WRITE AWAY: ONE NOVELIST'S APPROACH TO FICTION AND THE WRITING LIFE

Book.Good.

As an indie author, I have nearly 30 fiction and nonfiction books published (most of the latter co-authored with my husband). I have released a five-book women's fictions series over the past five years, and although I've never taken a creative writing course, I am a voracious and discriminating reader who has always had a talent for writing. Yet I know I can improve, and lately, I have postponed starting my next book, as I felt a gap needed filling in terms of my creative expression. I saw an advertisement online for a workshop by one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth George of Inspector Lynley fame, and I felt drawn to it. Who wouldn't be? It was going to be held in a gorgeous villa in Tuscany, and the class would be limited to 9 students. If only I had the thousands of dollars, I would have loved to participate.In reading about Ms. George on the website, I saw she had authored this book. I snapped it up immediately, and I have not been disappointed. The author admits this is HER way of approaching writing. It's not like she says there is only one way that works. So you will enjoy and benefit most from this book if her approach resonates with you. How can you tell? First, read a bunch of her books. Her stories are a cut above most bestsellers in terms of complexity of character, how the plot holds your interest and how beautifully she uses the English language. Setting is rich and contributes to the story. Dialogue sparkles. If you can't tell the difference between an Elizabeth George novel and a John Sandford novel, this book may not be for you. (I love John Sanford and have read all his books, but to me, his books are a great beach read, while Elizabeth George's books are more complex and compelling. Frankly, I'd be happy to be as successful as either one of them.) So, if you like complex stories that are well-done, and that is how you want to write, this book is for you.Secondly, before purchasing the book, I read reviews. I always read the 1-star and the 5-star reviews and get an overall feel for them when I research a product. Most of the time, they give me what I need to know. If the bad reviews are short, illiterate and emotional, I usually can dismiss them. If the 5-star reviews are well-written, detailed and make sense and resonate with me, I go with them. Of course, I'm talking overall rather than particular reviews, but in the case of this book, it becomes clear that people who don't have a strong left-brain attitude (aren't logical, rational, analytical) may not like this book, because the author comes across as very left-brain, which I am. So I like it. If you are a seat-of-your pants writer who spurns research and making outlines, or if you are an author who has a chip on your shoulder about traditionally published or successful authors, you may not enjoy this book. On the other hand, if you already have a good grounding in grammar, spelling and composition, and if you can explain why you like one type of author's work over another, this book may appeal, because it can be the gateway to improved writing for you.Some of the criticism in the reviews mystified me; well, in fact, most of it did. Some readers were annoyed that the author didn't just bullet-point tips. Duh. This romance with Sesame Street-style-learning has really gotten out of hand. If you don't like to read, it might be a sign you shouldn't be a writer. If you like to read but find detailed explanations with great examples a burden, then probably this book is not for you, but I honestly don't see how any book on writing can be good without going into detail and giving examples, simply because good writing and a good approach and success are somewhat subjective, and even defining terms can be challenging. And if you think becoming a good writer is something you can take a pill or get a shot for, you're dreaming. Elizabeth George takes you by the hand and gives you lots of great examples that help you get the 'aha' moments you need as an author who is wanting to express herself better and wow her readers. If it were easy to do or easy to explain in five steps, everyone would be doing it, wouldn't they?It is also probable that if you are the type who is writing to market and cranking out eight novels a year, this book may not be for you, because to apply what the author suggests is time-consuming. Quality isn't quick. So if time is your main concern, this book may not be helpful to you.I'll be reading this book more than once and taking some notes. It is quite possible I will tweak the processes she suggests in order to mold them to my personality, but it won't be huge changes. I am excited about beginning my next novel, because I can already see how I can improve in so many ways thanks to this book.If you are willing to invest time, thought and effort into improving your writing and are a left-brain sort of person who is okay with taking the time to make outlines or lists and researching and thinking before you write, this book will give you everything you need to craft a better novel. I don't write crime fiction, but everything she teaches in this book applies to other genres. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to make the leap to other types of fiction, so don't let that hold you back. And I still want to take a workshop with Ms. George. Especially if it's in Tuscany. :)

A definite classic among 'books for writers'. Recommendable for every writer of suspense novels, but no matter what your genre may be, there is tons to learn from Miss George. And even if you only want to know how she does what she does (without any intent to try your hand at writing yourself), this is the book for you.

This is a much better than normal how-to writing book, without bizarre complexity, but a real process by a successful writer, not just someone who teaches writing.

Working my way through the chapters and impressed with the information and examples. Will likely use as a reference in the future