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INK: Eight Rules To A Better Book
A concise, personal read to share with you eight easy-to-implement strategies to make your book better. No gimmicks, no get rich quick schemes, just the lessons learned by a writer, writing personally to you (i.e. not a textbook or a collection of empty words and promises).
INK transcends all levels of authors; no experience, experienced; published, unpublished; confident, scared-witless. It is a particularly noteworthy read to the beginning writer because it focuses on rules we've all made early on in our careers and what better time to pick up some learned education from someone else without having to stumble yourself?
Seasoned writers with an open mind will learn a tidbit or two as well. This book is a sharing; a sharing of twenty-plus years of writing workshops, classes, flounders, flubs, successes, and all the information gleaned carved down into a fun, readable, get-to-the-meat, skip-the-potatoes, book you don't want to miss.
Be the best writer you can. Write the best book you can write. Make yourself and your product crisper, cleaner, more grabbing, more of a page-turner.
We learn from our failures, which hammers them into gems.
We are in this together, we writers. Share your success with others. That is how this book is written: treating other writers as part of a larger collective where one can help the other to climb the mountain of success.
Put it in INK.
INK transcends all levels of authors; no experience, experienced; published, unpublished; confident, scared-witless. It is a particularly noteworthy read to the beginning writer because it focuses on rules we've all made early on in our careers and what better time to pick up some learned education from someone else without having to stumble yourself?
Seasoned writers with an open mind will learn a tidbit or two as well. This book is a sharing; a sharing of twenty-plus years of writing workshops, classes, flounders, flubs, successes, and all the information gleaned carved down into a fun, readable, get-to-the-meat, skip-the-potatoes, book you don't want to miss.
Be the best writer you can. Write the best book you can write. Make yourself and your product crisper, cleaner, more grabbing, more of a page-turner.
We learn from our failures, which hammers them into gems.
We are in this together, we writers. Share your success with others. That is how this book is written: treating other writers as part of a larger collective where one can help the other to climb the mountain of success.
Put it in INK.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 18, 2013
5 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Guthrie
15 books319 followersR. S. Guthrie has been writing fiction for several years.
Black Beast
is the first in the series of Detective Bobby Mac Thriller books featuring Denver detective Bobby Mac.
L O S T is the second book in the popular Paranormal Mystery-Detective series; the third book, Reckoning, is now out that closes out the Detective Bobby Mac Thriller trilogy (though it is not the final Detective Bobby Mac book).
Guthrie finished his Mystery/Thriller novel set in Wyoming that has been beset by Big Oil, the millions of dollars that come with them, and the murder of a lawman's wife entitled Blood Land . The story takes place in a fictional town in his home state of Wyoming and was published in 2012. A pre-release excerpt was featured in the June 2011 issue of New West magazine. Money Land, second in the Sheriff James Pruett series, continued the saga of the Wyoming lawman and was published in late 2012; Honor Land, next in the series is scheduled for release is Summer of 2013.
The author currently lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife, Amy, three Australian Shepherds, and a Chihuahua who thinks she is a forty-pound Aussie. It is a widely known fact that the canines rule the Guthrie household.
L O S T is the second book in the popular Paranormal Mystery-Detective series; the third book, Reckoning, is now out that closes out the Detective Bobby Mac Thriller trilogy (though it is not the final Detective Bobby Mac book).
Guthrie finished his Mystery/Thriller novel set in Wyoming that has been beset by Big Oil, the millions of dollars that come with them, and the murder of a lawman's wife entitled Blood Land . The story takes place in a fictional town in his home state of Wyoming and was published in 2012. A pre-release excerpt was featured in the June 2011 issue of New West magazine. Money Land, second in the Sheriff James Pruett series, continued the saga of the Wyoming lawman and was published in late 2012; Honor Land, next in the series is scheduled for release is Summer of 2013.
The author currently lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife, Amy, three Australian Shepherds, and a Chihuahua who thinks she is a forty-pound Aussie. It is a widely known fact that the canines rule the Guthrie household.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 22, 2015
I cannot help feeling a little Colorado proud while typing this review -- besides the fact that the author is from my home state -- R.S. Guthrie's book is a fantastic read for two audiences:
1) New to writing -- this is the yellow brick road that you have been waiting for. The book's message is concise and filled with insightful guides and tools based around eight (plus a few bonus) core ideas. My greatest take-away point from this section comes directly from the author himself when he said: "Never give up. Write on. Prevail." In my classes, I would call that statement -- tattoo-worthy, a mantra to live by...
2) For more advanced audiences -- this is a great refresher of technical mistakes that we often make while engaged in the messy business of creative expression. I especially loved the section on He said, She said -- strengthening dialogue through the premise of this quote by author Elmore Leonard: "I try to leave out the parts people skip." For me, that section was the most profound, and if solid writing is part perspective (insight) -- I think it has offered me a brand new perscription on my craft (especially on how people [myself included] read fiction). Bonus: the book offers additional reading recommendations building on Guthrie's advice. Only negative: the author is a little sarcastic, if a reader isn't familiar with this style of communication, the inferred message may become a little confusing! All in all, a fantastic read, and I hope you have a similar experience after reading INK: writing wisdom straight from the heart! Sincerely, Hermy
1) New to writing -- this is the yellow brick road that you have been waiting for. The book's message is concise and filled with insightful guides and tools based around eight (plus a few bonus) core ideas. My greatest take-away point from this section comes directly from the author himself when he said: "Never give up. Write on. Prevail." In my classes, I would call that statement -- tattoo-worthy, a mantra to live by...
2) For more advanced audiences -- this is a great refresher of technical mistakes that we often make while engaged in the messy business of creative expression. I especially loved the section on He said, She said -- strengthening dialogue through the premise of this quote by author Elmore Leonard: "I try to leave out the parts people skip." For me, that section was the most profound, and if solid writing is part perspective (insight) -- I think it has offered me a brand new perscription on my craft (especially on how people [myself included] read fiction). Bonus: the book offers additional reading recommendations building on Guthrie's advice. Only negative: the author is a little sarcastic, if a reader isn't familiar with this style of communication, the inferred message may become a little confusing! All in all, a fantastic read, and I hope you have a similar experience after reading INK: writing wisdom straight from the heart! Sincerely, Hermy
April 5, 2013
INK, by R.S. Guthrie, is one of those books to keep by your computer, or writing pad if that's how you roll, because you can reference it at any time to remind yourself of what works and why. Guthrie presents the material in such an easy to digest way, with examples, that you can't not learn something from this book.
There is no magic bullet to successful writing, but there are things that can make every writer better. Guthrie reminds us of things we should be doing and presents his own work as examples.
If you are looking to improve your writing, and if you're reading this then I assume that to be true, pick up INK by R.S. Guthrie, your writing will thank you and so will your readers ;-)
There is no magic bullet to successful writing, but there are things that can make every writer better. Guthrie reminds us of things we should be doing and presents his own work as examples.
If you are looking to improve your writing, and if you're reading this then I assume that to be true, pick up INK by R.S. Guthrie, your writing will thank you and so will your readers ;-)
March 22, 2013
This is one book any Writer (new or old) should read.
I believe in reading about the craft of writing and trying to hone the skill. I've read the writing books written by authors Stephen King and Anne Lamott, along with several others. And, I'm also a big highlighter - highlighting information that most hit home and the tips I wanted to remember. With the books I've read, I could take a little from here, a little from there. When I read INK, I stopped highlighting into a quarter of the way in. The whole book, page after page, is nothing but great information, tips, how-to's, showing examples. INK is like stepping out of the jungle and finding the Lost City of Gold. I've learned more with this book than any other I've come across. R.S. Guthrie shows you with his Eight Rules to a Better Book exactly how to write better. Every job field I know has some sort of continuing education built in to keep you current, reminds you what works and what doesn't. Writing is no different. Whether you're published or not, a new writer or seasoned writer, everyone in the writing world can and should take a moment to step back to learn or refresh how to bring their writing to that next level. R.S. Guthrie teaches you how with INK. This isn't a book on how to write but how to take what you have and make it better. Fabulous must-have.
I believe in reading about the craft of writing and trying to hone the skill. I've read the writing books written by authors Stephen King and Anne Lamott, along with several others. And, I'm also a big highlighter - highlighting information that most hit home and the tips I wanted to remember. With the books I've read, I could take a little from here, a little from there. When I read INK, I stopped highlighting into a quarter of the way in. The whole book, page after page, is nothing but great information, tips, how-to's, showing examples. INK is like stepping out of the jungle and finding the Lost City of Gold. I've learned more with this book than any other I've come across. R.S. Guthrie shows you with his Eight Rules to a Better Book exactly how to write better. Every job field I know has some sort of continuing education built in to keep you current, reminds you what works and what doesn't. Writing is no different. Whether you're published or not, a new writer or seasoned writer, everyone in the writing world can and should take a moment to step back to learn or refresh how to bring their writing to that next level. R.S. Guthrie teaches you how with INK. This isn't a book on how to write but how to take what you have and make it better. Fabulous must-have.
August 21, 2013
4.5 out of 5 stars for a book that I intend to read again.
Rob's writing style is entertaining and informative. He doesn't inflate his book with ten-dollar words or boring grammar lessons. Although he does mention some of his novels, he doesn't exploit "Ink" as a sales platform, and I enjoyed his use of actual writing examples to illustrate various points.
Beginning and experienced writers alike should find practical advice that will help them improve their skills. Recommended reading.
Although I don't agree with everything Rob says, I will remember it for future reference. And I intend to read "INK" at least one more time to pick up what I missed during the first pass.
The Negatives:
The Amazon Kindle version doesn't allow you to access the table of contents via the "Go" function. However, it does provide an arrow graphic at the beginning of every chapter that will take you there.
I found Rob's use of asides in parentheses excessive and distracting at times.
Rob's writing style is entertaining and informative. He doesn't inflate his book with ten-dollar words or boring grammar lessons. Although he does mention some of his novels, he doesn't exploit "Ink" as a sales platform, and I enjoyed his use of actual writing examples to illustrate various points.
Beginning and experienced writers alike should find practical advice that will help them improve their skills. Recommended reading.
Although I don't agree with everything Rob says, I will remember it for future reference. And I intend to read "INK" at least one more time to pick up what I missed during the first pass.
The Negatives:
The Amazon Kindle version doesn't allow you to access the table of contents via the "Go" function. However, it does provide an arrow graphic at the beginning of every chapter that will take you there.
I found Rob's use of asides in parentheses excessive and distracting at times.
May 10, 2015
Between April and May 8th, I have read R.S. Guthrie's book "Ink" three times. Each time O found more information I overlooked. This is the kind of book every author, especially indie authors, should have at their side. Guthrie's no-nonsense approach isn't harsh - in fact, it comes across as being so genuine that it is difficult to not feel like he has become an instant friend and mentor while reading the book. It isn't a "here is how to write" book so much as an encouraging compilation of items that have proven to work for him and other published authors in an attempt to encourage others to be bold and put their voice to print. My copy is so highlighted now that I had to add a document with additional notes! Guthrie has a winner here and his words really resonated! Excellent!
April 18, 2016
I really liked the personal tone and style of this book. I think R.S. Guthrie makes excellent points, and they are usefully distilled. The only reason I didn't give five stars is because I felt that some of the example pages went on too long. I found myself skimming those parts, but that may be more of a reflection on my interests than the section--I don't normally read the genre of the longer examples. Someone else might love it.
Overall, this was well-worth the money spent. Some of these are things I've heard many times before, but I think it's always good to hear it from a new perspective and gain encouragement from another writer. It was a fast, fun read that made me feel like I was sitting down and having a chat with the author.
Overall, this was well-worth the money spent. Some of these are things I've heard many times before, but I think it's always good to hear it from a new perspective and gain encouragement from another writer. It was a fast, fun read that made me feel like I was sitting down and having a chat with the author.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews