Stein on Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies

Any aspiring writer looking to start a library of essential writing books should make Sol Stein's "Stein on Writing" the cornerstone of that library. It captures the craft better than any ten other writing books and does so in a manner that other books do not: it gets to the point.No review can capture the essence of the book perfectly because the author is so multitalented. As an editor, author, publisher, and book doctor, Stein brings a wealth of wisdom. His greatest skill, though, is cutting through the drivel other books peddle by telling writers what really will take their work to the next level. For instance, his chapter on pacing techniques is unique to all the writing books I've encountered. If you want to know how to cut the flab from your work, Stein gives the best advice you'll find. His recommendations on particularity are especially helpful, and just another of the essential writing tools that others gloss over. Few writing books discuss the importance of choosing an appropriate title for one's work, and again, Stein gives stellar advice. Chapter after chapter is filled with sage solutions to every writer's problems.The best thing about "Stein on Writing" is that the advice is timeless. Stein himself shows how his answers aren't new, but go back to Hemingway, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and Melville. This creates a sense of fraternity that gives the new writer the courage and hope to press on. The best thing that can be said about this book is that right after reading a chapter you want to rush to your computer and get to work.The most deserving of five stars of any book on writing I've read, "Stein on Writing" is the best book on the subject you'll find. Essential reading.

Do you want your characters to live and breathe, see, smell, touch, love, hate?Do you want your plot to MOVE?Do want to set the hook in readers on the first page and hold them through to the end?Do you want dialog that supports each character's character, that adds drama to your story?Do you want to show rather than tell?Do you want to get the flab out of your writing?If your answer on any of the above is "yes", get "Stein on Writing". You'll find, too, that I've only scratched the surface of what's in it. Sol Stein knows what he's talking about here. And he doesn't waste a word, which is why this huge book is only 300 pages. I read it in a day but I'll never be through with it -- here it sits, open, at my left elbow, marked up something awful.I applied the advice in this little book to a "finished" manuscript that had been professionally edited, it had received valuable input from some fine readers, and I was satisfied that it was as good as I could get it. Now, a month after Stein dropped in the story is 20 percent shorter and there is more to it.I write non-fiction as well, and it's going to be a lot better from here on out because Stein covers that, too.I don't care who you are, I'll bet you 50 cents this book will improve your writing.

When you go to your local bookstore, you'll see dozens...no, hundreds of books on writing. And, believe me, I think I've read them all. So when I picked up Sol's "Stein On Writing," I didn't think it could tell me anything new. I was wrong. This not only has a ton of useful information for writers of all levels, it is also beautifully structured and presented. The cliche happens to be true: this is one book that should be on every writer's shelf. Openings, dialogue, transistions, characterization, point of view, it's all covered here. All presented by a guy who knows what he's talking about. Thanks Sol.

Sol Stein knows his stuff when it comes to writing, but this isn't just another dry writing reference. You'll find a wealth of writer's secrets between these pages, all written in an easy, readable style.I was so enthralled by some of the methods provided here--from The Crucible to The Actor's Studio Method--that I promptly plunked myself down at the keyboard and started writing something just to test drive the concepts.Stein On Writing will probably prove more useful to the advanced beginner than the starry-eyed newbie, but I do believe this book belongs in every writer's library.