5 out of 5, it couldn’t be better!
Key Aspects…
- Case Studies
- Writing Exercises
- Clarity on HOW to do Each Part
I bought this book after having it recommended by a writing friend, & I have to say that it has been the most beneficial book I have ever read about writing. I own numerous books entitled ‘How to Write’ & ‘How to get Published’ but none of them seem to have that spark that makes everything so clear. There are only so many times one can read about story structure & character development before shutting off.
Lisa Cron has taken this vague & very much unhelpful set of writing gospel & transformed them into something that you can actually physically see working in front of you. Not only does she explain aspects of story writing that I have not read about before, but she provides case studies & gives a little ‘Activity’ at the bottom of each chapter.
The advice she gives is tangible & capable of bending to whatever sort of fiction novel you may be writing. I already had a mostly finished draft when I bought this book & I was originally concerned that it would not work the same if we weren’t taking it right from the beginning – I was wrong. This book is a deep well of knowledge that I am so glad I delved into.
Her activities have made all of my thoughts & attempts so much clearer than they were before. I now have answers to those questions that you just know someone will ask when you mention writing a book. It makes everything that little bit easier – Lisa Cron shows you what people respond to in stories [not always what you think] & how to weave that into your forming masterpiece to add a splash of colour.
I would never attempt to write a book again without this book’s input. It has given me new belief & confidence in myself & my writing capabilities. It can do the same for you.
Cron covers the WHY, the MESSAGE & MEANING in your story; getting the initial fledgling IDEA down on paper; what is at STAKE & how to portray why we should CARE about those stakes.
All in all this book has become my life ring, my bible & I wouldn’t go anywhere without it again. Every time I open it there is something more for me to take away. It is one of the few books I own, that is covered in post it notes and tabs, because there’s always at least one thing I wish to remember from each chapter. It is in my handbag permanently, along with whatever fiction I happen to be reading.
You can find Lisa Cron’s brilliance here & her other book Wired For Story here!
Which books or references do you rely on as your story compass? Let me know in the comments below! I would LOVE some recommendations.
S. M. MITCHELL 