The Writing Trade: A Year in the Life

by John Jerome, Richard Balkin

Book by Jerome, John, Balkin, Richard

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Memoir

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back in early 1993, and only remember that because I copied some quotes from it at the time. Going by the number of quotes I made in my journal, I must have been very impressed by it...!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jerome's year is broken down month-by-month, with each period covered chronologically, though not with strictly dated entries; digressions on his previous career working on magazines (sports, automotives), as well as contrasts with his previous time in rural New Hampshire (he's lived in western Massachusetts for several years) are included. Moreover, his wife is also a writer, so it's a sort of two-fer in that regard.
The author's lifestyle is so different from mine that I had trouble connecting with his anecdotes; even so, the book reads well, and contains interesting observations (advice).

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting premise for a book, but I found it difficult to relate to, mostly because the publishing industry and the tools of the writing trade have changed so much since 1992, when the book was published.

[Andrew · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is incredibly tedious. It almost made me want to give up writing rather than pursue it.

[Liz Nameth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Instead of telling you how to write, he shares his process and experience. Much more helpful.