Thoughts On Writing

by Richie Billing

"A helpful book for new writers and good reminders for the more experienced." Christine Costa

"VERY useful book. Helped me to land my own book deal." Keith Croteau

Thoughts On Writing is a comprehensive collection of writing advice, writing guides, theories and ideas on the craft of storytelling and writing fiction. 

Reference is made to the writing advice handed down by some of the geniuses of writing and storytelling, like Lajos Egri, Sol Stein, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, Brandon Sanderson, Robin Hobb and George RR Martin. 

Billing conducts his own research too, and provides the results of studies conducted on writing rules and the reasons why readers stop reading books. 

This provides the structure for the book, which covers in detail the core elements of storytelling:

+ Premise and theme 

+ Characterisation

+ Plotting and conflict

+ Prose

+ Dialogue

+ Building tension and suspense

Key aspects of writing that are rarely mentioned in other books on writing are featured too, such as world-building and writing fight scenes.

You'll find chapters dedicated to the mental challenges of writing too, such as battling doubt, maintaining focus, and building confidence.

And consideration is also given to the methods and tools that you can utilise to help you build your author platform and brand, like building a website, blogging and podcasting. You can also find advice on how to get your stories published.

Thoughts On Writing is an ideal book for those looking to learn more about storytelling and how to write stories and fiction. 

And for the more experienced writer, you'll find new and unique insights and perspectives on this craft we call writing.

For more writing support and help, you can visit his website where you can gain access to writing tools, writing guides and an online writing group.

 

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Richie Billing writes fantasy fiction, historical fiction and stories of a darker nature. His stories often explore real-world issues in fantasy lands.

His short fiction has been published by, amongst others, Kzine, Bewildering Stories, Liquid Imagination, and Far Horizons.

His debut novel, Pariah's Lament, was published by Of Metal and Magic Publishing in March 2021. 

Richie hosts the podcast The Fantasy Writers’ Toolshed, a venture inspired by the requests of readers of his critically-acclaimed book, A Fantasy Writers’ Handbook.

When not writing, Richie works as an editor and digital marketer and teaches creative writing both online and offline, as well as speaking at events and conventions like Fantasycon.

Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.

Find out more at www.richiebilling.com.

Reviews

[Ed White · Rating 4 out of 5]

The points were well organized and helpful, though most of them I already knew. A deeper look at finding and networking with editors, agents, and betas would be especially helpful, as I personally struggle with that part a lot as an aspie writer. Overall, this book is a solid read.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of writing tips, advice and thoughts.
The chapters are fairly short but well thought out and nicely paced. Plenty of references to other craft authors for further reading.
A helpful book for new writers and good reminders for the more experienced. The world is rapidly changing and the way in which stories are accessed changing too. Richie covers this aspect in some detail and suggests some helpful ways to consider for reaching out to potential readers.
Richie writes easily, conversationally and covers a wide range including creating tension and writing a good villain which I found particularly helpful.
More detail on writing fight/battle scenes would have been great, but this is probably a book of its own, especially for Fantasy fiction.
Thoughts on Writing is well worth reading and keeping handy for future reference.

[E.B. Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished ‘Thoughts on Writing’, and it was phenomenal. I can say with all honesty that the contents of this book have helped to sculpt me into a better writer.

I’ve purchased other books based on his recommendations, started my own website and have become much more energized when it comes to carving out a place for myself as a professional writer.

Give this a read, you can find it on Amazon for a few dollars as an e-book, or if you join his writing community and subscribe to his mailing list and absorb the wisdom first hand.

I can’t champion this book enough. If you want to read a craft book that is like a friendly mentor explaining the craft without judgment or condescension, then go get this book, and be sure to reach out to him on any of his social media, he will be happy to talk to you.

[Christina Morley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts On Writing is a quality book for new authors on a tight budget who want to self-publish or get their stories published. A lot of "thought" has gone into each chapter. I would even say that it's more than just "thoughts on writing" because there's lots of research referenced with examples. It's an excellent resource, and there are links to helpful sites.

I signed up to receive the author's newsletter, and this was one of the free ebooks on offer. I am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Keith Croteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Richie!

Richie is a great writer and gives wonderful advice. Highly this book and everything else he has written. Well worth the money and time invested.