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ameliareadsstuff's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.25
A great collection of writing advice, framed as 10 Parts, each with 10 Chapters, each with 10 Sub-Headings. Given the framing, it would make a good read in bite-size snacks, though more so in book form than audio. A worthwhile read for any aspiring writer, especially as it delves into what to expect after one gets an agent or publisher, not just before.
Harris is clearly writing from experience, which means her advice is practical and learned. She also does a really good job narrating her own audiobook, which is always nice.
Harris is clearly writing from experience, which means her advice is practical and learned. She also does a really good job narrating her own audiobook, which is always nice.
eevie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Great for reference. I did a lot of highlighting, particularly in the early parts. The writing tips helped me sit down and think about how I go about writing, whether that be deliberately or unconsciously doing certain things. I especially am thankful for the parts where Harris talked about how writing for joy is always worthwhile. Sometimes one needs to hear that, and I will likely compile those bits and put them in a journal so I can read them when I need to.
bigbeardedbookseller's review against another edition
4.0
Following Joanne Harris on Twitter is always worth it, supportive and enthusiastic about writing and the process, and her twitter threads of “Ten Things…” are always refreshing.
So as soon as I saw that she was releasing a collection of her writing tips in a single volume I popped it onto my #TBR.
My original idea was just to have this by my computer and read it bit by bit as I worked, getting inspiration or support from it when I needed it.
This is still going to happen and it now does have pride of place by the monitor, but I couldn’t resist reading it from start to finish in a couple of days as the collection of tips and information was moreish.
One was never enough as each led onto another naturally and before I knew it half the book was gone.
Each section is a themed collection of ten different areas about writing with ten hints/tips/ideas and more listed there to help and support writers whatever part of the journey they’re on.
My personal favourites being Permission and Imposter Syndrome since I’m in the foothills of writing right now and I’ll be reading these again, regularly.
A great collection that has made me feel supported and given me more confidence in actually writing rather than wanting to write.
So as soon as I saw that she was releasing a collection of her writing tips in a single volume I popped it onto my #TBR.
My original idea was just to have this by my computer and read it bit by bit as I worked, getting inspiration or support from it when I needed it.
This is still going to happen and it now does have pride of place by the monitor, but I couldn’t resist reading it from start to finish in a couple of days as the collection of tips and information was moreish.
One was never enough as each led onto another naturally and before I knew it half the book was gone.
Each section is a themed collection of ten different areas about writing with ten hints/tips/ideas and more listed there to help and support writers whatever part of the journey they’re on.
My personal favourites being Permission and Imposter Syndrome since I’m in the foothills of writing right now and I’ll be reading these again, regularly.
A great collection that has made me feel supported and given me more confidence in actually writing rather than wanting to write.
iina's review
4.0
This is a very thorough and accessible guide to writing, from the conception of your characters to what happens after a book is published. Harris goes through every stage meticulously, explaining what the potential pitfalls are as well as being kind and encouraging throughout. The only slight negative is that the advice about writing seems for the most part to assume the reader writes plot-driven fiction, and other styles are neglected somewhat. But I especially love how Harris often emphasised that whatever you write, be it a Booker Prize winner or fan fiction, you’re a writer, as this is a reminder I know many writers need.
dave_holwill's review
5.0
The latest addition to the list of books you should actually read if you want to write (along with Stephen King's On Writing amongst others). Written in easily digestible chunks you can dip in and out of with humour and humility, Joanne Harris is just as much a joy to read in non-fiction as she is in fiction.