Real people with real lives....real writing
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Like every second house in every second street, I aspire to be published. I bought this book, initially because the reviews hinted at it being a wring book for the non-committed writer. And it is. But it's also for the absolutely dedicated, fanatical writer too. So who wins?
Both parties as it turn out. This book delivers everything you'd want. A fun read, a hilarious read. A real book of realistic expectations. it doesn't promise to make you or me rich. It can't even promise break even. even alluding to permanent poverty and despair.
However, it does demonstrate the best way to destroy your liver and family life. So that's fine by me too. A large glass if you please. Oh, and a keyboard to go....
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Realistic, helpful and amusing
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At last a 'how to' book on writing that doesn't preach to its readers. Wenham-Jones' writing style is funny, making the book a page-turner anyway but, for me, it's the fact that her approach is totally down-to-earth, realistic and not too highbrow that makes it a winner. The author shares her own struggles trying to get fiction published and reminds you constantly that hardly anyone creates a masterpiece on their first attempt. Instead she gives all sorts of tips that I found both inspiring and useful, plus lots of useful contacts, websites and groups you can join for support.
If you're serious about your writing, you won't regret buying this book.
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Inspirational writing
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This is a brilliant book. Helped inspire me to keep going with my novel. Great book for anyone trying to finish their novel or wants to have a go at writing.
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Not all that...
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First off, credit where credit's due. The first third of the book (around 100 pages) that deals with planning, motivation, how to generate ideas, and that feeling all beginners get of "where the hell do I start?" is excellent. Indeed, it is very comforting to discover that many writers (even accomplished ones) are in the same boat when it comes to dealing with the dreaded writers block, finding things to write about, research, and a myriad of other problems that a writer must overcome to succeed. The author does a good job in making you realise this.
However...
Once you move into the middle part, the book seems to take on a whole new agenda. The author develops a penchant for RELENTLESSLY plugging her other books at every given opportunity. I guess this is fairly amusing for the first few instances, until it becomes apparent that she frequently makes reference to almost everything she's ever written, why you should read it, and where it is available to purchase etc.
You also get the impression that her relationship with the books external contributors (i.e. friends, fellow writers, agents, publishers, and general contacts) amounts to nothing more than a matey (I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine') love-in that becomes increasingly nauseating from the readers point of view. It's as if the author has agreed to advertise work of these contributors in exchange for their (often not so enlightening) tips and advice, whilst singing their praises from the rafters and telling the reader what great work he/she has accomplished (followed by the inevitable plugging of their books, magazine columns and websites etc).
She contradicts herself when advising that a writer shouldn't harbour any notion of having a `proper job', yet towards the end changes tack to declare (something along the lines of) that writing is a mugs game, there's only a very slim chance of making a living from it, and it's probably best to stick to the day job. This is fine if the author is being honest and realistic- but why divulge the former advice in the first place? Isn't this going against the purpose of the book? Such advice could prove be very discouraging and disheartening (not to myself I must add) to anyone just starting out who `wannabe a writer'.
All of the above distracts from the main purpose of the book- how to become a writer. You also really begin to question the motives of the author, who in the first part of the book appears to be so genuine and full of helpful advice, but then seems become more self-indulgent and concerned with stoking the egos of her buddies in the publishing world.
This is a shame...
In summing up, I would recommend this book, for the sole reason that it's one of the few books (on the subject of creative writing) that's written in a humorous witty manner, to which the aspiring writer can identify. However, I cannot attribute anymore than the 3 stars given due to the reasons I've specified, together with the fact that other forms of creative writing (other than the novel) are sparsely covered, and meant to inject more humour into the proceedings as opposed to being helpful in any way (see TV/film scripts, plays, short stories and memoir sections for example).
If I was to recommend a book which I consider to be the `bible' on the subject of creative writing (and believe me I've read quite a few of them!), it would have to be `On Writing' by Stephen King, which I've just finished.
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Brilliant!
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I've only just started reading this book and already I can't put it down. The sub-headings to each part make it easy to read and it is just so funny in places it really makes you feel that writing is enjoyable and fun and that it CAN BE DONE! The quiz at the beginning helps to understand at what stage you are in writing and what your potential is, which is a real confidence booster! I would reccommend this book to anyone who wants to become a writer but doesn't have a clue how to get started!!
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