Customer Reviews

Writing a Book That Makes a Difference

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Philip Gerard takes on a seemingly grandiose goal in this guide: how to write a book that will not merely get published, not merely sell, but make a profound impact on many readers. That may seem daunting, and indeed intimidating, but Gerard has a way of nudging the reader (and aspiring writer) to think grandly and take big chances. He teaches primarily through example here, exploring some of the really great books, and telling what makes them so.

Gerard shares anecdotes about how these books started out with more modest aspirations, and if not for the author's impulse to envision a grander purpose, may have been destined to become minor, even forgettable works. For example, Steinbeck originally wanted to do an investigative report on migrant workers, before convincing himself that a novelization of his findings, "The Grapes of Wrath," would tell the story with much more impact. Similarly, Truman Capote took an audacious step (for the times), when he decided that the details of a chilling murder (and his own connection to one of the murderers) would work best as a "factual" novel.

This book explains bold and innovative writing by examining the concrete examples of authors who have succeded in that pursuit. As such, it should appeal not only to aspiring writers, but also to those who simply would like a run-down of great books and some rationale for their admired stature. The one drawback here is that Gerard has a habit of bringing in new dimensions of great writing, but being a little strident in summarizing the cited works. One sometimes gets the feeling that he merely scratches the surface of an important style, and then moves on to an altogether different one. Even so, this is a book that both writers and readers are likely to appreciate and find valuable.

There are so any books on writing fiction, as any budding writer will see. Hundreds of them, on the wider scope of novels, on the specifics of short stories, or on the techniques of dialog, scenes and plot. Many of these books are useful, but they all tend to focus on popular, commercial fiction, generally genre fiction.

I guess if you want to write genre fiction (nothing against it - I read plenty of it), then these books are fine. But for me, embarking on writing serious fiction, none of these books helped very much. Philip Gerard's book fills the gap that these other books have left in the market. It approaches writing fiction for those who want to write novels that make readers think. He covers enough of the basics (tone, point of view, style) to make this a good generalist book, but, above all, doesn't talk down to the reader. In addition, he inpsires you to think of the broader aspect of writing a serious novel.

As a full-time writer of non-fiction, I'm hoping to leap over the fence into fiction. This is the best book I have yet found that gives me the inspiration and the tools to do so. I have already read it three times, and have gotten more out of it each time. If you want to write serious fiction, this is the only book that really helps you do so.

For those who have mastered the craft of writing, but feel like they are missing the art of truly touching an audience, this book is amazing. It talks about how to move your work to a higher level, achieving the sort of resonance that the great books have. It not only breaks down some of the effects used by classic works and authors, but also details why and how to create them yourself.

i am a confirmed how-to-write book addict--but this is one of the few that really steps above the rest to present a new approach. It speaks to the power that fiction (and non-fiction) can have to affect the reader--something many writers aspire to, but don't know how to consciously approach. In classic how-to style, it even includes exercises after each chapter! I picked it up on a whim, but I will be recommending it to all of my writing buddies who feel that their work, while technically excellent, is lacking the spark that will really bring it to life.

I was shocked to open this book and find the author's words targeting the very soul of my writing. It is a book about craft, not a pop culture "I wanna write a book" manual.Gerard shows a great understanding of the motivation behind the need and desire to write well. He speaks to those who are willing to put effort and excellence where their pen meets the page.I heartily recommend this book.

It sometimes seems like every one feels, at one time or another, that they have a book deep inside them that is begging to be written. Most will never commit the time and effort it takes to write that book. This book makes it easier to at least recognize what needs to get that book on paper. Understanding the basics necessary to write a good book are a good first step to actually getting started. Mr. Gerard has written a good book for not only beginners, but a book that is beneficial to those of us who want to improve our writing skills.

No instruction manual can really tell you how your book should be written. In fact, many can dull your senses and arouse doubts in your mind about structure, organization and other aspects of how you want to tell your story. Nonetheless, desiring to do exactly what the title of this book describes, "writing a book that makes a difference," I found it very useful in stimulating my thinking. It helped rather than hindered my choices, although, as I suggested, it really couldn't tell me what I needed to do. Only after reading many such books did the winnowing process of my own brain absorb a little from this and a little from that. So if you too want to write such a book, go ahead and buy this early on in the process.

While I contemplated writing "Remember Cynthia Rose: grandparents fight to keep their grandchildren," I read Philip Gerard's book. In it he said "With the act of witnessing an injustice comes the obligation to tell the truth about it." This one line gave me the courage to write my book.

Gerard teaches writers how to write true stories, but in "Writing a Book that Makes a Difference" he shows us how to write a book that can matter. I hope to meet him someday and thank him.

Once I answered their questions about child custody they asked for advice on how to write a book.
Each answer I gave spawned a new question; the questions covered the same topics and were always in the same order. I was delighted to find "Writing a Book That Makes a Difference" to which I could refer these passionate would-be-authors. The information is positive and realistic. This book is the right place to start. Charlotte Hardwick, author of
Win Your Child Custody War: Child Custody Help Source Book--A How-To System for People Serious About the Welfare of Their Child (12th Edition)

Before reading this book, I read "Creative Nonfiction: Researching and Crafting Stories of Real Life" by the same author. I found "Creative Nonfiction" terrible. "Writing ... Makes a Difference" is only slightly better, which is sad because I believe the author wrote this book with the best intention. I find it disturbing that an author who teaches writing can write a book with parts that I and some rather more enlightened friends than me could read and absorb nothing.

There were bits, especially in the second half, which were lucid and insightful. However, these rare moments cannot prevent Philistines like myself from finding this book disappointing, particularly given its promising title.

I would rather recommend books by William Zinsser - a better use of limited, and therefore, precious time.