The Joy of Writing: A Guide for Writers Disguised as a Literary Memoir

by Pierre Berton

Drawing on his fifty years as an award-winning journalist and author of some of the finest books on Canadian history, Pierre Berton has written a witty and practical guide for writers. With almost every book a bestseller, clearly this writer knows what it takes to succeed in the publishing world. From the all-important rule of "knowing your audience" and other essential writing tips to down-to-earth advice on dealing with agents, publishers, and editors, The Joy of Writing covers every aspect of non-fiction writing and includes interviews with twenty-seven of Canada's leading writers. Illustrated with more than thirty manuscript pages from Pierre Berton's own works. Includes Interviews With Alex Barris - Ted Barris - Jack Batten - Fred Bodsworth - June Callwood - Stevie Cameron - Robert Collins - Elaine Dewar - Will Ferguson - Trent Frayne - Bob Fulford - Charlotte Gray - Richard Gwyn - Stephen Kimber - Ken McGoogan - Roy McGregor - Linda McQuaig - Farley Mowat - Knowlton Nash - Peter Newman - Stephanie Nolen - John Sawatsky - Russell Smith - Edna Staebler - Walter Stewart - Betty Jane Wylie - Jan Wong From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

From narrative histories and popular culture, to picture and coffee table books to anthologies, to stories for children to readable, historical works for youth, many of his books are now Canadian classics.

Born in 1920 and raised in the Yukon, Pierre Berton worked in Klondike mining camps during his university years. He spent four years in the army, rising from private to captain/instructor at the Royal Military College in Kingston. He spent his early newspaper career in Vancouver, where at 21 he was the youngest city editor on any Canadian daily. He wrote columns for and was editor of Maclean's magazine, appeared on CBC's public affairs program "Close-Up" and was a permanent fixture on "Front Page Challenge" for 39 years. He was a columnist and editor for the Toronto Star, and a writer and host of a series of CBC programs.

Pierre Berton has received over 30 literary awards including the Governor-General's Award for Creative Non-Fiction (three times), the Stephen Leacock Medal of Humour, and the Gabrielle Leger National Heritage Award. He received two Nellies for his work in broadcasting, two National Newspaper awards, and the National History Society's first award for "distinguished achievement in popularizing Canadian history." For his immense contribution to Canadian literature and history, he has been awarded more than a dozen honourary degrees, is a member of the Newsman's Hall of Fame and a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Reviews

[Debra Komar · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a few months, I will be living as a WIR at Berton's house, so it seemed appropriate to read his thoughts on writing. He is a master story teller and his advice on capturing people, places and even the weather is rock solid. I particularly loved his account of how a first-time author behaves following the publication of their book - dead on. It was also comforting to learn that media interviewers did not bother to read his books before talking to him - I can attest to the fact they have seldom read mine but always assumed they did read books by someone of Berton's stature. Guess not. A curious blend of memoir and writing guide.

[Jennifer Gyuricska · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be completely honest, I haven't read any other of his books. I've read his mom's book and enjoyed it very much. When I came across this title at the library, I was intrigued, though.

It's not a textbook and it can seem a bit condescending at times (though only to those of us who might envy his publishing history), he doesn't ever make the writing process sound easy. Only worthwhile. He also shares the value of research and his process of writing creative non-fiction.

Overall, a pretty good read.

[Jocelynlt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pierre Berton is a legend in Canadian publishing and writing. He started out as a cub reporter and wound up writing enough books to fill up 6 pages in my goodreads search. This book is part memoir of his writing life, part instructional tome, part encouragement. It's not a traditional how-to, but does come with a convenient compilation of his writing advice in the back.
Well worth the read.

[John Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mix of memoir and lesson. The lessons are from practice and not so much academic: "study the styles of other writers" is not much use if you don't know what a writing style is. The hard lessons are what make this book worth reading. Good writing is hard to find, and the main path is through hard work.

[Paul Hock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look into the writing practices of renowned Canadian author Pierre Berton. Before the internet.

[Sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Berton focuses far too much on his previous work and hardly enough on his life as a writer and the writing process. It neither delivers as a guide for writers nor as a memoir.

[Paul Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Joy Of Writing with Pierre

I met Pierre Berton once. That same day I got a copy a copy of his then newest book, The Joy Of Writing.

Both were fascinating experiences.

Many lifetimes ago in the early 2000’s, I was in attendance at the now-defunct Book Expo Canada and the esteemed author Pierre Berton was one of the multiple writer guests. Handlers from Random House were stationed with Berton, who at over eighty years of age, required the help of a wheelchair to navigate around.

While walking by, I noticed Berton and was whisked right away into a picture with him. For the next few minutes we discussed many things, including my admiration for all his historical books and how my father has reread Flames Across The Border a hundred times. He seemed genuinely interested in hearing another outside perspective on his life’s work and we left each other sharing a hearty laugh.

I already was very well versed in Pierre Berton’s career well before that fateful meeting. Growing up with a history buff for a father, so many aspects of Berton’s books glommed onto me that it always felt like I had read all these volumes myself. Years later I found out his writings not only included dozens and dozens of non-fiction books covering all sorts of eras of Canadian history and identity, but also included reams of columns for the Toronto Star, hosting his own television interview show, and extensive experience as an editor in both magazines and books.

And this book, The Joy Of Writing, has Berton reliving his illustrious career and laying out generous advice for writers everywhere. All told in a mostly chronological order.

Berton starts at the beginning, with early journalism work at University leading to enterprising newspaper work while in the army. A reporting job leads to his second attempt at a full fledged book, with the first try having becoming lost sometime in the war. Success hit when Berton wrote a history of the Royal Family, which leads to books varying from collections of his columns to general interest topics to multiple titles about Canadian history.

With Berton providing examples of his writings over several drafts, we get a glimpse into where he places the emphasis of his thought process. Every historical volume requires a hook for the audience to latch onto, and some require a cliffhanger to lead into the next book. His exhaustive research and strides to humanize, at that point arcane history, would be a chore for the average writer, and Berton has no issues with showing his perceived failures in this regard. Interestingly, his columns are not dissected this way, nor are his general topic books, such as The Comfortable Pew or The Smug Minority. These almost appear to be not as taxing to Berton, so they are mentioned almost as an afterthought.

He also talks abit of the two styles of writers. Ones like him, Stephen King and Ray Bradbury, who pound out a first draft quickly, then doing the major reworking and rewriting in later versions. Other writers fix and fidget with their work every step of the way, so that future revisions are not as intensive. Neither way is wrong, meaning it is up to the individual writer to decide for themselves how they will operate.

Like all advice, you can take it or ignore it. Berton finishes off with a list of thirty rules for writers, some of which I found not quite to my liking. His journey, which ended with his passing in 2004 at the age of eighty-four, includes so many writing lessons, all unique to him. With plentiful examples and a confessional vigour, he opens up decades of successes and failures.

It feels like when I met him, I only knew a fragment of the story. The fascinating experience would be so different today.

[Maryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accomplished journalist, writer and tv personality, Pierre Berton knows how to tell a tale. The book - a guide for writers, disguised as a memoir displays his skill in writing and his ability to communicate in a clear, unpretentious fashion. At times I felt he was talking right to me, sharing his hard earned lessons and enjoying the process thoroughly. As a beginning writer I loved his accounts of what didn't work and his amazement at how it took him so many drafts to get passages right. One of his rules - read, read, read, write, write, write and re-write, re-write, re-write is an example of his straightforward style. He emphasizes that writing is hard work and takes passion, perseverance and dedication. My ambitions do not lie in the creation of works as comprehensive and sweeping as his but the lessons he learned along the way are helpful guides no matter what level the writer.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one would expect, Berton is both entertaining and instructive. The book is true to its subtitle, providing a useful set of rules to guide aspiring writers, supported by an engaging narrative of the author's own experiences. I expect to re-read this one from time to time.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book for the second time. It's got so many good tips. I highly recommend it.

[Martha]

good tips on how to go about non-fiction writing

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Berton's writing and would love to try writing so this was a great fit.