Scan barcode
A review by el_stevie
It's Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life by F. Paul Wilson, Chuck Palahniuk, Clive Barker
4.0
What If? That's how this collection of essays opens. What if some of the best authors in the business decide to pass on their expertise to those following in their path? Answer: You get this book, an invaluable selection of hints, tips and sometimes, demands on everything from character creation to plotting to submission. For me, as well as the writing tips, I enjoyed the sections dealing with creating and editing anthologies and also how NOT to speak to an editor.
Advice is given and yes, some conflicts as writers have different methods, eg plot v character, one or two drafts or multiple. It's up to you to take what you want from this - or not, although there is one golden rule that ALL promote - show not tell.
With each essay, it was as if the author(s) were sat in the room with you, chatting about their craft as to an equal. All remember where they came from in writing terms, there is no superiority, no patronising or condescension. They are us and hopefully those who read this will one day become them.
Advice is given and yes, some conflicts as writers have different methods, eg plot v character, one or two drafts or multiple. It's up to you to take what you want from this - or not, although there is one golden rule that ALL promote - show not tell.
With each essay, it was as if the author(s) were sat in the room with you, chatting about their craft as to an equal. All remember where they came from in writing terms, there is no superiority, no patronising or condescension. They are us and hopefully those who read this will one day become them.