Sol Stein was the Chief Editor at Stein and Day publishers for 27 years and edited such greats as George Orwell, James Baldwin and Dylan Thomas. So Stein on Writing: A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies is culled from experience and provides a no-nonsense guide to what should go and what should stay in any manuscript.
Stein is very detail-oriented when it comes to writing, and he shows the budding author exactly how to phrase little things so that they have a big impact. In his chapter, "How to Show Instead of Tell," he explains the difference between showing and telling, something that every author ought to know. He goes on to explain how there can be different levels of showing. For example, the sentence, "He took a walk" tells, but the sentence, "He walked the four blocks slowly" shows things more clearly. However, "He walked as if against an unseen wind, hoping someone would stop him" shows even more clearly, giving you insight into the character's mind.
In addition to such great advice about pumping up the little details, he also has recommendations about plotting and characterization. He takes an exercise from the Playwright Group of the Actor's Studio and teaches you how to create instant conflict in your work. He's a big believer in keeping things taut and streamlined, as indicated by his chapter on "Liposuctioning Flab," and maintaining the velocity of your writing is addressed in "Amphetamines for Speeding up Pace."
Stein on Writing contains advice for writers of fiction and non-fiction alike, and Stein even points out how non-fiction writers can borrow techniques used by fiction writers to improve their writing. Stein is ruthless when it comes to editing, telling writers to get rid of entire chapters if they are weak. However, his novel idea that editing is like triage helps you to figure out which parts of your book have life and which parts are lacking in vitality.
If one were just telling, one would say that Stein's book is a good resource for writers. However, if you follow Stein's advice of showing rather than telling, it would be appropriate to say that Stein's short and snappy manual will transform the most colorless manuscript into a captivating, provocative book.
Sol Stein was born in 1926 in Chicago, but his family soon moved to New York where he attended City College New York which gave a free education at the time. He also served in the army during the second world war and returned to do a Master's in English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University. He was involved in the fight against McCarthyism and edited the book McCarthy and the Communists, written by James Rorty and Moshe Decter. The book is said to have been instrumental in unseating Senator McCarthy. Stein also started Stein and Day publishers with his wife Patricia Day; the firm published a hundred books a year until it was forced to close down. Stein himself is the author of nine novels and three books of non-fiction.
"Great tutorial on writing. The book isn't just for fiction authors. I wish it had more instruction on characterization and plot building. The brevity is also the strength of the book. Stein encourages and even inspires writers to take pride in their work. I found some of the editing exercises to be immediately helpful. The book surveys many areas where authors struggle the most. The advice is detailed enough to be useful yet clearly explained. For example, Stein suggests using adjectives and adverbs sparingly. However, he doesn't outlaw the usage. This could cause confusion for a reader as to when the use of these modifiers are appropriate. In order to educate, he provides multiple examples of good and bad usage. The reader is challenged to edit as many adjectives and adverbs from each example. The exercise makes the point much better than a mechanical explanation could. Stein is accessible, practical, and encouraging. Its a very valuable manual for aspiring writers. I couldn't absorb all the advice on the first read. Thus, its a book deserving of multiple reads."
— Seth (4 out of 5 stars)
Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether newcomers or accomplished professionals. As Sol Stein, renowned editor, author, and instructor, explains, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions—how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place."
With examples from his bestsellers as well as aspiring students' writing, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, liposuctioning flab, the "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more. This is an essential guide for writers at every level.
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“Stein on Writing is the best book on writing that I have read…The tips, shortcuts, and plentiful examples of good writing versus bad cannot fail to help every writer, no matter at what stage he finds himself.”
— Barnaby Conrad, New York Times bestselling author“Offers a banquet of savvy advice...Stein aims not to help his readers wrestle with writerly anguish; rather, he gets on the page, citing examples from writers famous and fledgling, closely analyzing first sentences, creation of character, plotting, and dialogue.”
— Publishers Weekly“This book can jump-start anyone’s creativity. Highly recommended for all writing collections.”
— Library Journal“[Stein] went over my manuscript with an ifallible eye for the soft spots in my prose, giving me one of the best editorial readinds I've ever had.”
— Lionel Trilling, author of The Middle of the Journey“A practical guide for writers by a master editor who has worked with such figures as Dylan Thomas, James Baldwin, and Jack Higgins covers character development, speeding up the pace, applying the Actors Studio Method, and creating suspense and tension.”
— Ingram" Awesome book! As a writer of both fiction and nonfiction I found numerous ways to improve my writing. I listened to the audiobook and many times I found myself rethinking parts of my novel while listening to Stein's advice. So much so, that I had to rewind and relisten (after jotting down my notes, that is). A great book for any writer! "
— Phyllis, 2/17/2014" the best book i've read on writing. great ideas given in such a way that you can immediately apply them to your work. "
— Matthias, 2/15/2014" I don't necessarily agree with the author's perspective, and there is some inappropriate content, but his ideas about writing good dialogue and keeping a story moving are worth very much to a writer. "
— Michael, 2/14/2014" I'm about halfway through this book and pretty disappointed with it so far, though it was recommended by a writer I respect. Stein's examples of "good" writing seem pretty hacky to me and often when he's explaining something, his logic seems really flawed to me. Still plugging through it. "
— Laurie, 2/11/2014" This is what a writing class should be- but almost never is. Stein taught me more about writing than anything since...reading! For fiction writers of all genres I cannot recommend the book highly enough. (Nonfiction help is included as well, but as I'm not a nonfiction writer, I cannot comment on that.) "
— Rebecca, 2/1/2014" It's all about character eccentricity. "
— Mary, 1/19/2014" This How-To book is nearly 20 years old, but still has good writing advice. Recommended for writers. "
— Arlene, 1/18/2014" Stein on Writing and Stephen King's On Writing are probably the best books on the craft of writing that I've read. Using his own work and the work of others, Stein shows the biggest problems most writers have and proposes solutions. "
— Robert, 1/16/2014" This is considered the best guide on writing craft. It is so deep I will no doubt read it again. "
— Leila, 12/14/2013" A must have for every writer to have in his/her working library. "
— Ron, 12/8/2013" Interesting and insightful look at the craft of writing (both fiction and non) from someone who worked both sides of the desk. "
— Tara, 12/5/2013" This was not as easy a read as some other writing books, but has a lot of valuable info. Recommended. "
— Tammy, 12/3/2013" Sol Stein. Would love to sit and talk with him about writing. Much useful advice for fiction and nonfiction. "
— Peggy, 10/31/2013" I bought this over a year ago and finally finished reading it today. An excellent book about the craft of writing. "
— Catrina, 10/18/2013" Interesting, entertaining, provocative. Started reading, but then it was due in the library and I haven't gone back. Should I? I keep thinking about it. Stein has a wealth of experience and is a good storyteller. It was motivating to me when I needed to get started writing. "
— Mark, 6/25/2013" One of the better books on writing. Gives good practical advice from someone who not only wrote books but edited them as well. "
— Rich, 5/7/2013" This book addressed every applicable writing technique in clear, easy to read chapters. A good book to look into if you're trying to polish up a manuscript. "
— Kathryn, 4/24/2013" Excellent book that I'd call writer-candy. I go back to it from time to time. "
— Sue, 3/30/2013" Great advice on writing. Now if I can only apply it. "
— A., 3/1/2013" There is some great info in this book but the reader bored me to tears. "
— Moni, 1/24/2013" Worth reading more carefully. I purchased the book based on this audio. He knows a thing or two about writing. "
— F., 10/13/2012" the best book on writing i've ever read. "
— Marla, 5/21/2012" Practical advice, concrete examples, and shared experiences from an industry veteran make this book very encouraging and helpful. Sol Stein's book has helped me more than any other book on writing. "
— Breaux, 3/4/2012" Stein broadly covers the plethora of writing topics with great skill and knowledge. However, he doesn't cover many items deeply. If you need a good reveiw or overview of writing principles for fiction and non-fiction, this will do. "
— Darren, 2/15/2012" If you read only one DIY on writing--this is the one. "
— Karen, 2/10/2012" A bit too gimmicky and formulaic for my taste but not bad for beginners. His section on love scenes is worth reading. "
— Tiara, 1/26/2012" This book addressed every applicable writing technique in clear, easy to read chapters. A good book to look into if you're trying to polish up a manuscript. "
— Kathryn, 4/16/2011" It is just superb. I read the book How to write a Damn Good Novel and Stephen King's On Writing. Son Stein's 'Stein on Writing' has given the best of Craft advice. This is surely one of the best 'Writing Craft' books. "
— Aditya, 3/20/2011" The best book on writing I have read. "
— Johann, 3/2/2011" If you think you know everything there is to writing, you're wrong, unless you own this book. It is worth the money and I will NEVER regret it, I promise. "
— Erika, 2/20/2011" i wish i could soak up this wisdom "
— Will, 1/10/2011" This is one of the best books I've read on writing. "
— Tessa, 10/15/2010" Is the second time a charm, or just better reinforcement? "
— Bill, 9/9/2010" For those interested in the writing process like me, this would be a must read. I found many important tips in the craft of writing. I refer to the book often when writing my novels. "
— Patty, 8/28/2010" This is an excellent book for a writer, packed with all kinds of useful and helpful bits of advice, techniques and anecdotes. I need to buy my own copy so I can underline and re-read. "
— Braden, 7/31/2010" This I have on audio, along with a hardback copy from the library. Good reference book, but becoming a bit outdated. "
— Bill, 7/3/2010" An excellent book that combines theory and practical advice. It's hard to argue with Sol Stein's success in the publishing industry, and I enjoyed reading what he had to share. "
— Brent, 5/21/2010" Practical advice, concrete examples, and shared experiences from an industry veteran make this book very encouraging and helpful. Sol Stein's book has helped me more than any other book on writing. "
— Breaux, 5/9/2010Sol Stein (1926–2019) was a writer, editor, poet, publisher, teacher, and prizewinning playwright who was produced on Broadway. He and his wife founded the publishing company Stein and Day in 1966 and worked with such well-known authors as James Baldwin, Elia Kazan, George Orwell, and Lionel Trilling, some of the most successful writers of the century. Stein authored nine novels, four works of nonfiction, and three plays and screenplays, as well as the computer programs WritePro®, FictionMaster®, and FirstAid for Writers®.
Christopher Lane is an award-winning actor, director, and narrator. He has been awarded the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration several times and has won numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards.