Reviews
The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises by James Scott Bell
tamaralgage1's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book and the format. If you or someone you know wants to be a writer, make this book a gift. It has many different tips in suggestion for the budding author in us all. LOVED IT !!!
briannadasilva's review against another edition
Lots of practical stuff in here for traditional publishing (querying, finding an agent, etc.) that I will definitely be returning to when I'm ready for that.
As with all books on writing, I find much of it to be subjective. Some things here were helpful, some things not. Every writer has their own approach; you have to take the advice that sticks and ignore the advice that that doesn't work for you.
Overall, worth reading, but didn't blow me away.
As with all books on writing, I find much of it to be subjective. Some things here were helpful, some things not. Every writer has their own approach; you have to take the advice that sticks and ignore the advice that that doesn't work for you.
Overall, worth reading, but didn't blow me away.
shiradest's review against another edition
5.0
This has been a very helpful book, as soon as the interlibrary loan system is back up, the librarians promise me that I shall have a copy of it again.
amandagstevens's review against another edition
3.0
The usefulness of this book depends on how many craft books one has read before. Some of these tips are nothing new (backstory and how not to use it, character inner conflict, foreshadowing the plot), and many of them aren't too deep. They can't be, since each "chapter" is more of a blog-post-length quick tip. But just as I started thinking thus, I would read something like the chapter on story and redemption and simply have to share it with writer friends.
One small issue--learn point of view elsewhere. Some of this book's POV tips (as well as the rewritten "better" example from the Warm Up Third Person chapter) would make Browne and King cringe ([b:Self-Editing for Fiction Writers|180467|Self-Editing for Fiction Writers How to Edit Yourself Into Print|Renni Browne|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356023889s/180467.jpg|1283228]).
Most of the third section, Strategy (i.e. writing as a business) contains advice easily Googled: how to write a query letter, how to write a synopsis, how to behave like a professional so agents at conferences don't avoid you. However, for those to whom query letters are still a terrifying wilderness, this overview will be helpful and hopefully fortifying.
The points with the greatest use for me personally were several writing method innovations (especially the writer's notebook), the encouragement sections, and the quotes/stories of respected writers, from Faulkner to King.
Three-and-a-half stars. These and other gems are now highlighted in my copy: "Redemption is bound up in choice," "[Readers] read to worry," "speed in the opening is a matter of disturbance, not high levels of action." Good stuff.
One small issue--learn point of view elsewhere. Some of this book's POV tips (as well as the rewritten "better" example from the Warm Up Third Person chapter) would make Browne and King cringe ([b:Self-Editing for Fiction Writers|180467|Self-Editing for Fiction Writers How to Edit Yourself Into Print|Renni Browne|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356023889s/180467.jpg|1283228]).
Most of the third section, Strategy (i.e. writing as a business) contains advice easily Googled: how to write a query letter, how to write a synopsis, how to behave like a professional so agents at conferences don't avoid you. However, for those to whom query letters are still a terrifying wilderness, this overview will be helpful and hopefully fortifying.
The points with the greatest use for me personally were several writing method innovations (especially the writer's notebook), the encouragement sections, and the quotes/stories of respected writers, from Faulkner to King.
Three-and-a-half stars. These and other gems are now highlighted in my copy: "Redemption is bound up in choice," "[Readers] read to worry," "speed in the opening is a matter of disturbance, not high levels of action." Good stuff.
court_of_stars's review against another edition
5.0
Insights on topics I didn't even know that I didn't know. Game changer books are my favorite.
Full review @ https://shethinks23.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-art-of-war-forwriters-by-james.html
Full review @ https://shethinks23.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-art-of-war-forwriters-by-james.html
jlennidorner's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the style of this book. There are several writing exercises I enjoyed trying out. I wouldn’t suggest it as a first how-to book on writing, but when you’ve read a few and put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) a few times, this is a good one to ignite the spark.
thediaryofanauthorintraining's review against another edition
4.0
A Book for those who want to take their writing more seriously. Great for working out how to get your writer life together and and how you can improve your story
sdramsey's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this slim volume, although if you have read a lot of other books/articles on writing, you may not find much new here. Still, its organization and modelling on The Art of War is interesting and there are numerous nuggets of good advice, particularly on a topic which many new writers can use--dealing with others in a professional manner. Definitely recommended for aspiring writers, and even those more seasoned may find the style and content helpful.