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The Writers and Artists Guide to How to Write
This book is all about writing for publication. How to plan, create and edit work that will sell. How to write a book that you'll be proud of- and which might yet launch you on a new career.
Crammed with examples (positive and negative) from successful authors, this essential guide is for writers of every genre: fiction and narrative non-fiction, literary and commercial, adults and children. This guide tells you how to:
- Understand your market
- Plan your novel or memoir
- Develop strong, empathetic characters
- Structure and maintain a compelling plot
- Ensure that your prose style is strong enough to carry your story
- Polish your work until it shines
Crammed with examples (positive and negative) from successful authors, this essential guide is for writers of every genre: fiction and narrative non-fiction, literary and commercial, adults and children. This guide tells you how to:
- Understand your market
- Plan your novel or memoir
- Develop strong, empathetic characters
- Structure and maintain a compelling plot
- Ensure that your prose style is strong enough to carry your story
- Polish your work until it shines
355 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2012
23 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Harry Bingham
47 books698 followersHarry Bingham is best known for his Fiona Griffiths crime series, which has drawn rave reviews from critics, authors and readers alike.
If you've read and enjoyed one of Harry's books, make diddle-darn sure that you've signed up to the Fiona Griffiths Readers Club, by hopping right over here:
http://www.harrybingham.com/lev-in-gl...
You'll get a free, lovely welcome gift - and you'll be the very first to know when Fiona Griffiths is back with a further adventure . . .
If you've read and enjoyed one of Harry's books, make diddle-darn sure that you've signed up to the Fiona Griffiths Readers Club, by hopping right over here:
http://www.harrybingham.com/lev-in-gl...
You'll get a free, lovely welcome gift - and you'll be the very first to know when Fiona Griffiths is back with a further adventure . . .
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 2, 2012
For anyone who writes with a view to getting published Harry Bingham’s How To Write is a must-have guide. Certainly, I wish it had been around when I set out on my writing journey.
As you’d expect from a successful author and founder of the Writers’ Workshop and editorial consultancy, and its associated community, it is an absolute joy to read. Informative, practical, honest and often very funny indeed. Dry this book ain’t. On MAs and MFAs: ‘If you want a certificate to decorate your wall, then commission something grand from your local printer. Make yourself a Knight Commander of the Holy Roman Empire, for all I care…’ Harry Bingham isn’t saying that MAs are a waste of time, rather that the qualification in itself is, in publishing terms, an irrelevance.
It’s clear from the outset that this book is for writers who want their novel, or narrative non-fiction, to sell. Publishing is an industry, and the market rules. ‘We’re seeking to learn the delicate art of pleasing others.’ Bingham then takes you through the building blocks of fiction: planning, prose style, character, story and so forth, ending with editing and seeking feedback. Each section is subdivided into key areas with some inventive and memorable subheadings (A Snakeskin Skirt and a Mini Tank Top is one of my favourites), and a checklist style summary at the end. Advice is easy to follow – with the most common pitfalls outlined clearly – using examples from a wide range of works: Bridget Jones’s Diary to Eat, Pray, Love and classics like Pride and Prejudice.
There’s so much solid advice here that it’s difficult to choose just a few examples for review, but I’ll finish with this: Bingham counsels aspiring authors to know their market; to read broadly and, most crucially, to read ‘more wisely, more commercially’. Start here. Buy, read, and re-read How to Write; it’s brilliant.
As you’d expect from a successful author and founder of the Writers’ Workshop and editorial consultancy, and its associated community, it is an absolute joy to read. Informative, practical, honest and often very funny indeed. Dry this book ain’t. On MAs and MFAs: ‘If you want a certificate to decorate your wall, then commission something grand from your local printer. Make yourself a Knight Commander of the Holy Roman Empire, for all I care…’ Harry Bingham isn’t saying that MAs are a waste of time, rather that the qualification in itself is, in publishing terms, an irrelevance.
It’s clear from the outset that this book is for writers who want their novel, or narrative non-fiction, to sell. Publishing is an industry, and the market rules. ‘We’re seeking to learn the delicate art of pleasing others.’ Bingham then takes you through the building blocks of fiction: planning, prose style, character, story and so forth, ending with editing and seeking feedback. Each section is subdivided into key areas with some inventive and memorable subheadings (A Snakeskin Skirt and a Mini Tank Top is one of my favourites), and a checklist style summary at the end. Advice is easy to follow – with the most common pitfalls outlined clearly – using examples from a wide range of works: Bridget Jones’s Diary to Eat, Pray, Love and classics like Pride and Prejudice.
There’s so much solid advice here that it’s difficult to choose just a few examples for review, but I’ll finish with this: Bingham counsels aspiring authors to know their market; to read broadly and, most crucially, to read ‘more wisely, more commercially’. Start here. Buy, read, and re-read How to Write; it’s brilliant.
July 27, 2022
One of the most helpful writing books I've read because it's so practical. Every chapter goes into the nitty gritty of what makes writing work and gives plenty of examples along the way. Bingham takes a no-nonsense approach which can be disheartening at times, but he comes across as experienced and realistic all the same. I found the breadth and depth of his teaching thorough and his voice comes across as warm and funny. I also liked the way that his words here apply both to fictional novels and non-fiction memoirs. The sort of book I immediately wanted to re-read having finished it.
July 18, 2014
A few good pointers on the technicalities of writing, tone and the world of interiors, but taken as a whole, this book has little to recommend it when there are so many better books on this subject.
It covers the usual stuff, Planning, Characters, Plot, and the like, but the Editing chapter doesn't go into enough detail, yet editing a novel is the most important part of any writing project.
If you do buy this book, my advice is don't read the Introduction, if you do, you might get the urge to throw this book and your M/S into the bin and give up. While it explains the realities and the difficulties of getting into print, the message to the would-be writer is negative and off-putting. Best stick to a book that gives at least offers some hope.
It covers the usual stuff, Planning, Characters, Plot, and the like, but the Editing chapter doesn't go into enough detail, yet editing a novel is the most important part of any writing project.
If you do buy this book, my advice is don't read the Introduction, if you do, you might get the urge to throw this book and your M/S into the bin and give up. While it explains the realities and the difficulties of getting into print, the message to the would-be writer is negative and off-putting. Best stick to a book that gives at least offers some hope.
July 15, 2014
I felt I was in good hands with this one. Bingham came across as a friendly guy with plenty of experience to help others in that long and painful process of yacking up a book.
I'm more confident about the basics now, and feel less constrained by the scraps of "rules" I'd picked up beforehand. Bingham is clear and direct as he lays the game out, but not stiflingly so. His easy tone, encouragement, and habit of pulling up exceptions to rules leaves you with a sturdy framework to vault about on. Plenty of space for creative acrobatics. Now all I have to do is write the dam thing.
I'm more confident about the basics now, and feel less constrained by the scraps of "rules" I'd picked up beforehand. Bingham is clear and direct as he lays the game out, but not stiflingly so. His easy tone, encouragement, and habit of pulling up exceptions to rules leaves you with a sturdy framework to vault about on. Plenty of space for creative acrobatics. Now all I have to do is write the dam thing.
December 29, 2014
I found that reading this book was hard work, but I've decided that this is because it is very deep, insightful and helpful. All in all, this is my favourite book on how to write (so far).
Best advice: "Have fun writing. If you aren't having fun, give it up and buy a dog - dogs are lovely."
Best thing: humour and positivity.
Worst thing: horrid proofreading.
Next thing: read this book over and over again.
Best advice: "Have fun writing. If you aren't having fun, give it up and buy a dog - dogs are lovely."
Best thing: humour and positivity.
Worst thing: horrid proofreading.
Next thing: read this book over and over again.
September 17, 2012
If you're flipping through this book--read page 339 "Don't Trust Your Mother"
--And then begin on page 1...
Great tool and very easy to find your way around. You get both the technical aspects of writing prose and how to make the big parts like plot and characterization work. I wish it had been around five years ago. My bookshelf would have more space right now.
--And then begin on page 1...
Great tool and very easy to find your way around. You get both the technical aspects of writing prose and how to make the big parts like plot and characterization work. I wish it had been around five years ago. My bookshelf would have more space right now.
July 1, 2020
I got a bit bored with this half was through.
February 21, 2022
This book was very thorough in all aspects of writing
also had a summary at the end of each chapter
to strengthen your nueral pathways
also had a summary at the end of each chapter
to strengthen your nueral pathways
August 29, 2019
Save yourself some grief and read this before joining critique circles. So many lurking suspicions were answered here. Thanks Harry, wish I read it years ago.
June 24, 2018
If you want to be a writer, read this book.
June 10, 2012
A pragmatic take on writing for publication, with good analysis of craft and the current market. As with most 'how to write' books, it largely depends on whether you take to the author's personal style. And I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy that aspect so much. But he clearly knows his subject and so I would still like to read his other book on getting published.
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June 21, 2013808.02 B6134 2012
December 11, 2013
This is really useful. Clear explanations of some things I've been struggling with. Definitely one to dip in and out of.
December 29, 2014
A very good insight of the world of writing. Well written, points are clear. I urge those who want to write to read this.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews