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| Writing Wednesday |
Once we actually start to write I don't think anyone does! Then we realise how complicated it is to put words together into sentences that make sense; then paragraphs that hold together; chapters that entice and books that can't be put down. All of a sudden, any advice that we can garner is welcomed, as we begin the steps towards the ultimate writer's dream: publishing our multi-award-winning bestseller.
Creative Writing: The Essential Guide is a delightfully simple walkthrough the process, from first putting pen to paper through to guidance about the murky world of publishing. It is eminently readable, consisting of twelve clear chapters. The early chapters have many pertinent writing exercises (I am still struggling to rewrite the list of cliché phrases!) and as the book progresses it becomes more informative, up-to-date with current trends in social media. There are chapters focussing on specific styles of writing: novels, poetry, short-stories, non-fiction and script-writing.
The style of writing is not academic, but clear and concise, even chatty at points. This makes it totally accessible for the beginner, but don't think that makes it lightweight: there is a lot of information to help anyone learning the craft of writing.
What I appreciated most about the book was the layout. The wide margins enabled notes to be taken or added to the printed word. The large-print quotes that appeared were always relevant and often précised the current chapter.
Informative and relevant, it has inspired me to continue with the practical exercises that will improve my writing and to perfect what I write, making it the best I possibly can prior to publication.
Creative Writing: The Essential Guide by Tim Atkinson can be bought from Amazon, Need2Know and all good bookshops!
5 comments:
Thank you for this review....I have been enjoying your blog!
Thank you, Amy. Hope you keep up with the irregular and varied postings! Every so often I promise myself I'll timetable what I'm going to say and when... then it just comes when it likes. *sigh*
Thanks so much for this Catharine. Delighted you enjoyed the book and interested - as always - to read your comments.
It's quite made my day!
There are lots of good writing guides - Julia Cameron's Right to Write is bit right-on but is good nonetheless. And so, surprisingly perhaps, is Stephen King's book On Writing, which is excellent and very different indeed.
Tim - it was good to read!
Mark - I tried Julia's book once and found it hard-going, but I keep meaning to get hold of Stephen King's book as many, many people recommend it. Another book to add to the 'to read' pile...
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