Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft

David Morrell's name may not sound familiar, but his works should spark recognition. Rambo. Brotherhood of the Rose. If you haven't read them, you may have seen or heard of the Rambo movies or TV miniseries. Who can forget Sylvester Stallone as Rambo in his black headband with his exposed sweaty muscular chest holding a machine gun with fury?Impressive background aside, the knowledge that Morrell imparts is educational and constructive. He tells the story of the writer, Sterling Silliphant of Route 66, who influenced Morrell's career in writing. A story like that sounds dull, but Morrell tells it in a simple and gripping way like the rest of the book.Morrell provides lessons on literary techniques: plots, structure, and voice. His technique of talking to himself and questioning every aspect of a story is a remarkably easy way to ensure the words and story have purpose. Most writers don't have time to go to a writer's conference or take a class. This book is a class in itself without the annoying "how to" style of writing. I read this book over a period of several months, absorbing one chapter at a time. Reading it slowly was like getting a mini-lesson each reading session.Not only does he offers tips on smarter dialogue and overcoming writer's block, but he also talks about the business of writing and what to do when a book is published. "Getting Published and the Business of Writing" alone is worth the price of the book. Every writer who publishes a book will benefit from this chapter. Whether or not one is interested in screenwriting, the chapter on movies is a humorous adventure as Morrell dives into the red tape-like process for getting Hollywood to bring a book alive on the silver screen. Think writers whose books get Hollwoodified are rich? Think again as Morrell walks through the steps of where all the money goes and it ain't in the writer's pocket. The genre of Rambo movies isn't my thing, but I'm Morrell's fan after spending time with this book. He's inspiring.

Anyone who's spoken at length with David Morrell knows him to beinsightful, and seldom lacking for amusing anecdotes. The engaging former professor is a learned man, eager to impart the benefits of his considerable wealth of knowledge and experience to those who are interested.In keeping with his reflective nature and his instinctive desire to educate, Morrell has penned a useful and entertaining combination memoir and self help book called LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING: A NOVELIST LOOKS AT HIS CRAFT. In its pages, Morrell taps four decades of writing experience for the benefit of aspiring writers. He thoroughly explores boththe act and the business of writing, methodically covering the basics of everything from plot construction to contract negotiation. Morrell truly believes that there is no such thing as a stupid question, as he painstakingly answers many inquiries that most writers impatiently dismiss out of hand. A good example is the oft asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" a question that seems to cause many writers physical pain. Alwaysthe patient educator, Morrell takes the question seriously, detailing the method by which he transforms a kernel of an idea into an engrossing plot.It's this attitude that distinguishes LESSONS from other writing guides, making this user-friendly tome an invaluable addition to anyone's library. Not so much a "How To" as it is a "How I" book, it provides insights into a working writer's mind and habits, showing how one author tackles problems and overcomes challenges. There is great inspiration and encouragement here for practicing writers and plenty of intriguing particulars for those who are merely fascinated by the writing process.

I've been a published novelist for over a decade and David Morrell's book still managed to teach me things I didn't know about my craft. His style is personable, his anecdotes delightful, and his insight and instruction invaluable to anyone interested in writing and publishing. He boldly and bluntly begins by addressing the big question: WHY do you want to be a writer? Answer that one correctly, then get to work with the help of this terrific book.

This is not a traditional "how to," with step by step instruction. Don't look for that here. Rather, this is like getting to sit down for an evening with a real pro, and have him share the most important things he's learned over the years.It is encouraging, even for published writers. I am comforted by the fact that Morrell still gets the "shivers" at the start of any project. And knows that there is a way out. You'll find all sorts of nuggets you can put to use.Morrell has proven his stuff, by writing books that try to do a little more than the traditional thriller conventions. Thanks, David, for your voice, and for this book.

David Morrell has presented us with a book about writing that tells the truth about the craft and business of writing. Like many books on writing, he tackles the basics of plot, character, point of view, and description, but his explanations are superior to most books of this type. Because his examples come from his experience writing novels (and screenplays), he shares his personal difficulties along the way. His discussion of point of view, particularly when to use first person or not, is among the best I've seen. I loved his discussion of the financial aspects of writing where he states the real dollars you can expect-not the fantasies so many writers have of getting rich. Some laughter here, too, about his experiences with Hollywood.If you're in the middle of writing a novel, stuck on a block, or considering starting a novel, you'll find LESSONS FROM A LIFETIME OF WRITING readable, inspirational, and practical.~review by Joan Mazza, author of Dream Back Your Life; Dreaming Your Real Self; and 3 books in The Guided Journal Series with Writer's Digest/Walking Stick Press.