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How to Be a Writer
Writing for me is the simplest and greatest pleasure in the world.
How to be a Writer is peppered with nuggets of practical advice for every person who is aspiring to write and be published, all told in Ruskin Bond's characteristic understated, tongue-in-cheek, humorous style.
So, what is it that a person requires the most to become a writer? A love of books, of language, of life, an observant eye and a good memory along with enthusiasm, optimism and persistence.
This book is an exclusive glimpse into the writing credo of Ruskin Bond, an author who has had an incredibly successful writing career spanning over seventy years.
How to be a Writer is peppered with nuggets of practical advice for every person who is aspiring to write and be published, all told in Ruskin Bond's characteristic understated, tongue-in-cheek, humorous style.
So, what is it that a person requires the most to become a writer? A love of books, of language, of life, an observant eye and a good memory along with enthusiasm, optimism and persistence.
This book is an exclusive glimpse into the writing credo of Ruskin Bond, an author who has had an incredibly successful writing career spanning over seventy years.
126 pages, Hardcover
Published June 29, 2021
62 people are currently reading
820 people want to read
About the author
Ruskin Bond
681 books3,573 followersRuskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He is considered to be an icon among Indian writers and children's authors and a top novelist. He wrote his first novel, The Room on the Roof, when he was seventeen which won John Llewellyn Rhys Memorial Prize in 1957. Since then he has written several novellas, over 500 short stories, as well as various essays and poems, all of which have established him as one of the best-loved and most admired chroniclers of contemporary India. In 1992 he received the Sahitya Akademi award for English writing, for his short stories collection, "Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra", by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 for contributions to children's literature. He now lives with his adopted family in Landour near Mussoorie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
November 22, 2021
A great book especially for those who are aspiring to be writers with beautiful illustrations. It's a very short book with precise and apt details on writing. Mr.Bond has divided the book into various sections. My most favorite part of the book is when he recommends bunch of books which might help the ones who love to write.
And also, one owning their own style rather than copying somebody else's.
And also, one owning their own style rather than copying somebody else's.
November 9, 2020
How to be a Writer is a book full of pointers and advice for writers about writing from the legend himself.
📝The book starts off with an introduction based upon why and how he writes and his love for writing. It is very honest and impactful. The book has been divided into 7 chapters and further subchapters. They cover topics from
why to write upto getting published. Written in a lucid and honest manner, the book has covered all aspects about how can one be a writer in an easy and straightforward way.
📝You can see while reading how sir has analysed the process of writing. Not only in general but that of various well known authors like Maugham, Dickens, Austen, Tolkien and many more as well. He also places an importance about how a writer's reading choices impacts his writing. From the genre of writing to tips on how the characters should be, from the importance of notes to the stumbling blocks in the writing process, there is a definitive structure in the book. That is something that made reading even more systematic and easy for me.
📝I found the book very informative since I too love to write at times and the to top it all, sir has recommended a three page list of books which I'm going to treasure. There are ample of quotes upon writing by Mr. Bond that will make many writers and beginners be able to relate. While there's no one who is to teach you to write actually, this book makes sure you know all there's to know about writing.
🍁In short, it's a informative, well structured and a short read about writing and the books he recommends. This book isn't only for writers, it's for readers too.
📝The book starts off with an introduction based upon why and how he writes and his love for writing. It is very honest and impactful. The book has been divided into 7 chapters and further subchapters. They cover topics from
why to write upto getting published. Written in a lucid and honest manner, the book has covered all aspects about how can one be a writer in an easy and straightforward way.
📝You can see while reading how sir has analysed the process of writing. Not only in general but that of various well known authors like Maugham, Dickens, Austen, Tolkien and many more as well. He also places an importance about how a writer's reading choices impacts his writing. From the genre of writing to tips on how the characters should be, from the importance of notes to the stumbling blocks in the writing process, there is a definitive structure in the book. That is something that made reading even more systematic and easy for me.
📝I found the book very informative since I too love to write at times and the to top it all, sir has recommended a three page list of books which I'm going to treasure. There are ample of quotes upon writing by Mr. Bond that will make many writers and beginners be able to relate. While there's no one who is to teach you to write actually, this book makes sure you know all there's to know about writing.
🍁In short, it's a informative, well structured and a short read about writing and the books he recommends. This book isn't only for writers, it's for readers too.
December 18, 2022
A book for beginners and young readers on how to become a writer, a published one and what you have to do about it.
Starting from the minimum ideas and basic concepts on what you should expect and shouldn’t are given in short points with best examples for you to understand.
✅ short chapters
✅ easy to read, follow and understand
✅ practical
✅ best recommendations from the author
✅ what to expect and what to drop
If at all you want to start writing and become a published author, you can start from this book as it has all the important basic tips from the well known author. He’s my favourite for all these reasons.
Starting from the minimum ideas and basic concepts on what you should expect and shouldn’t are given in short points with best examples for you to understand.
✅ short chapters
✅ easy to read, follow and understand
✅ practical
✅ best recommendations from the author
✅ what to expect and what to drop
If at all you want to start writing and become a published author, you can start from this book as it has all the important basic tips from the well known author. He’s my favourite for all these reasons.
March 29, 2021
I expected this book to be like Stephen King's 'On Writing' - part memoir, part creative writing guide - but it turned out to be a rather short book about Bond's approach to writing, written for a younger audience. If I had to gift a book on creative writing to a child, I would definitely pick this one for them, along with a Ruskin Bond short story collection, because no Indian child should have a childhood without the magic of Ruskin Bond in their life!
As for the adult(?) me, I did enjoy this 30 minute read which was (also) full of humour and cute illustrations (who doesn't like cute illustrations?), and learnt a thing or two about approaches to creative writing, Bond and nostalgia. However, the title of the book could have been less misleading (or maybe the cover should have made me realise that this was essentially a children's book).
As for the adult(?) me, I did enjoy this 30 minute read which was (also) full of humour and cute illustrations (who doesn't like cute illustrations?), and learnt a thing or two about approaches to creative writing, Bond and nostalgia. However, the title of the book could have been less misleading (or maybe the cover should have made me realise that this was essentially a children's book).
August 9, 2024
So, what is it that a person requires the most to become a writer? A love of books, of language, of life, an observant eye and a good memory along with enthusiasm, optimism and persistence.
চাইলেই কি লেখক হওয়া যায়? লেখক হবার কোন গোপন কোর্স আছে কি? যা করলেই একজন রাতারাতি লেখক বনে যাবেন! না, লেখক বিশেষ করে সৃষ্টিশীল লেখক হবার এমন কোন জাদুকরী উপায় নেই। তবে কয়েকটা ব্যাপার স্বতঃসিদ্ধ যেমনটা রাস্কিন বন্ড উল্লেখ করেছেন। বই এবং ভাষার প্রতি ভালোবাসা, চারপাশ কে খুঁটিয়ে দেখবার তীক্ষ্ণ চোখ আর জীবনের প্রতি গভীর অনুরাগ। পেশাদার সফল লেখক রাস্কিন বন্ড কে প্রায়শই নতুন লেখকদের কাছ থেকে লেখক হবার গূঢ় মন্ত্র কিংবা লেখক হতে গেলে কি কি প্রয়োজন সে প্রশ্নের মুখোমুখি হতে হতো। তাই তিনি অত্যন্ত সরল আর তাঁর স্বভাবসুলভ বৈঠকি ভাষায় লেখক হবার বুনিয়াদি পথ বাতলে দিলেন। আমি নিজে অনেক কিছু শিখতে পারলাম। আশা করি লেখক হতে চাওয়া অন্যান্য পাঠকেরাও তা পাবেন।
৩.৫*/৫
চাইলেই কি লেখক হওয়া যায়? লেখক হবার কোন গোপন কোর্স আছে কি? যা করলেই একজন রাতারাতি লেখক বনে যাবেন! না, লেখক বিশেষ করে সৃষ্টিশীল লেখক হবার এমন কোন জাদুকরী উপায় নেই। তবে কয়েকটা ব্যাপার স্বতঃসিদ্ধ যেমনটা রাস্কিন বন্ড উল্লেখ করেছেন। বই এবং ভাষার প্রতি ভালোবাসা, চারপাশ কে খুঁটিয়ে দেখবার তীক্ষ্ণ চোখ আর জীবনের প্রতি গভীর অনুরাগ। পেশাদার সফল লেখক রাস্কিন বন্ড কে প্রায়শই নতুন লেখকদের কাছ থেকে লেখক হবার গূঢ় মন্ত্র কিংবা লেখক হতে গেলে কি কি প্রয়োজন সে প্রশ্নের মুখোমুখি হতে হতো। তাই তিনি অত্যন্ত সরল আর তাঁর স্বভাবসুলভ বৈঠকি ভাষায় লেখক হবার বুনিয়াদি পথ বাতলে দিলেন। আমি নিজে অনেক কিছু শিখতে পারলাম। আশা করি লেখক হতে চাওয়া অন্যান্য পাঠকেরাও তা পাবেন।
৩.৫*/৫
October 10, 2020
If you read any interview of Ruskin Bond, he always says that a lot of people keep asking him questions about how to become a writer and these are mostly young people. Most of these people think of a writer as a glamorous profession and don't see the hard work that goes into it. I think this book "How to be a Writer" is an answer to that question which doesn’t let him go. He talks about the qualities of a writer, the reading they need to do and how much they need to write in order to get published. This book can be inspiring to a young person who is aspiring to become a writer someday.
January 25, 2022
"The world around me- be it the mountains or the busy street below my window- is teeming with objects, sights, thoughts, that I wish to put into words in order to catch the fleeting moment, the passiñg image, the laughter, the joy, and sometimes the sorrow."
A very quintessential Bond! What do you expect when you pick up a Ruskin Bond book be that a fiction, non fiction or his collection of stories? Whatever that it, he always delivers. And with this short book, he does the same as he always does; he soothes you, calms you like a wave softly crashing on the shores at night. Here, it goes over the general ideas of writing, the role of writers, influences, why one write, how one write, what is needed and what should be discarded, everything with the simplicity of an innocent child and with amazing illustrations by Shamika Chaves and Chaaya Prabhat It is, at points quite hilarious as well.
A very quintessential Bond! What do you expect when you pick up a Ruskin Bond book be that a fiction, non fiction or his collection of stories? Whatever that it, he always delivers. And with this short book, he does the same as he always does; he soothes you, calms you like a wave softly crashing on the shores at night. Here, it goes over the general ideas of writing, the role of writers, influences, why one write, how one write, what is needed and what should be discarded, everything with the simplicity of an innocent child and with amazing illustrations by Shamika Chaves and Chaaya Prabhat It is, at points quite hilarious as well.
November 2, 2020
Writing tips from the genius himself!
His uncomplicated way of talking about stuff is exquisite. As usual, in a pretty simplified manner, he talks about the challenges, steps to hone, and some great references that budding authors can take inspiration from.
We all know what's right but sometimes need someone to tell us. He is that someone. A good read.
His uncomplicated way of talking about stuff is exquisite. As usual, in a pretty simplified manner, he talks about the challenges, steps to hone, and some great references that budding authors can take inspiration from.
We all know what's right but sometimes need someone to tell us. He is that someone. A good read.
January 21, 2024
Too generic.
August 18, 2021
In this book Ruskin Bond's love for reading and writing is thoroughly evident. He shares his anecdotes, his writing habits and the experiences he's gained in his more than 50 years of writing career. Throughout the book, he keeps adding these relevant titbits about other authors' writing styles and quirks. Dickens, Hemingway, Agatha Christie, Emily Brontë, R. K. Narayan, Tagore, Munshi Premchand, Shakespeare, Mark Twain and many other names have cropped up in this narrative at some point or another. It's pretty obvious how he treasures their books and how revered these people are to him.
Try listening to the audiobook. The narration, the pace of the book, even the voice of the narrator, everything was very well planned and perfectly executed.
Try listening to the audiobook. The narration, the pace of the book, even the voice of the narrator, everything was very well planned and perfectly executed.
Want to read
October 15, 2020Ahhh, why the heck didn't I know of this before?! I love Ruskin Bond and am currently reading his books. I've read them before too. Though it says it will be published in 2021. You expect me to wait?!
October 15, 2021
A small book about being a writer by one of my favorite writers.
In this book, Ruskin Bond describes the steps to be a writer. He starts from the ground level and all weaved with his experience.
A must-read for someone trying to know more about writing or Ruskin's thoughts on writing
In this book, Ruskin Bond describes the steps to be a writer. He starts from the ground level and all weaved with his experience.
A must-read for someone trying to know more about writing or Ruskin's thoughts on writing
October 19, 2020
A short, sweet and beautifully illustrated book for aspiring young writers. The chapters are short and succinct. There are no bullshit tips. Everything is spot on. The book is full of recommendations from Ruskin Bond about books he read as a young writer and what inspired him. Loved the personal anecdotes (running from home to become a writer, really? I wish I could do that, but I am sure I will come back too, just like you).
A feel good book, one whose copy you should own for your kid (even adults).
A feel good book, one whose copy you should own for your kid (even adults).
March 28, 2022
It's a very small book, but it contains some absolute treasure for the aspiring writers.
I literally gulped down this book. It is so good. The evergreen author here gives us some unmissable tips and tricks that he has followed for over 70 years of his writing career. He even talks about ways to bypass the writer's block!
So if you think you want to author a book anyday in future, go and give this one a try. You will fall in love.
Oh and did I say there is a postcard added to the back of the book? Remind me to post a pic of that someday!
I literally gulped down this book. It is so good. The evergreen author here gives us some unmissable tips and tricks that he has followed for over 70 years of his writing career. He even talks about ways to bypass the writer's block!
So if you think you want to author a book anyday in future, go and give this one a try. You will fall in love.
Oh and did I say there is a postcard added to the back of the book? Remind me to post a pic of that someday!
November 1, 2020
Like most Ruskin Bond books this one too filled me with eternal warmth, joy and made me laugh. However, this book gave me some great advice and instilled in me the courage to pick up the pen and maybe tell my tale.
January 7, 2021
I picked up this book hoping it to be a detailed guide on how to be a writer, but it turned out to be just a nutshell.
The book starts with a two part introduction where Bond tells why he writes and the difficulties writers face. This does a great job at breaking the glamorous myths around the writing career and gives a glimpse of what it actually is. And it tells that while it is not as glamorous as you might have thought, for those who love writing, this profession is still more beautiful than others.
Then it gives short and compact tips for writing, and briefs about the skills one needs to be a good writer. This book takes a beginner through the entire process of being a writer, from starting writing, creating characters, choosing a genre to write, to getting out of blocks and criticism and finding a publisher.
The book could have been more detailed to help the aspiring writers. It gives just an overview of the entire thing without getting in depth of anything. So read it with only such expectations.
The book starts with a two part introduction where Bond tells why he writes and the difficulties writers face. This does a great job at breaking the glamorous myths around the writing career and gives a glimpse of what it actually is. And it tells that while it is not as glamorous as you might have thought, for those who love writing, this profession is still more beautiful than others.
Then it gives short and compact tips for writing, and briefs about the skills one needs to be a good writer. This book takes a beginner through the entire process of being a writer, from starting writing, creating characters, choosing a genre to write, to getting out of blocks and criticism and finding a publisher.
The book could have been more detailed to help the aspiring writers. It gives just an overview of the entire thing without getting in depth of anything. So read it with only such expectations.
September 15, 2022
Charming and Delightful!! Just what one can expect from Mr. Bond. ❤️❤️
December 24, 2020
Read a book by Bond after ages thanks to Akanksha Goel and honestly, nothing could be better as a Christmas read. This book is a warm hug to all aspiring writers, young and old, and those who grew up poring over novels by the great old writer in the Queen of Hills. Peppered with anecdotes, friendly advice and Bond's signature wit, it's a thoroughly enjoyable read.
June 14, 2022
I picked this book up at a bookstore that Ruskin Bond frequents in his beloved Mussoorie. Unfortunately, he wasn’t there this time during my visit, but this book called out to me, even though it was meant for young writers.
The wisdom in this, though, is universal. Ruskin Bond is a beloved author, and I confess I haven’t read many of his books, but the advice given here is well worth following. Not only to be a good writer but to be an observer of life, participating in its beauty.
It was also the first time I read a book sitting next door to the author’s house, watching the hills he speaks of change color with every passing light of the sun.
The wisdom in this, though, is universal. Ruskin Bond is a beloved author, and I confess I haven’t read many of his books, but the advice given here is well worth following. Not only to be a good writer but to be an observer of life, participating in its beauty.
It was also the first time I read a book sitting next door to the author’s house, watching the hills he speaks of change color with every passing light of the sun.
March 8, 2025
How to be a writer by Ruskin Bond is a fantastic, easy read book. It could be completed in one go. A very short book delivers what it says, Ruskin has some good ideas for the readers.
Gives us basic ideas. These ideas from Ruskin Bond himself are treasures.
Gives us basic ideas. These ideas from Ruskin Bond himself are treasures.
May 29, 2021
This little book consisting of only 117 pages has so much to give to every writer or even a reader. The more I read Ruskin Bond, the more I understand the power of writing and imagination. He gave his knowledge and experience through this in an extremely playful manner with great illustrations by Shamika Chaves and Chaaya Prabhat.
I have to agree that I knew some of the facts written in the book as I am practicing writing for a long time now. But, the beautiful part is I knew a lot of things but were I following them? It's a gentle reminder for the writers to start writing something, bad will become good, better, and best with practice. This book comes with hope for every writer. One will understand that we will get hiccups and fall down but definitely fall if we don't write at all.
For me what stood out was amazing reading recommendations by the man himself. I am going to put them in my TBR after reading synopses(all books are not for everyone!)! So grateful for that.
What I would have appreciated more if he had shared his writing anecdotes from his journey, his highs and lows!
I have to agree that I knew some of the facts written in the book as I am practicing writing for a long time now. But, the beautiful part is I knew a lot of things but were I following them? It's a gentle reminder for the writers to start writing something, bad will become good, better, and best with practice. This book comes with hope for every writer. One will understand that we will get hiccups and fall down but definitely fall if we don't write at all.
For me what stood out was amazing reading recommendations by the man himself. I am going to put them in my TBR after reading synopses(all books are not for everyone!)! So grateful for that.
What I would have appreciated more if he had shared his writing anecdotes from his journey, his highs and lows!
July 8, 2022
Full of anecdotes and learnings, How to be a Writer by Ruskin Bond is a beginner’s guide to embracing their passion for writing.
For some reason, this is my first book by Ruskin Bond, even though I have had a short story collection on my bookshelf for years.
The author’s writing style was somehow exactly what I had envisioned it to be – personal, welcoming, and sharp. It feels like the author is talking to you directly.
I think this book would be perfect for someone who is just looking to get started as a writer and doesn’t have much experience. It explores a lot of important topics, such as where to find inspiration, mindset, developing a style, getting published, etc.
I was delighted to find that the author stresses the importance of reading too!
As a writer myself, I found most of the guidance to be common knowledge. But that’s because I’ve been writing for years. To someone else, these could be invaluable nuggets of wisdom.
A great aspect of the book is that everything is written in a step-by-step manner. So you can literally use this as a manual to start your journey as a writer.
Don’t be intimidated to approach this book. It is easy to follow, the sections are short, and before you know it, you’ll have finished reading all of it, immersed in Ruskin Bond’s narrative voice.
I highly recommend it!
For some reason, this is my first book by Ruskin Bond, even though I have had a short story collection on my bookshelf for years.
The author’s writing style was somehow exactly what I had envisioned it to be – personal, welcoming, and sharp. It feels like the author is talking to you directly.
I think this book would be perfect for someone who is just looking to get started as a writer and doesn’t have much experience. It explores a lot of important topics, such as where to find inspiration, mindset, developing a style, getting published, etc.
I was delighted to find that the author stresses the importance of reading too!
As a writer myself, I found most of the guidance to be common knowledge. But that’s because I’ve been writing for years. To someone else, these could be invaluable nuggets of wisdom.
A great aspect of the book is that everything is written in a step-by-step manner. So you can literally use this as a manual to start your journey as a writer.
Don’t be intimidated to approach this book. It is easy to follow, the sections are short, and before you know it, you’ll have finished reading all of it, immersed in Ruskin Bond’s narrative voice.
I highly recommend it!
August 27, 2021
HOW TO BE A WRITER- BY RUSKIN BOND
GENRE- NON-FICTION
_____________________________________
• We Booklovers must have thought of writing (at least for once) in our lives, maybe? Well, then you are at the write place. This amazing book by Ruskin Bond serves as the perfect ingredient for your dream for writing!
• Unlike many other non-fiction reads, it is absolutely a non-repetitive book, and won't usually take more than a sitting for you to finish it.
• It is intriguing and will furnish you with a lot of tactics that you need to keep in mind to progress. Also, the narrative is extremely fast paced and gripping, with examples from Ruskin Bond's own experiences as an author and reader. • The language is lucid and you will feel like Ruskin Bond is actually talking to you, and giving you instructions. He has also used references of various authors and their books, which further diversifies the realm of this book.
• Bond has carefully noted down some qualities in this book, which is essential in a writer-
1. A love of books
2. A love of language
3. A love of life
4. An observant eye
5. A good memory
6. Enthusiasm
7. Optimism
8. Persistence
• This will not only help you to recognise your strengths, but also the points out where you need to work on.
• Apart from all these, Bond also focuses on the problems a writer usually faces while publishing a book, and that too in a motivational tone.
• And the book ends with a handful of book recommendations by Ruskin Bond which we must consider reading for improving our writing.
• This book will not only help budding authors but also professional content writers of recent times. • Nevertheless, I felt that the book lacked certain elements like- not including a lot of genres that writers prefer to write in (he mentioned a very few of them though), and lastly most of his references and recommendations are from the classic genre, it could have been diversified keeping in mind that contemporary fiction is a booming genre among the readers of these days and a lot of people might not feel comfortable to read classics always. But overall, it was a very good read and I do recommend it! 📚
___________________________________________
GENRE- NON-FICTION
_____________________________________
• We Booklovers must have thought of writing (at least for once) in our lives, maybe? Well, then you are at the write place. This amazing book by Ruskin Bond serves as the perfect ingredient for your dream for writing!
• Unlike many other non-fiction reads, it is absolutely a non-repetitive book, and won't usually take more than a sitting for you to finish it.
• It is intriguing and will furnish you with a lot of tactics that you need to keep in mind to progress. Also, the narrative is extremely fast paced and gripping, with examples from Ruskin Bond's own experiences as an author and reader. • The language is lucid and you will feel like Ruskin Bond is actually talking to you, and giving you instructions. He has also used references of various authors and their books, which further diversifies the realm of this book.
• Bond has carefully noted down some qualities in this book, which is essential in a writer-
1. A love of books
2. A love of language
3. A love of life
4. An observant eye
5. A good memory
6. Enthusiasm
7. Optimism
8. Persistence
• This will not only help you to recognise your strengths, but also the points out where you need to work on.
• Apart from all these, Bond also focuses on the problems a writer usually faces while publishing a book, and that too in a motivational tone.
• And the book ends with a handful of book recommendations by Ruskin Bond which we must consider reading for improving our writing.
• This book will not only help budding authors but also professional content writers of recent times. • Nevertheless, I felt that the book lacked certain elements like- not including a lot of genres that writers prefer to write in (he mentioned a very few of them though), and lastly most of his references and recommendations are from the classic genre, it could have been diversified keeping in mind that contemporary fiction is a booming genre among the readers of these days and a lot of people might not feel comfortable to read classics always. But overall, it was a very good read and I do recommend it! 📚
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May 26, 2023
It's a cute, intresting, easy to understand guide to become a writer.🌸
He has told us the basic concepts of being a writer. Although I don't think I will ever become a writer(or maybe I will in sha Allah✨),I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
These are the attributes needed to become a
writer, according to Ruskin Bond.
1- A love of books..❤️
2- A love of language..💙
3- A love of life..🤔
4- An observant eye✨
5- A good memory👀
6- Enthusiasm⭐
7- Optimism🌼
8- Persistence 😬
He has told us the basic concepts of being a writer. Although I don't think I will ever become a writer(or maybe I will in sha Allah✨),I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
These are the attributes needed to become a
writer, according to Ruskin Bond.
1- A love of books..❤️
2- A love of language..💙
3- A love of life..🤔
4- An observant eye✨
5- A good memory👀
6- Enthusiasm⭐
7- Optimism🌼
8- Persistence 😬
September 5, 2022
The important thing is to keep writing , observing, listening and paying attention to the beauty of words and their arrangements.
This book was beautifully written. Also Ruskin bond has suggested some good books to read in this book. Totally recommended to aspiring writers. :)
This book was beautifully written. Also Ruskin bond has suggested some good books to read in this book. Totally recommended to aspiring writers. :)
January 11, 2021
Simple and beautifully written, perfect guide book for aspiring writers
May 8, 2024
Book Review of 'How to be a Writer' by Ruskin Bond.
Why did I buy the book?
Since childhood, Ruskin Bond books have filled me with pure love like a comfy book you come back to time and again. When I was at Cambridge Book Depot Mussoorie, I bought several Ruskin Bond books.
This question of 'How to be a Writer?' has intrigued me from time immemorial. So the book caught my immediate attention. CR
About the Book
The book is a short book. It begins with the reason for writing. It takes you along to get started into writing, qualities for a writer and different kinds of writers and their style.
The book advocates lot of reading. One gets lot of stories of many books. Further, the background stories behind making some of them are discussed by the author.
It gives one idea for different genres to try and how to make character sketches. It suggests the training and mindset required to commit to writing as a profession. It covers how to overcome issues you face in your writing journey.
Writing
There is a certain beginning and flow to writing. It is quite crisp.
In terms of presentation, the book has cute graphics in the Ruskin Bond style and a bigger font size which helps to keep our attention.
The book covers the last part of getting published. I think the part of how to market your book should be covered as well. But I was expecting that would not be covered as Mr. Bond sticks to precisely writing in his real life.
I would have also loved to know some more detailed stories with publishers by Mr.Bond and some stories with his dear readers.
What I liked about the Book?
The book recommendations by Mr. Bond are a treasure to behold for any writer and reader as well.
It gives a path for writing. It helps to get motivated and brings back faith to this vocation
If you are curious to learn more about books and writing, you should not miss out on this one.
Why did I buy the book?
Since childhood, Ruskin Bond books have filled me with pure love like a comfy book you come back to time and again. When I was at Cambridge Book Depot Mussoorie, I bought several Ruskin Bond books.
This question of 'How to be a Writer?' has intrigued me from time immemorial. So the book caught my immediate attention. CR
About the Book
The book is a short book. It begins with the reason for writing. It takes you along to get started into writing, qualities for a writer and different kinds of writers and their style.
The book advocates lot of reading. One gets lot of stories of many books. Further, the background stories behind making some of them are discussed by the author.
It gives one idea for different genres to try and how to make character sketches. It suggests the training and mindset required to commit to writing as a profession. It covers how to overcome issues you face in your writing journey.
Writing
There is a certain beginning and flow to writing. It is quite crisp.
In terms of presentation, the book has cute graphics in the Ruskin Bond style and a bigger font size which helps to keep our attention.
The book covers the last part of getting published. I think the part of how to market your book should be covered as well. But I was expecting that would not be covered as Mr. Bond sticks to precisely writing in his real life.
I would have also loved to know some more detailed stories with publishers by Mr.Bond and some stories with his dear readers.
What I liked about the Book?
The book recommendations by Mr. Bond are a treasure to behold for any writer and reader as well.
It gives a path for writing. It helps to get motivated and brings back faith to this vocation
If you are curious to learn more about books and writing, you should not miss out on this one.
May 2, 2021
Every writer has a gazillion questions in his mind, from where to start to the process of publishing. And here is one of the greatest writers tackling every question, every doubt, every query while citing his own experiences.
If you are a writer or hope to be one someday, this book is like a mini-guide. I’ve been writing for a few years now and I could see myself in the tales he tells throughout the book. From obsessing over books and their precision to the sleepless nights of staring at an empty sheet of paper, it is all very relatable!
But it is of course so much more than just being relatable. This book is full of inspirational content that will make you want to write your heart out in that story or poem or anything that you’ve been thinking over for a while now. Writing is an art but this book breaks it down to a process we all follow on some level. While talking of various authors, their styles and their characters, this book urges the reader to bring in their original ideas and work on them till they’re sharp as a knife.
I really enjoyed reading it and it was a great way to gather up inspiration to sit down and write. It’s a short read but full of wisdom from someone who made it big in the industry. I recommend it to everyone who likes writing, reading books or hope to do either someday.
P.S. there is a grand list at the end of books every writer must read.
If you are a writer or hope to be one someday, this book is like a mini-guide. I’ve been writing for a few years now and I could see myself in the tales he tells throughout the book. From obsessing over books and their precision to the sleepless nights of staring at an empty sheet of paper, it is all very relatable!
But it is of course so much more than just being relatable. This book is full of inspirational content that will make you want to write your heart out in that story or poem or anything that you’ve been thinking over for a while now. Writing is an art but this book breaks it down to a process we all follow on some level. While talking of various authors, their styles and their characters, this book urges the reader to bring in their original ideas and work on them till they’re sharp as a knife.
I really enjoyed reading it and it was a great way to gather up inspiration to sit down and write. It’s a short read but full of wisdom from someone who made it big in the industry. I recommend it to everyone who likes writing, reading books or hope to do either someday.
P.S. there is a grand list at the end of books every writer must read.
May 10, 2025
How to be a writer is a inspirational and motivational book that is perfect for budding writers.
The fact that he has aptly described that the eight qualities of a writer such "love of books," "love of language," enthusiasm and more states that it's one thing to be writing for money and completely another to view it as something that brings you immense joy.
Things I learnt from this book:
* Enjoy the writing process, the joys and ideas of turning experiences into words is truly delightful. Write to please yourself.
* Clarity is important and channel your emotions in a positive way rather than focusing on the obstacles.
* Being alone is not a bad state, it's exactly the place where creativity springs to life, reflecting and contemplation.
* "Happiness is a matter of temperament rather than circumstances." A quote that struck a chord with me.
* Being a reader is salient as it attributes to your initial steps into your journey as a writer.
* Keep a notebook handy at all times.
*Avoid stereotypes. Focus on being original.
* Titles are important! Never dismiss this and remember to forgo the criticisms.
* Be patient with the process of publishing.
The fact that he has aptly described that the eight qualities of a writer such "love of books," "love of language," enthusiasm and more states that it's one thing to be writing for money and completely another to view it as something that brings you immense joy.
Things I learnt from this book:
* Enjoy the writing process, the joys and ideas of turning experiences into words is truly delightful. Write to please yourself.
* Clarity is important and channel your emotions in a positive way rather than focusing on the obstacles.
* Being alone is not a bad state, it's exactly the place where creativity springs to life, reflecting and contemplation.
* "Happiness is a matter of temperament rather than circumstances." A quote that struck a chord with me.
* Being a reader is salient as it attributes to your initial steps into your journey as a writer.
* Keep a notebook handy at all times.
*Avoid stereotypes. Focus on being original.
* Titles are important! Never dismiss this and remember to forgo the criticisms.
* Be patient with the process of publishing.
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