LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING: A Novelist Looks at his Craft [Hardcover]

David Morrell (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Unknown (2002)
• ASIN: B0028QEKJ6
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth taking the time to read, May 16, 2004

By 

Meryl K. Evans "Content Maven behind meryl.net" (Plano, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft (Hardcover)

David Morrell's name may not sound familiar, but his works should spark recognition. Rambo. Brotherhood of the Rose. If you haven't read them, you may have seen or heard of the Rambo movies or TV miniseries. Who can forget Sylvester Stallone as Rambo in his black headband with his exposed sweaty muscular chest holding a machine gun with fury?

Impressive background aside, the knowledge that Morrell imparts is educational and constructive. He tells the story of the writer, Sterling Silliphant of Route 66, who influenced Morrell's career in writing. A story like that sounds dull, but Morrell tells it in a simple and gripping way like the rest of the book.

Morrell provides lessons on literary techniques: plots, structure, and voice. His technique of talking to himself and questioning every aspect of a story is a remarkably easy way to ensure the words and story have purpose.

Most writers don't have time to go to a writer's conference or take a class. This book is a class in itself without the annoying "how to" style of writing. I read this book over a period of several months, absorbing one chapter at a time. Reading it slowly was like getting a mini-lesson each reading session.

Not only does he offers tips on smarter dialogue and overcoming writer's block, but he also talks about the business of writing and what to do when a book is published. "Getting Published and the Business of Writing" alone is worth the price of the book. Every writer who publishes a book will benefit from this chapter.

Whether or not one is interested in screenwriting, the chapter on movies is a humorous adventure as Morrell dives into the red tape-like process for getting Hollywood to bring a book alive on the silver screen. Think writers whose books get Hollwoodified are rich? Think again as Morrell walks through the steps of where all the money goes and it ain't in the writer's pocket.

The genre of Rambo movies isn't my thing, but I'm Morrell's fan after spending time with this book. He's inspiring.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and entertaining., December 5, 2003

By 

Henry W. Wagner (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft (Paperback)

Anyone who's spoken at length with David Morrell knows him to be
insightful, and seldom lacking for amusing anecdotes. The engaging former professor is a learned man, eager to impart the benefits of his considerable wealth of knowledge and experience to those who are interested.

In keeping with his reflective nature and his instinctive desire to educate, Morrell has penned a useful and entertaining combination memoir and self help book called LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING: A NOVELIST LOOKS AT HIS CRAFT. In its pages, Morrell taps four decades of writing experience for the benefit of aspiring writers. He thoroughly explores both
the act and the business of writing, methodically covering the basics of everything from plot construction to contract negotiation. Morrell truly believes that there is no such thing as a stupid question, as he painstakingly answers many inquiries that most writers impatiently dismiss out of hand. A good example is the oft asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" a question that seems to cause many writers physical pain. Always
the patient educator, Morrell takes the question seriously, detailing the method by which he transforms a kernel of an idea into an engrossing plot.

It's this attitude that distinguishes LESSONS from other writing guides, making this user-friendly tome an invaluable addition to anyone's library. Not so much a "How To" as it is a "How I" book, it provides insights into a working writer's mind and habits, showing how one author tackles problems and overcomes challenges. There is great inspiration and encouragement here for practicing writers and plenty of intriguing particulars for those who are merely fascinated by the writing process.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Writers Old and New, May 24, 2002

By 

Tamara Thorne (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft (Hardcover)

I've been a published novelist for over a decade and David Morrell's book still managed to teach me things I didn't know about my craft. His style is personable, his anecdotes delightful, and his insight and instruction invaluable to anyone interested in writing and publishing. He boldly and bluntly begins by addressing the big question: WHY do you want to be a writer? Answer that one correctly, then get to work with the help of this terrific book.