Customer Reviews

The Writer's Tool Box: How to Write Fiction and Non-Fiction That Will Sell (5 CD Set)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

While Patrika Vaughn's earlier book "Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish & Market Your Book" was a solid winner of a book for the beginning writer, this work has both good and bad points. On the good side this work follows up on the prior book with much more detailed information on how to write better. The different CDs cover "Why Your Writing Isn't Working", "Openings That Hook Readers", "Choosing Your Voice", "Bringing Characters to Life", and "Plots that Intrigue". As usual she does an excellent job on these subjects and the information is sure to improve the writing of anyone trying to break into the writing market. She does a really good job with the ones on "Openings that Hook Readers" and "Plots that Intrigue". These are perhaps the most important parts of good writing and so many people do them badly.

There were two things about the CDs that I found annoying. First is that every CD had the same opening information repeated on it. It was appropriate on the first one in order to introduce herself and make sure the listener knows exactly what a writer's advocate does. But repeating it at the beginning of each CD was marketing overkill and annoying. The only other problem was the actual speech pattern used on the CDs. The conversation was choppy and hesitant like one of the old documentary school movies from the 1950's. At times I felt like shouting, "Just say it and move on".

The bottom line here is that the CDs are valuable and contain very good lessons on how to improve your writing. If you can patiently work through the presentation you will be rewarded. "The Writer's Toolbox" is a recommended purchase for anyone wanting to improve his or her writing.

I struggled with books, classes and other audio instructions for years and my writing didn't get better. Then I heard about The Writer's Tool Box and tried it. Zowie! I'm now a published writer, and I owe it all to this CD.

I read McFarland's review and disagree. I'm one of those writers who can't quit my day job yet, so I only get to study and write intermittently. I always carry one of these five CDs in my car so I can listen as I drive. The repeated intro on each tape helps me get back in the grove...reminds me of who I'm listening to, and what she's all about. By the time the new material begins, I'm ready to absorb it. What follows is great, worth listening to many times. I think everything about this CD set is terrific. Wouldn't change a thing.

Patrika Vaughn's "The Writer's Tool Box" is an excellent source of information for every writer who has learned the basics, and serves as a follow-up to her highly-recommended book, "Everything You Need to Know to Write, Publish and Market Your Book." Ms. Vaughn is an "author's advocate" and, as such, attempts to help the author from concept to polished product ready for submission. Each audio CD is approximately 43 minutes and has a brief, repeated introduction. The first CD is a diagnostic tool to help the writer polish his/her writing. The following CDs cover more in-depth details on openings that hook readers, author's voice, giving life to characters and developing intriguing plots. Each topic is geared to help authors make the right decisions, and the works of well-known authors are included to substantiate Ms. Vaughn's instructional examples. These CDs are great to listen to while driving in a car or doing work around the home, though I suggest listening to them at home. Even though I'm a published author, I took down notes and obtained some wonderful ideas from these CDs. I highly recommend "The Writer's Tool Box" for every writer and author.