Everything I Know About Writing

by John Marsden

The ultimate "get off your bum and do it" book, Everything I Know About Writing will motivate anyone to write. It's a lively funny guide to writing, as readable as a novel, but packed from front to back with ideas and insights.

And this new edition has one other great 600 extraordinary topics, guaranteed to have you or your students writing before you know it.

John Marsden is not just one of Australia's most successful writers of all time; he's also one of our best teachers of writing. Everything I Know About Writing is the most painless way into writing - ever.

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Reference, Books About Books, Education

195 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

There is more than one author with this name in the database, see f.e. John Marsden.

John Marsden was an Australian writer and school principal. He wrote more than 40 books in his career and his books have been translated into many languages. He was especially known for his young adult novel Tomorrow, When the War Began, which began a series of seven books.
Marsden began writing for children while working as a teacher, and had his first book, So Much to Tell You, published in 1987. In 2006, he started an alternative school, Candlebark School, and reduced his writing to focus on teaching and running the school. In 2016, he opened the arts-focused secondary school, Alice Miller School. Both schools are in the Macedon Ranges.

Reviews

[Merrilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from the Library today, because it was on the end shelf. I hadn't planned on reading any more "how to write" books, but I loved John Marsden's books as a teen, so I was curious to hear what he had to say.

You can tell from the very first page that John loves language, and you will too, once you have finished this book. He really shows you how language can come alive; how to make it work, how to avoid banality and cliche, how to make your stories sing, and all shown by example.

Very enjoyable read and gives the reader much food for thought.

[Mikaela Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and have added it to my ‘Read Yearly’ shelf alongside Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

What I liked about this book:
• It gets down to business right from the start. No long introduction or backstory on the author’s life. It’s all about writing, right now. Come ready to learn.
• It focuses on being a better writer, not just a better storyteller. This isn’t a book on becoming a best-selling commercial fiction writer; it’s a book on being the best writer you can be.
• It is practical, with many great examples, exercises and takeaway points to help you improve as a writer.
• Each chapter is short, sweet and simple – there’s no fluff. There are small summaries at the end of each chapter recapping the main points too.
• Marsden has unique opinions and advice, which I found to be refreshing, insightful and helpful. It’s not just a repeat of what’s already out there.
• Reading through this book has given me so many ideas on how to improve my writing. I found it really motivating and inspiring, and Marsden was great at reminding me of my original love for writing and language.
• Marsden has a great sense of humour and it was an entertaining read (yes, I laughed out loud many times).
• I got so much value out of this book that I feel like I’ve done a full writing course.

I’ve got so many sticky notes in this book that I’m afraid my notes on it will be as big as the book itself. The only disappointment with the book is that it is so small – I could have kept reading it forever! Luckily, there are so many writing exercises, prompts and tips that I will be able to refer to it over and over again.

Recommended for:
Anyone serious about improving as a writer (in technique, skill and ‘talent’).

[Lyn Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Marsden's Everything I Know About Writing is a cleverly crafted writing guide full of useful tips, exercises and (at least for me) genuine laugh out loud moments.

Highly recommended for writers wanting to improve their craft, teachers searching for inspiration or anyone interested in storytelling.

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first picked this up when I was about twelve and I loved it! I took it with me eveywhere!
I've gained so much from this tiny little book! John Marsden has taught me the essential basics of story writing, from character development to interesting plots to dialogue, it's definitely worth buying!
The hundreds of ideas and prompts in the back of the book are great for small activities and for inspiration!

[Zac Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to writing. Some parts of it were a little dated (just look at the front cover haha). Although i hadn't heard of many of the movies/books he mentioned, it didn't take away from the books usefulness. It's short and to the point and even made me smile in some spots. I'd recommend this to all aspiring writers who enjoy John Marsdens books (especially teenagers).

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marsden's style is as readable as his fiction. Written in a clear, personable manner, the advice and hints and examples of ways into good writing should prove a boon for everyone. The varied activities listed at the end are a fabulous resource especially for teachers of writing.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book many years ago and found it at the time refreshing and engaging. Marsden is a well known Australian young adult author, his 'Tomorrow when the War began' series are highly revered.
What I love about this book is it is plain, simple, no nonsense, you can do it style. Marsden reminds you to open your eyes, look around and put this to the page. There are plenty of examples, ideas to get you writing and some excellent sections on grammar.
If you are a writer or want to be a writer, this is a great book to kick start you into tapping at those keyboards for hours on end.
Plus you have to love a cover that has a computer relic on it.

[Carolina Nilsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book doesn't go very much in depth or give much concrete advice on how to write. It mostly consists in a series of discussions on the topic of writing, different areas of it and a few examples of good vs bad writing. Being someone who has grown up with and loves John Marsden's books it was fun and interesting to get some insights in the author's writing processes. The book was written in his typical reflective but accessible and humoristic way. I think it would be an excellent book for a writing class for teenagers!

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really interesting. One the one hand you get to read the insights into what makes John Marsden's books so effective. On the other hand you are provided with so many references and examples from other authors that it became tiring. I learned a lot about writing better. John Marsden mentions many bad habits that I am guilty of, but I can see now where I can improve. This book definitely makes me want to write more and to a higher quality.

[J.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot about how to write and done some courses. I've also written 3 novels. This book is better for those that haven't yet completed a novel, I think. It's very helpful in a practical way, but it isn't exactly a masterclass in writing for those seeking to take their craft to the next level.

[Gab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for an aspiring writer and even someone (like me) who likes to read about the craft of writing with no real intentions on becoming an author. The book has many tips on how to become a better writer and also includes 600 writing prompts. It's written in a very easy to read style, with examples of good and bad writing.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful guide to the craft of writing, and one I'd definitely recommend!

[Cassandra Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always something worthwhile in what Marsden writes.

[Alyssa Shapland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book so much. Such a great help to me.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent advice, accessible tone, I didn't find the exercises in the back useful but they may be for some. Interesting insight into the process and perspective of a beloved author.

[Tan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good ideas but felt outdated for today's computer literate world.

[Ari (Head in a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative guide.

[TheMadHatter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was searching for "Tomorrow, when the war began" in my library catalogue and came across this book by the same author. I thought it might me an inspirational read, but it just didn't work for me.

This book would probably be suited to a young adult (of which I am not) who has yet to realise the KISS principle or that each word chosen should add value. I can't say I got anything meaningful from this book (and that is saying something as I know little about the craft of writing). The cover of the book has dated badly (there is a lesson here about putting "current" technology on the cover of a book). Although the advice given in the book is timeless, it is just too light weight to have any impact. I actually skim read the second half of the book, which I never usually do.

I didn't actually like Tomorrow, when the war began either so I guess Mr Marsden and I are just not clicking at the moment. However, I like his back story so I am willing to keep trying.

[Brian McAleer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to John Marsden, like most of us, in high school. Year 9 English, and the book was (you probably guessed) "Tomorrow When the War Began". It would be 13 years before the awesome movie was made, but the book definitely stated with me. I'm yet to read the follow ups. My school was even fortunate enough to have Marsden visit our school for a talk, which was very memorable. Then, as I started to get serious about my writing I find this little gem in an op shop. Some very simple exercises here to get you started, and the one I enjoyed with my nephew was to write an entire conversation only using questions. We had a good laugh with that one.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not overly technical, with loads of stories and demonstrative prose that I can relate to, this is 'how to write' books as they should be. It's even shorter than it looks, with about a third of the small book dedicated to "600 writing topics" which I am about to use as a blog series. But the short length of the book only serves to strengthen it. Marsden only puts the best of his writing advice in here. It's nice to not be overwhelmed with information. A great book.

[Michelle Ham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This handy little book is aimed at teenagers, but I find it quite helpful, perhaps due to its simplicity and no-nonsense approaches to writing. Being a slim reference, it's one I enjoy referring to again and again. It tends to inspire me to actually write something, which is always a plus!

[Angela Kingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm marking this one as another 'must read' for writers, especially those that work with young people. Clear and concise with excellent examples of good and bad use of language and useful writing exercises.

[Erin Heycox · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Marsden will help you freshen up your writing in a fun and book that has personally revolutionized my writing - highly recommended!!

[Lani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by one of my favorite authors, is fresh, entertaining and helpful. It is brimming with examples and practical advice for writing.

[Tara Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful book on the basics of writing a good story

[John Sheahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a goldmine when teaching a senior secondary writing class.

[Brett Buckley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good for young aspiring writers. Extra star for the old diskette on the front. Remember those?

[Niamh Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read with useful knowledge and applicable tools. Bite size informative chapters with summaries which ends with 600 ideas for poetry/short stories/writing exercises and more.

[Ruth Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.