What often holds aspiring writers back is the lack of confidence to get started. How do I structure my story? How do I bring my characters to life and make them believable? How do I write convincing dialogue?
In this dip-into book a professional, award-winning writer and lecturer on creative writing has developed a collection of revealing and highly accessible masterclasses that will inform and encourage creative writers. The book is arranged in easy-to-find subjects and includes mini tutorials, examples, top tips, and summaries of learning points in
· Developing all your writing skills · Keeping the reader involved · Creating great characters · Writing natural dialogue · Using viewpoint effectively · Enjoying the process of writing
The lessons are designed to increase your skills, add to your knowledge, and help you fulfil your creative potential.
While perhaps lacking the gravitas of big name authors who pen books on writing, Dynes provides a logical, concise and helpful tome on writing. What sets this book apart from other 'masterclasses' is the author's ability to pack large amounts of knowledge into a compact book. Not once did I feel overwhelmed with detail, nor bored with over-extension on any particular topic.
The exercises were actually good too (I inevitability skip them in books on writing, not this time)
There’s something strangely comforting about a book that doesn’t pretend writing is easy. Dynes' tone is refreshingly no-nonsense. She avoids academic jargon and never talks down to you. It’s like getting advice from someone who’s been through the worst drafts, fought with the same doubts, and still believes you’ve got something worth writing. Each chapter reads like a little masterclass—fitting, given the title—but without the smugness you sometimes find in writing books. There’s humility in her approach, and that makes it stick.