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

Great advice for fiction and nonfiction writers

I can tell by the examples he draws upon that a great deal of thought went into this work. And he doesn't speak down to his audience.

Invaluable

This is a fantastic read for any aspiring writer or a writer trying to build or improve their craft.

Excellent and very hands on

An absolutely fantastic book. Very inspiring. And because Sol Stein clearly knows all the techniques, it is a very engaging read, despite being a tool.

Indispensable for writers

I am a professional writer - which is to say I have had a few books traditionally published that sold a total of a few thousand copies. Obviously no bestsellers, nor have I been able to quit my day job. My point is, I know a bit about writing AND YET this book was fantastically revealing. I have read a number of other books about how to write well and this is the best by far. Stein demystifies what makes for good writing, what makes for bad writing, and places tools in my hand that I can use right now.

My future books and screenplays will be better for having read this book.

One of the very best

This is one of the absolute best books on writing. Ever. If you are looking for guidance and advice, this is the book for you. It's just classic and old-school, no BS informative. I've read it three times. And listened to it twice.

Helpful Book for Your Tool Kit

This was a long, often boring book that I will need to listen to again to absorb more of its goodness. There are many useful tips; however, I would recommend getting this book in print to more easily retrieve the golden nuggets.

great advanced tips for plotting and characters

Good chapter layout, explanations, examples. Stays on topic and explains how to approach plot structure in many ways

Really Quite Exceptional

I have read and listened to many books on writing and this is by far and away among the best. I do not give 5 stars to any book lightly. Stein is an excellent writer and teacher. If you want to improve your writing, you won't find anything much better than this - it is equal to "On Writing" by William Zissnar and "The Elements of Style

Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.

I've already listened to this three times, and I will undoubtedly listen to it again. One of four essential writing guides, and the best of the four. In fact, it's the best one I've ever read.

Ever.

You may also want "Steal this Plot", "The Power of Point of View" and "Writer's Guide to Character Traits". If you are interested in writing in the romance genre, then "How to Write Romances" by Phyllis T. Pianka is also veryworthwhile.

Unfortunately, that's about it as far as actual techniques and discussion of the craft of writing. Everything else I've seen has been a popular discussion for folks who do not write and who are clueless about the publishing process. If you are a writer who wants to learn how to improve your writing with concrete techniques, this is the book for you.

Worth It

Unlike other "...those who can't, teach" books on writing, Stein's book is packed with useful, tangible information that can help just about any writer. This book is primarily geared towards fiction writers, but non-fiction writers will benefit as well. (And as Stein points out, non-fiction writers that don't have a novel stashed away some place are few and far between.) Stein explains how text looks from a editor's/publisher's point of view and in my opinion, he explains why a lot of "good" writing doesn't sell.