Goodreads Mobile | see what your friends are reading

Mar 08, 2010

Tasha rated it:

Two veteran authors take their years of writing, their know-how, and their energy and offer it happily to new authors, both young and old. What could have been a dry subject is definitely not in their hands. Simply starting the book will have you hooked and make you wonder why you never wrote that book that you know you have inside you. Mazer and Potter take on all of your excuses, throw in some great advice, and really inspire you to go for it! Written with lots of humor, this book has I Da More...

0 comments like

Feb 13, 2011

Karen rated it:

"When you sit down to write a story, you are embarking on a wild ocean voyage. You don't know where you are going, or what sort of storms you might sail into along the way. You might get shipwrecked by writer's block... But don't worry. Another ship is sure to sail into view and it will whisk you right back out into those tumbling, unpredictable waters of your brilliant imagination!"
Spilling Ink is a delightful book of writing ideas, advice, and "dares" for beginning More...

0 comments like

Aug 29, 2011

Mayday rated it:

This handbook is anything but condescending, which feels nice, as a young writer who was constantly reminded of her lack of knowledge by former language arts teachers. Mazer & Potter have amusing commentary and perspectives on their work. AND, best of ALL, they STICK IT to all those writing teachers. Apparently, all of those academic directions in creative writing can be thrown forcefully out of a window. Which I've wanted to do for a while now (and I CAN with permission from PROFESSIONAL CHILDR More...

0 comments like

Mar 17, 2011

Cherylann rated it:

Admittedly, this book sat on my desk at school for 7 months before I picked it, and I only picked it up because I was feeling guilty that I was hogging a book from the school library that a student or two probably wanted to read. I took it from the library because I thought it sounded like a good read. I had no idea what a good read this book is! I can't wait to book talk it to my students. The book is full of sound writing advice for kids. And the best part is they'll probably take it for two r More...

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Jun 20, 2010

Elizabeth rated it:

I was child writer. Which is to say, I was one of those kids who wrote endless stories between the ages of nine and fourteen or so. Of these stories, I finished only one. And I remember taking a writing class over a summer once that I enjoyed, but otherwise I didn't have a lot of direction when it came to my writing. I dabbled a bit in high school, but for the most part my creative side floundered for many years before getting a bit of a revivification in adulthood. So it's impossible for me not More...

2 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 26, 2011

NebraskaIcebergs rated it:

Having never heard of Anne Mazer or Ellen Potter before, their writing biographies initially felt a little less important than the tips about writing that I could pick up from their guide: Spilling Ink. Ironically, I've now added their novels to my reading list. Such is the power of a good writing guide! (It also doesn't hurt that Mazer has written a series of books about a girl who wants to be a writer.) If you aren't a fan of novels where the character viewpoints switch back and forth (and I'm More...

0 comments like

Mar 16, 2010

The Reading Countess rated it:

Publisher’s Summary:

LEARN HOW TO WRITE LIKE THE EXPERTS, FROM THE EXPERTS.

Practical advice in a perfect package for young aspiring writers.

After receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice,accomplished authors Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter joined together to create this guidebook for young writers. The authors mix inspirational anecdotes with practical guidance on how to find a voice, develop characters and plot,
make revisions, and overcome writ More...

0 comments like

Apr 13, 2011

レジ rated it:

Spilling Ink By Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer is a handbook for young writers. In this book Ellen and Anne give all sorts of tips and advice on making a book. From making characters come to life to how to turn on your idea radar, this book has it covered. Spilling Ink also gives some insight on making picture books and more on being a writer instead of just how to make a book.

Spilling Ink really is a great handbook for any young author. I feel like a changed writer after reading it. I More...

0 comments like

Oct 04, 2010

Jessica rated it:

If Anne Lammot were going to write Bird by Bird for kids, right down to the Messy/Shitty First Drafts, this would be it. I even checked the acknowledgments to see if the authors thanks Lammot for giving them ideas of what to write.

That being said, though, I did enjoy the book. I read it with post-it flags next to me and tagged up many pages in the book, ready to share it with my students.

I loved their simple, yet meaningful suggestions and that they left them as just that--su More...

0 comments like

Jul 15, 2011

Bridget R. rated it:

You want to be a writer? This is the book for you. Two skilled (and published) authors cover every topic from getting started, revision, and writer's block. It's all there.

What I thought: Wow! What a great book for young writers. I would have loved to have had a book like this when I was younger. I've read quite a few writing books (both for children and adults) and Spilling Ink is one of the better ones. A side note: as an adult, I still prefer the children's writing books. I More...

0 comments like

Aug 21, 2010

Karen rated it:

What a great book about the writing process, and what makes it so great is the voice! Ann Mazer and Ellen Potter talk to young writers in such a flowing, talkative way. They don't bog you down in details, they give you plenty of anecdotes, and lots of examples. I found a new way to present the revision process to students, even if I am working on research papers as their writing purpose. Great for students to read and great for teachers to share sections to inspire writing in the classroom.

0 comments like

Jul 30, 2010

Amy rated it:

Whether you are a child, teenager or adult...whether you are a writer or just secretly dream of writing...this is a wonderful reference book to get you writing or help improve what you have written. It is written for an audience 3rd grade and older and really breaks down not only the process of "writing" but all the different elements of story, character, voice, etc. It gives "writing" assignments, examples, and tries to break down this overwhelming task into bite size pieces More...

0 comments like

Dec 15, 2011

Adrienne added it

This book of essays about writing by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter is as useful and entertaining for adult writers as it is for its intended middle grade audience. Librarians, buy this for your children's and teen collections. Writers of children's and teen books, you might want to give it a read. (Or you could listen. I listened to the audiobook, which Mazer and Potter read. I kind of wanted them both to be my best friends when I was done.)

0 comments like

Jul 11, 2011

Margaret Boling rated it:

7/5/11 ** Great voice, great tips. Reading this book is like sitting around the kitchen table talking about writing with respected authors. You can dip into any section and get suggestions for various writing challenges - plot, making characters come alive, getting to know your characters, re-writing, etc. While targeted at child/youth writers, many adult writers may have 'aha moments' as they read.

One note, the book focuses nearly entirely on fiction (narrative), so if your writing More...

0 comments like

Aug 04, 2010

Angie rated it:

Got a little sidetracked on finishing this one but don't let that stop any of you. I would NEVER have ever considered myself a writer but this one makes me want to try. Two well known authors have written one of the best "how to" manuals for kids (or adults) that I've ever seen. They take lots of different aspects of writing and make it funny.

They've also got a pretty decent website up with some teacher helps. So that's always good.

http://www.spillinginkthebook.com/the-bo...

0 comments like

Jul 09, 2010

Tara rated it:

4.5 stars. Geared towards youth but I'm well past that stage of life and I found it more helpful than any other book I've read on writing tips and techniques. Both myself and my 11 yr. old sister love the layout, the stories/examples and the prompts. Plus, Ellen Potter co-wrote it so you can't go wrong.

0 comments like

Mar 26, 2011

Qui rated it:

This book is geared more towards middle school students, yet I still love it. I bought it for my friend, but ended up buying another copy for myself. It's very easy to follow and gives you great basic tips for writing.
I think that every beginning author should read this book.

0 comments like

Sep 13, 2011

Tyrean rated it:

Currently I'm re-reading this book for the great information and gems of humorous advice for the young writers in my Writers' Workshop Adventure class.

However, this book is chocked full with good writing help for any age . . . and it will make you laugh too.

0 comments like

Mar 29, 2011

Lost Audrey ~Streak must come!~ rated it:

This gives great techniques to writers who want to better and have more creativity. They don't have to be scared because writers can never be scared! Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer express this in a humorous way that can cheer anyone up.

0 comments like

Aug 24, 2010

Deborah rated it:

This seems to me a good book for young writers. It's mostly about writing stories, but it also has sections on writing and writing habits in general. It's interesting and fun--and the ideas seem appealing to middle schoolers.

0 comments like

Mar 26, 2010

Mary rated it:

Absolutely a must have for the classroom to inspire writers. Humorous and personal stories by two veteran writers invite readers to keep writing! The illustrations by Matt Phelan are creative!! Excellent selection! A must read!

0 comments like

Jun 20, 2011

Lori rated it:

If you ever have students write in your classroom, you must buy this book, post-it note it up, and USE IT!!! Jam-packed with great writing ideas, stories, contracts, "I DARE YOU," and much, much more! This is going to be an all-summer carry because every time I get a writing idea, I am using this book to write it down in. AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!! :-)

0 comments like

Sep 29, 2010

Kate rated it:

Fantastic resource for young writers -- or any writers, really. This book has tips on everything from writing setting to perfecting dialogue and lots of great writing exercises, too.

0 comments like

Nov 12, 2011

Kaitlin rated it:

I love this book so much. I got it from the liberay on a friday and was done with it by the next Monday. I think that anyone who want to be a writer should read this bbok.

0 comments like

Jul 07, 2011

Patti rated it:

This book is fantastic for anyone who is a writer, would like to become a writer, or struggles with writing.
Anne and Ellen give lots of great advice that is user-friendly.

0 comments like

Feb 21, 2011

Mary rated it:

What a great book for young writers. Practical advice delivered in a fun style. I think I might order a set for my classroom and use it as a guide in writing workshop.

0 comments like

Sep 07, 2010

Andrew rated it:

This is a perfect book for anyone just starting out in writing, especially those who work with young writers. It's sitting on my desk constantly.

0 comments like

Jun 13, 2010

Jerilyn rated it:

I must just still be a kid at heart, because I got more out of this than a lot of the adult writing guides I've read. It was witty and unpretentious, and had none of the condescending language you might expect in an how-to book geared for the young crowd. It has really helped fuel my creative process the past several weeks. Loved it!

0 comments like

Jun 28, 2011

m1 Gwen rated it:

An amazing and funny book for people who like to write. It was funny and engaging and I would recommend it to everyone who likes to write anything, or even is just looking for a book. Written by two published authors, they give good tips and advice, explaining things clearly and somewhat concisely. Even though I already knew some of the things that they talked about, they gave me a new perspective on many different topics. The authors continued cracking jokes and adding in little bits of writing More...

2 comments like

Feb 12, 2012

Les rated it:

As another reviewer wrote, "Spilling Ink is pretty much one the best young writer's handbooks of its kind I've ever seen."

0 comments like

reviews