The Book You Need to Read to Write the Book You Want to Write: A Handbook for Fiction Writers

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Have you ever wanted to write a novel or short story but didn't know where to start? If so, this is the book for you. It's the book for anyone, in fact, who wants to write to their full potential. Practical and jargon-free, rejecting prescriptive templates and formulae, it's a storehouse of ideas and advice on a range of relevant subjects, from boosting self-motivation and confidence to approaching agents and publishers. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience as successful writers and inspiring teachers, it will guide you through such essentials as the interplay of memory and imagination; plotting your story; the creation of convincing characters; the uses of description; the pleasures and pitfalls of research; and the editing process. The book's primary aim is simple: to help its readers to become better writers.

Review

'I can't imagine there are any better books on the subject than this one.' Louis de Bernières

'Reading The Book You Need… is like getting useful advice from your own personal mentor, one who is wise, experienced, encouraging, and delighted to share their encyclopedic knowledge of literary craft. For anyone who wants to be a better writer - listen carefully. The authors know what they're talking about.' Tara Ison, novelist; Professor of Fiction, Arizona State University

'Whether you are a beginner or an advanced fiction writer, this book is an essential companion. From getting started to navigating the publishing industry and all that falls between, The Book You Need… examines the key concepts necessary to write your own novel with practical, insightful and expert advice.' Tiffany Atkinson, poet; Professor of Poetry, University of East Anglia

'Years of teaching expertise condensed into one of the most comprehensive journeys through the craft that I've seen. This book teaches in the most natural way, guiding you under the surface of a wide range of good writing, deep into the practical processes that bring it to life.' Philip Gross, poet, winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize; Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing, University of South Wales

'A terrific guide to becoming a better writer and embarking upon a publishing career. Burton and Poster have created a masterclass in print - comprehensive, authentic, clear, and insightful. A pleasure to read and to learn from, this handbook is a must-have for anyone who loves and practices the writing craft.' Jewell Parker Rhodes, New York Times bestselling author, Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Arizona State University

'This is a fresh, insightful, engaging and enjoyable guide to writing creative prose. If you want to become a novelist or short story writer, reading this book is a great first step.' Francesca Rhydderch, novelist; Associate Professor in Creative Writing, Swansea University

'For any novelist, published or aspiring, this smart and concise book will become a true and trusted mentor and friend.' A. J. West

'The best art of fiction book I've read in a long time, structured around close readings of novel extracts and offering lots of very wise, sound advice. Highly readable and never prescriptive, it's a book to be enjoyed and savoured. I love the chapter on beginnings and endings and the extremely useful one on research. This IS the book you need to become a better writer.' Priscilla Morris, author of Black Butterflies

Book Description

An indispensable, jargon-free handbook for any author who wants to fulfil their potential in writing a novel or short story.

Review:

5.0 out of 5

100.00% of customers are satisfied

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good information

M.S. · 10 May 2024

Good book for someone like me just starting out

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, engaging and intelligent

E. · 8 April 2022

Wow, this book is like having your own personal series of writing tutorials. Written by two well respected experts in creative writing who are also successful novelists in their own right. The book is written in a warm, straightforward and encouraging style that is never patronising and often very amusing.I found it a very helpful and interesting resource.It provides a welcome freedom from the ‘save the cat’ formulaic straight jacket and other rule-heavy guides to writing that make you feel that you are doing it wrong.If you are a novice novelist wanting to find your own style this is the best book out there.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well received gift.

D.H. · 31 December 2023

This was given as a gift and I am told it is very good and very useful.

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth it

J. · 26 March 2024

I'm an amateur writer. I have written countless poems and short stories but never thought of taking my love of writing to the next level until now. Wish me luck!

5.0 out of 5 stars The book that is personally written for You.

R.Y. · 21 March 2022

Creative writing will take you on the journey of a lifetime. You will likely catch the writing bug, it's like a flea , but it's never a pest. Slowly and definitely you will grow rich, rich in the ability to express yourself to a level you once thought out of your reach. Slowly it grows into a New World just waiting to be discovered by you. You become creative with words that say what you want to say, but quite effectively. Read your work later and wonder who wrote this beautiful prose, and realise it was you. Start being creative now, be a better writer and person. With this book grow rich slowly and grow up fast. The only book you will need on this subject, it is all here written in a voice that speaks to you in the same house, the same room, sat beside you. It is that personal and intimate it's one to one tuition. I will be happy to review this book again after reading it a second time. But for now I just wanted to share this piece of news with who ever cares to read it.Reg Young

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on creative writing available!

M. · 8 April 2022

This covers every aspect of creative writing giving examples from Jane Austen to Hemingway. I recommend reading a section and then thinking about what has been said. All you need to know about creative writing is covered in this book. I took two courses on creative writing at Cambridge University taught by the author Dr Sarah Burton. The courses cost £700 but everything and more is covered in this book for about £10. If you are serious about becoming a better writer you can do no better than buy and study this excellent book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable book

N. · 21 October 2022

I have read rather a lot of books on creative writing, and have found this to be by far the most useful. It's very clearly set out, and covers every aspect of creative writing, drawing in examples of published writers' work. It is heplful whether you are looking for guidance on the process of writing, or seeking a greater appreciation of novels and short stories.

5.0 out of 5 stars Look no further: this book sets the standards.

D.P. · 6 June 2022

Very impressive and informative without preaching. Crammed with a huge range of examples which nail every point. I’ll make better choices when writing in future. And my reading will be more rewarding. Didn’t want it to end. Hard to imagine anything better on the subject.

Thorough and Comprehensive

J.D.B. · 26 May 2024

This was a very thorough and comprehensive book on writing that was filled with great examples from great writers. Recommended.

Best Advice from the Best Teachers

K. · 30 April 2022

When it comes to lessons in creative writing, Dr. Sarah Burton and Jem Poster wrote the book. Literally. The co-founders of Cambridge University’s creative writing masters program as well as the Guardians masterclasses have synthesized their considerable experience and knowledge into this cleverly titled tome, presenting tons of good information in a readable, understandable, entertaining and inspiring way. It’s not just the book you need to read, but the book you’ll want to read.

THE BOOK YOU NEED TO READ TO WRITE THE BOOK YOU WANT TO WRITE BY SARAH BURTON AND JEM POSTER

P.H.M. · 19 July 2022

The title describes this book exactly and applies to any writer or would-be writer. These two authors and lecturers set a perfect example for both fiction and creative non-fiction writers. The book is well written, sometimes humorous and flows easily. Their advice is there for readers to interpret in their own writing style. I highly recommend this jewel of a book!

The Book You Need to Read to Write the Book You Want to Write: A Handbook for Fiction Writers

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