How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author [Paperback]

Janet Evanovich (Author), Ina Yalof (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 19, 2006

How many people would kill to be a bestselling novelist? Especially one like Janet Evanovich.Writers want to know how a bestselling author thinks, writes, plans, and dreams her books. And they are primed for a book from Janet Evanovich that tells, in a witty Q&A format:
• How she comes up with such remarkable characters
• How she nails the perfect name every time
• How she finds out insider details
• Just how she sets up those masterful plots
• What the life of a full-time writer is really like
• What she'd tell an aspiring author about the publishing industry
• And much, much more!

This book details the elements of writing and publishing a novel, and addresses all categories of fiction--from mystery/thriller/action titles to romance; from stand-alone narratives to series. It offers practical and inspiring advice on such subjects as structuring a plot and handling rejection. And it combines one of today's most successful fiction writers with a published non-fiction writer who teaches creative fiction. HOW I WRITE is the perfect reference for anyone looking to improve their writing, and for those fans who are hungry to find out more about just how Janet Evanovich ticks.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Much of the advice Evanovich offers here can be found in numerous sources. What you can't find in most writers' guides is her inimitable voice and a wealth of examples taken from her wildly popular series starring the intrepid bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum. Cowriter Yalof covers some of the basics, but the draw here, naturally, is Evanovich's commentary, along with answers to questions readers have sent to her Web site. (When asked how to get over the embarrassment inherent in writing sex scenes, Evanovich notes she finds "a couple of glasses of cheap champagne and a bucketful of M&Ms to be helpful, but, hey, that's just me.") Along with substantial advice about point of view, exposition, and dialogue, fans get behind-the-scenes info about the Plum novels (Evanovich blew up a car in her first book because she wanted to sell it to the movies, and she had so much fun that she has been blowing them up ever since). Despite the best-selling author's willingness to share how she does it, readers shouldn't expect the same results. Not many can find the right combination of laugh-out-loud high jinks and ingeniously wrought thrills. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"No less than her plotting, Evanovich's characterizations are models of screwball artistry. The intricate plot machinery of her comic capers is fueled by inventive twists." --The New York Times

"Evanovich's series is as addictive as Fritos--and...not losing any of its salty crunch… Evanovich serves up consistently craveable goodies."--People

"Plum is one of fiction's most irresistible heroines."--Seattle Post Intelligencer

"Evanovich is the crown princess of detective fiction."--Bookpage

"Evanovich is brilliantly evocative."--Denver Post

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (September 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312354282
• ISBN-13: 978-0312354282
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,445 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #70 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship

More About the Author

Janet Evanovich is the #1 bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum novels, twelve romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels and graphic novels, Wicked Appetite (the first book in the Lizzy and Diesel series,) and How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#22 Overall (See top 100 authors)

#3 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery

#4 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery

#6 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers

#9 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

#17 in Books > Romance

#3 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery

#4 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery

#6 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Mystery & Thrillers

#9 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

#17 in Books > Romance

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Some I've Read October 16, 2006

By H. S. Wedekind VINE™ VOICE

Format: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.

46 of 52 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, practical writer's reference September 18, 2006

By Bluestalking Reader VINE™ VOICE

Format: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.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Should be called, "How THEY Write" February 19, 2007

By Lois Lain VINE™ VOICE

Format: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.