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Art & Craft of Writing: Secret Advice for Writers
"Clarity, intelligence, and an abundance of warm, conspiratorial humor. Only one I kept having to put the book down to pin quotes to the wall.""I love Victoria's easy style and her witty takes on making the process of writing more efficient and inspired. Chapter #7 is some of the best advice I've ever read. Filled with wisdom, insight, and charm.""Victoria's blog advice has helped me a lot, and this is some of her best. For those interested in getting the most out of writing!""This is a great reference--you can go back to it anytime, re-read it, and learn something new.""The 'short and sweet' format is easy to understand because of the examples Mixon gives. I've found myself highlighting several sections that I want to keep."Written for her blog over the years as Victoria's editing business blossomed, this advice has become hard to find and hidden - and is now collected just for you. For free.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2015
185 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Mixon
5 books68 followersI've been a professional writer and editor for more than thirty years and now make my living as an independent editor through my blog on the craft of writing, A. Victoria Mixon, Editor.
I started out on Goodreads reviewing vintage mysteries as I worked my way through my vast (and growing) collection, but, as it turns out, I simply can't keep up with myself.
I started out on Goodreads reviewing vintage mysteries as I worked my way through my vast (and growing) collection, but, as it turns out, I simply can't keep up with myself.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 14, 2021
I really don't know how to rate this book. Nor did I technically DNF it. I read some of it and skim-read the rest.
The first section and a few other sections that dealt with actual writing techniques were interesting and quite helpful. But most of the book was not about writing techniques. It was more on the so-called 'psychological' side of being a writer - advice on how to find your 'inner self', create 'self-awareness', and so on - none of which I would agree with for a moment. Also, there was one example at at least two words that I noticed, in my super fast skim-reading of the last half, which I would have serious issues with.
So I'll give this book 1 star because I really wouldn't recommend it and I would not read it again, even though some of the writing advice itself was quite useful.
The first section and a few other sections that dealt with actual writing techniques were interesting and quite helpful. But most of the book was not about writing techniques. It was more on the so-called 'psychological' side of being a writer - advice on how to find your 'inner self', create 'self-awareness', and so on - none of which I would agree with for a moment. Also, there was one example at at least two words that I noticed, in my super fast skim-reading of the last half, which I would have serious issues with.
So I'll give this book 1 star because I really wouldn't recommend it and I would not read it again, even though some of the writing advice itself was quite useful.
January 26, 2019
Snappy and useful
A collection of blog posts, this "how to" guide is anything but the usual stoicism offered by other guides. Although a short book, it offers many pointers, examples and reasons, giving the reader enough clues to pick up and research in greater depth where they choose to. Packed with wry humour and no nonsense examples of what does or doesn't constitute a good (or bad) attitude towards a career in writing, it's brutally honest and refreshingly so. By itself it's a decent checklist, but used as a basis for further study, it allows a reader to shed egotistical notions and get on with discovering the reality of hard work as a professional writer. If you're a hobby writer with romantic ideas about flourishing a fancy quill beside a crackling log fire, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're serious - really serious - about writing for a living, then be prepared to examine yourself through a magnifying glass and give this book a chance.
A collection of blog posts, this "how to" guide is anything but the usual stoicism offered by other guides. Although a short book, it offers many pointers, examples and reasons, giving the reader enough clues to pick up and research in greater depth where they choose to. Packed with wry humour and no nonsense examples of what does or doesn't constitute a good (or bad) attitude towards a career in writing, it's brutally honest and refreshingly so. By itself it's a decent checklist, but used as a basis for further study, it allows a reader to shed egotistical notions and get on with discovering the reality of hard work as a professional writer. If you're a hobby writer with romantic ideas about flourishing a fancy quill beside a crackling log fire, then this isn't the book for you. But if you're serious - really serious - about writing for a living, then be prepared to examine yourself through a magnifying glass and give this book a chance.
September 8, 2022
Grab your drink of choice and sit down for a chat.
This felt more like a coffee catch up with a writer with more experience than a book on writing craft.
There were some good bits, some strange bits and some bits that I didn’t necessarily agree with.
Overall it’s a short read and it’s useful to know what others have experienced.
This felt more like a coffee catch up with a writer with more experience than a book on writing craft.
There were some good bits, some strange bits and some bits that I didn’t necessarily agree with.
Overall it’s a short read and it’s useful to know what others have experienced.
December 25, 2018
Very nice
This collection of advice and tips is one of the better ones that I have read. It's very knowledgeable and informative, and I quickly read through the entire book. Now, I plan on reading it again at a more leisurely pace.
This collection of advice and tips is one of the better ones that I have read. It's very knowledgeable and informative, and I quickly read through the entire book. Now, I plan on reading it again at a more leisurely pace.
April 30, 2019
Good Advice!
This author gives (what I believe) is good advice, with some silly wit, and well formatted. I found it easy to read, and will probably read it again. I will probably read more by this author.
This author gives (what I believe) is good advice, with some silly wit, and well formatted. I found it easy to read, and will probably read it again. I will probably read more by this author.
December 30, 2021
Terrific guidance manual - I actually enjoyed reading every chapter of this book and would like to recommend it for other writers desiring to labor onward!! This is a honest manual which will do great for wanna-bes as well as struggling others!!
July 10, 2022
Real spirit of a writer
Definitely one of must reads. Writer write for their passion, feelings, logics but not for reader's appreciation. Whoever wants to write, should read this book before starting. Thanks to Victoria Mixon.
Definitely one of must reads. Writer write for their passion, feelings, logics but not for reader's appreciation. Whoever wants to write, should read this book before starting. Thanks to Victoria Mixon.
January 3, 2024
it was good
It’s a light reading. It’s a simple book that tells you advice for writers, but I don’t know if this will fit for beginners or amateurs.
If you want to read something different, do it.
It’s a light reading. It’s a simple book that tells you advice for writers, but I don’t know if this will fit for beginners or amateurs.
If you want to read something different, do it.
July 14, 2018
Awful
Awful
This is the worst book on writing craft I’ve ever read. Not only was the advice nonspecific, it was pointless. What a waste of money and time. Don’t buy it.
Awful
This is the worst book on writing craft I’ve ever read. Not only was the advice nonspecific, it was pointless. What a waste of money and time. Don’t buy it.
August 5, 2020
Great book
Great book to read with good tips on writing a book. Easy to read and Did not take a long time to read.
Great book to read with good tips on writing a book. Easy to read and Did not take a long time to read.
March 27, 2024
Writing is a craft
I agree writing is a craft. Grabbing a reader's attention and keeping it is the hardest. I learned that a writer must be patient.
I agree writing is a craft. Grabbing a reader's attention and keeping it is the hardest. I learned that a writer must be patient.
February 1, 2016
Victoria Mixon is a writer I have long admired for her blog posts, but this was the first book I have read by her. I guess I was afraid that an entire book on the craft of writing would be too overwhelming, making me feel daunted rather than motivating me to aspire to better quality in my work. Well, this short book reassured me. Nixon’s approach is warm and encouraging. She shares tips from her wide writing experience in a friendly manner, and the reader is left feeling well equipped to tackle the next writing or revision project.
I particularly appreciated the sections on plot structure and theme. The leading questions supplied by the author invite deep reflection on the part of the reader who has already come up with or fleshed out her idea. We get to grapple with what we really want to say, how we really want to say it and who we want to impact with our work. Because the book is short, it lends itself to rereading, which is definitely something I will do. I recommend the book to all writers who want to improve their craft and are afraid, like I was, that turning to the experts might lead to an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
I particularly appreciated the sections on plot structure and theme. The leading questions supplied by the author invite deep reflection on the part of the reader who has already come up with or fleshed out her idea. We get to grapple with what we really want to say, how we really want to say it and who we want to impact with our work. Because the book is short, it lends itself to rereading, which is definitely something I will do. I recommend the book to all writers who want to improve their craft and are afraid, like I was, that turning to the experts might lead to an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
August 22, 2016
This book is compiled of blog posts on writing, the writing life, etc. While most of what Mixon wrote was true, I'm not sure it was exactly groundbreaking. Everything she said was correct--surprise the reader, make the story memorable, make sure the hook is strong--but she never said how to actually get all of those good things in a novel. Some may find this book helpful, but I found it a little frustrating. It would've been great if she had elaborated her key points more extensively.
October 23, 2016
Good, quick read
Since I reserve five stars for books I want to stand and cheer after finishing them, I seldom will give that rating. That said, I thought this was a good and quick read, peppered with wit and to the point tips. Minuses were typos and the chapter devoted to self promotion. The good parts were worth the read.
Since I reserve five stars for books I want to stand and cheer after finishing them, I seldom will give that rating. That said, I thought this was a good and quick read, peppered with wit and to the point tips. Minuses were typos and the chapter devoted to self promotion. The good parts were worth the read.
August 8, 2016
Had some interesting points.
August 16, 2017
Book Review - Art and Craft of Writing: Secret Advice for Writers by Victoria Mixon.
The Bad Stuff: It’s a pretty short book and a lot of the information has been covered before.
The Good Stuff: I have been writing for some time now and I’m always looking for new information. There were one or two nuggets in this book for me, but mainly it was that Victoria looks at things from a slightly different angle and explains them in a slightly different way. This resonated with me and I will keep this book on hand for reference in the future.
Overall this book is put together from the authors most popular blog posts. In my opinion it is worth a read, you may not new information from it, but you may look at things with a new found appreciation and understanding. This one gets 4 golden bookmarks from me.
The Bad Stuff: It’s a pretty short book and a lot of the information has been covered before.
The Good Stuff: I have been writing for some time now and I’m always looking for new information. There were one or two nuggets in this book for me, but mainly it was that Victoria looks at things from a slightly different angle and explains them in a slightly different way. This resonated with me and I will keep this book on hand for reference in the future.
Overall this book is put together from the authors most popular blog posts. In my opinion it is worth a read, you may not new information from it, but you may look at things with a new found appreciation and understanding. This one gets 4 golden bookmarks from me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews