew. She stays true to her roots with a sexy feeling to her writing. I like it and lets face it sex sells. She gives her history and how she met her coauthor. She plugs her website in several areas of the book. I was intrigued and emailed her a question. I expected maybe a form reply or a non reply at best. I mean dare I even hope for a personal reply. I got a...more
Dec 09, 2008
Sherina Buenaseda
added it
Recommends it for:
new and beginning novel writers.
Recommended to Sherina by:
Barnes and Noble computer research
Through the minds' eye of Janet Evanovich is a book written to her readers, and readers-to-be, just how she claimed her spot on the New York Times Best Seller's list, twice. Mrs. Evanovich takes a refreshing approach on wrting a book on writing. For over a decade readers have sent her letters asking just how she does what she does and she has come out full throttle with this writing how-to book answering those curious questions. As soon as the book is opened she reels the reader in by captivatin...more
Apr 19, 2011
Darcy Conroy
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of Evanovich
Shelves:
writing
If you love Evanovich, you will love this book. She is generous with her process and uses lots of examples from own work, so it is certainly a glimpse into the writing life of this author. As a writing how-to, however, despite its blurb stating that it is "the perfect guide for anyone looking to strengthen their writing" (which suggests at least intermediate advice,) it is introductory at most and that is the reason for my 2 stars.
The book is structured as a Q & A, the Q's coming from her we...more
The book is structured as a Q & A, the Q's coming from her we...more
An interesting and somewhat useful book about how Janet writes her books it is based on questions asked on her website, and there are numerous anecdotes that make this a fun read.
I wouldn't take her system to much to heart if you work differently. While I like her writing, I think it is very formula and unexceptional. I think it is EXTREMELY good for what it is, but her systematic way of writing is good for churning out a book a year.
I don;t write the way she does. i don;t KNOW what the hell i...more
I wouldn't take her system to much to heart if you work differently. While I like her writing, I think it is very formula and unexceptional. I think it is EXTREMELY good for what it is, but her systematic way of writing is good for churning out a book a year.
I don;t write the way she does. i don;t KNOW what the hell i...more
Great, no-nonsense advice and helps for fiction writers. It's as funny as her fiction but gives good insight into the work it takes to write a book that reads so effortlessly. She's also is a master at creating interesting characters.
Easy to read, much more fun than most 'how-to' writing books. I would imagine it's much more fun if you've read her books, know her style, and get the references made throughout the book.
If anyone questions the literary quality of her writing, she easily claims tha...more
Easy to read, much more fun than most 'how-to' writing books. I would imagine it's much more fun if you've read her books, know her style, and get the references made throughout the book.
If anyone questions the literary quality of her writing, she easily claims tha...more
Though I have never actually picked up one of Janet's books in the past I will son be reading some of her most famous books. Janet's book on How I Write is nothing short of amazing. She takes not only other writer's questions but some from individuals who are not writers themselves. She elaborates on different parts of the writing world:Creating great characters, nuts and bolts, structure, revising and editing, getting published, bits and pieces, and the writing life. Being successful is what is...more
I didn't plan on liking this book. I read Evanovich when I need a brief whirl of escapism and a tiny taste of Trenton. She usually annoys me by the details and things she gets wrong about Trenton- like being able to buy beer at the grocery store- you can't- and I try to give her latitude to create an imaginary town from a real place. But... in her easy, breezy way, I found her book on writing an encouragement, a boost to keep going, and I ended up respecting her for her knowledge of the craft an...more
I've actually never read any of Janet Evanovich's books, but I picked this one up to get an insiders story of how exactly one writes a book. I found it to be very informative - but it was the first book on this topic that I've read so it could be a repeat for others. This is a book about how Janet Evanovich writes so some of her tips work mainly for her and the reader will have to pick and choose which works best for them. The other Janet gives a more generalized view of the writing process whic...more
I'm through the section on creating characters and find this book very thought provoking and interesting. I love the excerpts from the books to prove a point - and the character introductions from Stephanie at the beginning. So far finding this book is really what I need when I'm feeling a little BLOCKED. :)
The rest of the book was just as good. Some great advice about getting into the industry, publishing, even promoting yourself. Found the book very informative with the added benefit of Janet'...more
The rest of the book was just as good. Some great advice about getting into the industry, publishing, even promoting yourself. Found the book very informative with the added benefit of Janet'...more
A fun, quick read, much like her books although not as LOL funny. I listened to this on audio and so got her daughter Alex's perspective as well as Ina's in their own words. The Q&A format was useful, as were the excerpts from the books to illustrate the points. The bibliography was surprisingly interesting. The chapters on finding an agent, query letters, and dealing with publishers were excellent--I easily felt like I better understood this world and would have the confidence to pursue it...more
Jul 11, 2010
Curtis
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audiobooks,
reference
I have never read a Janet Evanovich novel yet I bought How I Write because I was curious to know the "secrets of a bestselling author". However these secrets aren't really secrets at all just good advice with excellent examples from her previous works.
Much of the instructional stuff I've heard before (school, writing panels, conferences, writing books, etc...) but what sets this apart is Evanovich's sense of humor in regards to herself and her writing. Much like her Stephanie Plum character this...more
Much of the instructional stuff I've heard before (school, writing panels, conferences, writing books, etc...) but what sets this apart is Evanovich's sense of humor in regards to herself and her writing. Much like her Stephanie Plum character this...more
This was something I picked up at the library Thursday night. It was a great inspiration to me, an aspiring author, as well as a great reference. Honestly, I have only read excerpts of her work but what I have read I have found interesting. But this book is much more basic in scope compared to other books I have read on the subject- character development, plot, structure, time-lines, and this was a very quick read so I could plode through it in an afternoon then go back and review those chapters...more
To be fair, in her introduction, the author, Janet Evanovic, explains that this book purports to be nothing more than a description of how SHE writes, based mostly on questions fans send in to her web site. This is merely a packaging of her responses, mixed in with excerpts from her books that illustrate various writing pointers.
If you're a wannabe writer, Evanovich offers no new insights or any original counsel about writing. She is encouraging and direct in the way Dear Abby is direct answerin...more
If you're a wannabe writer, Evanovich offers no new insights or any original counsel about writing. She is encouraging and direct in the way Dear Abby is direct answerin...more
Apr 24, 2013
Harry Roger Williams III
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audio-books
I knew that many of her readers are fanatical, and wait for new entries in her Stephanie Plum series, so I picked up (actually bought it and had Jody give it to me for Christmas) this Book-on-CDs version and gave it a listen. Janet Evanovich is straightforward about her long path to bestsellerdom, and generous with nitty gritty advice about how she prepares to write and how she writes. She also tells about family members who help with managing her web site and managing her busy life. This is gre...more
Excellent audio book on the craft of fiction writing. I gained a lot of knowledge, helpful tips and colorful examples in this book by the author of the famous Stephanie Plum adventure series, Janet Evanovich. I liked the way thte book was structured, starting with how to write fiction, going through all the motions the author herself would go through and then the second half of the novel attends to the more technical sides of writing including, getting an agent, a publisher, submitting query let...more
This book was fabulous! A must for any aspiring writer! Was very refreshing, inspiring and fun take on getting you first book off and running. Janet talks about how she writes and tells what it takes to get a writing career off and running. The majority of the book is questions asked from her fans in which she responds with honest yet funny answers. I highly recommend this book if you're a first time writer (especially if your genre is romance or mystery)and are have trouble in either getting st...more
As a fan of the wildly popular Stephanie Plum series and a wanna-be writer, I couldn't help picking up a copy of Janet Evanovich's guide to writing. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was written in the same fun and easy-to-read style as her books.
The format is simple Q's and A's - taken directly from questions posted by her fans on Evanovich's website. Various entertaining excerpts from the Stephanie Plum series are used as examples. Useful tips and how to's are included.
Evanovich spills t...more
The format is simple Q's and A's - taken directly from questions posted by her fans on Evanovich's website. Various entertaining excerpts from the Stephanie Plum series are used as examples. Useful tips and how to's are included.
Evanovich spills t...more
4 likes · like · see review
I found this while requesting my annual dose of Stephanie Plum from the library. I do love me some light silly reading!!! A cute read at times because there are so many quotes from the Plum series. As a writer, it's always fun to hear about other people's
process, but I would encourage realistic (low?!) expectations of the book. My favorite bit is that she explains how she wants people to FEEL after reading her books. That is a very thoughtful way of considering audience and purpose...
process, but I would encourage realistic (low?!) expectations of the book. My favorite bit is that she explains how she wants people to FEEL after reading her books. That is a very thoughtful way of considering audience and purpose...
This book was awesome! It really got me into the mode of Janet's books but also to jump start my book again that I've already started working on. It was great! I plan on buying the book so I can go back and read the sections to help me out along the way! An awesome read! A must read for anyone that wants to write or thinks they want too.
Janet and Ina really read the book in an awesome way. Janet is fun, alive and bubbly and keeps you wanting more and keeps you engaged in the book at all times!
He...more
Janet and Ina really read the book in an awesome way. Janet is fun, alive and bubbly and keeps you wanting more and keeps you engaged in the book at all times!
He...more
This was an entertaining and informative book about writing and about Janet Evanovich. The book is written in a question and answer type format, which would have driven me crazy actually reading, so I'm glad I listened to it. Janet has a nice speaking voice, as does Ina. Alex doesn't as much, but her reading was kept to a minimum.
The questions were mostly interesting, as were Janet's answers. All in all, it was a good read about writing from the perspective of an author, but not nearly as intere...more
The questions were mostly interesting, as were Janet's answers. All in all, it was a good read about writing from the perspective of an author, but not nearly as intere...more
The title of this book, "How I Write" is a perfect description. Evanovich doesn't tell us the "right" way to write, or how it "should" be done, she simply tells us what works for her. OK, there are a few shoulds, but they are really basic things.
I didn't learn much new information from this book, but I did enjoy it. She's really funny and the book was a quick, easy read. I've never read any of her books, but now I am interested in seeing what I think about her Stephanie Plum series.
I didn't learn much new information from this book, but I did enjoy it. She's really funny and the book was a quick, easy read. I've never read any of her books, but now I am interested in seeing what I think about her Stephanie Plum series.
Really quick read about how Janet writes. Honestly, I haven't read any of her books, but it is nice to learn of her style, how long it takes her to do things, how she strucures her days, and her advice on getting published. Set up in a question/answer form - I think most if not all was taken from her website (people would email in questions and she would respond). The book is organized into sections. Again - quick and helpful read... and a bit inspirational.
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Janet Evanovich is the #1 bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum novels, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and graphic novels, Wicked Appetite (the first book in the Lizzy and Diesel series,) and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author.
Also published books under the name Steffie Hall.
More about Janet Evanovich...
Also published books under the name Steffie Hall.
Apr 14, 2008 11:21am