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

Wonderful overview of writing from one the best!

This book is a must-listen for any writer that doesn't already know everything- pretty much everyone!

This book will definitely help improve my writing

Mr. Stein exceptional book is full of useful yet practical information that can help all writers. His thoughtful insights are delivered in a manner that is accessible to someone like novice writers. I am sure more experienced could benefit from this book as well. It is a necessary reference guide.

A book that provides good writing skills.

The book provides good strategies and skills to any writer, fiction and non-fiction alike. It will guide you how to avoid common pitfalls, how to improve the text, remove clatter, etc. The downside is that he has a lot of emphasize on fiction writers, for instance, a whole chapter on love scenes, drama, etc. But non fiction writer also gain insights, and will find some parts exciting and helpful.
The important advantage is that Sol Stein in (was?) an editor, and he teaches from an editor's perceptive. It does not help that you and your relatives find the manuscript you write interesting, or exciting if an editor does not, because you will not publish it. Adopting his point of view will not only help you get your book published, but also make it better in any possible way, from title to content, to first page.
Highly recommended.

Eye opening

Each chapter provides with a clear and valuable lesson. The narrator’s exquisite voice does nothing but enhance the insightful content of the book.

Loved it so much I bought the book!

This is a great book and while it is a good audio version, I personally bought the hard copy because all of the examples he offered were so great and I wanted to be able to see them as well as hear them. Overall, I think this is an excellent book on craft and editing for a stronger piece!

Keep it in your arsenal

Chapter by chapter the most complete book I’ve read on the subject. The detail and examples provide a rich view of each item. Extremely helpful, but caution: your imposter syndrome could take a serious tick up the scale. Enjoy!

Excellent!

Extensive guidance and information from character development to plotting. Very detailed info. A valuable reference gyide.

Essential Reading

A no-nonsense approach to writing from an accomplished editor. Probably my favorite book on the craft so far, Better than Bird by Bird in my opinion. With little to no fluff or filler, the suggestions for improving writing are specific and concrete. Fiction and non-fiction are each treated here which helps frame each as a specific form with a specific function. Would make a wonderful textbook for advanced writing study.

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.