Kissing the Demon : The Creative Writers Handbook

by Amrita Kumar

Do you have a great story to tell but don t know where to begin or how to give it shape? Whether you re an aspiring writer or a seasoned one, a writer of fiction or narrative non-fiction, Kissing the Demon will help you navigate the maze of plot construction, narrative viewpoint, character development, dialogue creation and description even while allowing your imagination to flow. Written by an editor and publisher who has for over four decades nurtured some of India s finest writers, it also tackles the insular world of publishers, agents, contracts and editors. It tells you how to find a publisher or agent, what gets a publisher s attention and what turns it off all the stuff writers take years to learn. Finally, it offers solutions to the vexing issue of balancing everyday life with writing, a problem every writer faces and the reason why so many books remain unwritten. George Orwell once described writing as a horrible, exhausting experience, and that he wouldn t have written a single book were he not driven by some demon he could neither resist nor understand. Kissing the Demon will make your journey as a writer a little less painful, make you look upon that demon with a little more love.

Genres: Nonfiction

268 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2017

About the author

Amrita Kumar is an anthologist, novelist, writing-mentor and creative writing teacher. She began her career in the godowns of Daryaganj to select books for a chain of bookshops, moving on as research writer for the Department of Culture, Government of India, then on to publishing as an editor for various publishing houses.

Reviews

[Resh (The Book Satchel) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for an easy online writing course? Buy this book instead.

You might have a lot of questions as you decide to start writing something with the hopes of getting published one day - Do I need an agent? Should I self-publish? Can I do my own marketing? How to start? Will I survive? Should I have a day-job?

This book is an excellent one that takes you from the basics of how to proceed when you get an idea till how to market your book. It was refreshing to see that the author has even meticulously explained the loopholes new authors might fall for when signing a contract.

I would recommend this book to both writers and book bloggers (who have not taken a Lit course at college). It helps to understand the structure of a novel, how a character should think, how a change of POV can effect the writing etc. This is extremely helpful to analyze a book as well as helps you navigate through your own writing process.

The book is like a crash course of lectures on writing told in a simple way. Highly recommended.

Full review - http://www.thebooksatchel.com/kissing...

Disclaimer : Much thanks to Harper Collins India for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

[Dhruv Chhabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the book all about?
As the tagline states- Kissing The Demon is ‘The creative writer’s handbook’. When it comes to writing, a book, a page, a paragraph, a line or even a word; one needs to have a clear idea to get the perfect start. Demon lies in every path where we’re afraid to walk; it’s just a part of our fear that needs to be conquered. Kissing The Demon is a quick guide which talks about various aspects of writing a book- From beginning to the end. End is not really an end though! Once a book is written, the publishing and marketing process becomes the priority.
Read Full Review here- https://dhruvdc.wordpress.com/2017/04...

[Tarang Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical, helpful and easy read. A must have for new writers.
Full review soon...

[Veena · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author begins with describing her good old days of carrying around 'High school English grammar and composition' book by wren and Martin around. The book has been a bible for all the English language loyalists. Of course, in today's era of internet, it is not a mandate but good English is a key to many otherwise closed doors.
The book is divided into chapters 'The empty page' where the author talks about how to begin writing. There is no better way to begin writing than just sit at one place and write. Just write. The words flow and that's how a book is born. The chapter is divided into sub-chapters which talk about how other writers write and the environment.
From here on the actual writing and editing part begins when the author talks about 'Narrative techniques structure and plot'. Here the narration, characterisation, dialogue, setting and end is spoken about. It covers all the aspects of the book which need fierce scrutiny. The author talks about the rules and then talks about books that have broken the rules and done so well, ultimately establishing that this is your book and you can write it however you want. That by itself is a great encouragement for any author.
Then comes the part of publishing and how to conduct yourself while in the process of sending your manuscript to publishers. The author also talks about the commandments to live by as an author. The and for further writing assignments.
Often towards the end of almost every chapter author is found saying that there is no hard and fast rule and the book is just a guiding book and not a rule book. There are several examples mentioned, taking excerpts from different books and examples of different authors.
This book also becomes an easy guideline for those who want to read and learn from quality books. All the books mentioned here possess a unique technique that can be used to develop the skill of writing. The author herself has authored books and understands the writing world. Her bits of advice are backed by being in the profession for years and that is made evident in this book.

[Taanya Ahuja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have a great story to tell but don't know where to begin or how to give it shape?

Kissing The Demon by Amrita Kumar is a Creative Writer's Handbook released on 10th January 2017 by Harper Collins Publishers. The cover page of the book is white in color with the name of the book and the author in black and blue colors respectively which is very simple. The title leads a reader that the book might be a fiction but it is a book for writers.

Kissing The Demon is a very aspiring book for a writer or seasoned one.The book is for the one who is writing or is planning to write. Author has discussed about plot construction, narrative viewpoint, character development, dialogue creation, setting, beginnings and endings, and publishing.

Author guides one through the process of writing to publishing. The various problems a writer faces in this process and the do's and don'ts. She has given a lot of examples as well as various exercises to over come writer's block which is appreciated. The language of the book is very simple and free flowing and advice is easy to understand The book is very systematic. Author guides about everything related to writing step by step. It is a book which every writer should read.

I had an amazing experience reading this book. This book is highly recommended to those who are planning to write a book and the writers.


* I received a free copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and an unbiased review.

[Mahesh Sowani · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are numerous books written on creative writing. But all of them are written by foreign authors with references to foreign novels. There is nothing written by an Indian to help the upcoming authors hone their skills. Kissing the Demon by Amrita Kumar fills this void on the Indian literary scene.

To plot or not to plot is an eternal dilemma for every author. This book answers this question. It has a section devoted to creating the unforgettable characters. Point of view is also discussed in detail. I really liked the tips offered by the author for writing dialogues. The way she tells us to incorporate the story in the settings is bound to help every author.

A book written is a job only half done. Editing and finding a publisher continue to be a nightmare for every author. The book deals with these aspects as well.

This isn’t a book, it is a course in creative writing. Hence this book is highly recommended.

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent self-help book for aspiring writers. I have never read any book on writing. But this one highlights the nuances, gives ample examples and some tiny exercises also to prove the point. The author has a friendly voice not demeaning anyone. She is fun to read with so much of insights into the Indian publishing industry.

[RITU MAHESHWARI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a story taking a shape into your head but oblivious about the technicalities of writing a book? Are you stuck while writing at certain point and no good thoughts are passing by? How the publishing industry works in India? Novice writers tend to commit a lot of mistakes while writing which makes the book a messy reading. These and many other problems makes writing a demon. Amrita Kumar through the book Kissing The Demon has given some solid and practically applicable advice to tame this demon.

Kissing The Demon is a fantastic self help writing guide covering all the aspects of writing a book. It's a no nonsense book, without any build-ups (which makes reading a self help book such a pain in ass) and meticulously laid out giving valuable information on the technicalities related to writing like narration, characterization, dialogue, description and plot.

What's the best thing about this book is that all the advice, do's and don't, analysis, insights, observation of the author comes with some real examples extracted from highly acclaimed bestsellers which clearly shows Amrita being a keen reader and sharp observer.

Follow the link to read the full review

http://thebookworld.org/kissing-demon...

[Ashima Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have decided to embark on a writing journey, either professionally or as a hobby, you will soon realise it is a feat akin to kissing the demon. Fortunately though, Amrita Kumar, with the repertoire of her experiences spanning four decades, lays out a simple and effective method to traverse this seemingly arduous path.

She starts from the absolute beginning – why one should write, for that is the most important question a writer must be able to answer. Not to anyone else but to the self. Once that is established, she goes on to explain the integral elements of creative writing: plot, characterization, narration, setting, dialogue, that help form a compelling story. She explains with examples which are relevant to the aspiring as well as the seasoned writer. Kumar draws parallels from notable films as well as award winning and popular books.

What is most important, however, that sets this book apart from almost all others on the subject of writing, is that she dedicates an entire section to the publishing process, specifically tailored for the Indian writer.

Starting from when, how and where to look for a publisher and/or agent, pitching your manuscript, waiting for a response, negotiating a contract, understanding advances & royalties, to the actual editing, and finally publicity/marketing, she brings focus to an otherwise blurry image that few debut writers can claim to have fully understood.

Last but not the least, she also helps with tips and tricks to manage the complicated balance of dealing with everyday life, and staying fit while indulging in an altogether sedentary writing habit.

You may choose to read this book before you start writing, or after you have written a first draft, nonetheless it has a wealth of information on both creative writing and publishing that you would otherwise rarely come across – one you cannot afford to miss.
For complete review, visit aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com

[Rakhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thought that came to my mind after reading the book was 'I wish if I had this book before I published my debut novel. Because if had, I wouldn't have made the mistakes. If you are planning to write a book you should grab this one to channelize your literary prowess.

Through a systematic pattern, authored a tells the readers about the do's bad don'ts in publishing. There are a lot of sharks in the arena who try to gobble up the lives' earnings of the naive writers. There are several mistakes we make while writing, which, when we look back, seem silly. Amrita claims that she had never been a stickler for rules till she herself became an editor. Authoress claims that rules while imposed, seem unjustified initially but eventually, sticking to the rules will provide you the fruit.

The exercises to overcome writers block is the best take home message in the book. The magic of thoughtless writing is introduced to the readers. The book cannot be analysed single dimensionally. The points cited benefits the readers who are to become writers.

I would recommend the book to 1. all writers who want to publish their first book.
2. Writers who had published book (s) which they think coild have been better
3. Readers and reviewers to understand the painful emotional trauma during th process of writing.

This review is in return of a free book from Writers Melon

[Surbhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written for writers, be it a neophyte or a pro, to help him handle the demon of writing in a more placating manner. Every writer when makes an advent to his writing journey often comes across several problems, from procrastination to writer's block, from struggling with the story plot to penning down the climax, from publishing to marketing. All these problems have a solution and author Amrita Kumar with her wide experience in the writing field helps in finding the solution. She has diligently explained how can one approach in making the story plot more interesting. She hasn't limited herself to fiction but non-fiction writers will also get to learn strategies devised by her to make their drafts more appealing. She has well explained the nuances of character building. Amrita has written a self-help guide to show the correct path to every writer. The book also tells you how to get your book published and make your new write-up reach to a wider audience. This is a must book for every writer of you are stuck in your plot or write-up, struggling with the dialogue creation or confronting with the editors. A gist of her experience in the world of writing and publishing is bound to help the budding writer.

[Samata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an editor, novelist and a writing-mentor herself, Amrita is well versed with the difficulties and challenges faced by these creative people. This is perhaps what has inspired her to come out with this book that uses simple free flowing language to help the writers learn about the best methods to tackle the various issues they face. It is one book that every writer should read to not only make their writings more effective but also to tame the demons that drive them towards penning their thoughts and emotions in a random and unorganized manner.
Full review here:
http://www.indiacafe24.com/book-revie...

[Shikha Pakhide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ocean of knowledge for writers.I think I am going to go refer this again and again.

[Jonali · Rating 4 out of 5]

All aspiring scribblers, who want to quickly absorb the fundamentals of writing and getting published, will find ‘Kissing the Demon’ to be a concise manual. An orderly, no-frills guide to the craft of fiction as well as non-fiction writing — a must have for all those out there dreaming to be successful writers.

[Shilpi Chaklanobis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I myself am a writer and very well know the ups and downs of the process while penning a book. Being the author of one published book and the second in progress, Kissing the Demon taught me many things about publishing and writing. A new author can make several mistakes which may turn the creation into a sloppy read. But with careful attention to every department of writing, one can really come with a good book.
This book is a great help for those who are either at early stage of writing or are planning to write one. This book helps a lot to channelize the literary prowess of budding authors. There are so many things that aspiring authors may be oblivious for. This book is perfectly for them to understand the whole process.
Set up for the Indian publishing scene, the book is divided conveniently into various parts like Narration Techniques, POVs, getting ready to publish, getting over writers block etc. The most important part which I think is one of the most difficult is preparing your book to send to a publisher. Kissing the Demon provides crisp and concise suggestions for this department as well.

The most interesting things are the differences between the publishing scene in India and the one abroad. Indian publishing scenario is totally different from abroad and the book comes handy for learning things one needs to consider while aspiring to get published in India.
Sometimes I feel that taking a systematic approach may make the process monotonous and I should go with flow. But in the book, the author has very well explained why a systematic approach helps in making the process seamless.
The book is recommended for all writers who want to publish their first book. It is also a great help for authors who are new in the industry and need to hone their skills of creating an effective and successful book.

[Sinjini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissing the demon was one book for which, when asked to review, I did not have a single moment of a dilemma. The very fact that an author has authored something, a handbook of sorts, for the benefit of others to use and follow, was enough reason to leap and grab it. And if not enough, the brief bio of the author establishes beyond a speck of doubt her eligibility to do so, clear and confident. So frankly, it was not a book to be reviewed. It was one to be learned from.


The subject matter contained in the different areas of writing carry a distinct tone of knowledge, wisdom as well as humour. Quotations, motivations, and analogies from all over of the broad vastness of English literature, complemented with insights and suggestions from real life experiential collections… the "voice" grows not just in strength but also by warmth. It is conversational, almost, how it shows what works, what doesn't, and what can, should, must be looked at. Wit is aplenty, plus the confidence of self-depreciation in stories, examples, ideas.


Cover to cover, it covers nooks and corners, on the art, craft, and science of writing. It is when you delve into the chapters that you realize, this book can make you.


Through the whole reading, I found not a single place where I could disagree with the author, where I could offer a beer example, a more handy tip. The questions raised, quotations quoted and examples cited are simply enough to make the points she proposes establishes itself while not dragging a point beyond its boundary to a monotone plus leaving exceptions, space and rules for alternatives.


She does not instruct, not at all. She chooses to guide you, instead. She picks you up if you are down in the journey, and she brings you down, ground, if you are flying, up and away. She sets you up the right place, the right tool box, the right measures so that you can do what you have set to do. Write.


What a lovely, enriching experience to read this. Thank you, Amrita Kumar.

[Shreya Banerji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissing the Demon was like a surprise gift for me. I have never written a book neither I am aware of the technical details of writing a book. Yes, like many other millions of readers and book lovers, I do want to write a book some day. And this book just came like a Bible on writing to me. I am glad that I am lucky to find this book before even planning and plotting my first novel. It has not only saved me from unnecessary heart aches and frustrations that come due to rejection by publishers, but has also provided an in-depth knowledge on how to develop a novel systematically.

Kissing The Demon is perfectly set up for the Indian publishing scene. The Indian scene is very much different from the International scene and this book is just apt for those who want to write and publish in India. Kissing the demon is a handy journal or a handbook written for the benefit of aspiring authors. The detailed yet simple and to the point explanations the author has provided on various aspects of writing is simply amazing.

The best part is that the author Amrita Kumar hasn't limited herself to fiction but non-fiction writers will also get to learn strategies devised by her to make their drafts more appealing. She has explained the nitty gritties of building a character very well. The book also makes us aware about you how to get a book published and make new write-up reach to a wider audience.

This book is a great help for both; who are either at early stage of writing or are planning to write one. Even the writers who have made mistakes with their first or second book may also seek help to create better books. All in all Kissing the Demon is a must read and have book for every writer aspiring to publish and become successful in Indian scene.

[Jayasree B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissing the Demon has been a bit hard for me to review. I could write about the language, research, detail etc in the book, but then it is a given that these are to be found in near perfection in this book. And to say it is a guide to writing is an understatement as well. What then should I say the book is?

Well, I think it is beyond a guide for writers. It is a collection – of experiences and quotes from authors and a massive collection of books that one needs to read to understand the different ways in which words make a world come alive.

Kissing the Demon is perhaps a book that can coax out a book from anyone willing to succumb to the urge.

Highly Recommend It.

I received a copy from Writersmelon in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

For the full review, visit Frost At Midnite

[Karthik Pasupathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazin little book! A must have for any aspiring writer :)

[Josephine (biblioseph)]

recommended by the book satchel

[Niyati Bhat]

If you aspire to be a writer or if you are already struggling with that first draft or wondering how to send out that final draft to publications, this is the book for you.
You can read the complete review here: https://goo.gl/Awj1GG