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The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences
Do your sentences fail to sound the way you want? Are they lackluster, with flat characters and settings? Is your prose full of bad habits and crutches?
In The Anatomy of Prose, you’ll The Anatomy of Prose is a comprehensive writing guide that will help you create sensational sentences. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will power up your prose, eliminate line-level distractions and help you find the perfect balance of show and tell. By the end of this book, you'll know how to strengthen your sentences to give your story, prose and characters the extra sparkle they need to capture a reader's heart.
If you like dark humor, learning through examples and want to create perfect prose, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting sensational sentences. Read The Anatomy of Prose today and start creating kick-ass stories.
In The Anatomy of Prose, you’ll The Anatomy of Prose is a comprehensive writing guide that will help you create sensational sentences. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will power up your prose, eliminate line-level distractions and help you find the perfect balance of show and tell. By the end of this book, you'll know how to strengthen your sentences to give your story, prose and characters the extra sparkle they need to capture a reader's heart.
If you like dark humor, learning through examples and want to create perfect prose, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting sensational sentences. Read The Anatomy of Prose today and start creating kick-ass stories.
- GenresWritingNonfictionCrafts
382 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2020
167 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Sacha Black
18 books303 followersIf you'd like a FREE villains mini course to help you master superbad villains go here:
https://sachablack.co.uk/newsletter
Sacha Black is an author, rebel podcaster, and professional speaker.
She has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules.
Sacha writes books about people with magical powers and other books about the art of writing.
When she’s not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules.
She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son.
https://sachablack.co.uk/newsletter
Sacha Black is an author, rebel podcaster, and professional speaker.
She has five obsessions; words, expensive shoes, conspiracy theories, self-improvement, and breaking the rules.
Sacha writes books about people with magical powers and other books about the art of writing.
When she’s not writing, she can be found laughing inappropriately loud, sniffing musty old books, fangirling film and TV soundtracks, or thinking up new ways to break the rules.
She lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her wife and genius, giant of a son.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 25, 2020
This book is a must-read for any aspiring wordsmith. Sacha Black has a unique talent for making education feel like sheer entertainment. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard while reading a writing craft book! I'm recommending this to all the writers I know. It's a lot easier to improve your writing when you're having fun along the way.
April 12, 2020
Why is it that whenever I read one of Sacha Black’s craft books, the urge to open up my manuscript, and purge it of stupid errors, is so strong?
Seriously, so many ‘Uh-oh’ moments and dawnings of ‘A-ha!’ realisations!
As I read some parts, they had me moving my head up and down like a nodding dog in the windscreen of an ever-stalling car! “Yes!” my writer's brain was screaming. “I do that! But, I’d better just reread and double-check to make sure…”
Having read Black’s 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains, and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists, as well as having devoured her two fiction novels, it was a no-brainer that I was going to read this one.
The name; The Anatomy of Prose: 12 steps to Sensational Sentences; just sounded like it was going to give me a huge helping of useful advice, liberally seasoned with Black’s wit (and colourful language!)
I write, yes, but I also doubt myself and my own skill. Black’s clear-cut words have really helped to hone my own writing.
From thinking about dialogue and descriptions to characterisation, and that biggie… show vs. tell (which I was especially interested in) there are a plethora of topics covered.
What I love about Black’s advice, is that she’s not saying her way is the right way, but one way to approach crafting words. After all, there is no ‘right’ way to write, is there?
But her (sometimes not-so) gentle nudges to make you reread your own work, and think whether you could, in fact, just word that section a little differently, push you onto a much stronger path of prose.
The Anatomy of Prose is like having your own little developmental editor by your side. It’s not going to tell you what to change, but its pearls of wisdom will make you start to reconsider how you string together your sentences, chapters, and novels, starting with those very gems that a book needs… words.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It will definitely be one of my more thumbed craft guides as I continue on my journey as a writer.
Thank you, Sacha!
Seriously, so many ‘Uh-oh’ moments and dawnings of ‘A-ha!’ realisations!
As I read some parts, they had me moving my head up and down like a nodding dog in the windscreen of an ever-stalling car! “Yes!” my writer's brain was screaming. “I do that! But, I’d better just reread and double-check to make sure…”
Having read Black’s 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains, and 10 Steps to Hero: How to Craft Kickass Protagonists, as well as having devoured her two fiction novels, it was a no-brainer that I was going to read this one.
The name; The Anatomy of Prose: 12 steps to Sensational Sentences; just sounded like it was going to give me a huge helping of useful advice, liberally seasoned with Black’s wit (and colourful language!)
I write, yes, but I also doubt myself and my own skill. Black’s clear-cut words have really helped to hone my own writing.
From thinking about dialogue and descriptions to characterisation, and that biggie… show vs. tell (which I was especially interested in) there are a plethora of topics covered.
What I love about Black’s advice, is that she’s not saying her way is the right way, but one way to approach crafting words. After all, there is no ‘right’ way to write, is there?
But her (sometimes not-so) gentle nudges to make you reread your own work, and think whether you could, in fact, just word that section a little differently, push you onto a much stronger path of prose.
The Anatomy of Prose is like having your own little developmental editor by your side. It’s not going to tell you what to change, but its pearls of wisdom will make you start to reconsider how you string together your sentences, chapters, and novels, starting with those very gems that a book needs… words.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It will definitely be one of my more thumbed craft guides as I continue on my journey as a writer.
Thank you, Sacha!
May 29, 2020
** I was given an ARC of this book by the author and I HAPPILY leave this review.**
Writing is a creative activity that can be both uplifting and weighty. So many writers feel the need to 'have everything perfect' the first time it is on paper and that pressure is substantial. Craft books exist by the hundreds, but the really valuable ones impart so many tips and reminders that they become references- all d0g-eared, flagged, and stained.
The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is EXACTLY this sort of book.
It is FULL of writing tools, from cover to cover, presented in the humor-laden style unique to Sacha Black. The witty, often sarcastic jibes only serve to sear the points into the reader's mind, and if that isn't enough, the entire last chapter is a condensed review of the book, perfectly suited to reference on the fly! Brilliant!
I always learn multitudes of new things from Sacha's books. Her previous two, 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps To Hero: How To Craft A Kickass Protagonist, break down the creation of the two pivotal characters in a novel into tangible steps that work insanely well. The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is no different. Authors will find it well worth having at their elbow as they create. It's bound to become indispensable!
One of the aspects I appreciate most about the book is that Sacha Black drives home the point about language being an array of tools that are at a writer's disposal. Metaphors, similes, points of view, and tense may have been annoyances in English class, but now they are devices authors can wield with confidence in the name of writing their best book. If you don't believe me, buy the book and try it out yourself. I know your mind will change!
This book is not for the proper-at-heart, however, the author's fondness for 'bad words' and colorful phrases are well documented on her podcast, The Rebel Author Podcast, which is also full of writing tips, tricks, and lively interviews. I find her style engaging, fun, often hilarious, but always real and thought-provoking. She continues to inspire writers and authors on- and off-the-page all over the globe. Rebel Authors everywhere will attest–read the books, take the steps (all of them!) and you will succeed! The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is highly recommended!
Writing is a creative activity that can be both uplifting and weighty. So many writers feel the need to 'have everything perfect' the first time it is on paper and that pressure is substantial. Craft books exist by the hundreds, but the really valuable ones impart so many tips and reminders that they become references- all d0g-eared, flagged, and stained.
The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is EXACTLY this sort of book.
It is FULL of writing tools, from cover to cover, presented in the humor-laden style unique to Sacha Black. The witty, often sarcastic jibes only serve to sear the points into the reader's mind, and if that isn't enough, the entire last chapter is a condensed review of the book, perfectly suited to reference on the fly! Brilliant!
I always learn multitudes of new things from Sacha's books. Her previous two, 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains and 10 Steps To Hero: How To Craft A Kickass Protagonist, break down the creation of the two pivotal characters in a novel into tangible steps that work insanely well. The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is no different. Authors will find it well worth having at their elbow as they create. It's bound to become indispensable!
One of the aspects I appreciate most about the book is that Sacha Black drives home the point about language being an array of tools that are at a writer's disposal. Metaphors, similes, points of view, and tense may have been annoyances in English class, but now they are devices authors can wield with confidence in the name of writing their best book. If you don't believe me, buy the book and try it out yourself. I know your mind will change!
This book is not for the proper-at-heart, however, the author's fondness for 'bad words' and colorful phrases are well documented on her podcast, The Rebel Author Podcast, which is also full of writing tips, tricks, and lively interviews. I find her style engaging, fun, often hilarious, but always real and thought-provoking. She continues to inspire writers and authors on- and off-the-page all over the globe. Rebel Authors everywhere will attest–read the books, take the steps (all of them!) and you will succeed! The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences is highly recommended!
September 22, 2020
Food for thought. Oh shit, that’s a cliche, isn’t it?
This book is a bit different to a lot of craft books I’ve read because it doesn’t lay down the law on what’s right and wrong. There are many ways to do most things, but there are no rules — just guidelines worth considering. Sacha Black explains the worth of many of these guidelines. For the most part, it’s stuff I know (or ought to know), so I found it a nice refresher going into a big self-edit. I think this book would really help writers just setting out though because it provides answers to beginner questions I often see asked in Facebook writer groups.
This book is a bit different to a lot of craft books I’ve read because it doesn’t lay down the law on what’s right and wrong. There are many ways to do most things, but there are no rules — just guidelines worth considering. Sacha Black explains the worth of many of these guidelines. For the most part, it’s stuff I know (or ought to know), so I found it a nice refresher going into a big self-edit. I think this book would really help writers just setting out though because it provides answers to beginner questions I often see asked in Facebook writer groups.
June 9, 2020
This book is going to go down as one of the MUST READs for any writer, beginner or seasoned. While John Truby, Ray Bradbury, and Sol Stein are at the top of that list, I will add Sacha Black to the list of Top Ten Books to Read on Novel Writing. She covers everything you need to know, in depth, about writing fiction. I have over 30 writing books on my shelf and they all instruct on how to improve a writer’s prose. Of course, Black goes beyond just the prose, she gives you direction on story structure, pace, characters, emotional intelligence, brilliant show vs. tell insights, and the value of great sentences compared to average sentences. She identifies the literary devices that will make your prose more powerful and memorable. I especially liked her advice on writing descriptive prose. For new writers, this book will provide a major leap to improving your writing skills. For the seasoned writer (with every novel, we continue to keep learning this craft), Black explores so many fascinating tools and precise techniques that I felt all my writing skills sharpened and crystalized to another level. She does have a potty mouth, which would normally turn me off, but the writing is so endearing, so witty, I didn’t mind at all. Highly recommended. Paula Cappa is an avid book reviewer and an award-winning supernatural mystery author.
Want to read
December 29, 2022This book will be my prize if I win Nanowrimo!
June 10, 2021
This is a well-written book with many useful examples of gorgeous prose and excellent advice.
May 25, 2020
Sacha Black fully wowed me with this book. Before I finished the first few pages, I could tell she knew what she was talking about. And I was ready to be taught.
This book has helped me—already!—shape my writing voice, find confidence in that voice, and continue writing.
This book was not only educational, but fun to read! It’s hard to find enjoyable non-fiction books... especially when they’re teaching you. The Anatomy Of Prose was nothing short of a joy to read!
This book has helped me—already!—shape my writing voice, find confidence in that voice, and continue writing.
This book was not only educational, but fun to read! It’s hard to find enjoyable non-fiction books... especially when they’re teaching you. The Anatomy Of Prose was nothing short of a joy to read!
June 7, 2020
Even though this writing craft book is a chunky one, I read through it at lightning speed. As a writer, I'm always pushing to improve my craft, and The Anatomy of Prose filled a hole I didn't realize I needed when it comes to writing. We dive deep into sentence-level detail while following Sacha's hilarious voice on how you can make your writing sing. This is a MUST read for any author at any level of their career.
May 8, 2020
I will definitely be recommending this book to newer writers. I've done a lot of critique swaps and seen a lot of manuscripts that could benefit greatly from the tips Sacha has detailed here. I'm a little further along my writing journey so many of these tips were familiar to me, but there was enough I hadn't seen (or was approached differently) to make it a worthwhile read. Whether you're revising your first draft or on your tenth book, there's something here for everyone.
July 31, 2020
Antiquated phrasing, vague advice, and, the most strange of all, only 5 star reviews saying about the same thing for a book that is mediocre at best.
May 29, 2020
The life of a writer can be different for everyone.
For me, messy hair, my computer open, lots of notebooks and loose papers full of notes and information.. a cup of tea and a bottle of water... snacks! Many snacks... and now, Sacha Black's The Anatomy of Prose.
I have decided, while in a moment of reflection, that I was going to learn more about the writing world. That I was going to learn and see what I could improve in my writing.
And then, like the answer to my prayers, Sacha Black wrote this brilliant nonfiction, writing book. Thanks to the universe for aligning the stars and crossing our paths... I was able to read an ARC of this book.
You may be wondering: "But Jess, you are a Portuguese author, you write in Portuguese... wouldn't thinks be different?"
Well, it's certain that not everything can be take literally. But the thing is, all of Sacha Black's advice and tips, can be applied to any language, because it's all about prose.
Sure, in Portuguese we have dialogues structured in a different way and I could show you some examples. But that doesn't mean the tip about dialogue tags (Step 5 - 5.2 Tag Simplicity) isn't valuable, because let me tell you it was spot on!
That's just one example. Even if the words may be different, or you have grammatically different writing, comparing to English... it's about the core of prose, the art of writing.
Quoting Sacha "You've come for grammar and punctuation lessons. This is not a grammar book." And she wrote "this book as an exploration - a narrative examining a range of techniques and tools in writing."
That, ladies and gentlemen, is why I believe The Anatomy of Prose is a fantastic book that can help writers across the world and language barriers.
Plus, let's be honest, the tone of this book is amazing, funny and with this casual sounding narrative that felt like a sincere conversation between friends.
You will never be bored while reading, understanding, learning and thinking about the various tips, examples and exercises.
That been said... do I recommend this book? Of course!
If you want to learn more or even understand what you can improve in you writing, this is perfect book for you.
[Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
For me, messy hair, my computer open, lots of notebooks and loose papers full of notes and information.. a cup of tea and a bottle of water... snacks! Many snacks... and now, Sacha Black's The Anatomy of Prose.
I have decided, while in a moment of reflection, that I was going to learn more about the writing world. That I was going to learn and see what I could improve in my writing.
And then, like the answer to my prayers, Sacha Black wrote this brilliant nonfiction, writing book. Thanks to the universe for aligning the stars and crossing our paths... I was able to read an ARC of this book.
You may be wondering: "But Jess, you are a Portuguese author, you write in Portuguese... wouldn't thinks be different?"
Well, it's certain that not everything can be take literally. But the thing is, all of Sacha Black's advice and tips, can be applied to any language, because it's all about prose.
Sure, in Portuguese we have dialogues structured in a different way and I could show you some examples. But that doesn't mean the tip about dialogue tags (Step 5 - 5.2 Tag Simplicity) isn't valuable, because let me tell you it was spot on!
That's just one example. Even if the words may be different, or you have grammatically different writing, comparing to English... it's about the core of prose, the art of writing.
Quoting Sacha "You've come for grammar and punctuation lessons. This is not a grammar book." And she wrote "this book as an exploration - a narrative examining a range of techniques and tools in writing."
That, ladies and gentlemen, is why I believe The Anatomy of Prose is a fantastic book that can help writers across the world and language barriers.
Plus, let's be honest, the tone of this book is amazing, funny and with this casual sounding narrative that felt like a sincere conversation between friends.
You will never be bored while reading, understanding, learning and thinking about the various tips, examples and exercises.
That been said... do I recommend this book? Of course!
If you want to learn more or even understand what you can improve in you writing, this is perfect book for you.
[Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
January 31, 2022
This book was sitting in my kindle app at like 15% for almost 5 months. Once I got back into it this month, I flew through it. I learned so many helpful tips from this book and am very excited to read other craft books by this author.
May 29, 2020
There are so many things I love about this book. So many that I can only get into the highlights in this review.
This book (the book and workbook pair) belong on the shelf of every writer. A brilliantly written reference and workbook book pair, this is one of those books that the writer can go back to time and time again to review a specific topic or to amp up his or her overall skill set. It provides a comprehensive toolbox for the writer to improve any single aspect of his or her writing, or to embark in an overall bootcamp.
I love the sassy, witty, hilarious writing style. I feel like the author was giving me a one-on-one lesson the whole way through. Who doesn’t want a good cheeky jab to get a point through? Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
The topics are more than comprehensive - both the list of topics covered and the depth at which each topic is gone into. Yet, the book is digestible. It goes far enough, but not too far. A quick skim gets the point across. A deeper dive instills the thought, idea or concept.
This book covers ideas that I hadn’t thought of. It also takes old ideas and puts a fresh twist on them. I walked away feeling like I had new ideas and new ways of implementing concepts I’d been aware of for some time. It was well worth my time to go through this whole book, and I can’t wait to go through it again.
The exercises are thought provoking and fantastic! Ideas area great. But to really learn, I feel a certain amount of doing is necessary. The author challenges the reader of this book to participate whole heartedly.
This book will go on in my special drawer in my writing toolbox, and I shall open it up many times for years to come.
This book (the book and workbook pair) belong on the shelf of every writer. A brilliantly written reference and workbook book pair, this is one of those books that the writer can go back to time and time again to review a specific topic or to amp up his or her overall skill set. It provides a comprehensive toolbox for the writer to improve any single aspect of his or her writing, or to embark in an overall bootcamp.
I love the sassy, witty, hilarious writing style. I feel like the author was giving me a one-on-one lesson the whole way through. Who doesn’t want a good cheeky jab to get a point through? Who doesn’t love a good laugh?
The topics are more than comprehensive - both the list of topics covered and the depth at which each topic is gone into. Yet, the book is digestible. It goes far enough, but not too far. A quick skim gets the point across. A deeper dive instills the thought, idea or concept.
This book covers ideas that I hadn’t thought of. It also takes old ideas and puts a fresh twist on them. I walked away feeling like I had new ideas and new ways of implementing concepts I’d been aware of for some time. It was well worth my time to go through this whole book, and I can’t wait to go through it again.
The exercises are thought provoking and fantastic! Ideas area great. But to really learn, I feel a certain amount of doing is necessary. The author challenges the reader of this book to participate whole heartedly.
This book will go on in my special drawer in my writing toolbox, and I shall open it up many times for years to come.
June 1, 2020
I was lucky enough to receive this as an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) and Sacha Black didn't disappoint. Sacha is one of those writers that makes learning an immersive and fun experience, dotted with dark, witty humour and a potty mouth.
The books covers all aspects of impriving your writing except that of grammar which is a tome unto itself and the intro covers this at the beginning, so no reader should ever be disappointed.
The book has many examples and exercises to help guide you through how to improve your writing process, experiences and anyone who uses it will improve their writing and will refer back to it on a regular basis.
The biggest win for me personally, is that it is like having a developmental editor by your side, providing insight and experience on how to improve without the costly (though worthwhile) price tag. Primarily aimed at fiction writers, the book helps any writer to identify strengths and weaknesses in their writing, points out things to watch for and how to overcome common mistakes.
A definite must have for any writer whatever their level.
The books covers all aspects of impriving your writing except that of grammar which is a tome unto itself and the intro covers this at the beginning, so no reader should ever be disappointed.
The book has many examples and exercises to help guide you through how to improve your writing process, experiences and anyone who uses it will improve their writing and will refer back to it on a regular basis.
The biggest win for me personally, is that it is like having a developmental editor by your side, providing insight and experience on how to improve without the costly (though worthwhile) price tag. Primarily aimed at fiction writers, the book helps any writer to identify strengths and weaknesses in their writing, points out things to watch for and how to overcome common mistakes.
A definite must have for any writer whatever their level.
June 6, 2020
I heard about this book in Adam Croft’s FB group for Indie authors. So glad I picked it up.
I devoured it in two sittings. Perfect storytelling and insightful tips for any aspiring author. I’ve been bashing out novels since 2010, I wish I’d had Sacha’s book to guide me back then, although the editor I have been working with over the last few years must have read this book too as she tries to knock into me not to use crutches etc.
A great, informative read for newbies and old hands alike.
Humorous and easy to understand.
Congratulations Sacha, off to purchase the paperback versions of your other books too, I’m sure they’ll be as beneficial as this one was.
I devoured it in two sittings. Perfect storytelling and insightful tips for any aspiring author. I’ve been bashing out novels since 2010, I wish I’d had Sacha’s book to guide me back then, although the editor I have been working with over the last few years must have read this book too as she tries to knock into me not to use crutches etc.
A great, informative read for newbies and old hands alike.
Humorous and easy to understand.
Congratulations Sacha, off to purchase the paperback versions of your other books too, I’m sure they’ll be as beneficial as this one was.
February 13, 2022
After reading the Side Characters book by this author I decided I wanted to read more of her books and bought this one. I really enjoyed The Anatomy of Prose. I like how the author doesn't tell you what to do, instead she encourages authors to find their own voice and preferences. She explains lots of craft related techniques and how to use them and then leaves it up to the reader to decide how to actually use them. I liked this approach and focus on how there isn't one good way and also how she gives information and asks questions so you can decide what is appropriate for the scene you're writing.
I think there is a lot of great information in this book and plenty of examples so you really understand the concepts she's talking about. I found it easy and pleasant to read as well. I would definitely recommend this one if you want to learn more about the writing craft and prose.
I think there is a lot of great information in this book and plenty of examples so you really understand the concepts she's talking about. I found it easy and pleasant to read as well. I would definitely recommend this one if you want to learn more about the writing craft and prose.
May 29, 2020
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
And boy was I glad.
Having read several of Sacha's other books, I went into The Anatomy of Prose with high, high hopes (for a living). Sacha did not disappoint. Filled with useful advice in a structure that is easy to follow and has you breaking down the very architecture of your prose, this book is filled with sage advice that translates to writers of all types. I can imagine new writers gaining a LOT from this book, and even advanced writers can refresh their skills and take something from each of the chapters.
Filled with useful, real world examples that break the techniques down into easy-to-digest nuggets, this is the book you NEED to have on your shelf to remind yourself of the fundamental bullet points that will take your prose to the next level.
Oh, did I mention that it's hilarious, too?
Snarky, clever, and wildly informative, the Anatomy of Prose had me laughing, learning, and falling in love with story all over again.
And boy was I glad.
Having read several of Sacha's other books, I went into The Anatomy of Prose with high, high hopes (for a living). Sacha did not disappoint. Filled with useful advice in a structure that is easy to follow and has you breaking down the very architecture of your prose, this book is filled with sage advice that translates to writers of all types. I can imagine new writers gaining a LOT from this book, and even advanced writers can refresh their skills and take something from each of the chapters.
Filled with useful, real world examples that break the techniques down into easy-to-digest nuggets, this is the book you NEED to have on your shelf to remind yourself of the fundamental bullet points that will take your prose to the next level.
Oh, did I mention that it's hilarious, too?
Snarky, clever, and wildly informative, the Anatomy of Prose had me laughing, learning, and falling in love with story all over again.
October 20, 2021
Loved it. This is probably the most entertaining craft book I’ve ever read. Though I love reading writing craft books, they often put me to sleep. Sacha Black’s style and wit make the book thoroughly engaging. The organization of the contents of the book makes it easy to follow.
April 18, 2025
The advice in this book is pretty simplistic and not very unique. There was several pieces of advice that I outright disagreed with, and think they could be incredibly misleading to a new writer.
The voice in the book was also grating, as the author seemed far too amused with herself.
The voice in the book was also grating, as the author seemed far too amused with herself.
June 5, 2020
Hilarious! One of the best books on descriptions that I've ever read. I'm actually excited to do prose edits for the first time EVER.
July 17, 2020
Ok this was the best writing book I’ve ever read. Do yourself a favor and read this one, folks.
May 30, 2020
Witty, Clever & Funny-Its A Writing Craft Book, go figure.
Okay, I am going to reread just so I can laugh. I laughed a lot. Sacha's deadpan wit and sarcasm are so much fun, and what a way to learn. Warning if certain words offend read with caution, but if not, prepare to enjoy learning and laugh.
This has advice on how to read and deconstruct writing from such as poetry and flash fiction to learn and analyze. She talks about scenes, clichés, showing and telling, writing in beats... she covers a lot. I highly recommend this book.
Okay, I am going to reread just so I can laugh. I laughed a lot. Sacha's deadpan wit and sarcasm are so much fun, and what a way to learn. Warning if certain words offend read with caution, but if not, prepare to enjoy learning and laugh.
This has advice on how to read and deconstruct writing from such as poetry and flash fiction to learn and analyze. She talks about scenes, clichés, showing and telling, writing in beats... she covers a lot. I highly recommend this book.
May 28, 2020
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to pursue writing in the future. I love how this book is very educational but it’s in such a fun way that makes it actually enjoyable. There are many books like this for writers but none of them made me genuinely love reading it and make me smile as much as I did reading this book. I don't usually read nonfiction books but I loved this one. It was almost like I was having a conversation with the author Sacha Black myself and that was amazing. So if you're interested in writing you need to check out this book.
May 29, 2020
The Anatomy of Prose will make you a better writer. Matter of fact, snort-laugh-funny and full of useable advice, your sentences will sing after reading this. Sacha Black's easy, sweary style is somehow both straight to the point and non-confrontational. You will never approach writing in the same way again.
May 29, 2020
Oh man, I devoured this book in one day! It's written hilariously and is so full of information! It made me want to dive right back into revising my manuscript. I recommend this book for anyone looking to level up their writing.
May 21, 2020
This was the first book I’ve ever read from Sacha Black and I have to say, I am hooked. Her witty and conversational language makes this craft book such an easy and fun read.
I was a little scared to dive into this craft book. I don’t fit into a mold and a lot of other craft books make me feel like I need to be a certain way or do specific things to be a good writer, but Sacha lets us know it's perfectly ok to be a rebel.
In this craft book, Sacha reminds us we all have a unique voice. She gives us exactly what we need, a foundation. Sacha gives us the tools, resources, and examples we need to explore our personal preferences. From style and description to show vs tell, and even self-editing there’s a lot of topics covered that every writer needs to look back on.
The Anatomy of Prose is a helpful and handy book to keep around. I highly recommend this. No matter what stage you are as a writer, this craft book is all you’ll need.
I was a little scared to dive into this craft book. I don’t fit into a mold and a lot of other craft books make me feel like I need to be a certain way or do specific things to be a good writer, but Sacha lets us know it's perfectly ok to be a rebel.
In this craft book, Sacha reminds us we all have a unique voice. She gives us exactly what we need, a foundation. Sacha gives us the tools, resources, and examples we need to explore our personal preferences. From style and description to show vs tell, and even self-editing there’s a lot of topics covered that every writer needs to look back on.
The Anatomy of Prose is a helpful and handy book to keep around. I highly recommend this. No matter what stage you are as a writer, this craft book is all you’ll need.
May 21, 2020
Having previously enjoyed reading 13 Steps to Evil: How to Craft Superbad Villains (also by Sacha Black), I was looking forward to The Anatomy Of Prose, and it did not disappoint!
This in-depth, comprehensive guide is written in the Authors usual style, meaning it's entertaining, educational and sprinkled with sarcasm, quips and rebellious language that kept me wanting more.
Despite its complexity, this is an easy read and is full of useful tips and examples. I particularly loved the way it is broken down into easy to reference sections, with bullet pointed summaries at the end of each step making it easy to dip in and out of.
A great resource, packed full of tools to craft a page-turning novel whatever stage you're at in your writing career, and will prove to be an essential "must have".
This in-depth, comprehensive guide is written in the Authors usual style, meaning it's entertaining, educational and sprinkled with sarcasm, quips and rebellious language that kept me wanting more.
Despite its complexity, this is an easy read and is full of useful tips and examples. I particularly loved the way it is broken down into easy to reference sections, with bullet pointed summaries at the end of each step making it easy to dip in and out of.
A great resource, packed full of tools to craft a page-turning novel whatever stage you're at in your writing career, and will prove to be an essential "must have".
April 23, 2025
Here are five main takeaways from The Anatomy of Prose: 12 Steps to Sensational Sentences by Sacha Black, based on its focus on improving sentence-level craft and writing prose:
1. Master Sentence-Level Craft for Impactful Prose: The book emphasizes strengthening sentences through strategic word choice, rhythm, and flow to eliminate distractions and enhance storytelling. Black provides techniques to make sentences vivid and engaging, ensuring they capture readers' attention and convey emotion effectively.
2. Balance Show vs. Tell: Black offers practical guidance on achieving the right balance between showing and telling in prose. She provides methods to create immersive descriptions and emotional depth without overloading the narrative, helping writers hook readers through vivid storytelling.
3. Harness the Five Senses and Literary Devices: The book teaches writers to use all five senses to deepen reader immersion and bring settings and characters to life. Black also covers dozens of literary devices, such as metaphors and personification, to add power and sparkle to prose.
4. Simplify Dialogue Tags and Avoid Adverbs: Black advocates for using simple dialogue tags like "said" to keep the focus on the dialogue itself, as varied tags can distract readers. She also advises minimizing adverbs by choosing stronger verbs, which tightens prose and enhances clarity.
5. Read Like a Writer and Self-Edit Effectively: Black encourages writers to read actively, analyzing other authors’ techniques to improve their own craft. She provides a prose-specific self-editing checklist to help writers refine their work, identify common pitfalls, and polish sentences for maximum impact.
These takeaways highlight Black’s humorous, practical approach to crafting prose that resonates with readers, applicable for both novice and experienced writers.
1. Master Sentence-Level Craft for Impactful Prose: The book emphasizes strengthening sentences through strategic word choice, rhythm, and flow to eliminate distractions and enhance storytelling. Black provides techniques to make sentences vivid and engaging, ensuring they capture readers' attention and convey emotion effectively.
2. Balance Show vs. Tell: Black offers practical guidance on achieving the right balance between showing and telling in prose. She provides methods to create immersive descriptions and emotional depth without overloading the narrative, helping writers hook readers through vivid storytelling.
3. Harness the Five Senses and Literary Devices: The book teaches writers to use all five senses to deepen reader immersion and bring settings and characters to life. Black also covers dozens of literary devices, such as metaphors and personification, to add power and sparkle to prose.
4. Simplify Dialogue Tags and Avoid Adverbs: Black advocates for using simple dialogue tags like "said" to keep the focus on the dialogue itself, as varied tags can distract readers. She also advises minimizing adverbs by choosing stronger verbs, which tightens prose and enhances clarity.
5. Read Like a Writer and Self-Edit Effectively: Black encourages writers to read actively, analyzing other authors’ techniques to improve their own craft. She provides a prose-specific self-editing checklist to help writers refine their work, identify common pitfalls, and polish sentences for maximum impact.
These takeaways highlight Black’s humorous, practical approach to crafting prose that resonates with readers, applicable for both novice and experienced writers.
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June 9, 2020I Love that this starts with a discussion of Voice because I came to the conclusion many years back that narrative voice was the key and core of fiction....you can get away with anything if you can create and maintain a compelling narrative voice.
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