31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Better Than Some I've Read, October 16, 2006
This review is from: How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (Paperback)
I have to admit that I had never read any of Janet Evanovich's books until this one. Some of the reviews here were not as favorable as I would have expected. The reviewers were disappointed that nothing new had been revealed to them, wrt the mechanics of writing, but so what? I have many books at home dealing with that and can refer to them when needed. My interest in reading How I Write was just to get this particular author's view of the writing life. What motivated her to chose the mystery genre and how she came up with plots for her series of novels about Stephanie Plum. I wasn't at all disappointed in what I read and was actually inspired to get back to my own writing, particularly the advice Miss Evanovich gave to stop working and reworking the first chapter and to move on asap to chapter two. It helped to unstick myself and to move forward. Since finishing this book, I've begun reading the Stephanie Plum books. They are fast paced and quite humorous. I recommend How I Write to anyone who needs a chuckle and a little motivation.
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43 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful, practical writer's reference, September 18, 2006
This review is from: How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (Paperback)
It's no secret Janet Evanovich knows how to write. Her bestselling author status is testimony to that. It's also apparent she's a very generous author, open to sharing her insights and virtual "tricks of the trade" with aspiring writers. Evanovich clearly remembers her roots, and what it felt like to need the guidance and wisdom of more practiced, professional writers. Now she's ready to provide just that.
Though Evanovich is known primarily as a writer of crime/police procedural novels, this book covers a wide range of topics crucial to good writing in all genres. Subjects range from tips on creating believable, interesting characters to the nuts and bolts mechanics of writing. In between are concrete tips on how to structure a story, tips on revising and editing, and also, ultimately, getting published once you're ready to take that next step.
The book is written in a very clear, accessible style. Evanovich writes as if to a peer; there's no talking down or condescension to be found in her tone. Rather, the book is filled with very practical advice a writer could begin putting to use immediately. There's no high-flung pretense here. This is a book an aspiring writer can actually use.
For those unfamiliar with Evanovich's books (and I'll admit I've never read any of her fiction, at least not yet) there's very good information about the author, her books and also a glimpse into what must be the basis of her appeal. Janet Evanovich comes off as a very grounded, somewhat earthy writer, who's also funny in a gritty, street-wise way.
How I Write is a very generous gift from a very gifted writer. I cannot imagine how anyone even vaguely interested in writing wouldn't find something to take away from it. I recommend adding this one to your shelf of essential writing books.
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19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Should be called, "How THEY Write", February 19, 2007
This review is from: How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (Paperback)
I was a little disappointed to discover that much of the writing guide part of the book was written by a (relatively) unknown author, Ina something or other. I really expected it to be all Janet Evanovich's work. In fact, in some parts, Ina's tips are contrary to what Janet says she does. Interesting.
If you are looking for an A-to-Z guide to writing a book, this is not it. If you're looking for some great entertaining tidbits about your favorite mystery author, coupled with a few hints on writing, then you might want to give this a try. Parts were very entertaining with the typical Evanovich humor. But I wouldn't say that my writing will improve much as a result of reading this book.
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