How many people would kill to be a bestselling novelist? Especially one like Janet Evanovich.Writers want to know how a bestselling author thinks, writes, plans, and dreams her books. And they are primed for a book from Janet Evanovich that tells, in a witty Q&A format: - How she comes up with such remarkable characters - How she nails the perfect name every time - How she finds out insider details - Just how she sets up those masterful plots - What the life of a full-time writer is really like - What she'd tell an aspiring author about the publishing industry - And much, much more! This book details the elements of writing and publishing a novel, and addresses all categories of fiction-from mystery/thriller/action titles to romance; from stand-alone narratives to series. It offers practical and inspiring advice on such subjects as structuring a plot and handling rejection. And it combines one of today's most successful fiction writers with a published non-fiction writer in Ina Yalof who teaches creative fiction. HOW I WRITE is the perfect reference for anyone looking to improve their writing, and for those fans who are hungry to find out more about just how Janet Evanovich ticks.
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"I am not very familiar with Evanovich's work. I read One for the Money and thought it was cute but felt no special desire to read anything else by her. However, I am always curious to hear what bestselling authors have to say about writing since obviously something they are doing is working. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Evanovich takes us from character development all the way through book tours in a light, funny question-and-answer format. She is realistic about the publication process (she collected rejection slips for ten years before publishing her first book) while remaining optimistic and upbeat about the entire journey. It's also quite thorough: since the questions come from ten years of reader emails, even minutia like webpage design, paper quality for manuscripts, and transitions are covered, and in the back there is a list of references. This is one of the few books I would recommend all aspiring authors to keep on hand. I borrowed it from the library but I plan on getting my own copy soon. That's high praise from someone who almost never rereads books." — melydia (5 out of 5 stars)
"I am not very familiar with Evanovich's work. I read One for the Money and thought it was cute but felt no special desire to read anything else by her. However, I am always curious to hear what bestselling authors have to say about writing since obviously something they are doing is working. I was pleasantly surprised with this one. Evanovich takes us from character development all the way through book tours in a light, funny question-and-answer format. She is realistic about the publication process (she collected rejection slips for ten years before publishing her first book) while remaining optimistic and upbeat about the entire journey. It's also quite thorough: since the questions come from ten years of reader emails, even minutia like webpage design, paper quality for manuscripts, and transitions are covered, and in the back there is a list of references. This is one of the few books I would recommend all aspiring authors to keep on hand. I borrowed it from the library but I plan on getting my own copy soon. That's high praise from someone who almost never rereads books."
“No less than her plotting, Evanovich's characterizations are models of screwball artistry. The intricate plot machinery of her comic capers is fueled by inventive twists.
Evanovich's series is as addictive as Fritos--and...not losing any of its salty crunch… Evanovich serves up consistently craveable goodies.
Plum is one of fiction's most irresistible heroines.
Evanovich is the crown princess of detective fiction.
Evanovich is brilliantly evocative.
" This book was very inspiring to me. I have always wanted to write a book, ever since I can remember. I still may do it but it is nice to read how other successful writers started. "
" The only thing that distracted me from my overall delight in this upbeat writer's guide was the fact that it is somewhat outdated. It not only inspired me to get back on my writing horse immediately, it made me laugh out loud and consider picking up the Stephanie Plum series. And I've never read a straight-up mystery novel. "
" I've never read any of Evanovich's fiction, and I have no intention of starting now. this book had some excellent advice, provided you want to write a similar type of frothy crime/chick-lit. I don't, so it wasn't that useful. plus I listened to it on audio-book, and her accent set my teeth on edge. "
" I'm almost convinced that I can write now, which speaks volumes to Evanovich's content. It would serve as a fabulous reference book for a writer's bookshelf. "
" Not bad, but there was a lot of repeating advice. "
" I have a lot in common with Janet's style of writing despite my focus on non-fiction and her focus on fiction. Her quick reference section is excellent for any writer! "
" God-awful. Where was the proof-reader? "
" best book on writing I've read "
" I like the tips offered but I think the fact that Evanovich's book series seemed unappealing to me made the example excerpts a little tiring. This would still be great for those who like the series and want to write or who are just interested in the author "
" Great book! One of the best writing books that I've read so far! "
" Very basic, anecdotal, and fun to read - but light and not a book that tells much about the craft of writing. Fun read for fans of her work. "
" Very interesting and enlightening, she writes with her usual humor as well as providing a lot of information about the form and funtion of writing. "
" So far quite good. She writes her non-fiction just like she writes her fiction, funny, easy to read (and digest) and makes it all sound so easy. I'll update when finished. "
" If you're looking for advice on how to be a better writer, the advice in this is sound but basic in the extreme. (Instead I recommend Stein on Writing) "
" Quick book - good for fans of Evanovich's Plum series - not a whole lot of serious writing advice. "
" I love Janet Evanovich and this book was fun. It's set up in a Q&A format so it feels really personal, just like she is sitting with you and talking over coffee and doughnuts. All of the answers were helpful (with just enough Evanovich-spark to keep the book interesting). Makes me want to write!! "
" Great book to read by this author. She shows how she writes by writing as her other characters which makes it more interesting. "
" learned EVERYTHING from this book! "
" I found this book very helpful. I like Janet Evanovich's style of writing and she gave a lot of insight and advice that I will definitely follow. "
" Not a 'how to write guide' but if you like Evanovich and Stephanie Plum, you'll enjoy this. It's a Q&A format and Evanovich is generous and open about her writing and her writing life. Fairly light and fluffy but fun. "
" Very helpful read for anyone who is writing and wanting to be published. I learned about literary agents. "
" This book was a fast read. Definitely made me want to pick up and read more about her Stephanie Plum books! "
" Very good for the starting writer. Absolutely! "
" Loved this book, because she is so honest. Absolutely no pretension at all. Very good read for an aspiring writer, especially for one focusing on writing for entertainment, rather than literary, value. "
" Extremely basic information as far as writing goes. I didn't find this helpful at all. "
" Interesting if you've ever been interested in writing a novel. "
" She gives some amazing advice. I am greatful that she is willing to share her knowledge with us. "
" I thought it was interesting to get some inside information on how Evanovich writes and what she sees for her characters, etc. "
" I've read other books on writing, some better, some worse. I loved this one because of it's simplicity, and it's humor. It wasn't a dry, boring read, like so many of the 'how to write' books. I highly recommend it. "
" I read this book in preparation of NaNoWriMo, but her insight dealt more with careful writing and research for stories that I didn't have time for. If someone was wanting to write carefully, this would probably be a good book to reference. "
" This was a cute little book. No new, earth shattering information for people who want to write, but a quick read with some cute little pieces of humor. "
" Some funny stuff, but the organization was incredibly random and I learned more about the background of her books than about writing. "
" One of the better books about one writer's methods -- and I've read a lot of them. "
Janet Evanovich is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum novels, as well a dozen romance novels, the Alexandra Barnaby novels, and more. She is the winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Award and multiple Romantic Times awards, including for lifetime achievement. She is also a long-standing member of Romance Writers of America.
Ina Yalof is a full-time writer with many published books and countless magazine articles to her credit. She teaches writing at Dartmouth College’s continuing education program.
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