"How to write self help book"
For wannabe authors, best selling writer Elizabeth George
provides an easy to follow step by step guide to writing
predominantly novels. The tips seem logical and readers
will have no problem employing them. Ms. George states
that the key element self-discipline is necessary; many
potentially talented authors do not take the time to write
away, seemingly expecting a divine intervention. Instead
Ms. George provides guides with specific examples and from
her own journal how to overcome frustrations. Since this reviewer has no urge to write a book (not out
of fear that Harriet Klausner will stop reading before
fifty pages are completed or give it three stars, but out
of realism that those who can't write review), I did not
test the techniques offered to guide the tyro. WRITE
AWAY: ONE NOVELIST'S APPROACH TO FICTION AND THE WRITING
LIFE appears logical and includes in depth all the key
elements needed especially in authoring a novel
(characters, prime and supporting plots, background,
perspective/voice, and dialogue). This is a solid self
help guide for those who want to write a novel and other
forms of literature, but Ms. George points out that all
the instruction in the world cannot provide discipline and
passion. If you don't have the fervor to write or the
discipline to sit down and write, this reference book will
not provide that elixir, but if you do... Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted February 21, 2004
SummaryHere's what I tell my students on the first day when I
teach one of my creative writing courses: You will be
published if you possess three qualities -- talent,
passion, and discipline.
In Write Away, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth
George offers would-be writers exactly what they need to
know about how to construct a novel. She provides a
detailed overview of the craft and gives helpful
instruction on all elements of writing, from setting and
plot to technique and process. To illustrate her points,
George presents excerpts from a number of well-known
writers, including Barbara Kingsolver, Harper Lee, E. M.
Forster, John Irving, Toni Morrison, Stephen King, Ernest
Hemingway, and Alice Hoffman.
In addition to being a clear and concise guide to fiction
writing, Write Away also opens a window into the life of
Elizabeth George. It reveals the inspiring personal story
of how the distinguished author came to be published and
how she meticulously researches and crafts her novels.
I have a love-hate relationship with the writing life. I
wouldn't wish to have any other kind of life . . . and on
the other hand, I wish it were easier. And it never is. The
reward comes sentence by sentence. The reward comes in the
unexpected inspiration. The reward comes from creating a
character who lives and breathes and is perfectly real. But
such effort it takes to attain the reward! I would never
have believed it would take such effort.
Elizabeth George started her career as a teacher and has
spent several years teaching creative writing. She has a
solid understanding of the craft and a storyteller's
enticing way of passing along helpful information, all of
which comes through marvelously in this informative book.
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