For Those About to Write: How I Learned to Love Books and Why I Had to Write Them

by Dave Bidini

Dave Bidini’s quirky personal path to becoming a writer (as well as a well-known rock musician and sports enthusiast) began when he was very young and loved to pick at the typewriter.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Books About Books

136 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2007

About the author

DAVE BIDINI is the author of nine books. His play, "The Five Hole Stories," was performed by One Yellow Rabbit and toured Canada in winter, 2009, and his two "hockumentaries," The Hockey Nomad and The Hockey Nomad Goes To Russia were Gemini-nominated films, and The Hockey Nomad won for Best Documentary.

Bidini is the recipient of numerous National Magazine Awards, and is a weekly columnist in The National Post. In 1994, his former band, Rheostatics, won a Genie Award for the song 'Claire' (from the film Whale Music), and two of their albums were included in the Top 20 Canadian Albums of All Time. His first hockey book, Tropic of Hockey, was named one of the Top 100 Canadian Books of All Time by McCllland and Stewart, and his baseball odyssey, Baseballissimo, is currently being made into a feature film.

He is a board member of Street Soccer Canada, and has attended two Homeless World Cups, traveling with Team Canada to Melbourne and Milan.

David Bidini lives in Toronto with his wife, guitarist Janet Morassutti, and their two children.

Reviews

[Taylor Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book between two sunrises and though it wasn’t amazing or especially novel in its purpose or message, it could not have been that bad or I would have put it down more often. A thin little piece, that I found to be not wonderfully organized or structured, it was nonetheless a book worthy of reading for the few diamonds one can find in its kimberlite walls. A writer, unfortunately seems to need constant reassurance and motivation, whether it be in the midst of a project, or the throes of a delusional case of writer’s block, so for me (a writer), any kernel of courage or hope I can glean from others who have suffered through rejected stories and sleepless nights is welcomed and encouraged, as long as it’s packaged in an interesting way.

Ultimately this, like many other forgettable books about writing, feels more like something a publisher pitched to a seasoned writer as a means to make some quick money, and less like a project birthed from passion and an artistic need. That’s not to say that many fine books aren’t created that way, but it feels a little bit like participating in prostitution. It still has some obvious appeals, but it feels cheap. I’m not trying to attack the writer. I myself would probably write about almost any subject if a major publishing house asked me and promised me the kind of money that would allow me to ask for generous cuts and premium memberships without hesitation. Just as a reader it sometimes feels obvious when a book is a bit forced, a bit contrived. It’s still a good book mind you, I just think it could have been truncated and put in a collection of essays. My only real, stylistic gripe is the sloppy over-use of hyphens in the text. I’m not sure who told this man about hyphens in lieu of semi-colons or ellipsis, but I would love to not see them multiple times per page. And I am not suggesting that they were always or even usually grammatically or syntactically incorrect, but just distracting and unnecessary.

Alas, if you are a neophyte to the pen and the published word, peruse these pages and use the little goodies where you find them. That's the beauty of the sentence, some that read as tired tropes and obvious statements seem alive and beautiful to the next person.

[Jason Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Bidini is one of my favorite people. I've never met him mind you. I watched him play with the Rheostatics back in the day, and absorb so much of his music and words which I come to see as essentially Canadian. I've been living away from home for almost two decades. When I read Bidini I connect with my past. His words, lines, and stories are to the point. He doesn't bog his writing down or fancy things up. His words are a good cup of coffee, a Sunday at the rink, a pick up game of shinny - a comfort in a literary world too often dipped in snobbery or phoniness. For Those About to Write is an afternoon with Bidini. With a few anecdotes, a few tips, and a couple of kicks in the behind for motivation. Just what I needed. Thank you, Dave.

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly charming and encouraging but not a ton of substance

[Madyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Absolutely gives an insight as to what the young writer has to go through to make it to the top. Entertaining, and blunt, yet surprisingly fulfilling. Enjoyable, though the occasional dry chapter. I'd almost suggest reading it in one sitting, although it's a book that you have to read more than once to really absorb.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book after reading the library copy and taking a writing course from Dave Bidini. It may be geared for YA but the subject and advice is applicable to anyone wanting to write. It deserved a spot on my bookshelf next to the Elements of Style.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this without being aware that it was YA. Ha. Still, found it interesting and helpful. A win.

[Loraxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A charming book for young writers.