How I Write

Secrets of a Best-Selling Author

By: Janet Evanovich, Ina Yalof

Narrated by: Janet Evanovich, Ina Yalof, Alex Evanovich

Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

How many people would kill to be a bestselling novelist? Especially one like Janet Evanovich.

Writers want to know how a bestselling author thinks, writes, plans, and dreams her books. And they are primed for a book from Janet Evanovich that tells, in a witty Q&A format:
- How she comes up with such remarkable characters
- How she nails the perfect name every time
- How she finds out insider details
- Just how she sets up those masterful plots
- What the life of a full-time writer is really like
- What she'd tell an aspiring author about the publishing industry
- And much, much more!

This book details the elements of writing and publishing a novel, and addresses all categories of fiction-from mystery/thriller/action titles to romance; from stand-alone narratives to series. It offers practical and inspiring advice on such subjects as structuring a plot and handling rejection. And it combines one of today's most successful fiction writers with a published non-fiction writer in Ina Yalof who teaches creative fiction. HOW I WRITE is the perfect reference for anyone looking to improve their writing, and for those fans who are hungry to find out more about just how Janet Evanovich ticks.

©2006 Evanovich, Inc (P)2006 Audio Renaissance, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

GREAT MOTIVATION

I have been working on a book for a while now and had lost most of my motivation to continue. Listening to this (in the mornings during my commute) has encouraged me to get back on track.
I love Janet's books and now having the insight into her thought processes enhances the experience even that much more !

Great tips, Great examples

I've never read or listened to any of Janet's books, and this was nonetheless a great listen. She weaves her own reflections with those of her agent (I think) and her daughter, who manages her website, to discuss not only writing, but publishing, and issues around both. She includes samples of her writing to illustrate what she's talking about. So while I'm sure the Janet fans enjoyed this, any aspiring writer will too. ...And if you like this, you'll love Stephen King's book, On Writing, too.

Good writing advice, but kind of Q&A style

Evanovich shares her experience as a writer through a mechanism of answering write-in questions. There's not a lot of substance here. Most of this advice has been given by others. If you're an aspiring writer or Evanovich fan, you won't be disappointed.

A Great Resource

I had never read a Janet Evanovich book, but I'd like to write so I purchased this item. It held my attention with humor and provided me with the answers to my questions about writing and publishing a book that I thought I'd never get answered. This book provided more information than any other book on writing I have purchased so I consider it a great resource.

Straight Forward & Down-To-Earth

I love genre fiction and this book showcases some of the life, learnings, and anecdotes of one of genre fiction's best selling authors. I would recommend this to "serious" literary writers and readers, but it really is geared towards those who enjoy reading and writing genre fiction.

Okay FAQ

Evanovich has some interesting insights into the process of writing. I particularly enjoyed learing about the development of her characters. The book however, is basically a FAQ from her website.

I really can learn from others!

I loved this book. It was witty and technically sophisticated. It spoke to both halves of my brain. In the first two chapters I picked up two really valuable pointers about plot and character development that I have already put to good use. Further, I know that as I continue to write and to review my writing that I will find many more cogent and timely jewels in this book. I highly recommend it to everyone -- be they a beginner, someone looking for a publishing house manuscript in hand, or Dan Brown.

writing secrets

Jannet write from the point of view of an author of adult fiction for women. It's a great introduction to writing and a nice easy listen. I didn't feel like I learned anything new, but it was nice to have her confirm what I already new.

How I Write: Secrets of a Best-Selling Author

Would you try another book from Janet Evanovich and Ina Yalof and/or the narrators?

I love her novels but would not try another one about how she writes...

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Personal background was intersting.

Do you think How I Write needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No - there really wasn't much helpful info in this one, as the book title sounds like it would be geared for budding authors to read. While it was entertainging, there weren't large passages of helpful ideas or suggestions - mostly anectodes. Fun, but not what I hoped for.

Narrator voice grating

I listen to a lot of audio books most have nice soothing voices and are pleasant to listen to but I could hardly listen to this narrator she had a high pitch gravel like voice. I cant even describe it. It was so irritating I couldn't really concentrate on the content.