you need

If you own only two or three books on writing in your whole life, then this should be at least one of them. It's been around a couple of years, but nothing is better. The narration is amazing. The reader even chuckles at a few parts because of the funny quotes. Honestly, one of the most well-narrated books I've ever read. You'll see once you start listening to it. You'll feel like the dude is sitting next to you in the car.

3 people found this helpful

Mostly grammar recommendations

There was a nugget or two in here but this is a book dedicated to the craft of writing, not the craft of developing a story. I expected guidance on what content to put in the first five pages rather than how to line edit any pages. This also seems to focus entirely on literary pursuits without comment on how things are different in genre and age categories.

1 person found this helpful

Helpful for this beginner

I found this book to be immensely helpful. The craft of writing can be daunting but insights given in this book uncovers many of the necessary skills I need to master to become a successful writer.

Good for understanding common mistakes

Overall I found this book useful in understanding the common mistakes writers make. The author has a bit of a nasty attitude at times toward writers who make these mistakes. Also, the author projects some negativity into the reader that the reader may not have. But despite this negativity, the lessons are valuable and from what I can tell, can not be found anywhere else. So listen for the lessons and take the attitude with a grain of salt.

Advanced writing advice

This is a great book that deals with how you can make the writing itself more beautiful. There are very few books that teach that. From metaphor to setting to pacing, you will learn how to be a better writer overall, and it will show in your first five pages.