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Write with Fire: Thoughts on the Craft of Writing
This guide to writing fiction is divided into three sections. Part One deals with the mechanics of writing. How do you get ideas and shepherd them through the writing and editing process into finished and publishable form? Where do you look for markets? Part Two consists of more general articles about writing and writers. Part Three includes pieces that are more personal to the author's own history as a writer. A bibliography of suggested reading completes the guide. "Both beginning and advanced writers will benefit from this straightforward look at the art of creating publishable fiction. Write with Fire is a must buy for wordsmiths everywhere"-Robert Reginald.
- GenresWritingNonfiction
248 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2009
About the author
Charles Allen Gramlich
41 books299 followersI grew up on a farm in Arkansas, and I fully intend to retire right back to that same farm. But not yet. I came to Louisiana in 1986 to teach Biological Psychology at Xavier University in New Orleans. I've been there ever since, although I now live in a semi-rural area outside Abita Springs, Louisiana.
My primary writing interests are in Fantasy and Horror, which are the genres where my books and most of my short stories fit. I also write nonfiction, however, and poetry.
My primary writing interests are in Fantasy and Horror, which are the genres where my books and most of my short stories fit. I also write nonfiction, however, and poetry.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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July 25, 2009Well, I won't rate it since it's mine, but I like it pretty well. I've certainly read it multiples of times. It's just been published formally, but I lived with the manuscript for a couple of years while putting it all together.
I've been writing and selling for some twenty years, and almost from the beginning I also wrote articles about writing. I think best on paper, and those articles helped me crystallize my own thoughts on the craft. All those articles and essays, and some other stuff besides, are collected in this book.
I'm pretty happy with it.
I've been writing and selling for some twenty years, and almost from the beginning I also wrote articles about writing. I think best on paper, and those articles helped me crystallize my own thoughts on the craft. All those articles and essays, and some other stuff besides, are collected in this book.
I'm pretty happy with it.
Read
July 26, 2009When first approached to review Write With Fire, I wondered at what I might be able to say about it. As an author and publisher, I read books about writing frequently, and while I like some more than others, few offer any unique perspectives into the craft. Even more importantly, none have provided me with a cheat sheet for becoming a success. So readers be warned: Write With Fire contains no revolutionary insights into the use of the semicolon, no grammar pneumonic to take the place of years of persistence and rigorous practice, and no list of important contacts who will slingshot an aspiring author to fame with a simple 'Charles wanted you to see this'. What Write With Fire does offer is a series of well-thought-out essays about writing and the world of writers, some reflections on the craft by a hard-working wordsmith, and some tough-love advice for would-be authors.
Two things make Write With Fire stand out. First of all, despite having numerous publications—both fiction and non-fiction—to his credit, Gramlich is not a household name, nor do his books sell a million copies in pre-order (yet!). Like most authors, he does not have so large a readership that he can dispense with a day job; writing is a beloved task that must be squeezed in between the demands of life. He is like most authors. Nevertheless, he is both prolific and successful; successful, that is, if an author's success is judged by the quality and quantity of his works and not by the paycheck he earns from them. He neither condescends about the innate ability that propelled him to success far beyond that of the average writer nor does he wallow in faux-humility, accusing luck and fate of providing him with every opportunity. While inherent talent and luck certainly can affect an author's fortunes, I find that the hard work, perseverance, and commitment Gramlich cites as the keys to success are far more in tune with my own perspective on writing.
Secondly, since the incorporated essays were produced over a lifetime of writing—some for other publications, some written or updated specifically for this book—Write With Fire shows in vivid detail the evolution of a writer. From a youth on a farm in the Ozarks to the dark months following Katrina that stole the will to write from those us who lived through it, readers get a personal tour through the events that shaped Gramlich as an author, and can see how he used those events to his advantage. His sound advice reflects years of near-daily writing and constant submission, the understanding that success at getting published first and foremost means putting your writing out there and bracing yourself for the inevitable rejections to come. The wisdom he shares, if not always what a writer wants to hear, reflects the realities of the publishing world. Anyone considering a career in writing—or even anyone with aspirations of publication—would do well to have a copy of Write With Fire in their personal library.
In the end, like all other writing guides, Gramlich's words alone will prove insufficient to turn a writer into a millionaire, or even into a famous-but-not-well-paid author. But reading Write With Fire did force me to reevaluate my own writing habits and adjust how I utilize the little bits of spare time I am provided. As a result, my own writing has improved—possibly in quality, and certainly in quantity—since I first picked it up. What better endorsement for a book on writing can there be?
Two things make Write With Fire stand out. First of all, despite having numerous publications—both fiction and non-fiction—to his credit, Gramlich is not a household name, nor do his books sell a million copies in pre-order (yet!). Like most authors, he does not have so large a readership that he can dispense with a day job; writing is a beloved task that must be squeezed in between the demands of life. He is like most authors. Nevertheless, he is both prolific and successful; successful, that is, if an author's success is judged by the quality and quantity of his works and not by the paycheck he earns from them. He neither condescends about the innate ability that propelled him to success far beyond that of the average writer nor does he wallow in faux-humility, accusing luck and fate of providing him with every opportunity. While inherent talent and luck certainly can affect an author's fortunes, I find that the hard work, perseverance, and commitment Gramlich cites as the keys to success are far more in tune with my own perspective on writing.
Secondly, since the incorporated essays were produced over a lifetime of writing—some for other publications, some written or updated specifically for this book—Write With Fire shows in vivid detail the evolution of a writer. From a youth on a farm in the Ozarks to the dark months following Katrina that stole the will to write from those us who lived through it, readers get a personal tour through the events that shaped Gramlich as an author, and can see how he used those events to his advantage. His sound advice reflects years of near-daily writing and constant submission, the understanding that success at getting published first and foremost means putting your writing out there and bracing yourself for the inevitable rejections to come. The wisdom he shares, if not always what a writer wants to hear, reflects the realities of the publishing world. Anyone considering a career in writing—or even anyone with aspirations of publication—would do well to have a copy of Write With Fire in their personal library.
In the end, like all other writing guides, Gramlich's words alone will prove insufficient to turn a writer into a millionaire, or even into a famous-but-not-well-paid author. But reading Write With Fire did force me to reevaluate my own writing habits and adjust how I utilize the little bits of spare time I am provided. As a result, my own writing has improved—possibly in quality, and certainly in quantity—since I first picked it up. What better endorsement for a book on writing can there be?
October 12, 2010
This book moved my lazy butt from, "Oh, how I want to start writing again and actually get some stuff published" to a commitment to put pen to paper daily in some form or fashion. Though I'm not a sci-fi or horror aficionado; Gramlich makes me want to read his Talera trilogy as well as Cold in the Light and works of other authors mentioned in his book.
Gramlich provides writers and "seeking" writers with inspiration, information and illustrations for many genres and styles of writing. He shows that every writer, regardless of his or her chosen genre, can learn from every writer, regardless of his or her chosen genre.
He writes in an easy-to-read manner which makes his reader feel as though Gramlich is simply having a conversation with a friend. He also has a healthy sprinkling of humor mixed in.
Gramlich shares with his readers his journey on the writer's road and teaches them how to take a tiny idea, mold it into a story, work it and rework it and then submit it again and again until someone accepts it.
I would highly recommend this book for its information and encouragement as well as its invaluable list of tools and resources.
I hope to meet Mr. Gramlich one day and tell him in person how much I enjoyed and learned from his book.
Gramlich provides writers and "seeking" writers with inspiration, information and illustrations for many genres and styles of writing. He shows that every writer, regardless of his or her chosen genre, can learn from every writer, regardless of his or her chosen genre.
He writes in an easy-to-read manner which makes his reader feel as though Gramlich is simply having a conversation with a friend. He also has a healthy sprinkling of humor mixed in.
Gramlich shares with his readers his journey on the writer's road and teaches them how to take a tiny idea, mold it into a story, work it and rework it and then submit it again and again until someone accepts it.
I would highly recommend this book for its information and encouragement as well as its invaluable list of tools and resources.
I hope to meet Mr. Gramlich one day and tell him in person how much I enjoyed and learned from his book.
February 2, 2011
This eclectic collection of essays is likely to be of interest to popular fiction writers at all levels of skill. Part 1 contains essays on and tips about craft; the subjects include slow vs. fast suspense, creating sympathetic characters, endings, rewriting, and submission tips. Part 2 covers more general topics, including some interesting biographies of some famous writers. Part 3 covers the authors' own history as a writer.
Gramlich is a college professor of psychology who also teaches writing to psychology students. His own prose is crisp, evocative, and deeply personal, and he has a gift for explaining complex ideas in a simple, concise way. So one not only learns the information he presents, one enjoys doing so.
Each of these essays is short, so the book is ideal for picking up and putting down situations, such as while standing in line or waiting at the doctor's office. One absorbs the information better that way too, I suspect.
Bottom line: No matter how long you've been writing, you'll learn at least one new thing from this book, and you'll enjoy "meeting" an author you may not have encountered before.
Gramlich is a college professor of psychology who also teaches writing to psychology students. His own prose is crisp, evocative, and deeply personal, and he has a gift for explaining complex ideas in a simple, concise way. So one not only learns the information he presents, one enjoys doing so.
Each of these essays is short, so the book is ideal for picking up and putting down situations, such as while standing in line or waiting at the doctor's office. One absorbs the information better that way too, I suspect.
Bottom line: No matter how long you've been writing, you'll learn at least one new thing from this book, and you'll enjoy "meeting" an author you may not have encountered before.
August 22, 2009
Mr. Gramlich's book is filled with all sorts of tips for writers and would-be writers alike. He covers everything from grammar to punctuation to how-tos on submission letters.
He discusses the tools one needs on hand to make your manuscripts those things of beauty that editors love to see. He reveals some of the techniques he himself uses on his writings whether they be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
There are also numerous anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book about himself or loved ones, from experiences after Katrina that Lana and he went through to a short story that his son wrote at seventeen(cheerfully admitting that he couldn't have done as well at that age). The pride shows through.
Recommended for anyone.
He discusses the tools one needs on hand to make your manuscripts those things of beauty that editors love to see. He reveals some of the techniques he himself uses on his writings whether they be fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
There are also numerous anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book about himself or loved ones, from experiences after Katrina that Lana and he went through to a short story that his son wrote at seventeen(cheerfully admitting that he couldn't have done as well at that age). The pride shows through.
Recommended for anyone.
January 14, 2010
This is a great book for either reading cover-to-cover, or browsing through. It's not an all-encompassing How To Write From The Alphabet Up book, but there are plenty of those around. This is a set of articles and essays written over a period of years, and reflects Gramlich's long experience as both a writer and a teacher of writing. The book is full of good advice and thoughtful commentary, and has something valuable for writers at every level.
November 12, 2009
this is a wonderful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2011
Very imformative, I have learned so much on what it takes to be a writer. Mr. Gramlich puts so much into this book and neven tells about his life experences.
February 17, 2016
Charles Allen Gramlich, Write with Fire: Thoughts on the Craft of Writing (The Borgo Press, 2009), 247 pages.
Writing with Fire is a collection of essays, many of which have been previously published in magazines, newsletters and online journals. The independent nature of each essays means that information is often presented several times within the book. Some may find this obnoxious, but the repetition helps to remind the reader of what’s important. At least it helps me. Gramlich stresses that writing is hard work. It requires time, a commitment to finish what you start, and multiple drafts. I found it refreshing that another writer, with more publications than me, still has trouble with certain problem words such as affect/effect and lay/lie. In order to improve his skill, Gramlich keeps a lists of words with which he struggles. He also gives out this list to his students to help them in their papers and included a list for his readers benefit. In addition to discussing the mechanics of writing, Gramlich provides suggestions for connecting with editors and publications (including examples of query letters). He also gives us an insight into his personal writing habits and provides brief essays on some of his favorite authors. There is something for everyone here, including a bit of parody. Some essays are designed for those who are just beginning to write seriously while other essays could be more helpful for skilled writers wanting to refine their craft.
For me, the essays on creating suspense were the jewels of the book. Gramlich’s genre of choice is fantasy and horror. I found his insights into “writer’s groups†helpful. I’ve never belonged to a writer’s group (unless it’s you folks who read my blog) and was surprised to find that he found value in such groups, while pointing out the pitfalls. I also found his discussion of how blogging relates to writing to be helpful. Gramlich concludes his work with a list of books on writing that he has found helpful and I’ve was pleased to see many familiar names there. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ray Bradbury had published a book on writing, Zen and the Art of Writing. It’s being added to my reading list.
Writing with Fire is a collection of essays, many of which have been previously published in magazines, newsletters and online journals. The independent nature of each essays means that information is often presented several times within the book. Some may find this obnoxious, but the repetition helps to remind the reader of what’s important. At least it helps me. Gramlich stresses that writing is hard work. It requires time, a commitment to finish what you start, and multiple drafts. I found it refreshing that another writer, with more publications than me, still has trouble with certain problem words such as affect/effect and lay/lie. In order to improve his skill, Gramlich keeps a lists of words with which he struggles. He also gives out this list to his students to help them in their papers and included a list for his readers benefit. In addition to discussing the mechanics of writing, Gramlich provides suggestions for connecting with editors and publications (including examples of query letters). He also gives us an insight into his personal writing habits and provides brief essays on some of his favorite authors. There is something for everyone here, including a bit of parody. Some essays are designed for those who are just beginning to write seriously while other essays could be more helpful for skilled writers wanting to refine their craft.
For me, the essays on creating suspense were the jewels of the book. Gramlich’s genre of choice is fantasy and horror. I found his insights into “writer’s groups†helpful. I’ve never belonged to a writer’s group (unless it’s you folks who read my blog) and was surprised to find that he found value in such groups, while pointing out the pitfalls. I also found his discussion of how blogging relates to writing to be helpful. Gramlich concludes his work with a list of books on writing that he has found helpful and I’ve was pleased to see many familiar names there. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Ray Bradbury had published a book on writing, Zen and the Art of Writing. It’s being added to my reading list.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews