Carolyn Lewis

Good

Carolyn Lewis has written a no nonsense guide to writing your first novel. This is pitched at new writers and her aim is to demystify the whole process. It’s a short book but full of common sense advice, like a condensed writing course on the page. Of course, like all such manuals, this is one person’s opinion on what makes good writing – although garnered via experience as a writer and teacher. Lewis covers all the bases you’d expect from inspiration to writer’s block, how to approach publishers and self-publishing. However this is not a book to teach you how to write but rather how to improve your writing.

Overall – short common sense advice that could be used as a checklist by brand new authors… (altro)

Good

Carolyn Lewis has written another common sense approach to writing in this book (see my review of her book – The Novel) which although it repeats some information from her other book is focussed on the specific challenges in the short story format. She also talks about flash and microfiction and has a good list of short story prizes. She has sections on writing for radio and writing for magazines as well as discussions on what makes a good short story.

Overall – Good resource for short story writers beginning to learn their craft… (altro)