Stein on Writing

A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies

By: Sol Stein

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether newcomers or accomplished professionals. As Sol Stein, renowned editor, author, and instructor, explains, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions, how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from his best sellers as well as aspiring students' writing, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, liposuctioning flab, the "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

©1995 Sol Stein (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Excellent material for writers

I loved the content and performance. I wish I had found this when I first started writing.

Tons of useful advice

Where does Stein on Writing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This book kept me from reinventing the wheel. The audio format was useful.

What does Christopher Lane bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I felt like I was at one of Sol's writers clinics.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?
People read to escape; don't bore them with the mundane.

Any additional comments?
I think my writing has improved after listening to this treatise.

great

well written and performed. hopefully it will improve my writing :-). I enjoyed it and will go out and buy the

New writer

Comprehensive book for all writers. Very long but really a very useful handbook for anyone wanting to master the craft of writing.

Everything you need to be a successful writer is in this book.

Stein covers all aspects of writing in his best selling book. I especially like the checklist to use when revising your work, because it goes over everything he teaches in the book. Stein goes into great detail about characters, plot, particulars, diction, flab, getting published and so much more. If you follow the guidance of Stein you will be a successful writer. A must have book for every writer. Sort of like an encyclopedia or guide to writing. Definitely one to have on your shelf to refer to at anytime.

The best book to authors (especially fiction)

Simply the best book I've read on the craft off writing (and I've read dozens).

A writer’s guide to artistry

Mr. Stein is a must in any writers arsenal. His knowledge is all encompassing and no matter what your level of writing, your finished pages will benefit from this. My next step is to find and purchase a hardcopy for continued reference and accessibility.

I won’t bore you with my words except to say: he is a master of how one can make words come to life. He doesn’t stop there though, he details the process to getting finished writings to publishers and bookshelves.

Mr. Stein, thank you!

Golden Content -Tinny Audio

Will be listening to this many times, but thank the makers of aftermarket bass boosting equalizer software. I would have stopped assaulting my ears with the high-treble recording early in the reading had I not enhanced it with such a product.

The high value the content provides deserves a more expert ear in the final recorded product than that which this amazing guidebook received.

Had to Stop Driving to Make Notes!

This great, inspiring book kept me entertained on several lengthy road trips. I write for a living, but the writing I do isn't the only type of writing I want to do. Stein's book re-ignited my latent desire to work on my novel. The content is excellent, entertaining and informative.

I only recommend that you pull over to jot down the notes that you WILL want to make while listening. Listening and jotting while driving is dangerous ;o)

A Must Read

Stein slams you with example after example of good writing. The book holds you because it's interesting. All of a sudden you realize, 'I got this as a handbook to help with my writing,' and you go back to what he has presented so entertainingly to dissect nugget after valuable nugget of writing advice. This is an author who has written successful novels, plays and non-fiction. To top it off he has authored software for writing fiction, edited books of well known authors such as Jack Higgins and led a successful publishing firm. Beginning with the first paragraphs until you finish the book you encounter a unique situation of a successful critic, editor, writer and observer employing all his skills in the writing of this book.