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More copies of this ISBN:This title in other formats:Advice to writers :a compendium of quotes, anecdotes, and writerly wisdom from a dazzling array of literary lightsby Jon Winokur
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Here from more than four hundred of the world's most celebrated writers and booksmiths--from Euripides and Eudora Welty to Cynthia Ozick and P. J. O'Rourke--is a treasury of useful advice on the world and work of writing. Compiled by the author of The Rich Are Different and the best-selling Portable Curmudgeon, Advice to Writers includes priceless counsel on subjects ranging from writer's block and writing dialogue to dealing with agents and editors and appearing on television; from work habits and procrastination rituals to drinking on the job; from success, money, and fame to the lack of one or all of them. Flaubert, Twain, and Kipling impart their venerable wisdom. Red Smith tells us that "writing is easy. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein." Annie Dillard, David Guterson, and Maureen Dowd offer practical suggestions. David Remnick describes the ideal editor. A genre's-eye view comes from science-fiction master Harlan Ellison and sportswriter Frank Deford. Provocative insights come from David Mamet, Russell Banks, and Joyce Carol Oates. Clever and sagacious, pragmatic and heartening, this is an essential volume for both the aspiring writer and the devoted reader. Review:On Agents: "Choose your agent as carefully as you would choose your accountant or lawyer. Or dentist." --Russell Banks On Characters: "Make your characters want something right away--even if it's only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time." --Kurt Vonnegut On Critics: "Never demean yourself by talking back to a critic. . . . Write those letters to the editor in your head, but don't put them on paper." --Truman Capote On Dialogue: "Remember that each character must sound different from the others. And they should not all sound like you." --Anne Lamott On Drink: "Boozing does not necessarily have to go hand in hand with being a writer, as seems to be the concept in America. I therefore solemnly declare to all young men trying to become writers that they do not actually have to become drunkards first." --James Jones On Punctuation: "Cut out all those exclamation marks. An exclamation mark is like laughing at your own joke." --F. Scott Fitzgerald On Work Habits: "Best advice on writing I've ever received: Finish." --Peter Mayle Description:Includes bibliographical references (p. 207-211) and index. About the AuthorJon Winokur is the author of The Rich Are Different. He lives in Pacific Palisades, California. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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