This book is out of print, but you can still get it on Amazon.com, which is what I did. It was used, but in good condition.  I spent $3.99 for it (Amazon prime = free shipping), although I wished I’d had it before I started writing my first book.  Still, I’m now glad I have it  for the second book.  I felt in need of some help to unravel any bad habits I could be forming.  (make that – am likely forming).   I just read about the book on another blog and the writer was so adamant that all writers HAD to have it and read it, that I immediately quit reading her blog just so I could go buy it.

I love his writing style – which he goes into some detail explaining why he’s writing the book the way he is at the very beginning, and he also explains that he will cover “style” on behalf of the writer a bit more later in the book.  I’ve only read to page 48 or so, but already he’s provided such a wealth of information that I’m anxious to get to the end and to put what he says into practice.  I’m going to save what I have as version 1, and when I go back to revise, I’m planning to clean up my manuscript by tweaking it here and there, using his methods/suggestions, and it will be interesting to see how it all comes out.  For example, I’m going to find/replace most – if not all –  “ly” words.  Enthusiastically, cautiously, unwittingly, etc, you know, the ones that are considered weak words.  I plan to add in more sensory descriptions – but he definitely cautions the writer here to not go overboard.

Some other examples of what he has included are, as mentioned already, style, avoiding cliches, tone, intention, credibility, characterization, bringing characters to life, dialogue, scene setting, using details that work, and POV.  Trust me when I say I’m only skimming the surface, the book is packed with advice and information.  It’s considered a “must read” but you can go search it out and see for yourself as to whether it’s worth it or not.  I scanned the book and knew right away I’d get it and keep it, right here… on my desk.  I’m looking at it right this moment.  It’s a captivating little book, as my fingers creep towards it and now I have to stop writing this blog because…. I feel the need….to read.