$30 Writing School [With CD-ROM]

Reading this book felt like something from The Matrix. A download of necessary information and it's over before you know it. Dean's style of writing makes it easy to follow as he lays out what to do, and what not to do, when embarking on your own written projects. The end result is an enjoyable learning experience. I can't wait to read the rest of the $30 series.

I read the book "$30 Writing School" by Micahel W. Dean while driving from Minneapolis to Denver. Well, actually, I was passengering and my husband was driving. I picked it up because I have started writing for our small town newspaper, and I wanted to improve my skills and abilities, and as every English major known to man, I dream of writing a novel some day. I couldn't stop reading. Not only was it a great read and entertaining, it was full of good information. My $30 bucks was well spent and I plan to spend some more on "$30 Music School" for my husband. I have added not only writing skill to my arsenal, but also marketing and productions skills as well.

Reading Michael Dean's $30 series of books is like going to a smart, interesting friend that knows a lot about a subject and saying "Tell me what I need to know about (X)". In this case (X) =writing , and the book in question is "$30 Writing School." The book covers an overview of grammar and spelling. It covers software, and the way it's used professionally. The book covers the do's and don'ts of inquiries, outlines, and actual writing, with a eye towards publication. Michael tells you exactly how he did it, in interesting anecdotal detail. It `s not easy to write what is essentially a technical manual in a way that is personally revealing, but that is the unique quality found in Michael Dean's non-fiction. When I want an overview of a subject, I want an expert with an opinion. I want someone smart and knowledgeable to tell me, "Do this, then do this, don't do this, avoid this". After I gain knowledge and experience, of course, I can draw my own conclusions. After reading this book, I had all the basic knowledge I needed to write a book proposal, solicit it for publication, and to make sure I had an understanding of the structure and process involved in every aspect of actually writing the book. Michael does it in a conversational tone, filled with examples of personal experience, that is truly entertaining . I found myself amused and interested to the point that I would forget that I was actually obtaining knowledge as well. Another unique aspect of Michael Dean's non-fiction writing is that there is a strong philosophical undercurrent, and this book is no exception. The written word is the most powerful tool for initiating change that the world has ever known. It can inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. $30 Writing School reminds us of this, and Michael Dean's words themselves inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. The book addresses the specifics but it never looses sight of the big picture which, oddly, is a rarity in instructional writing. The books tells us HOW to write, but it reminds us of WHY we write as well.

Lots of good info here...some things you may not have thought of while going about your writing career. The CD ROM has a lot of goodies on it too that you will use. Inspiring and well-written.