How To Write Magical Words: A Writers Companion

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There is quite a bit of good information in this book, and a few excellent suggestions, but I did not think the format suited my needs. I had to wade through large amounts of material to find the information I wanted. I found all the congratulations to everyone who wrote anything rather tiresome. I have nothing against congratulating people, but in this case it gets very repetitive. Actually, it is partly my fault, because I bought this book quite some time ago and took a long time to getting around to it. This book is probably more suited to beginners, so a lot of it was already familiar to me.

Books, stories, writing ephemera

One person found this helpful. This is a great book for aspiring fiction writers. Because the material is a large, organized collection of 1- 3 page write-ups on specific topics by one of a group of writers, it is especially useful in seeing what they agree on and where they offer alternative viewpoints. David Coe is an excellent instructor and writer and his material appears through-out.

I usually read a topic a night so I have time to think about what was said while working on other projects. I almost didn't buy this book, because it was blurbed by Orson Scott Card.

He's a great writer, but IMO a terrible human being. Eventually, I was able to move past the blurb and just enjoy the book. And enjoy it I did. I haven't finished it yet, but already consider it well worth the price. I also think it should be required reading for every writer, whether they're in grade school and just learning to write, or writing professionally.

I became familiar with this group of authors through their various appearances at ConCarolinas in Charlotte NC and found this book through that blog. Over the past few years, I have only been a causal follower of MagicalWords. Still, I ended up buying this book because I wanted to see where they would take it. The answer is -- they didn't take it far.

How To Write Magical Words

Let me spell this out plainly: Those entries have undergone only the most modest and cosmetic of editing before making it into the book; 'net speak such as OMG and smile was even left intact, a fact I found particularly egregious. As far as I can, every chapter of the book is already available for free online as part of the blog. The conversational aspect touted on the book's blurb is merely a selection of blog comments reprinted with each piece.

I didn't find the reprinting of the comments to be much of a strength; the comments on the blog are rarely more than an echo chamber in which the other contributors chime in their agreement with the OP's point. True discourse, it ain't. All that said, if what you're looking for is a bound copy of a selection of the blog's posts, this book is it. If you're thinking of buying this and you've never visited the blog, save yourself the money and go there for free. If you came from the blog, you've probably read it all before, so unless you really want a hard copy you don't have to print out, I suggest you skip it as well.

How to Write Magical Words is a very good how-to writers book. But face it, there are dozen such books out there. But not from seven different authors, each giving what works and doesn't work for them. A tool that might work for one might not work for you - but with seven different people throwing out examples and hints, at least one set of tools will fit your needs.

Faith's metaphoric examples, David's technical knowledge, Misty's beginner's enthusiasm and doubt, Edmund's editor's perspective The best part for me was the Self-Editing section. As someone interested in self-publishing and not yet able to pay an editor - this is the true gem of the book. Describing crutches, and the difference between revising and copyediting, and how to revise dialogue. In fact this book as a whole just became a must-read after completing each of my books and before I post it to Amazon. BIC means "but in chair" - spelling adjusted to get through review checks The only issue is book covers the first 3 years of the MagicalWords.

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Over the past few years, I have only been a causal follower of MagicalWords. Still, I ended up buying this book because I wanted to see where they would take it. The answer is -- they didn't take it far. Let me spell this out plainly: Those entries have undergone only the most modest and cosmetic of editing before making it into the book; 'net speak such as OMG and smile was even left intact, a fact I found particularly egregious.

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As far as I can, every chapter of the book is already available for free online as part of the blog. The conversational aspect touted on the book's blurb is merely a selection of blog comments reprinted with each piece. I didn't find the reprinting of the comments to be much of a strength; the comments on the blog are rarely more than an echo chamber in which the other contributors chime in their agreement with the OP's point. True discourse, it ain't. All that said, if what you're looking for is a bound copy of a selection of the blog's posts, this book is it.

If you're thinking of buying this and you've never visited the blog, save yourself the money and go there for free. If you came from the blog, you've probably read it all before, so unless you really want a hard copy you don't have to print out, I suggest you skip it as well. How to Write Magical Words is a very good how-to writers book. But face it, there are dozen such books out there.

But not from seven different authors, each giving what works and doesn't work for them. A tool that might work for one might not work for you - but with seven different people throwing out examples and hints, at least one set of tools will fit your needs. Faith's metaphoric examples, David's technical knowledge, Misty's beginner's enthusiasm and doubt, Edmund's editor's perspective The best part for me was the Self-Editing section. As someone interested in self-publishing and not yet able to pay an editor - this is the true gem of the book. Describing crutches, and the difference between revising and copyediting, and how to revise dialogue.

In fact this book as a whole just became a must-read after completing each of my books and before I post it to Amazon. BIC means "but in chair" - spelling adjusted to get through review checks The only issue is book covers the first 3 years of the MagicalWords. Vanity press and POD is covered, but not the true self-publishing now available. For that you need to monitor the magicalwords. The business has changed so much in the past three years and will continue to change dramatically for the near and maybe far future.

As a regular commenter on the blog this book is based upon, I found myself enjoying every moment reading my way through it all. This book is an experience like nothing else. I liken the posts at MagicalWords. The discussion and interaction in the comments section is invaluable; it makes me feel like an eager student, hanging back after class to ask more questions because I want to know more. These professors provide a learning experience in a relaxed environment. Each article in this book carries that feeling forward, reminding the reader of all of the important facets of writing and a writing career.

This has been the best book on writing I've ever read. The casual style of the articles draw you in and make you feel welcome. Best read in chunks, though See all 26 reviews. Most recent customer reviews. Published on August 6, Published on July 10, Paperback , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about How to Write Magical Words , please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about How to Write Magical Words. Lists with This Book. Sep 21, Erin Penn rated it it was amazing. How to Write Magical Words is a very good how-to writers book. But face it, there are dozen such books out there. But not from seven different authors, each giving what works and doesn't work for them. A tool that might work for one might not work for you - but with seven different people throwing out examples and hints, at least one set of tools will fit your needs.

Faith's metaphoric examples, David's technical knowledge, Misty's beginner's enthusiasm and doubt, Edmund's editor's perspective.. Faith's metaphoric examples, David's technical knowledge, Misty's beginner's enthusiasm and doubt, Edmund's editor's perspective The best part for me was the Self-Editing section. As someone interested in self-publishing and not yet able to pay an editor - this is the true gem of the book. Describing crutches, and the difference between revising and copyediting, and how to revise dialogue.

In fact this book as a whole just became a must-read after completing each of my books and before I post it to Amazon. Vanity press and POD is covered, but not the true self-publishing now available. For that you need to monitor the magicalwords. The business has changed so much in the past three years and will continue to change dramatically for the near and maybe far future.

May 27, Steven rated it liked it Shelves: A good, solid discussion among writers about things most writers worry about or at least talk about. I don't agree wholeheartedly with all stated among the opinions and advice, but it's a good read for anyone who wrestles with words for a living, especially those of us in the genre-moors. Jul 01, Dan Hart rated it really liked it Shelves: A great collection of essays for fiction writers, overall. Dec 25, Ken rated it it was amazing. Best book on writing I've ever read.

This one didn't find a home on the bookshelf. It's on the writing desk next to Strunk and White. Jan 20, D.

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