The Writer's Little Instruction Book: 385 Secrets for Writing Well and Getting Published [Paperback]

Paul Raymond Martin (Author), Polly Keener (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1998 | ISBN-10: 0963144170 | ISBN-13: 978-0963144171 | Edition: 1st

A unique collection of original aphorisms offering solid instruction about writing and the writing life, plus some light-hearted quotations from famous and not-so-famous writers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Educational, entertaining, and enlightening! The illustrations that precede each chapter are adorable and amusing. As a whole, a must-have." -- Leann Arndt, Buzz Review News, an on-line Book Review

"Gives aspiring writers lots of clues...good ideas of how to write and what to do when it is finished." -- Richard R. Orr, The Meadville Tribune

"Packed with helpful instructions, inspiring quotes and humorous advice, this little book will be a big help..." -- Writer's Digest Book Club Bulletin

"Short, pithy gems of practical wisdom provide essential information and instruction along with often-needed motivation." -- James A. Cox, The Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

This "little book" is ideal for anyone with an interest in writing. It offers practical proven advice, motivation and inspiration. Sprinkled throughout are illustrations guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Makes a wonderful gift for any occasion.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Writers World Pr; 1st edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963144170
• ISBN-13: 978-0963144171
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,281,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For the Writer inside or the Writer in Your Life., October 5, 2000

By 

Dan Poynter "Author-Publisher-Speaker" (Santa Barbara, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Writer's Little Instruction Book: 385 Secrets for Writing Well and Getting Published (Paperback)

In the tradition of "little instruction books", this volume is full of short tips on writing well and getting published. These secrets will motivate, instruct and make you laugh.

The tips are categorized by chapter: inspiration, characterization, dialogue, plot, style, technique, writer's block, editing, marketing, the business of writing, reading & writing and the writing life. There is an index to help you find valuable passages again.

THIS IS A GREAT GIFT for yourself or for the writeaholic who is making your (co-dependent) life miserable.

As the author of 113 books (including revisions and foreign-language editions) and over 500 magazine articles, I recommend this book to writers. [e-mail].

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quick Concise Ideas that work!, April 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Writer's Little Instruction Book: 385 Secrets for Writing Well and Getting Published (Paperback)

This is a great book to help keep you focused on what it takes to not only write a great book but to get it published! A friend loaned it to me for daily inspiration and I wore it out while waiting for traffic, waiting for the dentist, etc. Great to keep with you to keep you motivated and on the right track!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motivational chapbook for writers, January 26, 2007

By 

Laura A. Fitzgerald (CAMBRIDGE, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Writer's Little Instruction Book: 385 Secrets for Writing Well and Getting Published (Paperback)

I bought this book years ago, some onths before I bought all sequels to it: Craft & Techniques, Inpiration & Motivation, and Getting Published for broader knowledge. I recommend this as a starter for guidance books slated to certain people besides writers!