The Book You Need to Read to Write the Book You Want to Write

by Sarah Burton, Jem Poster

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 to help its readers to become better writers.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

283 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2022

Reviews

[Karen]

I am not going to rate this book as it was not the book for me. I came to this because a couple of dear friends are constantly nagging me to move away from my non-fiction writing and explore historical fiction, an area I don't feel confident in, nor do I feel the need to attempt. This book arrived as part of their ongoing efforts to encourage me out of my comfort zone.

This would be a good book for budding fiction writers. It covers all of the expected subjects around writing. The usual quotes from well known writers are interspersed throughout. I liked the use of classic texts as examples, and the once or twice when Burton re-wrote passages in different ways to show the effectiveness of, for example good, rather than poor, dialogue.

Sorry, but I am happy in my non-fiction comfort zone.

[Chelsea Banning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best writing craft book I have read. It's writing for the modern audience, it doesn't give off "my way or the highway" vibes, and it has a plethora of amazing information that every writer needs. It's not pretentious and it truly feels like you can become a better writer after you read this.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

While aimed at first-time authors, this book is still full of good advice and encouragement for those of us who've been in the game for a while. Chapters cover dialogue, characterization, setting, editing, and more. A good handbook to have on-hand.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might find it laughable why I decided to read this book but the truth stays the same. I am a reader and I chose this book to try and get into the head of the writer. I have always been amazed by the creative process that is the writing of a text that starts as little memos in the notebook and ends with a full-fledged novel.

This book is aimed at beginner writers and gives plenty of support (including friendly encouragement). It is very well structured and gives a new writer an idea about character development, plot and structure of the story, dialogues and descriptions as well as ways of dealing with rejection of the agents and editors.

The examples are fantastic! And there are a lot of references to the variety of sources that could help with a further research.

I probably read this book for all the wrong reasons but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over several decades I've read more books on 'How to Write' than I can remember. Some of them were too smart for their own good and basically told you next to nothing. Others were too 'thin' to bother much with. A few were excellent, each in their own way, and enabled me to take stock of how I was writing and what I could do improve it.
This book fits into the latter category in particular because the examples it uses to make its points are excellent, and are all examples of quality writing. Some readers may feel too many of them date from too far back, even the 20th century ones. The point is that they show the writer at the top of their game and show also how he or she achieves their object.
Burton and Poster's book is still worth reading for its actual writing instruction. For one thing it proves in itself how necessary it is to keep a reader turning the page. While much of the information is familiar (as it no doubt should be, given the number of books on the subject I've read!) it's presented in a readable and helpful manner, always trusting that the wannabe writer will have brains enough to follow the advice.
Certainly recommended as one of the books a fledgling writer should read, but also helpful and encouraging to writers who are way past the early stages of their work.

[Oana-Maria Uliu · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not fair (to other people) that I'm rating this only 3 stars because it may actually be very helpful. My rating is highly subjective because I expected to learn much from it and I haven't. The fact that I already knew most of this should not make other people think they wouldn't, either. It's rich in explanations and examples from a wide variety of books. Therefore I recommend it to whomever may need it - don't mind my three stars.

[Caroline Kitcatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very helpful. I’m currently doing an introduction to fiction writing course, and this was recommended by the tutor. It’s relevant to the exercises we are doing and beyond that to whatever direction I decide to go. It was very readable, and interesting.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any newbie writers. Full of questions you need to think about before writing, and everything after that. Lots of examples from other books.

[Jed · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

[Eithne Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide

[Doug Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and Comprehensive

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

[Magnus McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend bought me this because he knew I wanted to write a novel. I read the novel and got some good advice. Plus, three days ago I managed to get said novel published! I guess I owe that friend and this book something.

[drea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently my favourite writing book.