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bookjerm's review against another edition
3.0
This book was not as good as The First Five Pages, however, it was helpful at getting the juices flowing for character development and plot. My only problem was the format of the material was written mostly in question after question, which got a bit annoying at times. I think I little more exposition between the long lists of questions would have made this book read more smoothly.
atmorrell's review against another edition
2.0
Another reader wrote a fantastic review of this book that accurately sums up all of my thoughts here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/323957803?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1
But, I do want to add my own comments to reiterate and highlight exactly how I feel.
The author, at the beginning, and at least one other time within the text, warns his readers that he will be only using masculine pronouns for the sake of simplicity. Which, fine. Whatever. Not a big deal. But the multiple disclaimers about only using masculine pronouns felt subtly sexist when he switched to feminine pronouns for things, as the other reviewer pointed out, breast and waist size. Why make such a disclaimer if you are going to break it? And, if you're going to break it, why be so focused on womens' bodies? Completely unnecessary.
I also took umbrage with his statement at the end that fiction cannot be both "emotional" AND "transcendent." Some of English literature's greatest works were both, and in fact an entire genre ("sentimental literature") employed both emotional tension and depth of theme. So, yes--useful advice, but needlessly bogged down by condescension.
But, I do want to add my own comments to reiterate and highlight exactly how I feel.
The author, at the beginning, and at least one other time within the text, warns his readers that he will be only using masculine pronouns for the sake of simplicity. Which, fine. Whatever. Not a big deal. But the multiple disclaimers about only using masculine pronouns felt subtly sexist when he switched to feminine pronouns for things, as the other reviewer pointed out, breast and waist size. Why make such a disclaimer if you are going to break it? And, if you're going to break it, why be so focused on womens' bodies? Completely unnecessary.
I also took umbrage with his statement at the end that fiction cannot be both "emotional" AND "transcendent." Some of English literature's greatest works were both, and in fact an entire genre ("sentimental literature") employed both emotional tension and depth of theme. So, yes--useful advice, but needlessly bogged down by condescension.
patlo's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent resource for fiction writers. Writing prompts, character development thoughts, etc. Well worth having a paper copy on your bookshelf to help you prep or to unstick you.
I borrwed my copy from the library but will be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf soon.
I borrwed my copy from the library but will be buying a physical copy for my bookshelf soon.
thehermit's review against another edition
1.5
some good information, but i was otherwise distracted by the sexism and the weirdly extreme examples he used throughout (domestic abuse, white supremacy, nazis during the Holocaust?). i also looked at his website & his agency and was pretty thoroughly unimpressed.
jtisreading's review against another edition
3.0
There are some helpful ideas within this volume about writing. Most of the writing has been found in other sources in more valuable descriptions. If you love having and obtaining works about writing (like I do) this is worth owning. The first three chapters are primarily a series of questions that might be valuable for reference. I'd recommend a solid readthrough and annotation to take notes from the helpful ideas that can be gleaned from the work so five years later you don't have to read again because ultimately the work is boring and top-layer of information.
aira_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Borrowed from the library but am tempted to buy my own copy. Each chapter is useful
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
I really found this helpful. The reminder is to keep your focus on the character, and that will create your plot. Some of the questions didn't really apply to my situation (writing fantasy, not a modern setting), but I could see what the point was.
bartendm's review against another edition
4.0
A helpful guide to beginners. I really liked his emphasis on using characters to build plot.
hannahsmanyhobbies's review against another edition
2.0
Not the best advice....but thats just me. It sounded borin gin tone of voice.