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Wannabe a Writer?

Author: Jane Wenham-jones
Creator: Katie Fforde
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd
Category: Book

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Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

23 reviews
Sales Rank: 3434

Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 320
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6 x 1

ISBN: 1905170815
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.3
EAN: 9781905170814
ASIN: 1905170815

Publication Date: May 1, 2007
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: UNREAD COPY WITH BUMP TO BACK COVER AND LAST FEW PAGE TOPS - A GOOD WORK BOOK - READY FOR DISPATCH TODAY. 2/3 DAYS FOR DELIVERY.

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Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational writing June 3, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

This is a brilliant book. Helped inspire me to keep going with my novel. Great book for anyone trying to finish their novel or wants to have a go at writing.

3 out of 5 stars

Not all that... May 31, 2008
6 out of 9 found this review helpful

First off, credit where credit's due. The first third of the book (around 100 pages) that deals with planning, motivation, how to generate ideas, and that feeling all beginners get of "where the hell do I start?" is excellent. Indeed, it is very comforting to discover that many writers (even accomplished ones) are in the same boat when it comes to dealing with the dreaded writers block, finding things to write about, research, and a myriad of other problems that a writer must overcome to succeed. The author does a good job in making you realise this.

However...

Once you move into the middle part, the book seems to take on a whole new agenda. The author develops a penchant for RELENTLESSLY plugging her other books at every given opportunity. I guess this is fairly amusing for the first few instances, until it becomes apparent that she frequently makes reference to almost everything she's ever written, why you should read it, and where it is available to purchase etc.

You also get the impression that her relationship with the books external contributors (i.e. friends, fellow writers, agents, publishers, and general contacts) amounts to nothing more than a matey (I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine') love-in that becomes increasingly nauseating from the readers point of view. It's as if the author has agreed to advertise work of these contributors in exchange for their (often not so enlightening) tips and advice, whilst singing their praises from the rafters and telling the reader what great work he/she has accomplished (followed by the inevitable plugging of their books, magazine columns and websites etc).

She contradicts herself when advising that a writer shouldn't harbour any notion of having a `proper job', yet towards the end changes tack to declare (something along the lines of) that writing is a mugs game, there's only a very slim chance of making a living from it, and it's probably best to stick to the day job. This is fine if the author is being honest and realistic- but why divulge the former advice in the first place? Isn't this going against the purpose of the book? Such advice could prove be very discouraging and disheartening (not to myself I must add) to anyone just starting out who `wannabe a writer'.

All of the above distracts from the main purpose of the book- how to become a writer. You also really begin to question the motives of the author, who in the first part of the book appears to be so genuine and full of helpful advice, but then seems become more self-indulgent and concerned with stoking the egos of her buddies in the publishing world.

This is a shame...

In summing up, I would recommend this book, for the sole reason that it's one of the few books (on the subject of creative writing) that's written in a humorous witty manner, to which the aspiring writer can identify. However, I cannot attribute anymore than the 3 stars given due to the reasons I've specified, together with the fact that other forms of creative writing (other than the novel) are sparsely covered, and meant to inject more humour into the proceedings as opposed to being helpful in any way (see TV/film scripts, plays, short stories and memoir sections for example).

If I was to recommend a book which I consider to be the `bible' on the subject of creative writing (and believe me I've read quite a few of them!), it would have to be `On Writing' by Stephen King, which I've just finished.

5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant! May 16, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

I've only just started reading this book and already I can't put it down. The sub-headings to each part make it easy to read and it is just so funny in places it really makes you feel that writing is enjoyable and fun and that it CAN BE DONE! The quiz at the beginning helps to understand at what stage you are in writing and what your potential is, which is a real confidence booster! I would reccommend this book to anyone who wants to become a writer but doesn't have a clue how to get started!!

5 out of 5 stars

brilliant, the best book on writing March 3, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

Wannabe a writer is the best book on writing since "On Writing" by Stephen King.
The way Jane Wenham-Jones approaches the subject is very entertaining and in her usual humorous and unique style.
This book is packed with advice and a down to earth and realistic insight into the life of a wannabe writer.
I can't praise it enough. It is a book that I will carry around with me to keep me motivated when I'm flagging, entertain me through the lows, and remind me that anything is possible.
It's a great book to buy for the people around you to read, as they will get a great insight into why we wannabe writer's, are the wonderful, if sometimes difficult characters that we are.
Buy this book for yourself, if you are a wannabe writer, or for anyone who wants an entertaining, informative book, you will love it!

4 out of 5 stars

Great, if slightly annoying January 22, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful

Don't get me wrong i loved this book. It's full of great advice and keeps you laughing throughout rather than bored stiff. If this is going to be the first book you read on how to write then it is a great start. My only critism which is what lost this book the fifth star is the fact that it gets slightly annoying when Jane (the author) repeatedly talks about alcohol and getting drunk and also the constant use of the word bilge. Then towards the end there starts to be more and more spelling mistakes and errors, like someone couldn't be bothered to check to the end of the book. A good test on budding writers though to see if you pick it up or not. A hilariously informative book for anyone wanting to write.