Lawrence Block is a best-selling author of popular mystery fiction. With over 30 of his works in print, he is as prolific as he is skilled. This collection of essays and articles from his Writer's Digest columns has been in print for over 20 years. Here he provides invaluable advice to the aspiring writer and the established author. Featuring a witty and honest narration from the author himself, Block presents an illuminating look into the world of the professional writer.
Download and start listening now!
"All good advice and worth a read, though most of it was fairly intuitive. I supposed I should be GLAD that I knew most of it intuitively already! Anyway, it was good to read it all put into words, so I'd recommend it. Block is entertaining to read, even if you don't learn anything earth-shattering. "
— Sonja (4 out of 5 stars)
" This collection of columns from Block's stint with Writer's Digest has something relevant for every type of writing and every writing issue. You can open it randomly to any page and find something useful and inspirational. Grab it when you can because it goes out of print frequently. "
— Ron, 6/9/2011" Awesome book. Love the writer's prayer at the end! Strangely comforting. "
— Marie-Claude, 3/21/2011" Every question ever asked, or topic requested during the #storycraft tweetchat is answered in this book. Anyone serious about writing, for publication or not, should read this book! "
— Danielle, 2/14/2011" My go-to book for writing as both a craft and as an art form. Highly recommended for all writers of all genres. "
— Darby, 1/5/2011" I loved this. It made me want to write, which I guess is its purpose! It's slightly anachronistic (the references to 'sitting at the typewriter' threw me a bit!) but its heart is there. I may read this every few months to keep the fire alive. "
— CC, 9/27/2010" A collection of wide-ranging articles about the craft of writing. Block presents his ideas in a down-to-earth, humorous way. I felt that even though this book predates the digital age, it was of more practical value than most others on the same topic. "
— Brent, 5/21/2010" Eines der besseren Bücher mit Schreibtipps. Unterhaltsam und interessant. "
— Franzb, 2/13/2010" Really excellent book on fiction writing. I was already doing some of the things he wrote about without realizing it. <br/> <br/>I once attended a workshop he did in San Francisco. Really nice man. <br/> <br/>And I actually have sold some of my fiction. "
— Lynn, 10/2/2009" This is a fantastic book on writing structure and style, but it's also just a really good read, Block is funny and breezy and entertaining. Probably my favorite book on writing that I read back when I was trying to hone my craft a little for the purposes of reviewing and casual writing. "
— Randy, 1/4/2009" Block really tells it straightforward and clearly as he sees it. I agreed with the vast majority of what he said, and the parts I didn't agree with are probably why I don't sell nearly as much of my fiction. A new writer would do well to read it. "
— Charles, 10/22/2008" sort of rambling- but an interesting look into Lawrence Block; his history, how he thinks and how he writes. Along with Ed McBain and Clive Cussler, Block is one of my favorites. "
— Matt, 7/28/2008Lawrence Block is the recipient of a Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and a New York Times bestselling author. His prolific career spans over one hundred books, including four bestselling series and dozens of short stories and articles. He has won multiple Edgar, and Shamus awards, two Falcon Awards from the Maltese Falcon Society of Japan, the Nero and Philip Marlowe Awards, the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association of America, and many others. Aside from being a mystery writer, he has also written a number of episodes for television, including two episodes of the ESPN series Tilt; he also cowrote the screenplay for the film My Blueberry Nights, starring Norah Jones. Block currently lives in New York City with his wife, Lynne.