Stein on Writing

A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies

By: Sol Stein

Narrated by: Christopher Lane

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 best sellers 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.©1995 Sol Stein (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

Must Have

Now that I have listened to this book I will have to buy a hard copy. There was not enough room on my MP3 player for all of the bookmarks. This is a book you will want to dog ear.

A Classic

Sol Stein’s On Writing is a classic that still speaks. Sol shares his experiences as a successful editor in a clear, methodical, and applicable manner. Though primarily written for fiction authors, the book is also relevant for non-fiction authors. In fact, he points out at the beginning what chapters apply to each group. Even though I am primarily interested in non-fiction, I found the entire book very interesting, filled with great examples, analyses based on published texts, many of which were edited by Sol himself. Listening to the insights of an editor with his experience is priceless info. If you are serious about writing, this book is a must. Narration is exceptional and easy to follow.

must have for the would be author

If you aspire to be a published author or already are, this book and audio is an absolute necessity. Solstien shares his wisdom and experiences as one of the most renowned editor and successful author of our time.

Stein On Writing

The man knows the writers trade as editor and author. He delivers useful techniques wrapped in a flu9d narration that has enough humor folded in to move the narrative along at a nice pace.

Essential book for any writer

Would you consider the audio edition of Stein on Writing to be better than the print version?

I enjoy the audio version because I can listen to it on my iPod while doing chores. I am beginning my second pass through the book right now!

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard Christopher Lane before but he is a fine a voice performer as you can get! His reading of this book was perfect, in my estimation.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

I found his application of fiction writing techniques to non-fiction a revelation. I am a documentary filmmaker and often write the voice over for my films. This book has transformed the way I view that task.

Any additional comments?

Every writer MUST read this! Even if you do not aspire to become a writer, listening to this book will enhance your enjoyment of good writing.

A master communicator

What made the experience of listening to Stein on Writing the most enjoyable?

Solid stories about the real world.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sol, of course.

What about Christopher Lane’s performance did you like?

Didn't get tired of his voice. Listened on a three hour drive, back and forth.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

You go, Sol!

Would you listen to Stein on Writing again? Why?

I most certainly will listen to this book again. Stein has enlightened me on what makes a great book great.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stein on Writing?

Stein makes it personal, using stories from his own experience. He also uses examples from literature, which are readily known and/or accessible. He shows instead of tells, which is one of the basic premises.

Which character ??? as performed by Christopher Lane ??? was your favorite?

This is not fiction. The only

What???s an idea from the book that you will remember?

That's just it...this entire book is worth remembering. When I think I'm starting to forget, I will re-listen.

great

I have been going through a dry spell and this is what I needed

Great resource!

Spell-binding, with deep insight into the human condition; valuable resources for the aspiring writer. Thank you!

Useful, if you can get past the attitude

I suspect that deep inside of literary Mr. Stein there lurks a sleazy adventure writer yearning to get out. Stein denigrates "transient" fiction (a.k.a. genre fiction in his opinion), yet examples from his own work differ little from the examples of "transient" literature that he quotes. The only difference I could see was that the "transient" literature was drawn from books I'd actually heard of. Stein mocks the use of cliches, yet in an example from his own writing, uses the cliche phrase "naked and unashamed." Dear, dear.

One thing lacking from the book was a discussion of writing appropriately for one's audience. Stein chastises Thomas Huxley for writing in a florid, convoluted style, yet he quotes Huxley entirely out of context and fails to consider Huxley's audience: educated Victorians who expected no less from an educated scientist and writer. Stein would lead us to believe that there is but one way to write well -- his way.

Still, once past the attitudinal bits, there is much that is useful here, making this a worthwhile download for serious writers. Stein has some solid ideas on how to go about editing one's work, starting with a grand overview, and going down to details. His advice to find the weakest chapter, then the weakest scene, is extremely helpful. His advice on plotting is good and easy to follow. Pay attention to what he says about adjectives. It can clean up your work considerably.

As an audiobook, this is easy on the ears. The reading is clear and the pace is good. Warning: you may be tempted to drive with a notebook in hand to jot down ideas. Or you may end up buying the hard copy so you can refer back to the bits that you found most useful.