Customer Reviews

How to Enjoy Writing: A Book of Aid and Comfort

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

 

 

I came across this book on the shelves of a hotel room where I went on a personal writing retreat. The title spoke to me first - how to enjoy writing, not fret, worry, sweat, etc. etc. It was full of camaraderie and inspiration. I learned a lot, and came home and ordered three used copies for myself and friends. My attitude is, every book about writing by a successful writer should have at least a few tidbits. This one has that and more. I'm inspired not only by the Asimov's concrete suggestions -practical and useful - but by their anecdotes, that facing the enjoyment AND anxieties of writing and submittingi (and yes, getting rejections), they write, write, write. Try this book, small risk, possible big gains.

It is not a writing manual and I do not think it was intended as one. All I can say is that it has always inspired me. If nothing else, the appendix listing Isaac Asimov's choice of the best writers to read and reread may be worth the cost of a used copy. There are not many writers of recent vintage on that list.

Reading this book definitely will put a smile on your face, and here and there it will even give you something to ponder or chew. It's written in a Reader's Digest style with short, compressed, declarative sentences supplemented with one or two longer sentences on occasion just for variation from the blunt, staccato beat. The entire work is meant to delight the reader for not only is the subject the "joy" that can be found in writing but one of the chapters even advises the reader or would-be writer to write "what makes people feel better," and making people smile surely is not something to avoid or overlook.

Although published twenty-three years ago, the book holds up rather well in terms of its advice as well as its humor -- with the possible exception of a dated portion of one chapter ("Words vs. Pictures") by Isaac Asimov wherein he addresses briefly the subject of the future of cassettes. Also, the authors have chosen a big number of famous quotations to scatter throughout the chapters and paragraphs of this book and while they have been carefully selected for the wisdom and humor excellently expressed in them, some of the quotations have have not aged well and seem now just a bit sappy, that is, deliberately aimed at the melodramatic heart, though this is true, as I say, for only some. (Elizabeth Goudge, British Christian (children's) author, for instance, is quoted amply within these pages.)

This book easily could have been published by "Reader's Digest" or "The Writer's Digest" in that the technical advice on writing is minimal and the emotional overtone is light while keeping the intellectual content palpable but not certainly not plentiful nor even the main dish.

While there are some good pieces of advice on editing to watch out for and some excellent advice on rhythm in wording scattered throughout several chapters, for the most part, writers will not find in this book any advice on, say, how to plot or on characterization. The authors assume you know how that's done -- with your imagination, of course. Even the proverbial recommended reading list found in most how-to books on writing is here tailored to personal enjoyment rather than technical instruction or literary insights. Both Janet and Isaac Asimov emphasize and recommend children's authors and children's literature "for aid and comfort."

The humor really stands out in this book, just as it does in, say, "Children's Highlights" magazine or in "The New Yorker" magazine cartoons. It definitely makes for intelligent doctor's waiting room reading material and is a pleasant respite from "serious reading." The book, too, felt like Janet Asimov supplied most of the book's warmth and humor while Isaac Asimov supplied its (dead-on) critical instruction and wit. While humility may be to the writer as an extinguisher to the candle flame, just as Isaac Asimov cleverly claims, Isaac Asimov's perceptions on writing in this work, however brief or wanting in exploration, remain memorable and sharp nonetheless and are not in the least lighweight, for all the wit and humor he uses to help express his ideas. We may laugh before we realize how much integrity his statements have.

The Asimovs created this little volume to show those struggling with writing that it is possible to enjoy and love the process even if you are a gregarious social who has trouble listening to the silence. Writing is a solitary occupation and silence is a criteria for letting your mind wander while your fingers operate.
HOW TO ENJOY WRITING covers all the basics from staying fit with good nutrition to feeding your mind while you isolate yourself.
I love this line from p. 50, "Life is a journey, but don't worry, you'll find a parking place at the end." The cartoons by Sidney Harris are both delightful and enlightening. An older volume to read in spurts and digest at your leisure.
Writing as a Small BusinessQualifying Laps: A Brewster County NovelSins of the Fathers: A Brewster County Novel

This book was written by my personal favorite author, Isaac Asimov and his wife, Janet. It purports to offer aid and comfort to the aspiring author, but in fact does neither. This is a loving collection by wife Janet of Isaac's essays and quotations. There are only 2 chapters written by Isaac himself. It is a useful book if you want a peek inside the mind of a genius writer. However, for us mere mortals, it offers little in the way of instruction on how to write. The first 4 chapters give the most beneficial albeit coursary advice on how to approach writing. The rest is anectodal information on what it's like to be a best selling author and the troubles you might face. If you're a beginning author these are the problems you dream of, but not the problems you need to solve to sell your first book.

If you are looking for advice from a best selling author on how to become a better writer, you won't find it here. Look, instead, to Steven King's "On Writing".

This book is okay but not wonderful.