Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies [Paperback]

Sol Stein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0312254210 | ISBN-13: 978-0312254216 | Edition: 1st

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (January 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312254210
• ISBN-13: 978-0312254216
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (111 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 99 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Which writer are You? July 26, 2000

By Douglas Dowers

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

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on Writing You'll Read May 24, 2004

By Daniel L Edelen TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

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

5.0 out of 5 stars Want to Write Better? Start Here! December 8, 1999

By Karen Hertzberg

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.