Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When you go to your local bookstore, you'll see dozens...no, hundreds of books on writing. And, believe me, I think I've read them all. So when I picked up Sol's "Stein On Writing," I didn't think it could tell me anything new. I was wrong. This not only has a ton of useful information for writers of all levels, it is also beautifully structured and presented. The cliche happens to be true: this is one book that should be on every writer's shelf. Openings, dialogue, transistions, characterization, point of view, it's all covered here. All presented by a guy who knows what he's talking about. Thanks Sol.

An agent has taken on my first novel, and it is thanks to this book. I wrote short stories for years; when the inspiration for a novel finally hit me, I felt I was ready, and I wrote it quickly. I was quite pleased with it. It said what I wanted to say, and the way I wanted to say it. Then I thought I should have a reality check.

I skimmed many books, articles, and internet sites on writing. I kept saying, "Yeah, yeah, no problem, got that covered." Then I read this book. By the time I was done, I knew my manuscript could be described with the word Hemingway used for all first drafts. Every mistake Stein warns beginners against was in my novel.

I put the manuscript away. I almost THREW it away. (By the way, never do that. As your skills grow, you may be able to return to old efforts and salvage them.) But then I looked at Stein's book--and mine--with an open mind. He doesn't just point out beginner's errors, he talks you through the process of correcting them. He does it with patience and detail. He really takes the time to sit down and explain it to you. I brought my first draft back out, braced myself to let go of any part of it that Stein said I must, and the rest is history.

I believe Stein's book is meant to be read straight through. It does not teach point-by-point, though he makes countless good points about how to revise your writing. It is the best book of its kind. If you must fill your shelves with lots of writing books to feel secure and prepared, still be sure to include this one--and use it.

I can't believe anyone would give this book a single star! Its section on 'how to avoid weak adverbs' and the section on dialogue in and of themselves makes this book a wonderful resource. However, Stein's approach goes far beyond. It shows that modern fiction is character driven and provides you the tools to maintain that focus throughout your story. His "Crucible" method also shows how to create instant conflict between your characters that lasts until the end of the story.

After I read it, I sold three speculative fiction stories at a professional rate of compensation. Keep in mind that I've only pursued commercial writing for less than a year!...

Recently, I turned a beginner on to this book and saw a remarkable improvement between the work he sent to me before he read Stein's book to the work he sent after. One can't argue with success and Stein On Writing is one of the best tools available to help you become a published author.

This is the absolute best book on the craft of fiction writing that I have ever owned. I read it and turn right back to the beginning and go through it again. After six consecutive reads, it is never dry, never dull, and I always learn something new. I open it at stoplights and read. I take it to lunch with me. I'd take it to church if my wife would let me. It is my fiction writing bible. He makes clear what college professors could not. Kudos - great big ones - to Sol Stein for this wonderful book that everyone who is serious about the art of fine writing should own. There is none better nor more exhaustive on the subject.

Really. I learnt a lot of techniques, tricks, tips that helped me achieve a better skill in writing.
Stein offers his experience in a really fascinating way; his book will never bore you.
You must study it if you really want to write...