This guide to becoming a writer was originally published in 1934. It focuses not just on plotting techniques or prose style, but on the process of developing the habits and discipline of a writer, with beating writer's block, reading to improve one's writing, and other psychological techniques.
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Refreshingly slim, beautifully written and deliciously elegant, Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer remains evergreen decades after it was first written. Brande believed passionately that although people have varying amounts of talent, anyone can write. It's just a question of finding the "writer's magic"--a degree of which is in us all. She also insists that writing can be both taught and learned. So she is enraged by the pessimistic authors of so many writing books who rejoice in trying to put off the aspiring writer by constantly stressing how difficult it all is.
With close reference to the great writers of her day--Wolfe, Forster, Wharton and so on--Brande gives practical but inspirational advice about finding the right time of day to write and being very self disciplined about it--"You have decided to write at four o'clock, and at four o'clock you must write." She's strong on confidence building and there's a lot about cheating your unconscious which will constantly try to stop you writing by coming up with excuses. Then there are exercises to help you get into the right frame of mind and to build up writing stamina.
This edition comes with an informative foreword by the late Malcolm Bradbury, a man who knew a thing or two about teaching writing, having pioneered the innovative MA course in creative writing at the University of East Anglia which nurtured, among many other writers, Rose Tremain, Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro. It's a pity, however, that Brande (and Bradbury) define "writing" so narrowly. They refer only to novels and short stories--ignoring biography, travel writing, plays, poems, essays and reportage. In fact, Brande is unreasonably dismissive of journalism as if it were just an uncreative, prostituted form of "real" writing. --Susan Elkin
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First Sentence
So, having made my apologies, and stated my belief, I am going, from now on, to address myself solely to those who hope to write. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
So, having made my apologies, and stated my belief, I am going, from now on, to address myself solely to those who hope to write. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
88 of 90 people found the following review helpful
By Rp Garner
Format:Paperback
I can't believe I'm the first person to reivew this book which has to be one of the best known and best loved of all 'how to' books ever written. It does not tell you how to write - it tells you how to become a writer and it's probably best to read it before you start writing. It tells you how to balance your writing life with the rest of your life, and how to keep your editorial self and your creative self working in harmony. It gives you exercises to develop the writing habit and, quite early on, it does something so brave, I've not seen it repeated in any other guide. It tells you, if you can't manage the exercises, to stop.
"If you fail repeatedly at this exercise, give up writing. Your resistance is actually greater than your desire to write, and you may as well find some other outlet for your energy early as late."
Right, now why was that so refreshing? Becuase she wrote it in 1934 and we're no longer used to such straight talking. Almost makes you feel like a grown up.
"If you fail repeatedly at this exercise, give up writing. Your resistance is actually greater than your desire to write, and you may as well find some other outlet for your energy early as late."
Right, now why was that so refreshing? Becuase she wrote it in 1934 and we're no longer used to such straight talking. Almost makes you feel like a grown up.
47 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I have been a published writer for eight years, and I must have read a mountain of books on writing. Dorothea Brande's book is without any question the most helpful of them all.
I would go as far as saying it is the ONLY book that has made any real impact on my work. If you have always wanted to be a writer but have lacked a certain confidence, or energy, read this book. If you are already a successful writer but find your work a stuggle, read this book.
Dorothea Brande is a very clever woman who shows in her book an unmatched understanding of the psychology of a writer - and uses this understanding to expertly encouage the reader's development. A strict but nurturing teacher, many great writers have and will benefit from her work.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you want to be a writer, then you need to read "Becoming a Writer"
12 April 2007
Format:Paperback
This book will not tell you how to write a great novel. Nor the secrets to plot and character development. What this book will do is help you make the most of those tendencies that impel you to want to write. Written in the 1920's and still popular now, this is a vital tool for those wanting to enhance whatever compulsion to write that they already possess. Buy this book and begin to write. You never know where it will get you. And never, ever, let technical quandries mire your creative spirit.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic and brilliant
I still have my own copy and have given it to many aspiring writers. This one was for my granddaughter (age 18) but not sure how much she uses it. Read more
Published 22 days ago by J. Jago
5.0 out of 5 stars
A little gem
This book was recommended by Julia Cameron and I can see why. I've read it once and am now preparing to read it again because it is crowded with insights.
Published 3 months ago by Sue Latimer
4.0 out of 5 stars
present
Bought as a gift for someone who loves writing but doesnt know where to start has given them a real boost to get started & into writting
Published 3 months ago by Jessica Winter
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Eureka book for me
I bought this because it was recommended by Hilary Mantel. It's the first book I've read on writing that I think really understands and addresses the difficulties of simply getting... Read more
Published 3 months ago by T Hartwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential reading for budding authors
I found this book extremely helpful and refreshing in its approach, and will continue to refer to it in the years ahead as I pursue my creative writing.
Published 3 months ago by FlorenceLB
5.0 out of 5 stars
Writing Habits
I'm a writer. Although I love to watch films and TV, listen to music, go the the theatre and read widely, I do find it hard to write with other people's words still in my head. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Sugs
5.0 out of 5 stars
If You Read Only One Book On Writing, Make it This One
As budding writers, we're all faced with a bewildering panoply of books on the techniques of the craft. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Mr. S. K. Allison
5.0 out of 5 stars
A worthwhile read
This book was written a very long time ago and I wondered about its relevance today. I went on previous reviews and decided to buy it, after all it was inexpensive (I've paid more... Read more
Published 8 months ago by JS
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not for me
Not to say that this doesn't work for others, but this was an awful purchase in my mind. The whole book seems to be telling you what state of mind to get in and little else. Read more
Published 11 months ago by zsfb115
4.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
This book doesn't give very information on what to write or how to write in terms of plot or grammar. Read more
Published 11 months ago by diabllo
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