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  • Stein on Writing

  • A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies
  • By: Sol Stein
  • Narrated by: Christopher Lane
  • Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (323 ratings)
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Stein on Writing cover art

Stein on Writing

By: Sol Stein
Narrated by: Christopher Lane
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Summary

Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether newcomers or accomplished professionals. As Sol Stein, renowned editor, author, and instructor, explains, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions, how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from his best sellers as well as aspiring students' writing, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, liposuctioning flab, the "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.
©1995 Sol Stein (P)2003 Blackstone Audiobooks

What listeners say about Stein on Writing

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Inspirational

I don't normal bother to write reviews but this merits one. I've learned more from this audiobook than I have from 10 other texts. While predominately for the fiction writer, most of the concepts, as Stein explains, are just as applicable in non-fiction writing.

I don't believe there is anyone alive who couldn't learn at least something from this book.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant book

Excellent listen. I reallly enjoyed this book and it inspired me to write - and to do it well.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

This book has improved all my writing

This book has improved all my writing, even emails, weblogs and reviews

Motivational I will get back into writing, now I know I can be better than I was 10 years ago - when I wasn't good enough

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • PD
  • 22-08-13

The Midas Touch

What did you like most about Stein on Writing?

I have bought loads of how to write books over the years - Stein on Writing is simply the best. Where other books can be vague or overgeneralised, Stein is clear and precise. Many how to write books have great ideas about what you need to do but give little clue as to how to do it - Stein richly illustrates the points he makes and develops exercises to enable the reader to make breakthroughs in their approach to writing.

What about Christopher Lane’s performance did you like?

Christopher Lane is the best reader for this type of book - one that you do not notice - instead you find yourself transported directly to Stein's writing.

Any additional comments?

This book is not just a conventional outline of the usual requirements of good writing - instead it is a thoughtful and insightful collection of wise, hard won insights that can transform you as a writer. Stein has the Midas touch - this book can turn your work into writing gold.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Audiobook on Writing

I have tried several audiobooks on writing and this is one of the best. The chapters are all subject related and this makes it easy to browse and listen again (which is well worth doing). The examples are very useful and the general approach very pragmatic.

Highly recommended

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Very useful information

This audio book differs pleasantly from many books concerned with writing as it is not merely a reading of lists.

It gives good examples, thoroughly analyses them and is easy to follow. Inspires to reflect about ones current work.

Its audience are plotters, and everything is geared toward the marketability of a book.

The only minus are the missing chapter titles.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Ground breaking

I have been waiting to start for so long! I even forgot. When my sister asked me to start writing for our group I felt something pinged inside me. I researched and found a few books on writing. However, Sol gives writing a life within me!!! I can't wait to get started!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely stunning!

If you could sum up Stein on Writing in three words, what would they be?

Essential for Writers!

Have you listened to any of Christopher Lane’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Superb

Any additional comments?

You could listen to this audio book over and over again, and you would still learn something new each time. FANTASTIC!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Useful

Overall it's a useful book, with lots of examples. Could have been shorter but the author elaborated on each topic a lot, sometimes more than needed. Narrator is ok for this type of books but I wouldn't listen fiction books narrated by him. Bad examples he reads in a raised voice, intentionally too abrupt, good examples he reads like someone is dying even when a scene is dramatic.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The best book on writing by far

Would you consider the audio edition of Stein on Writing to be better than the print version?

Don't know tell you when I get a print copy ... which I will

What other book might you compare Stein on Writing to, and why?

None, it's out on its own because of its publisher's and writer's approach, and its readability. For enjoyment it's up there with Stephen King's 'On Writing', however gems it may contain, that is autobiography about a writer.

What does Christopher Lane bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A couple of strange pronunciations. As a non-American, is that a Bostonian accent?

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Demands re-reading, again and again. Explains what you need to know ... the rest is up to you.

Any additional comments?

A superb book. Crammed with knowledge gained from a life in books but has that fantastic factor ... it is a pleasure to read.

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1 person found this helpful