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On Writing, Volume 1

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On Writing, Volume 1

By: James Magnuson, Roberta Gellis
Narrated by: James Magnuson, Roberta Gellis
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About this listen

Writing Your First Novel

Learn how to write The Great American Novel from veteran novelist James Magnuson. Topics include how to:

  • Use autobiographical material
  • Complete your manuscript
  • Find the spine of your novel
  • Handle rewrites
  • Keep your vision
  • Avoid common pitfalls

    • How to Write Historical Fiction

    Listening to Roberta Gellis is a privilege. Her no-nonsense approach to writing historical fiction will answer questions you didn't know you had and keep you on track with your own manuscript. Topics include how to:

    • Carry out useful research
    • Pin down a historical period
    • Discover how historical people lived and felt
    • Pick a key event
    • Create believable characters
©1987 James Magnuson, 1988 Roberta Gellis (P)2005 Writer's AudioShop
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If you are an aspiring writer, or maybe even want to just sharpen up your literary edge, then for God's sake, do not start with this utter piece of drivel. The first lecture consists of a man who does nothing but say 'Ummmm', and skirt his way around the students questions without giving any actual advice, except the cheapest kind found in most self help writing books.

The woman's lecture is better, but is VERY boring as she is not talking, but simply reading from a pre-written script and does not inject any feeling into her words. She is also very, very technical, which you may love, but I hate.

I want people and especially writers to inspire me to write, to tell me things I don't know. To give me ideas I never thought of. These two DO NOT.

If you would like my advice, then definitely download the absolutely superb Stein On Writing, which is available on this site. It offers a comprehensive, interesting, anecdote laden, informative and most of all helpful guide on all aspects of writing. I have listened to it three times and am preparing to listen to it again. It is without doubt the best product of this kind on the market today. It is by Sol Stein. Enjoy.

But please don't download this tripe, or you will regret it.

Pretty Dreadful

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