How To Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion [Paperback]

Edmund R. Schubert (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 2011

"This is the best idea for a writing book that I've ever seen. It's like sitting in a room full of professional writers, and after each one delivers a riff on one aspect of writing, the others weigh in to buttress, amplify, refine, or add to what was said. It's an extended conversation with writers who know what they're talking about—and what matters in writing fiction that really communicates with readers."
—Orson Scott Card

.   .   .   .   .   .

How To Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion is a compilation of essays originally published on MagicalWords.net, a popular writing blog with thousands of regular followers. Distilling three years worth of helpful advice into a single, portable volume, it contains nearly 100 essays covering such wide-ranging topics as:

- Getting Started . . . Again
- Creating Characters in Small Spaces
- Storytelling Tropes: Belief
- Binding Character and Narrative: Point of View
- Word Choice and Pacing
- Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies, Oh My . . .
- Writing Action Scenes
- The Beginning of the End
- Developing Your Internal Editor
- Artistic Choices and the Market
- Business Realities for the Writer

Many of these essays are accompanied by comments and questions from the blog's readers, along with the author's response, making this volume unique among how-to books on any subject.

The core members of Magical Words—David B. Coe, A.J. Hartley, Faith Hunter, Stuart Jaffe, Misty Massey, C.E. Murphy, and Edmund R. Schubert—have experience writing and editing fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, romance, science fiction, non-fiction, and more. This group is uniquely qualified to cover the full spectrum of writing-related issues. How To Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion is a book that belongs in the library of anyone interested in the craft of writing, the business of writing, and the writing life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Bella Rosa Books (January 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933523808
• ISBN-13: 978-1933523804
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,286,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical, Humane Advice for Aspiring Writers - You Need This Book January 8, 2011

By Levedi

Format:Paperback

Do you genuinely want to be a writer? Do want to keep growing as a writer? Are you serious about your craft? Do you need encouragement that you're not toiling alone? Then you must buy this book!

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll say up front that I know the authors of this book. I've taken Ed Schubert's and Faith Hunter's writing seminars at ConCarolinas, I've sat in on multiple panels featuring all the authors, and I've had the privilege of chatting with them at cons and online. But I've also taken graduate level writing seminars, paid for expensive critique sessions with "big names," and met other world famous authors. None of the more expensive, hyped up classes I've taken have been as helpful to my own writing process as the Magical Words authors. I can genuinely say that the advice I've gotten from them has made me not only a better writer, but a more marketable one. And now it's all here in one book.

Here are the reasons you need this book:

-It takes the mystery out of writing without taking away the fun and excitement. Ever been to a seminar where the speaker waxed poetic about great writing, leaving you inspired, but completely confused about how to actually write better? That doesn't happen here. Instead, you'll get step by step direction about the practical craft of writing. The authors systematically describe how they do what they do and encourage readers to try different techniques in order to hone their personal writing skills. However, this isn't a rule book. No one here is trying to take away your muse, only polish her up a bit.

-It offers specific, detailed advice on how to sell your book. I've never seen such detailed marketing advice. Everything from how to write a pitch to a synopsis to online marketing is explained. I've gotten much better at talking to agents and writing query letters since I followed the book's advice.

- It will make you laugh. No really, it will. And a good laugh is something most authors need. When your plot stalls, when your muse isn't talking to you, when you just can't face another rejection letter, this book will give you a well needed pat on the back and a kick in the pants. It will get you writing again. The authors aren't afraid to share their own failures, mistakes and foibles, all in the interest of encouraging the reader to to pick up and keep going. Read this book and you'll feel that you're in the company of friends.

Want to be a better writer? Buy the book!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All I could've ever wished for - and more! January 8, 2011

By Sarah Naumann

Format:Paperback

Since this is not the first how-to-book on writing I have put my hands on, I can say for sure that this one is the best I've ever read.

Most other/regular how-to-books on writing offer explanations, examples and exercises on various topics, but none feature comments on each article that will make you consider the advice given and the way you might want to apply it to your own writing.

This book not only tells you what the problem is and then gives you a generic answer to it. It describes the way from problem to solution and helps you find your way to the solution of your very own writing problem. There is a learning experience being offered to you instead of a rule book.

How to Write Magical Words: A Writer's Companion is not a monologue it's a dialogue. You will find yourself listening/reading conversations that will make you think, open your eyes and see your own writing from a completely different angle than before.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Writers U January 8, 2011

By Laura T

Format:Paperback

As a regular commenter on the blog this book is based upon, I found myself enjoying every moment reading my way through it all. This book is an experience like nothing else.

I liken the posts at MagicalWords.net to university lectures from a series of professors I adore. The discussion and interaction in the comments section is invaluable; it makes me feel like an eager student, hanging back after class to ask more questions because I want to know more. These professors provide a learning experience in a relaxed environment.

Each article in this book carries that feeling forward, reminding the reader of all of the important facets of writing and a writing career. This has been the best book on writing I've ever read. The casual style of the articles draw you in and make you feel welcome. Best read in chunks, though ... you may catch yourself setting the book down to think about your own writing projects! :)