erothoniel's review against another edition
3.0
So. It took me a long time to read this so called complete guide of fantasy writing, mainly due to taking huge breaks while reading something more entertaining.
Nothing really bad to say about this book, really. It covers all the basics, I guess. Has some tips and tricks, references all around internetz that may be outdated now, but still good start for one's research.
Some things I did know already, some seemed rather from Captain Obvious arsenal.
Some of the authors wrote in an annoying style, making somewhat silly jokes that didn't sound as intended. Some did some patronizing.
Overall though, it is a good start for anyone's research and first knowledge-gathering in the world of writing. Of course, I may still change my mind, as I do dive deeper myself, but it was not a complete waste.
Nothing really bad to say about this book, really. It covers all the basics, I guess. Has some tips and tricks, references all around internetz that may be outdated now, but still good start for one's research.
Some things I did know already, some seemed rather from Captain Obvious arsenal.
Some of the authors wrote in an annoying style, making somewhat silly jokes that didn't sound as intended. Some did some patronizing.
Overall though, it is a good start for anyone's research and first knowledge-gathering in the world of writing. Of course, I may still change my mind, as I do dive deeper myself, but it was not a complete waste.
serukis's review
4.0
This is a collection of essays on the art of writing fantasy, exploring topics such as character creation, world-building, writing fight sequences, and religion.
I found the essays in this book to be very helpful and it made me think a lot about my own creation and writing process, and also gave me some ideas on how to move forward. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on religion, as it made me think a lot more about how my world's religions are structures and the reasons why they are that way.
Published in 2002, there are a few bits and references that date it, but the advice is still relevant and useful today. If you are writing fantasy, this is a good collection of knowledge. It's the first in a three book series, and I definitely will be reading the other two.
Recommended.
I found the essays in this book to be very helpful and it made me think a lot about my own creation and writing process, and also gave me some ideas on how to move forward. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on religion, as it made me think a lot more about how my world's religions are structures and the reasons why they are that way.
Published in 2002, there are a few bits and references that date it, but the advice is still relevant and useful today. If you are writing fantasy, this is a good collection of knowledge. It's the first in a three book series, and I definitely will be reading the other two.
Recommended.
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