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Pulp fiction
Robert Turner was a pulp fiction writer in the 1940s through the 1970s. The only blurb about the book was written by an unidentified pulp-lover, who discovered the original pamphlet on a dusty shelf in a used book store and republished the text digitally for the Amazon Kindle. Turner gives the aspiring pulp fiction writer practical advice. His main "keep it entertaining." He also touches on a range of topics including dialogue, setting, and genre.
- GenresWriting
48 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 1948
45 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Robert Turner
250 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 13, 2019
Robert Turner says his little booklet will skip all the standard advice, and instead focus on a few trade secrets he has learned from his years as agent, editor, and writer.
Despite its claims to "meatiness," the advice here is pretty standard, and the style is more breezy than pithy. One point he makes early is that no one should write down to the pulps, but instead write as well as one can. One point he makes late is that underemphasis can be as effective as exaggeration.
Worth the time spent reading it, which wasn't much, after all. I will go back to my old (2012) Peril Press e-book of Robert Turner stories.
Despite its claims to "meatiness," the advice here is pretty standard, and the style is more breezy than pithy. One point he makes early is that no one should write down to the pulps, but instead write as well as one can. One point he makes late is that underemphasis can be as effective as exaggeration.
Worth the time spent reading it, which wasn't much, after all. I will go back to my old (2012) Peril Press e-book of Robert Turner stories.
May 24, 2020
Practical advice for writers
Picked this up because I missed reading old-fashioned advice that had nothing to do with writing to market, algorithms and bits and this for the bill to a T.
Picked this up because I missed reading old-fashioned advice that had nothing to do with writing to market, algorithms and bits and this for the bill to a T.
August 3, 2016
Robert Turner gives the aspiring pulp fiction writer advice on the craft. His hilarious "how-to" book is as fast-paced, lean, and hard-boiled as the stories he writes about. This is the pulpiest book on writing ever, and I mean that in the beset possible way.
August 23, 2018
Excellent Straightforward Writing Advice
Robert Turner has simplified the writing process for me more than any 'How To' writing book I've read. Thank you John Grow for bringing this to light!
Robert Turner has simplified the writing process for me more than any 'How To' writing book I've read. Thank you John Grow for bringing this to light!
August 21, 2018
Excellent classic rift on what to and not to do when writing the genre.
Quick read and lots of fun.
Quick read and lots of fun.
February 8, 2019
This book was great and from now on will be the only book on writing I ever recommend.
March 4, 2022
Interesting Insight From The Pulp Era
This is not a “how to” book with formulas for writing in the style of the pulp magazines of the early to mid-20th Century. It is something more interesting, a collection of thoughts and ideas from an actual writer/editor/agent of the era, sharing some insights into the industry of the time. In that sense, it is a historical document, but it still can be mined today for advice on how to approach the craft of storytelling, even if just to compare how the market has changed and yet reader demands for entertainment have not.
The advice could be summarized as “don’t be boring” and “make your characters have real human emotions”. The author ruminates on how these simple writing truths drive the momentum of everything else, from narrative thrust to describing the world the characters inhabit.
It is a short, interesting read on multiple levels.
This is not a “how to” book with formulas for writing in the style of the pulp magazines of the early to mid-20th Century. It is something more interesting, a collection of thoughts and ideas from an actual writer/editor/agent of the era, sharing some insights into the industry of the time. In that sense, it is a historical document, but it still can be mined today for advice on how to approach the craft of storytelling, even if just to compare how the market has changed and yet reader demands for entertainment have not.
The advice could be summarized as “don’t be boring” and “make your characters have real human emotions”. The author ruminates on how these simple writing truths drive the momentum of everything else, from narrative thrust to describing the world the characters inhabit.
It is a short, interesting read on multiple levels.
November 27, 2021
Best Book on Writing Pulp Fiction I’ve Ever Read
Robert Turner was very qualified to write this book, not only writing stories for the pulp magazines of his day, but also taking turns as a literary agent and editor. And as I am an author who proudly writes pulp, I’ve read a lot of advice for pulp writers and I have never read a better book for authors wanting to write in that style.
In this short work, Turner comes across like a Dutch Uncle, not churning out theory but what actually works in the field. His advice is brutally honest surpassing the idealism of other books on writing and telling it like it is. Only Stephen King’s On Writing matches the humor, the experience, and the blunt reality you will read from Turner’s pen.
I heartily endorse this book.
Robert Turner was very qualified to write this book, not only writing stories for the pulp magazines of his day, but also taking turns as a literary agent and editor. And as I am an author who proudly writes pulp, I’ve read a lot of advice for pulp writers and I have never read a better book for authors wanting to write in that style.
In this short work, Turner comes across like a Dutch Uncle, not churning out theory but what actually works in the field. His advice is brutally honest surpassing the idealism of other books on writing and telling it like it is. Only Stephen King’s On Writing matches the humor, the experience, and the blunt reality you will read from Turner’s pen.
I heartily endorse this book.
August 24, 2020
This is an interesting, informative and gentle defense of a much maligned genre. Turner (1915-1980) was a prolific writer and editor under his own name and several pseudonyms. This 48-page booklet, discovered "in a dusty corner of a dusty used bookstore" was made available by John Grow in ebook format. As instructive tool for would-be writers, its value was limited. It was published in 1948 and within 10 years or less teh pulp field was practically nonexistent. But it is a very interesting and detailed look at the process of writing pulp fiction and how the industry worked.
August 31, 2021
My rating is for the historical significance of this slim volume. It's marvelous to have a window into the mindset of a prolific pulp fiction writer from the genre's golden age. As a reference guide for today's aspiring writers, it's not particularly relevant. Pulp fiction, and short stories in general, are practically a dead art form in the modern era, although a few chapters (such as how to write gripping dialogue) are still interesting. I'm glad this was preserved, but I'm not sure I'll ever read it again.
January 6, 2020
Timeless Advice!
Sometimes youth just need to hear the fundamentals. There are so many books out there on writing it's easy to get overwhelmed. This book doesn't do that. It is simple, straightforward, and reminds you it's about entertainment. Both for the reader and for the writer. Let this book free you from all the rules, and go out there and write!
Sometimes youth just need to hear the fundamentals. There are so many books out there on writing it's easy to get overwhelmed. This book doesn't do that. It is simple, straightforward, and reminds you it's about entertainment. Both for the reader and for the writer. Let this book free you from all the rules, and go out there and write!
June 8, 2020
This is advice on writing, not just selling. Write to entertain! I like it - not political nor social nor educational - that's for me!
The 'marketing' advice is all from the mid-20th century, but still worth reading because what would interest an old-time editor is quite likely the same quality that would motivate a modern reader.
Beyond this, the tone of Turner's pamphlet is distinctive. Now I have to read more by him, to see if he wrote like this all the time.
The 'marketing' advice is all from the mid-20th century, but still worth reading because what would interest an old-time editor is quite likely the same quality that would motivate a modern reader.
Beyond this, the tone of Turner's pamphlet is distinctive. Now I have to read more by him, to see if he wrote like this all the time.
August 24, 2020
i hesitate to say "quaint" but
Look, the PUBLISHING advice (and some of the language) is dated as hell, but the actual writing advice is still valid today and also? This is just a charming read. Turner's basic message here is "be entertaining", and clearly he practiced what he preached.
Look, the PUBLISHING advice (and some of the language) is dated as hell, but the actual writing advice is still valid today and also? This is just a charming read. Turner's basic message here is "be entertaining", and clearly he practiced what he preached.
March 29, 2021
Pulp Fiction Pointers from the Past
Loved this. I was thrilled to find this as an avid pulp reader and writer. Solid advice from the trenches. I have a great collection of Pulps and Slicks from the heyday period (between the world wars) and this checks every box. Thanks for bringing this to light.
Loved this. I was thrilled to find this as an avid pulp reader and writer. Solid advice from the trenches. I have a great collection of Pulps and Slicks from the heyday period (between the world wars) and this checks every box. Thanks for bringing this to light.
August 9, 2022
Refreshingly Simplistic
What a find! Turner dares to demystify the creative process. He trashes the pretensions of the fiction writing books on our shelves, and offers simple, practical advise that fiction writers can use to get the job done.Worth reading, if only for a fresh perspective on everything we’ve been taught.
What a find! Turner dares to demystify the creative process. He trashes the pretensions of the fiction writing books on our shelves, and offers simple, practical advise that fiction writers can use to get the job done.Worth reading, if only for a fresh perspective on everything we’ve been taught.
September 17, 2020
4 stars for the “plot of pulp yarn.”
This 1948 publication, scanned and reoffered by John Grow, redefines or refines Pulp Fiction. Turner reveals, “In a short-short pulp story, the idea is of paramount importance. Usually, it hinges upon a twist ending...” (Loc 728). This may be a vintage book, but the information is timeless.
This 1948 publication, scanned and reoffered by John Grow, redefines or refines Pulp Fiction. Turner reveals, “In a short-short pulp story, the idea is of paramount importance. Usually, it hinges upon a twist ending...” (Loc 728). This may be a vintage book, but the information is timeless.
April 30, 2021
A sage voice from the golden era
What a great read - like having a guy speak to you from across time, from a time when pulp fiction was king. But the advice isn't dated, it’s timeless writing advice in conversational tone from a veteran writer. This is a GEM!
What a great read - like having a guy speak to you from across time, from a time when pulp fiction was king. But the advice isn't dated, it’s timeless writing advice in conversational tone from a veteran writer. This is a GEM!
September 18, 2017
I was looking for the pulp fiction script and stumbled across this insightful book on writing.
February 27, 2019
Interesting pamphlet on writing pulp fiction by Robert Turner.
March 27, 2021
Fantastic!
A great look at how the writers of the pulp era approached and thought about their work, with a lot of great advice that still rings true even in 2021.
A great look at how the writers of the pulp era approached and thought about their work, with a lot of great advice that still rings true even in 2021.
July 3, 2021
Much better than several recent writings and compilations on the subject. Clear, not padded, easy and thought-provoking read.
September 18, 2013
A short primer on writing for the pulps. Not so much a how-to, but a what-not-do for the novice writer looking to break into the pulp field, or do better, at the time of original publication.
Author Turner sprinkles it with examples from some of his own writings and stuff made up on the spot.
An interesting essay.
Author Turner sprinkles it with examples from some of his own writings and stuff made up on the spot.
An interesting essay.
September 13, 2012
A bit old fashioned but a good piece of advice for anyone starting a career in writing.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews