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

So glad I listened

This book is like sitting through an interesting college course in writing. My bookcases and hard-drive is full of books on writing. I have to say that this book has been the most helpful so far. Sol Stein made me think of P.O.V. and suspense differently. I highly recommend this book to anyone that would like to improve their writing. I do admit that at times it is hard to swallow Stein's ego, the worst for me is the "Thou Shall" stuff at the end, but the techniques he teaches are priceless.

No Small Thing

This is not a book that you will say you have heard before. This book is one that you will say you need to hear again.

For any writer, Stein's words will be like gold. I only wish he would speak of grammar.

E.B. Whites, Elements of Style could very well be right next to this (aside from length).

So good I'm listening again

Excellent information, clearly presented. This not only helped me improve what I have already written but also sparked new ideas to keep me writing new material. I'm going to listen again right now.

Food for Thought

I've read them all - oh my god, I've read them all - and Mr. Stein's book (accompanied by the easy sounding Mr. Lane) is the best of them.

/don't even bother trying to torrent it, the WHOLE thing is not out there. I know.

outstanding

Even if you never intend to write a book, you will read books differently from understanding the process. Stein is a literary genius.

WRITING

Sol Stein’s book, narrated by Christopher Lane, offers a road map to readers and writers.

Readers/Listeners/Writers will find the crossroads of commercial and literary success in "Stein on Writing". Not all literary classics are commercially successful and not all commercially successful books are literary classics.

Stein’s book is a writer’s road map. Stein’s map reveals where a story begins, which roads to follow, and where a story ends. He explains how to write action-ably.

Sol notes that a good writer is emoting readers. A good writer wants the reader to feel a character's emotion. To Stein, a good writer does not tell the reader what to think. Stein wants the writer to make the reader feel what the character feels. On Stein’s map, this is the beginning of good story telling.

Think about Charles Dickens and "David Copperfield" and how a reader becomes invested in David's life; i.e. how David's sad and happy feelings invest in the reader's emotions.

Stein explains the craft of writing is a store owner’s job; always there because he/she owns the business.
Write every day.
Rewrite every day.
Use the dictionary.
Use the thesaurus.
Look for the perfect word that precisely defines the meaning of the idea.
Strive for perfection by finding the right hook to begin a report, a book, or story; keep striving with each paragraph.

Stein offers more and says it better. This is a book for the reference shelf; to be read; to be listened to; again and again.

If you're a writer, you need this book!

What made the experience of listening to Stein on Writing the most enjoyable?

How he shows the right and wrong way to approach things

What other book might you compare Stein on Writing to and why?

On Writing Well, because it helps a writer to improve his or her voice.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not yet

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Stein on Writing?

How to create proper suspense and tension.

Any additional comments?

Every writer should have this book!

OMG THANK YA SWEET BABY JESUS FOR THIS BOOK!!

I’m only a third way of the through but my goodness, this book is the best I’ve read on writing. Look no further!

It's a must read/listen

Where does Stein on Writing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's the best book I ever read about the craft of writing.

What did you like best about this story?

He gives amazing tips about the use of language to emote.

What about Christopher Lane’s performance did you like?

The narrator did a perfect job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I indeed listened in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

Didn't like the lack of transition between the chapters (I would prefer to have some seconds between then).

No better book for writers - a masterwork.

What made the experience of listening to Stein on Writing the most enjoyable?

The narrator was excellent. The content was technical, but user friendly. In enjoyed the anecdotes of writers who span multiple generations. What a delightful book! As a newbie writer, I learned more from this Master Editor than I have from many of the

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stein on Writing?

The whole book was excellent.

Which character – as performed by Christopher Lane – was your favorite?

Since this was not a non-fictional work, there were no separate character performances.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Stein on Writing?

I've become a more discriminating reader and, hopefully, a better writer.

Any additional comments?

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who aspires to become a good writer or anyone who would like to become a more critical reader. Thank you Sol Stein for a masterpiece.