The Writer's Book of Wisdom: 101 Rules for Mastering Your Craft

by Steven Taylor Goldsberry

Book Overview

All writers, regardless of experience, want tips on polishing their craft, but most don't have extra time to take writing workshops or even to read lengthy texts with confusing lessons. In The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582974942
• ISBN13: 9781582974941
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.9" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Covers every aspect of the writing life

I've perused the shelves of Barnes & Noble many times, absolutely convinced that some day I would find a book that would give the boost I felt that I needed to become a writer. Recently, I found that book. Did it give me the boost I needed? Wow. Did it ever. The Writer's Book of Wisdom by Steven Taylor Goldsberry put so many things into perspective for me and really helped me see things in a new light. This book is the PERFECT balance of motivational and educational, being that it is split into three sections: 1. Approach: Mainly intended to just get you motivated to start writing. 2. Language: Grammar and use of words/punctuation/etc. This is naturally my least favorite part, but some of it, I realize, I just need to know. 3. Style: I guess this would be the section that discusses finding your "voice" as a writer. This section really helped me realize how ignorant I've been on my quest for my "narrative voice", shining a new light on the entire issue. So, in conclusion, whether you're just looking for something to get you motivated and inspired, or if you're looking for something technically educational, this book is just what you need.

Short snippetts of good and useful information

101 writing rules are presented in short and straight to the point format. Each 'rule' is 1-2 pages. Fun and useful snippets of information and ideas for each chapter(rules). The book is interesting and attractive with color and designs and on every page. This is a nice little book to have in your collection. I think it's a great little motivator, or something you'd pick up to get yourself refreshed and ready to go again. There are lots of quotes throughout the book. This features a very wide range of writing topics. Advice like 'Work in an inspiring environment, Resist distractions, Don't overuse negatives, Trust the power of your own voice, Art shows up in rewriting' -and loads more! I liked the appendix which is an evaluation guide that has questions to ask yourself about your work. "Your manuscript should invite the reader in and constantly reward him for his time." -from Rule #99 on Submit a Professional Manuscript.

One of my most underlined books

The exquisite production value of the book itself sometimes detracts from reading the author's advice. This hard-covered book is slightly larger than a paper back and includes delightful modern graphics in muted pastels and expensive quality paper. Sometimes this detracts your attention from Mr. Goldsberry's message. Upon reflection, I'm glad he chose this approach, and this book will remain one of my favorite books on writing fiction (the book also includes some elements of non-fiction). Perhaps the best comment that I can make is that I could not put the book down. It's easy to read and every third rule (there are 101 Rules) stopped my greedy reading and forced me to reflect on his advice. I would guess about 1/3 of the advice is found in other popular writing books. The remainder was new to me. Perhaps some of the rules were "old rules" recast in a new light. The advice in this book is very practical and I am sure it will change the way you write, or at least, the way you read fiction. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. I've filed this under my Dewey Decimal System of "A+++". John Dunbar Sugar Land, TX

Great Book, Very Engaging

I have to apologize to Mr. Goldsberry. Being that I'm in college and poor, I didn't buy his book. However, when I saw it on display at Borders, I sat down and read the whole thing and took notes. It was really good. I highly recommend it, whether or not you can afford it.

Words of Wisdom from a Wonderful Teacher

The title, size and cover immediately spoke to me. I noticed the author to be Steven Taylor Goldsberry, a great teacher I had at a Maui Writer's Retreat in Hawaii. I've read every word, enjoyed every visually interesting page and find it to be full of wonder and inspiration. I will keep it by my computer. I'll buy the book for my college age grandchildren, my writer friends and wannabe writers. I plan to give a copy to each of the members of my writer's group at Rice University. It's a perfect gift book for writers. It's like attending class with Steven Goldsberry, a master teaching the art of writing. Buy this book. I think you'll be very happy you did.