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Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing: A Novelist Looks at His Craft
The best-selling novelist provides an insider's glimpse of the art of writing that traces the diverse steps in the process of creating a novel or story, from initial idea, through the research process, to the finished product, and offers helpful advice on how to get published, the business of writing, and more. Original. 10,000 first printing.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
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379 people want to read
About the author
David Morrell
216 books1,650 followersDavid Morrell is a Canadian novelist from Kitchener, Ontario, who has been living in the United States for a number of years. He is best known for his debut 1972 novel First Blood, which would later become a successful film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. More recently, he has been writing the Captain America comic books limited-series The Chosen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 29, 2016
This is one of the best books on writing I've read. As a writer with decades of experience, Morrell has much to share about the craft. He begins by asking why one wants to be a writer. We write because we have to. He covers useful strategies on getting focused such as having dialogues with yourself (something I've found valuable for myself). As far as the technical elements, he goes over plot, character, structure, viewpoint, description, and dialogue. As much as I've heard similar information before, I gained some new insights. I also found more practical parts helpful like research, dealing with writer's block, publishing (the traditional route), the movie industry (sounds like a deathknell for a novelists' creativity), and finally a Q&A. Overall, this book balances the technicalities fo writing with the personal, honest, and inspirational insight of an accomplished writer.
October 29, 2011
Having just finished the first draft of my second novel I did what I always do after a draft: take a little time to consider my craft (and not look at the book). So I pulled this puppy off my stack of books on writing. I've read a lot of such books, and this is one of the better ones in it's category.
They fall into a number of broad groups: books on specific components like plot or character, books on sentences, books on editing, books on selling your books, books on summarizing your books, windy pontifications on the nature of creativity, and this type, the bit of everything, with a dose of personal experience thrown in. Lessons is a lot like Lawrence Block's Telling Lies for Fun & Profit. Both cover a bunch of the big areas quickly like plot and structure, and also include the author's personal perspective on his career (Morrell's best known for First Blood , on which the first Rambo was based) and the writing business. It does not focus heavily on sentences or editing.
There were a number of interesting insights. He has a technique for getting past sticky points in your story construction I might try (next time it happens). There were also some interesting technical thoughts on the structure of scenes and chapters. He has a perspective on selecting POV that I hadn't come across, which was interesting. Although he is slightly dated in his opinion of first person stating that he feels it always needs a reason why the narrator is telling the story. This used to be the case, but in the last few years the rise of first person (particularly in YA) was sort of negated this.
A good chunk of the book is about his career, optioning books to Hollywood etc. This was amusing as well. He started in the early 1970s so he's a product of that different era in publishing. The book was written in 2002 and while none of the writing advice is dated, the advent of ebooks and changes in the market are shifting the business side. Still, good writing is still good writing, and even writing style itself doesn't change all that fast. Books I've read by authors whose prime was the 1950s still have plenty to offer. Last weekend I read The Postman Always Rings Twice, published in 1934, and that hardly seems dated.
So if you like books on writing and plan to read many, I'd check Lessons out. While that doesn't sound like spectacular praise, I do like this book. Many writing books I read are total drivel. This one was worth the time, and that says something.
Some of my favorites are:
They fall into a number of broad groups: books on specific components like plot or character, books on sentences, books on editing, books on selling your books, books on summarizing your books, windy pontifications on the nature of creativity, and this type, the bit of everything, with a dose of personal experience thrown in. Lessons is a lot like Lawrence Block's Telling Lies for Fun & Profit. Both cover a bunch of the big areas quickly like plot and structure, and also include the author's personal perspective on his career (Morrell's best known for First Blood , on which the first Rambo was based) and the writing business. It does not focus heavily on sentences or editing.
There were a number of interesting insights. He has a technique for getting past sticky points in your story construction I might try (next time it happens). There were also some interesting technical thoughts on the structure of scenes and chapters. He has a perspective on selecting POV that I hadn't come across, which was interesting. Although he is slightly dated in his opinion of first person stating that he feels it always needs a reason why the narrator is telling the story. This used to be the case, but in the last few years the rise of first person (particularly in YA) was sort of negated this.
A good chunk of the book is about his career, optioning books to Hollywood etc. This was amusing as well. He started in the early 1970s so he's a product of that different era in publishing. The book was written in 2002 and while none of the writing advice is dated, the advent of ebooks and changes in the market are shifting the business side. Still, good writing is still good writing, and even writing style itself doesn't change all that fast. Books I've read by authors whose prime was the 1950s still have plenty to offer. Last weekend I read The Postman Always Rings Twice, published in 1934, and that hardly seems dated.
So if you like books on writing and plan to read many, I'd check Lessons out. While that doesn't sound like spectacular praise, I do like this book. Many writing books I read are total drivel. This one was worth the time, and that says something.
Some of my favorites are:
December 23, 2015
I've read a lot of books on writing. Most of them are not very helpful (if at all), but there are a few that I worship. Up until now I've considered the best to be A WRITER'S TALE by Richard Laymon. It has been deposed by David Morrell. Hands down, this is the best and most useful book on writing I've ever read. Not many writers of such books go to the effort of teaching things most people take for granted, like structure and POV. Morrell gets in there and gets the job done. His motivational advice is amazing. He even delves into the psychology of writing and how to get over the hangups you have that are preventing you from making progress with a work. Not only that, but he also has faith in the reader that he or she will be successful because he also talks about things like contracts and movie deals. He really does have all the bases covered. The only thing better than this book would probably be to actually study in one of his physical classes. If you're a writer and you haven't read this book, you need to correct this oversight immediately.
March 21, 2016
This is an excellent book about the process of writing. It's not as autobiographical and conversational as Stephen King's terrific On Writing. And it's not as prescriptive as The Elements of Style. It falls between those two extremes and offers practical, thoughtful advice for better writing--along with Morrell's own recollections of his own experiences.
One of the best aspects is that he has entire chapters that deal with the actual process of getting a book published, and selling rights to Hollywood. Not only is this sound and useful advice, but it actually assumes you'll need it, since you've surely written something worth selling, thanks to his advice. That's great.
The one caveat I have is that you shouldn't read this if you ever want to read any of Morrell's novels. Throughout the book he reveals the plots (and plot twists) of many of his novels. Just beware. But don't let that stop you from reading this excellent guidebook.
One of the best aspects is that he has entire chapters that deal with the actual process of getting a book published, and selling rights to Hollywood. Not only is this sound and useful advice, but it actually assumes you'll need it, since you've surely written something worth selling, thanks to his advice. That's great.
The one caveat I have is that you shouldn't read this if you ever want to read any of Morrell's novels. Throughout the book he reveals the plots (and plot twists) of many of his novels. Just beware. But don't let that stop you from reading this excellent guidebook.
January 26, 2025
Great book to understand the nuances of writing a novel. Dry content presented in a very digestible format. Very useful
Notes
1. Showing vs.Telling
2. Plot is conflict plus motivation
3. Plot is the why
4. Plot moves Characters or characters move Plot
5. What obstacle should they overcome to achieve that goal
6. 1/7th AB & CD. 5/7th BC
7. Avoid first person
8. Character iceberg theory. Whats on surface should imply an unstated depth
10. Involve 6 senses narrative
11. Your characters will refuse to participate in a scene and set it in motion if they don't know what their motivation is. They'll freeze
12. Write to yourself: "How are you this morning, David?"
Notes
1. Showing vs.Telling
2. Plot is conflict plus motivation
3. Plot is the why
4. Plot moves Characters or characters move Plot
5. What obstacle should they overcome to achieve that goal
6. 1/7th AB & CD. 5/7th BC
7. Avoid first person
8. Character iceberg theory. Whats on surface should imply an unstated depth
10. Involve 6 senses narrative
11. Your characters will refuse to participate in a scene and set it in motion if they don't know what their motivation is. They'll freeze
12. Write to yourself: "How are you this morning, David?"
March 8, 2011
Just finished a quick reread of this one (I skimmed most of the chapters, but thoroughly read the chapters on getting focused and dealing with writer's block).
The first time I read this book, I was really taken with Morrell's idea of a written conversation with yourself about your book idea, rather than an outline or winging it. I've never tried his method, but the idea feels as fresh and inviting to me today as it did the last time I read the book.
The first time I read this book, I was really taken with Morrell's idea of a written conversation with yourself about your book idea, rather than an outline or winging it. I've never tried his method, but the idea feels as fresh and inviting to me today as it did the last time I read the book.
October 16, 2017
Advice from a master of the craft and business of writing. I recommend this book to writers for the wisdom shared in it. Practical, inspirational, and brilliant. Wish I'd read it years ago before publishing my first book.
October 19, 2014
David Morrell has written more than 20 books. His best known is First Blood. Yes, as in Rambo: First Blood. I always find it reassuring when the author of a writing book has written books that are still in print years later. Even better when it's a book I recognize or have read. Having written a character that's a cultural icon, I expect him to know his stuff.
That said, I wasn't sure what to expect from the title of this book. Was it going to be about his personal journey as Stephen King's book is, or would it be more of a how-to book? Turns out it's a bit of a hybrid.
Morrell writes about his journey, but his insights are universal. Such as when he writes about what you should write about, he relates what he was once told by Science Fiction author Philip Klass (pen name, William Tenn):
Look inside yourself," Klass said. "Find out who you are. In your case, I suspect that means find out what you're most afraid of, and that will be your subject for your life or until your fear changes."
Morrell calls this "fiction writing as self-psychoanalysis."
Do I think this is a worthwhile book? Oh, yeah. Morrell doesn't give you "rules" or even a lot of writing advice. He doesn't harp about conflict or story structure. What he does give you are tools. He encourages you to think outside the box. How to find that story that you need to tell. You can bet that you'll find this book on my keeper shelf.
extended review at Falling in Love with Romance
That said, I wasn't sure what to expect from the title of this book. Was it going to be about his personal journey as Stephen King's book is, or would it be more of a how-to book? Turns out it's a bit of a hybrid.
Morrell writes about his journey, but his insights are universal. Such as when he writes about what you should write about, he relates what he was once told by Science Fiction author Philip Klass (pen name, William Tenn):
Look inside yourself," Klass said. "Find out who you are. In your case, I suspect that means find out what you're most afraid of, and that will be your subject for your life or until your fear changes."
Morrell calls this "fiction writing as self-psychoanalysis."
Do I think this is a worthwhile book? Oh, yeah. Morrell doesn't give you "rules" or even a lot of writing advice. He doesn't harp about conflict or story structure. What he does give you are tools. He encourages you to think outside the box. How to find that story that you need to tell. You can bet that you'll find this book on my keeper shelf.
extended review at Falling in Love with Romance
January 28, 2017
It's a great book by professor David Morrell. Although I didn't finish the whole book, but it definitely provides valuable information about writing. The book mostly about writing fiction, but I feel I can use the same techniques to write about nonfiction. The first chapter starts with the writer's story when he was a teenager in a classroom. He decided to be a writer because he was impressed by a tv show in the 1960s. Then we wrote a letter to the writer of the tv show. The writer replied, "If you want to be a writer, the secret is to write, write, write and keep writing." It's such a great reply that motivated him, but his journey was hard. The second chapter was a question, "Why do you want to be a writer." He gives several reasons, but finally, the reason he admires is: because you have to write. The first to chapters I admired the most and the chapter that talks about Psychology of writing I benefit the most. Generally, the book has much worth information. It's for beginners and as well as professionals writers.
August 7, 2013
This is a great and inspiring book.
I have never read any of Morrell's fiction and I picked this up at the library on a whim. It has great, practical advice and thoughts about the writing life.
This is not a "tools" book, however, it was good because it encouraged me to keep writing.
He talks about both the craft of writing and the business of writing which was insightful and honest. The only thing that was a little annoying was that when he would address certain writing problems he often addressed his own books (none of which I have read) so it was a little hard for me to follow though he made his point clear enough.
He does reference the craft of other writers as good examples of this or that.
I'd recommend it to anyone currently writing or wishing to begin to write.
I have never read any of Morrell's fiction and I picked this up at the library on a whim. It has great, practical advice and thoughts about the writing life.
This is not a "tools" book, however, it was good because it encouraged me to keep writing.
He talks about both the craft of writing and the business of writing which was insightful and honest. The only thing that was a little annoying was that when he would address certain writing problems he often addressed his own books (none of which I have read) so it was a little hard for me to follow though he made his point clear enough.
He does reference the craft of other writers as good examples of this or that.
I'd recommend it to anyone currently writing or wishing to begin to write.
August 30, 2013
I've heard Mr. Morrell speak several times in New Mexico, so I was interested in what his book had to say.
In a mixture of memories and precise directives, Morrell describes the writing process as he views it.
It's interesting that Morrell decided in 1960 to become a writer because of the TV series Route 66. Those two cool cats cruising the Mother Road in a Corvette--who was writing that amazing dialog, and how could Morrell get a job doing that. A letter to the series' scriptwriter resulted in a response that sent Morrell on to writing heights, including his first novel, First Blood, with a hero named Rambo.
In a mixture of memories and precise directives, Morrell describes the writing process as he views it.
It's interesting that Morrell decided in 1960 to become a writer because of the TV series Route 66. Those two cool cats cruising the Mother Road in a Corvette--who was writing that amazing dialog, and how could Morrell get a job doing that. A letter to the series' scriptwriter resulted in a response that sent Morrell on to writing heights, including his first novel, First Blood, with a hero named Rambo.
October 25, 2011
I discovered this book after discovering the author's website during Jonathan's writing a book in 9 months class. I related the book to my class mates and they added Stephen Kings book on writing as another valuable writing aid.
David Morrel actually answered his own site e-mail and mentioned I might like his book. It was very valuable and I have returned to review it several times.
Since then Jonathan (Maberry)has sat next to David at some events and I have discovered this author is a bit more approachable than I had realized.
I really liked his religious thrillers after First Blood.
David Morrel actually answered his own site e-mail and mentioned I might like his book. It was very valuable and I have returned to review it several times.
Since then Jonathan (Maberry)has sat next to David at some events and I have discovered this author is a bit more approachable than I had realized.
I really liked his religious thrillers after First Blood.
January 24, 2022
Really good book about writing. Talks about including the senses in your writing, not just relying on visual (unless screenwriting). Morrell goes from just a beginner all the way up to getting published and then film rights on your work. Interesting perspective from a man who wrote First Blood which resulted in the icon Rambo in our history. Included many of his own anecdotes. He is proof that a kid without direction can make something of themselves if they find what they truly love.
January 13, 2011
If you have any desire to write on a high level, as means of expression or as an aspiring professional, there isn't a better source of information and insight, or a better example to follow, than this work by David Morrell. It's no coincidence that David Morrell is not only one of the most successful andhighly respected authors in the business, but one of my personal favorites as well.
non-fiction-to-read
September 5, 2016out of print, ordered from abebooks
June 22, 2010
If you are a writer you should be reading this book - I have now read it two times and use it for reference while I teach and mentor other authors - thanks for all the great books you have done and for this info on how you do it.
July 17, 2012
David Morrell's book on writing is very insightful. He discusses both the craft of writing and the psychology of being a writer. He explains why certain things do or do not work in writing, but he also captures the heart of what it means to be a writer. I highly recommend this book to any writer.
January 6, 2018
David Morrell gives such valuable advice! This is a compelling and readable mini-course on writing from beginning a draft through the publishing and movie businesses. I predict this book is a resource that will stay on my shelf to be much referred to in the future.
January 31, 2010
This book was equally entertaining and informative.
April 11, 2011
A very insightful work on the craft of writing. A must read.
June 11, 2011
Very helpful book on the craft of writing. Well worth the read.
May 18, 2012
Very real, and very applicable. David gave a lot of great advice and used super examples. I had goosebumps reading the last page.
August 26, 2012
Honest and interesting. I added another of his works to my reading list because I'm impressed.
January 28, 2013
One of the three best fiction writing books on the market.
February 27, 2015
Many good ideas.
May 9, 2015
Loved this book! So much wisdom. I'll definitely go back and read it again.
August 15, 2020
Must have book for anyone learning this craft.
January 17, 2016
It stands up there with best of books to be inspired by as a writer and provides practical application.
May 30, 2020
A must read for authors. Keep a highlighter nearby for some of the great passages and tips.
August 12, 2021
It was a very interesting book. His background as a literary academic as well as a best selling author add a new perspective to writing that I didn't get from other books on writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews