30 review for Art & Craft of Writing Fiction: Secret Advice for Writers

1. 

   4 out of 5

   Carrie Mitchell – Jan 23, 2019

   Snappy and useful A collection of blog posts, this "how to" guide is anything but the usual stoicism offered by other guides. Although a short book, it offers many pointers, examples and reasons, giving the reader enough clues to pick up and research in greater depth where they choose to. Packed with wry humour and no nonsense examples of what does or doesn't constitute a good (or bad) attitude towards a career in writing, it's brutally honest and refreshingly so. By itself it's a decent checklis Snappy and useful A collection of blog posts, this "how to" guide is anything but the usual stoicism offered by other guides. Although a short book, it offers many pointers, examples and reasons, giving the reader enough clues to pick up and research in greater depth where they choose to. Packed with wry humour and no nonsense examples of what does or doesn't constitute a good (or bad) attitude towards a career in writing, it's brutally honest and refreshingly so. By itself it's a decent checklist, but used as a basis for further study, it allows a reader to shed egotistical notions and get on with discovering the reality of hard work as a professional writer. If you're a hobby writer with romantic ideas about flourishing a fancy quill beside a crackling log fire, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're serious - really serious - about writing for a living, then be prepared to examine yourself through a magnifying glass and give this book a chance.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Kevin Legge – Dec 25, 2018

   Very nice This collection of advice and tips is one of the better ones that I have read. It's very knowledgeable and informative, and I quickly read through the entire book. Now, I plan on reading it again at a more leisurely pace. Very nice This collection of advice and tips is one of the better ones that I have read. It's very knowledgeable and informative, and I quickly read through the entire book. Now, I plan on reading it again at a more leisurely pace.

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Jeremy – Apr 29, 2019

   Good Advice! This author gives (what I believe) is good advice, with some silly wit, and well formatted. I found it easy to read, and will probably read it again. I will probably read more by this author.

4. 

   4 out of 5

   shaza hamid – Aug 05, 2020

   Great book Great book to read with good tips on writing a book. Easy to read and Did not take a long time to read.

5. 

   5 out of 5

   Jeffmusings – Jul 13, 2018

   Awful Awful This is the worst book on writing craft I’ve ever read. Not only was the advice nonspecific, it was pointless. What a waste of money and time. Don’t buy it.

6. 

   5 out of 5

   Leanne Hunt – Feb 01, 2016

   Victoria Mixon is a writer I have long admired for her blog posts, but this was the first book I have read by her. I guess I was afraid that an entire book on the craft of writing would be too overwhelming, making me feel daunted rather than motivating me to aspire to better quality in my work. Well, this short book reassured me. Nixon’s approach is warm and encouraging. She shares tips from her wide writing experience in a friendly manner, and the reader is left feeling well equipped to tackle Victoria Mixon is a writer I have long admired for her blog posts, but this was the first book I have read by her. I guess I was afraid that an entire book on the craft of writing would be too overwhelming, making me feel daunted rather than motivating me to aspire to better quality in my work. Well, this short book reassured me. Nixon’s approach is warm and encouraging. She shares tips from her wide writing experience in a friendly manner, and the reader is left feeling well equipped to tackle the next writing or revision project. I particularly appreciated the sections on plot structure and theme. The leading questions supplied by the author invite deep reflection on the part of the reader who has already come up with or fleshed out her idea. We get to grapple with what we really want to say, how we really want to say it and who we want to impact with our work. Because the book is short, it lends itself to rereading, which is definitely something I will do. I recommend the book to all writers who want to improve their craft and are afraid, like I was, that turning to the experts might lead to an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.

7. 

   4 out of 5

   Elizabeth Houseman – Aug 22, 2016

   This book is compiled of blog posts on writing, the writing life, etc. While most of what Mixon wrote was true, I'm not sure it was exactly groundbreaking. Everything she said was correct--surprise the reader, make the story memorable, make sure the hook is strong--but she never said how to actually get all of those good things in a novel. Some may find this book helpful, but I found it a little frustrating. It would've been great if she had elaborated her key points more extensively. This book is compiled of blog posts on writing, the writing life, etc. While most of what Mixon wrote was true, I'm not sure it was exactly groundbreaking. Everything she said was correct--surprise the reader, make the story memorable, make sure the hook is strong--but she never said how to actually get all of those good things in a novel. Some may find this book helpful, but I found it a little frustrating. It would've been great if she had elaborated her key points more extensively.

8. 

   5 out of 5

   Pat Stanford – Oct 04, 2016

   Good, quick read Since I reserve five stars for books I want to stand and cheer after finishing them, I seldom will give that rating. That said, I thought this was a good and quick read, peppered with wit and to the point tips. Minuses were typos and the chapter devoted to self promotion. The good parts were worth the read.

9. 

   4 out of 5

   Petite – Jul 14, 2016

   Had some interesting points.

10. 

    4 out of 5

    teemz –

11. 

    4 out of 5

    Don Carlson –

12. 

    5 out of 5

    A. Catlin Wozniak –

13. 

    4 out of 5

    Mary –

14. 

    4 out of 5

    Amelia –

15. 

    4 out of 5

    Justin Snodgrass –

16. 

    5 out of 5

    Jay Fluellen –

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    5 out of 5

    K –

18. 

    4 out of 5

    Farzan Shahmoradi –

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    5 out of 5

    Rebecca Lyons –

20. 

    5 out of 5

    Charisse Peeler –

21. 

    4 out of 5

    S.M. Dapelo –

22. 

    4 out of 5

    Keara –

23. 

    5 out of 5

    Danny Crispi –

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    4 out of 5

    simon catley –

25. 

    5 out of 5

    Mike Chara –

26. 

    5 out of 5

    Nancy E. McElree –

27. 

    5 out of 5

    Chris –

28. 

    5 out of 5

    Teresa Valentic –

29. 

    5 out of 5

    Constance Burnett –

30. 

    4 out of 5

    Paul S. Doize –