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Stein on Writing

A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies

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Stein on Writing

Written by: Sol Stein
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
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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 bestsellers 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. This is an essential guide for writers at every level.

©1995 Sol Stein (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Writing, Research & Publishing Guides Fiction Nonfiction
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What the critics say

“Stein on Writing is the best book on writing that I have read…The tips, shortcuts, and plentiful examples of good writing versus bad cannot fail to help every writer, no matter at what stage he finds himself.”

(Barnaby Conrad, New York Times bestselling author)

“Offers a banquet of savvy advice...Stein aims not to help his readers wrestle with writerly anguish; rather, he gets on the page, citing examples from writers famous and fledgling, closely analyzing first sentences, creation of character, plotting, and dialogue.”

(Publishers Weekly)

“This book can jump-start anyone’s creativity. Highly recommended for all writing collections.”

(Library Journal)

“[Stein] went over my manuscript with an ifallible eye for the soft spots in my prose, giving me one of the best editorial readinds I've ever had.”

(Lionel Trilling, author of The Middle of the Journey)

“A practical guide for writers by a master editor who has worked with such figures as Dylan Thomas, James Baldwin, and Jack Higgins covers character development, speeding up the pace, applying the Actors Studio Method, and creating suspense and tension.”

(Ingram)
All stars
Most Relevant
I have bought a hard copy to be my writing bibe for upcoming novel 🙃

the Best writing book

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The only Improvement I would have liked to see is more of a pause between chapters. Otherwise it's excellent!

Excellent

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Stein has delivered an excellent manual for both fiction and nonfiction writers. He not only tells you what works, he shows you with examples. Of course the book is colored by his opinions so you may disagree with some of the recommended techniques (sorry, Grisham fans). But pick up the book and you'll pick up a few elegant writing moves.

If you'll get only one book on writing, get this

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I've read a lot of books on writing, but I continue to come back to this one. It's one of those books where you'll pick up something new that changes your game everytime you go through it. It's great to learn from an author who is also an editor. He not only discusses what makes a book incredible to read, but what makes a great title, how to self-edit, and even how to write better non-fiction. #Audible1

My all-time favourite book on writing.

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I’ve read a few books on writing tips and skills, and this one is the absolute bible for it, a must read for anyone who wants to write fiction or non fiction. I took notes, went over some sections multiple times, was given exercises to practice my writing skills, and will return to this book many times more I’m sure!

THE writing guide!

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