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How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: bonds office, query letter, Stephanie Plum, New York, Grandma Mazur (more...)
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How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author + Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel + See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit
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  • This item: How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich

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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Much of the advice Evanovich offers here can be found in numerous sources. What you can't find in most writers' guides is her inimitable voice and a wealth of examples taken from her wildly popular series starring the intrepid bounty-hunter Stephanie Plum. Cowriter Yalof covers some of the basics, but the draw here, naturally, is Evanovich's commentary, along with answers to questions readers have sent to her Web site. (When asked how to get over the embarrassment inherent in writing sex scenes, Evanovich notes she finds "a couple of glasses of cheap champagne and a bucketful of M&Ms to be helpful, but, hey, that's just me.") Along with substantial advice about point of view, exposition, and dialogue, fans get behind-the-scenes info about the Plum novels (Evanovich blew up a car in her first book because she wanted to sell it to the movies, and she had so much fun that she has been blowing them up ever since). Despite the best-selling author's willingness to share how she does it, readers shouldn't expect the same results. Not many can find the right combination of laugh-out-loud high jinks and ingeniously wrought thrills. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review

“No less than her plotting, Evanovich’s characterizations are models of screwball artistry. The intricate plot machinery of her comic capers is fueled by inventive twists.” —The New York Times

“Evanovich’s series is as addictive as Fritos—and...not losing any of its salty crunch… Evanovich serves up consistently craveable goodies.”—People

“Plum is one of fiction’s most irresistible heroines.”—Seattle Post Intelligencer

“Evanovich is the crown princess of detective fiction.”—Bookpage

“Evanovich is brilliantly evocative.”—Denver Post

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (September 19, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0312354282
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312354282
  • Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,566 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #65 in  Books > Reference > Writing > Fiction
    #89 in  Books > Reference > Publishing & Books > Authorship

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More About the Author

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

› Visit Amazon's Janet Evanovich Page
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Surprise Me!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
bonds office, query letter
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Stephanie Plum, New York, Grandma Mazur, Joe Morelli, Quick Reference, Janet Evanovich, Romance Writers of America, John Grisham, Joseph Morelli, Literary Market Place
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This book cites 32 books:
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To the Nines by Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
 

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Customer Reviews

42 Reviews
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Average Customer Review
4.2 out of 5 stars (42 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, practical writer's reference, September 18, 2006
It's no secret Janet Evanovich knows how to write. Her bestselling author status is testimony to that. It's also apparent she's a very generous author, open to sharing her insights and virtual "tricks of the trade" with aspiring writers. Evanovich clearly remembers her roots, and what it felt like to need the guidance and wisdom of more practiced, professional writers. Now she's ready to provide just that.

Though Evanovich is known primarily as a writer of crime/police procedural novels, this book covers a wide range of topics crucial to good writing in all genres. Subjects range from tips on creating believable, interesting characters to the nuts and bolts mechanics of writing. In between are concrete tips on how to structure a story, tips on revising and editing, and also, ultimately, getting published once you're ready to take that next step.

The book is written in a very clear, accessible style. Evanovich writes as if to a peer; there's no talking down or condescension to be found in her tone. Rather, the book is filled with very practical advice a writer could begin putting to use immediately. There's no high-flung pretense here. This is a book an aspiring writer can actually use.

For those unfamiliar with Evanovich's books (and I'll admit I've never read any of her fiction, at least not yet) there's very good information about the author, her books and also a glimpse into what must be the basis of her appeal. Janet Evanovich comes off as a very grounded, somewhat earthy writer, who's also funny in a gritty, street-wise way.

How I Write is a very generous gift from a very gifted writer. I cannot imagine how anyone even vaguely interested in writing wouldn't find something to take away from it. I recommend adding this one to your shelf of essential writing books.
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21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Some I've Read, October 16, 2006
By H. S. Wedekind "Mr. Weekend" (Pennsylvania, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)      
I have to admit that I had never read any of Janet Evanovich's books until this one. Some of the reviews here were not as favorable as I would have expected. The reviewers were disappointed that nothing new had been revealed to them, wrt the mechanics of writing, but so what? I have many books at home dealing with that and can refer to them when needed. My interest in reading How I Write was just to get this particular author's view of the writing life. What motivated her to chose the mystery genre and how she came up with plots for her series of novels about Stephanie Plum. I wasn't at all disappointed in what I read and was actually inspired to get back to my own writing, particularly the advice Miss Evanovich gave to stop working and reworking the first chapter and to move on asap to chapter two. It helped to unstick myself and to move forward. Since finishing this book, I've begun reading the Stephanie Plum books. They are fast paced and quite humorous. I recommend How I Write to anyone who needs a chuckle and a little motivation.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Should be called, "How THEY Write", February 19, 2007
By Lois Lain (San Francisco Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews
  
I was a little disappointed to discover that much of the writing guide part of the book was written by a (relatively) unknown author, Ina something or other. I really expected it to be all Janet Evanovich's work. In fact, in some parts, Ina's tips are contrary to what Janet says she does. Interesting.

If you are looking for an A-to-Z guide to writing a book, this is not it. If you're looking for some great entertaining tidbits about your favorite mystery author, coupled with a few hints on writing, then you might want to give this a try. Parts were very entertaining with the typical Evanovich humor. But I wouldn't say that my writing will improve much as a result of reading this book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Way to Get To Know Janet Evanovich
As far as writing tips go, you will find the usual main advice on putting a story together, plotting, story ideas, setting and atmosphere, dialogue, point of view, etc... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Edie Dykeman

5.0 out of 5 stars Start Here
Best selling author breaks down the ins and outs of writing and the methods she uses to improve your own writing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Dr Adam Weiss

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful - and loads of fun to read!
Evanovich's signature style shines through in this playful, humorous, and extremely useful writing guide. Read more
Published 7 months ago by writer

2.0 out of 5 stars Pretty lightweight
I didn't expect too much from the book, after looking at some of the pages. Still, I thought I might gain something of small value. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Lupus

5.0 out of 5 stars HOW I WRITE: SECRETS OF A BESTSELLER
THANKS FOR YOUR PROMPTNESS IN GETTING THIS TO ME. HOWEVER SINCE MY MOM HAS BEEN SICK AND WITH THE HOLIDAYS I HAVE NOT HAD A CHANCE TO READ BUT LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THIS BOOK.
Published 10 months ago by D. Haney

5.0 out of 5 stars good tips
This book was a easy read and have good tip on how to get started writing. This boook should be in everyone personal library to come back and read over. Read more
Published 11 months ago by D. Quinn

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Practical Tips
Like her novels Evonovich makes this "how to" book fun to read. She gives examples from her Plum series to illustrate the points she makes. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Beth Tierney

5.0 out of 5 stars A great look at the creative process
Janet Evanovich has provided a provocative account of how she goes about creating memorable writing. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Avid Reader

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for that boost of confidence...
I love reading Evanovich's books; so when I found out that she has written a how-to book on writing, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Karin

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong advice for action/adventure writers
This book is full of strong advice for first time novelists
and seasoned authors from a best selling author and creative
writing instructor. Read more
Published 12 months ago by J. Brooks

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