Customer Reviews

Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a wonderful resource this is. My writing partner and I have reaped hours of writing pleasure from the exercises and the resources this book has to offer. I applaud Ms. Parker Rhodes for compiling a great cast of writers who were willing to share their insights and stories to help their brothers and sisters develop their craft. However, though the book is geared toward black writers, the teachings are invaluable to anyone interested in improving their writing,

This is a truly amazing book that should be on the shelves of any person serious about the art and craft of writing. Thank you Dr. Parker-Rhodes for serving the need of so many writers trying to make their best even better.

Jewell Parker Rhodes wrote this book for Black writers, but it is a good book for anyone who wants to learn more about writing by studying the works of brilliant authors.

The book discusses various writing techniques and follows each with exercises and examples. People say they wish they had this book when they were starting out. But I'm glad to have it now. We can never get to where we write "well enough". The advice given in this text is valuable to writers at any level of experience.

I can't believe this hasn't been done sooner! I haven't been able to put the book down. I never liked writing exercises before, but now I'm filling my notebook! This book reveals the hard work that goes into being not just a successful writer, but an effective one. I recommend it to ANY author who wants to improve her craft. I also think that it would be wonderful to use as a text in creative writing courses. Jewell Parker Rhodes is not only a master of the craft of fiction, she is also a master teacher.

This book is incredible! There are so many outstanding examples of exceptional works by African-American writers. I am anxiously waiting for the December 2001 release of Ms. Parker-Rhodes new book, "The African-American Writer's Guide to Non-Fiction Writing and Publishing." I'm sure that all of the advice offered in it will be as beneficial and enlightening as the words of encouragement that are espoused in this book!

I expected this book to help me write MY story. Boy, was I let down! It mostly contains writing exercises about random topics and extensive excerpts from prominent African-American writers. At least the excerpts led me to some works new to me. I found the African American Guide to Writing Nonfiction by Jewell Parker Rhodes to be a much better book to help the writer tell her story, even a fictional one.

Again, Jewell Parker Rhodes has given the literary community something of great value. Dr. Rhodes has already established herself as a great writer of fiction, but now she has most graciously shared her wisdom with her fans. Who could ask for a better mentor! Thank-you Dr. Rhodes!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that currently writing a book and wants to publish their work.Fiction Lesson for black author that includes advice and lots of helpful resources info to getting your book completed. If you're looking for a great book that would teach you how to write a bestseller book, this book is a must read!

Jewell has assembled the best advice for fiction writing that I've ever seen between two covers. Not only does she cover the basics and advanced information, she rounds out this valuable book with the frank and honest advice of a diverse group of writers. I wish such a book would've been around when I was starting out as an author. Not at all just another "how to" book. This is a must have.