I enjoyed this slim volume, although if you have read a lot of other books/articles on writing, you may not find much new here. Still, its organization and modelling on The Art of War is interesting and there are numerous nuggets of good advice, particularly on a topic which many new writers can use--dealing with others in a professional manner. Definitely recommended for aspiring writers, and even those more seasoned may find the style and content helpful. ( )

The usefulness of this book depends on how many craft books one has read before. Some of these tips are nothing new (backstory and how not to use it, character inner conflict, foreshadowing the plot), and many of them aren't too deep. They can't be, since each "chapter" is more of a blog-post-length quick tip. But just as I started thinking thus, I would read something like the chapter on story and redemption and simply have to share it with writer friends.

One small issue--learn point of view elsewhere. Some of this book's POV tips (as well as the rewritten "better" example from the Warm Up Third Person chapter) would make Browne and King cringe ([b:Self-Editing for Fiction Writers|180467|Self-Editing for Fiction Writers How to Edit Yourself Into Print|Renni Browne|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1356023889s/180467.jpg|1283228]).

Most of the third section, Strategy (i.e. writing as a business) contains advice easily Googled: how to write a query letter, how to write a synopsis, how to behave like a professional so agents at conferences don't avoid you. However, for those to whom query letters are still a terrifying wilderness, this overview will be helpful and hopefully fortifying.

The points with the greatest use for me personally were several writing method innovations (especially the writer's notebook), the encouragement sections, and the quotes/stories of respected writers, from Faulkner to King.

Three-and-a-half stars. These and other gems are now highlighted in my copy: "Redemption is bound up in choice," "[Readers] read to worry," "speed in the opening is a matter of disturbance, not high levels of action." Good stuff. ( )

Bell's The Art of War for Writers is a pretty nifty little book that I picked up as a self-reward for achieving a writing goal. Hey, why not? Craft can always be improved, and this book can certainly help with that, whether you are a green recruit or a seasoned veteran.

This book is an overview book, making it no less useful, I might add. I found nuggets of information to store away and ponder that had been phrased perfectly in this book to get through my thick skull, even though I've read similar advice in other books that just didn't stick. Delivery of information is key to how it sticks with any individual.

I'm sure any who have sat down to seriously write a book could agree with the war metaphor. To write a book is a war with your soul, your inner demons, with the voices in your head clamouring for their stories to be shared, or with the ideas you yourself wish to share. Every session at the computer, or notebook, or typewriter is a battle to be won. Some go by with a breeze. Others are a struggle. Writing is a craft that requires firm discipline and dedication if you want to be serious about it.

There are three sections to the book. The first- recon- focuses on the mental aspects of writing, and preparing to write. The second- tactics- focuses more on the mechanics of writing. The last- strategy- focuses on publishing and promotion. I found the first two sections to be of the most use to me.

I loved that Bell scattered various quotes and stories throughout to help illustrate his points. One thing that definitely stuck with me was the advice regarding criticism, and how to deal with it. I can tend to take things rather harshly. :/

I also found the advice for setting quotas and goals useful. I can be terrible at procrastinating if I am unable to set aside a large chunk of 'uninterrupted' time for writing. If there's even the slightest chance I may be interrupted, then I often opt not to write. When you also work a full time job, and other obligations, settings aside large blocks of uninterrupted time is nigh impossible. It helped me realise that I don't need to be able to write 3000 words in a day (unrealistic for my busy schedule). Writing 500 is fine, so long as its consistent day after day.

As I mentioned, this is an overview book. If you are at all a serious writer, of course you are going to have more in-depth writing craft books on your shelves (or ereader). Bell's Art of War for Writer's is still a great addition to your writingcraft collection. ( )

My absolute favorite book on writing. The book is broken up into several short, concise, easy-to-read chapters full of wonderful, practical advice, exercises, and examples. A pleasure to read, and what's better, extremely motivational. Recommended for any writer, amateur to professional. ( )

My absolute favorite book on writing. The book is broken up into several short, concise, easy-to-read chapters full of wonderful, practical advice, exercises, and examples. A pleasure to read, and what's better, extremely motivational. Recommended for any writer, amateur to professional. ( )