Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for all writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether they are newcomers or old hands, students or instructors, amateurs or professionals. As the always clear and direct Stein explains here, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions--how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from bestsellers as well as from students' drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.
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Amazon.com Review
"The best reading experiences," says Sol Stein, "defy interruption." With Stein's assistance, you can grab your reader on page 1 and not let go until "The End." Stein--author of nine novels (including the bestselling The Magician) and editor to James Baldwin, W.H. Auden, and Lionel Trilling--offers "usable solutions" for any writing problem you may encounter. He is authoritative and commanding--neither cheerleader nor naysayer. Instead, he rails against mediocrity and demands that you expunge it from your work. Perhaps the concept of scrutinizing every modifier, every metaphor, every character trait sounds like drudgery. But with Stein's lively guidance, it is a pleasure. Stein recommends that you brew conflict in your prose by giving your characters different "scripts." He challenges you, in an exercise concerning voice, to write the sentence you want the world to remember you by. He uses an excerpt from E.L. Doctorow to demonstrate poorly written monologue and a series of Taster's Choice commercials as an example of dialogue that works. Stein's bottom line is that good writing must be suspenseful. Your job, says Stein, "is to give readers stress, strain, and pressure. The fact is that readers who hate those things in life love them in fiction." --Jane Steinberg
From Publishers Weekly
In this stimulating guide, a veteran novelist (The Magician), editor (Stein & Day) and teacher offers a banquet of savvy advice. Unlike Anne Lamott et al., Stein aims not to help his readers wrestle with writerly anguish; rather, he gets on the page, citing examples from writers famous and fledgling, closely analyzing first sentences, creation of character, plotting and dialogue (use "speech markers" to differentiate among characters). Stein concentrates more on fiction?point of view and the creation of love scenes?but his advice on such issues as self-editing and choosing a title applies also to nonfiction. A section on nonfiction contains worthy remarks about adapting fictional techniques (suspense, visual particularity, etc.) but is too brief to be a full guide to journalistic writing or producing an account of a historic event.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
95 of 101 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Aristotle taught us that plot is everything. But then came Lajos Egri with Art of Dramatic Writing and told us that no it is character that creates plot. If you still reside in the plot creates character camp then stay away from Stein on Writing. Sol Stein goes as far as to say that that method is for hacks. That authoritative no nonsense do it this way or you're wrong attitude is what I love about this book. He doesn't stumble around in the dark mumbling out fancy writers' jargon. He covers everything and you better believe he will be clear about what and what not to do. Many of these reviews already tell the specifics of the contents so I won't repeat that. I just wanted to make it clear that all the reviews for this book are either going to be 1 star from plot based writers, or 5 stars from character based writers. I've read this book 3 times already and I keep it next to me while I write along with the above Lajos Egri book and Bill Johnson's A Story is a Promise. Stein specifically laid it out in such a way that it could be used for quick reference. And you will use it that way. Buy this book and use it. It's worth a lot more to you than the $$ he's asking for.
65 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Any aspiring writer looking to start a library of essential writing books should make Sol Stein's "Stein on Writing" the cornerstone of that library. It captures the craft better than any ten other writing books and does so in a manner that other books do not: it gets to the point.
No review can capture the essence of the book perfectly because the author is so multitalented. As an editor, author, publisher, and book doctor, Stein brings a wealth of wisdom. His greatest skill, though, is cutting through the drivel other books peddle by telling writers what really will take their work to the next level. For instance, his chapter on pacing techniques is unique to all the writing books I've encountered. If you want to know how to cut the flab from your work, Stein gives the best advice you'll find. His recommendations on particularity are especially helpful, and just another of the essential writing tools that others gloss over. Few writing books discuss the importance of choosing an appropriate title for one's work, and again, Stein gives stellar advice. Chapter after chapter is filled with sage solutions to every writer's problems.
The best thing about "Stein on Writing" is that the advice is timeless. Stein himself shows how his answers aren't new, but go back to Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and Melville. This creates a sense of fraternity that gives the new writer the courage and hope to press on. The best thing that can be said about this book is that right after reading a chapter you want to rush to your computer and get to work.
The most deserving of five stars of any book on writing I've read, "Stein on Writing" is the best book on the subject you'll find. Essential reading.
62 of 65 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Sol Stein knows his stuff when it comes to writing, but this isn't just another dry writing reference. You'll find a wealth of writer's secrets between these pages, all written in an easy, readable style.
I was so enthralled by some of the methods provided here--from The Crucible to The Actor's Studio Method--that I promptly plunked myself down at the keyboard and started writing something just to test drive the concepts.
Stein On Writing will probably prove more useful to the advanced beginner than the starry-eyed newbie, but I do believe this book belongs in every writer's library.
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
By Doug Briggs
Format:Hardcover
Do you want your characters to live and breathe, see, smell, touch, love, hate?
Do you want your plot to MOVE?
Do want to set the hook in readers on the first page and hold them through to the end?
Do you want dialog that supports each character's character, that adds drama to your story?
Do you want to show rather than tell?
Do you want to get the flab out of your writing?
If your answer on any of the above is "yes", get "Stein on Writing". You'll find, too, that I've only scratched the surface of what's in it. Sol Stein knows what he's talking about here. And he doesn't waste a word, which is why this huge book is only 300 pages. I read it in a day but I'll never be through with it -- here it sits, open, at my left elbow, marked up something awful.
I applied the advice in this little book to a "finished" manuscript that had been professionally edited, it had received valuable input from some fine readers, and I was satisfied that it was as good as I could get it. Now, a month after Stein dropped in the story is 20 percent shorter and there is more to it.
I write non-fiction as well, and it's going to be a lot better from here on out because Stein covers that, too.
I don't care who you are, I'll bet you 50 cents this book will improve your writing.
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
An excellent resource overall. However, if you've read a lot of "how to write" books, you won't find a tremendous amount that's new here. Nonetheless, with this book you'll find it all in place and presented with much gusto, along with good examples of great writing. If you haven't read dozens of other how-to books, you too will find much useful advice. Regardless, reading this book makes you realize that mastering the craft of writing is an unending process that will take anyone a lifetime to master. Moreover, Sol doesn't lean too far to the "literary" or "commercial" side. He's after good writing, period, and that's such a welcome distinction from most other writing "teachers" (cf. Zuckerman and Gardner).
Plus, his exercise on "finding your voice" may be the hardest writing lesson you'll ever face.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stein is a master teacher
I really enjoyed this book, as well as Stein’s How to Grow a Novel. In On Writing, he takes the struggling writer under his wing and attempts to show him/her a clearer path to good... Read more
Published 5 hours ago by booksncoffeegal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yes!
This is by far the best book I have ever read on the subject… This is how you write well.
Stein is the real thing… Just read his own books and you will see what I mean.
Stein is the real thing… Just read his own books and you will see what I mean.
Published 12 days ago by Christina D
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential tool
This book should be on every writer's book shelf. If you apply his sage advice, your work will certainly improve.
Published 15 days ago by Carolyn Kane
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Have
This book is a must have for anyone who writes fiction or nonfiction. You need this in your book shelf, doesn't matter if you are a new novelist or experienced. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Karen Stevens
4.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely for those writing the Next Great American Novel, but not so...
Not perfect, and perhaps not as inspirational as Stephen King, but very insightful into the ways to make your work achieve a higher level of craftsmanship. Read more
Published 24 days ago by David Wilkin
2.0 out of 5 stars
Useful nuggets, but oh, man, did Mr. Editor need an editor
I teach editing classes and have worked as a book editor for decades, so when two or three people recommended this book to me, I ordered it with high expectations both for my... Read more
Published 27 days ago by CygnusBooks
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remains a must have classic
Entertaining and helpful at every turn for those of us who love the language and wish to improve our use of it, as well as enjoy reading about how this may best be done from... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Helena
4.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Reading For Any Writer, Especially Beginners
Mr. Stein's vast experience in guiding, mentoring and editing writers is presented here in a helpful and inspiring way. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Marcio Moreira
5.0 out of 5 stars
Change how you write, change how you read.
This is not simply a book on writing, it is a reference work, and one I wish I have discovered earlier. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ilya Grigorik
1.0 out of 5 stars
Blatant Self-Promotion. Elitist Point of View. AVOID.
While the book contains a few chapters that are quite useful, most of Stein's advice is couched in an elitist tone and a penchant for self-promotion. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Zalmorion
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 100
books:
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1
book
cites this book:
- The Naked and the Dead: 50th Anniversary Edition by Norman Mailer on page 138, page 139, and page 217
- A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway on page 71, page 217, and page 277
- The Great Gatsby: Peng5:Great Gatsby Fitzgerald (General Adult Literature) by F. Fitzgerald on page 82, page 217, and page 243
- The Great Gatsby (Textplus) by Francis Scott Fitzgerald on page 82, page 217, and page 243
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on page 82, page 217, and page 243
See all 100 books this book cites
- Is There a Book Inside You?: Writing Alone or with a Collaborator by Dan Poynter in Back Matter
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