Customer Reviews

$30 Writing School

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Reading Michael Dean's $30 series of books is like going to a smart, interesting friend that knows a lot about a subject and saying "Tell me what I need to know about (X)".

In this case (X) =writing , and the book in question is "$30 Writing School."

The book covers an overview of grammar and spelling. It covers software, and the way it's used professionally. The book covers the do's and don'ts of inquiries, outlines, and actual writing, with a eye towards publication. Michael tells you exactly how he did it, in interesting anecdotal detail. It `s not easy to write what is essentially a technical manual in a way that is personally revealing, but that is the unique quality found in Michael Dean's non-fiction.

When I want an overview of a subject, I want an expert with an opinion. I want someone smart and knowledgeable to tell me, "Do this, then do this, don't do this, avoid this". After I gain knowledge and experience, of course, I can draw my own conclusions. After reading this book, I had all the basic knowledge I needed to write a book proposal, solicit it for publication, and to make sure I had an understanding of the structure and process involved in every aspect of actually writing the book.

Michael does it in a conversational tone, filled with examples of personal experience, that is truly entertaining . I found myself amused and interested to the point that I would forget that I was actually obtaining knowledge as well.

Another unique aspect of Michael Dean's non-fiction writing is that there is a strong philosophical undercurrent, and this book is no exception.

The written word is the most powerful tool for initiating change that the world has ever known. It can inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. $30 Writing School reminds us of this, and Michael Dean's words themselves inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. The book addresses the specifics but it never looses sight of the big picture which, oddly, is a rarity in instructional writing. The books tells us HOW to write, but it reminds us of WHY we write as well.

Just finished this book about an hour ago.

First, I'm deducting one star because I think Michael and team did a poor job on copy-editing, photos and consistency. I also didn't care much for some of his whining and endless references to his hotties. Technically, he had a few portions wrong with some of the software and the whole Travel chapter was a big waste of space. If this all gets fixed in a 2nd printing, I'll come back and up it to 5.

But a BIG, BIG 4 STARS for being probably the best practical book out there on writing books. I've read dozens of these books, from the Dummies ones to big fat ones. Michael does a MUCH better job of explaining a lot of the ins and outs of getting a book done. He dispels myths well too - not with his section on dispelling myths, but throughout the book, like: you MUST ONLY submit snail mail proposals.

I did enjoy a lot of the personal touch and real-world experience he brings to the table. He shows you the tools to use and guides on how to use them. I don't think any other book I've read has shown a screenshot of a Windows folder with .doc icons for each chapter. Simple as that may seem, that one picture helped me visualize the process much more. Almost every chapter had me wanting to immediately read the next one.

The CD-ROM, while a bit scattered, is fantastic. No other book includes something like this that I've seen. To see rejection letters, Quark layouts, etc. uncomplicates the whole process.

As for the value proposition of writing be primarily art, he spends a lot of time telling you that you probably won't get rich. In one of the interviews, the interviewee stated that he had to pay $6,000,000 (yep, six million smackaroos) in income taxes. I'm trying to imagine what his actual income was. I think Michael may want to spend more time in a v2 (not a 2nd printing) explaining the possible economics of book writing. For example, if you write one book per year for 3 years that each makes $10,000 per year, at the end of year 3 you will have made $60,000, or an average of $20,000/year. The finances have to make sense for someone to dive into writing with all their heart and soul - not all of us want to live on Top Ramen forever.

All in all, I would highly recommend you buy both this book and any other book on writing around it. Read the other one first. Then read this one. You will find Michael's book is LEAPS AND BOUNDS AND EVEN MORE LEAPS above the competition.

The Digital Age does more than just inspire writers, it gives them the tools they need to write, self-publish, and self-promote their books, zines, comics, etc. All one needs is a computer, copy machine or copy service, and a thick skin (to handle the rejection letters and well-meaning criticisms from friends and family).

Michael W. Dean, author of $30 Writing School (as well as $30 Film School and $30 Music School) is a proponent of the do-it-yourself school. Just check out his documentary D.I.Y. or Die and aforementioned books. However, he is insistent in warning people that just because one can self-publish, doesn't mean one should. Too often, new writers skip the editing process in their eagerness to get their work before the public before it's ready.

Still, writers are often sensitive about their work and don't want to be told that they can't write so Michael Dean is positive yet pragmatic. He does not promise you will be able to quit your day job or that you will be an instant overnight success by reading his book. He does not tell you that you won't have to work at your craft and rules be damned. What he does give you are the fundamental rules on writing and the tools with which to work.

But Michael Dean gives you more, much more, and I'm not just talking about the CD-rom at the back of the book which is chock full of examples throughout the book -- book proposals, rejection letters (yes, they're a fact of a writer's life), and other goodies. What I like about Dean is that he doesn't ask you to do what he probably wouldn't do himself. He's been through the process and he knows what usually works and what doesn't. (This also depends on whom you're working with.)

The book is broken down into sections like building blocks, starting with why you want to write, to the basic fundamentals of writing, to the tools needed to make your job easier, to publishing, promoting, and touring. No aspect of writing is left out. I've seen a lot of books on writing that tell you how to get published but don't mention one iota about self-marketing or self-promotion, if you should ever find yourself in that situation. All chapters are written in Dean's easy-going, conversational style, which makes it a pleasant, easy read. There are no pretenses here. Even when Michael Dean admits he might be utilizing a little more moxie than usual when he uses his own life or work as an example, it's not because he thinks he's better than anybody else but because he believes in himself and, in turn, he wants you to believe in yourself.

So, pick up a copy of $30 Writing School, type that novel that's been sitting in the back of your subconscious, and then get it out there (after editing, rewriting, and proofing, of course). Use Michael Dean's book as a guide and learn that even if you self-publish or get lucky enough to have an agent and a publisher, quality really does matter and so does a positive attitude.

I read the book "$30 Writing School" by Micahel W. Dean while driving from Minneapolis to Denver. Well, actually, I was passengering and my husband was driving. I picked it up because I have started writing for our small town newspaper, and I wanted to improve my skills and abilities, and as every English major known to man, I dream of writing a novel some day.

I couldn't stop reading. Not only was it a great read and entertaining, it was full of good information. My $30 bucks was well spent and I plan to spend some more on "$30 Music School" for my husband. I have added not only writing skill to my arsenal, but also marketing and productions skills as well.

I really wanted some tips and suggestions that would help me get my writing career in gear. Picking up Michael W. Dean's '$30 Writing School' was the right decision! This book was SO informative! It's the textbook I always wanted to see, i.e. a textbook that doesn't talk to you like a robot but rather can educate you while having a point of view, a sense of humor, and a great punk rock ethic! The conversational tone of the book makes it really easy to read through and fun at the same time! Reading these kinds of books can be incredibly boring and a major drag, but I didn't find myself snoozing off through any of it. It also comes with a neat CD-rom that has all kinds of interesting tidbits and software on it. The book teaches you everything: how to tell if your writing sucks, a grammar/english overview, pointers on improvement, tips on selling your book and publishing it, finding agents, and touring with your book. Plus it is a great motivational tool - this thing not only gives you some reason why you should create art and share it with the world - it also tells you how to get started NOW, plus it gives you that extra push you need to just start doing it! I highly recommend this book.

Reading this book felt like something from The Matrix. A download of necessary information and it's over before you know it.

Dean's style of writing makes it easy to follow as he lays out what to do, and what not to do, when embarking on your own written projects.

The end result is an enjoyable learning experience.

I can't wait to read the rest of the $30 series.

Michael W. Dean is a master at relentlessly promoting himself, but it's endurable it, even fun, since he weaves so much useful information around the horn-tooting.

$30 Writing School, like Dean's previous books $30 Film School and $30 Music School, makes the assumption that you want to create art but know next to nothing about the art you want to create.

This makes for a book that squeezes between two covers everything from how to write a sentence to how to plan a world-wide book tour.

Dean filters all of this through the lens of his own experience. At its best, this personal, chatty approach is entertaining and enlightening. At its worst, such as when the author repeatedly points out another person he's sleeping with, it's like reading a how-to book written by Christopher Walken's Saturday Night Live character, the Continental.

Still, it's no exaggeration that every page of this book contains useful information, and the bare-beginner-to-pro progression will give new writers faith that their goals are achievable. Special attention is paid to the Do-It-Yourself approach to being a successful author, and that's particularly appealing.

I've been writing, editing, and publishing for years, and each of Dean's $30 books has taught me things. This one's no exception. I recommend it!

Matthew Wayne Selznick
<a href="http://www.mwsmedia.com">MWS Media</a>
http://www.mwsmedia.com
"Because Doing It Yourself Doesn't Have To Mean Going It Alone."

This books covers the industry, logistics, artfulness and nature of writing. Not everything in this book is a guide on how to write a brilliant novel, article or whatever medium you prefer. In fact, what Dean offers is more practical and valuable. He speaks of hardware, software, dealing with agents, travelling, self-discipline, budget& finance, interviewing, self-publishing, book promotion, page layout and much more.

If you already own a few books on writing craft like Stephen King's book and Hemingway's On Writing, then you'll enjoy reading $30 Writing School for it's professional vantage point. It comes with a CD with a few helpful things on it: templates, photos and other items.

The book itself is a good value without the CD-ROM. I think Michael Dean has essentialy written a unique take on writing, being a writer and living the life and business and art of it all. Probably there are hundreds of books about writing, but if you want an excellent one that covers several aspects of the career and the lifestyle, this book will serve you well.

His charismatic personality shines through in his instruction. Pretty motivational.

Also, I think it is actually $30 at most bookstores, but usually it runs less than that on Amazon.

"$30 Writing School" by Michael W. Dean is a comprehensive tomb of information for the aspiring writer. It's not a get rich type of book promising you a world of riches as an author, but more a down to earth, nuts and bolts instructional manual regarding many aspects of writing. Along the way, Dean also includes quite a bit of motivation for the new writer as well as sharing much of his own journey and experiences.

Dean writes in a conversational manner and includes many of his own personal anecdotes regarding living as a writer. He acknowledges that some people do make a lot of money writing, but many don't. While he is a full time writer, he doesn't have expensive cars, mansions, and the like. He also admits he would not trade the writing life for any other.

Some readers might not like Dean's mentioning of his previous drug use and multiple girl friends on numerous occasions. Equally, some might not like his frequent references to his other works. I personally did not mind them, and felt it helps you get to know Dean a little better. Maybe some don't want to know about the girls he's dated, especially two cute girls in their 20s at the same time while he is 40. However, I think if you let this detract from some excellent advice regarding writing as a career, you will be missing the forest due to a few trees.

The book is almost 500 pages long and contains information about many aspects of writing. Chapters topics include: English basics, outlines, more English rules, how to write, more on writing such as why, working with editors, hardware used for writing, software for writing, selling your book, more on the business of writing, writing on the road, self-publishing, copyrights and rights, promotion, in-store appearances and touring, Dean's closing remarks to motivate you to write for the sake of art and contribution - not just money.

The book also includes some interviews with other authors, a recommended reading list, some websites, and a CD-ROM that contains more interesting and useful information, including book proposals, reviews, press releases and more.

Again, I must say this book contains some excellent advice on writing. Dean offers practical suggestions on writing and selling, and illustrates the process with his own experiences. Do you think just showing up at a book store to sign your newly published book will draw thousands of admiring fans lined up around the block? Read Dean's chapter to find out what many book signings are like, and how to make the most of them. Thinking of self-publishing? Dean has some good advice to go along with other self-publishing books you might pick up. Dean recommends a few writing books besides his, and one is "On Writing" by Stephen King which is an excellent book. I mention this to illustrate some of the great advice Dean provides.

Editing is extremely important and Dean provides good guidance in this area as well. Just as he does with the chapters on hardware and software. I could go on, but you are getting the point. This is a very good book for the aspiring writer. If you want to know what the life of writing is like, at least for Michael Dean, and gain some valuable insight into the world of writing, "$30 Writing School" is a great book to teach you just that.

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks.

$30 Writing School is a great book for those who are interested in writing professionally, but who would first like to peek behind the curtain to see all that is involved. Mr. Dean covers a diverse set of topics, from the mechanics of grammar and outlines, to working with publishing companies, to the self-promotion of one's work. Sprinkled among the chapters are small bits of practical advice, such as picking the best pen color for editing, and finding ways to preserve your work in case of fire, flood, or laptop failure. This book was both informative and entertaining, and the time passed quickly while I was reading it.