The writer's book of wisdom ; 101 rules for mastering your craft / Steven Taylor Goldsberry.

p. 1. Approach -- Rule 1 : learn the rules before you break them -- Rule 2 : writing is more craft than art -- Rule 3 : believe in yourself even if no one else does -- Rule 4 : True inspiration must be earned by writing -- Rule 5 : write to be great, no rich -- Rule 6 : get used to despair -- Rule 7 : fail -- Rail 8 : keep your writing exercises in perspective -- Rule 9 : be prepared to fight your demons -- Rule 10 : stay out of sight -- Rule 11 : work in a inspiring environment -- Rule 12 : think of writing sessions as entertaiment -- Rule 13 : electronic voices destroy inspiration -- Rule 14 : return to the basics -- Rule 15 : generate text -- Rule 16 : break away from your labors -- Rule 17 :stop reading this book -- Rule 18 : resist distractions -- Rule 19 : produce multiple drafts -- Rule 20 : think of your first draft as a blue-book essay exam -- Rule 21 : ignore the lenght of your first draft -- Rule 22 : practice mechanical learning -- Rule 23 : seek the wisdom of others -- Rule 24 : keep yourself open to serendipity -- Rule 25 : borrow (and steal) from your favorite writers -- Rule 26 : always have a notebook and pen on hand -- Rule 27 : keep a "read-in-progress" nearby -- Rule 28 : create an anthology of your favorite literature -- Rule 29 : feed on words -- Rule 30 : subscribe to magazines -- Rule 31 : carry a camera -- Rule 32 : write as therapy -- Rule 33 : think of writing as a hobby -- p. 2. Language -- Rule 34 : buy and study a grammar book -- Rule 35 : master metaphor -- Rule 36 : but try not to overdo it -- Rule 37 : the "as" clause is for amateurs -- Rule 38 : avoid clichés and stock phrases -- Rule 39 : trust the precisionn of your nouns and verbs -- Rule 40 : don't overuse negatives -- Rule 41 : be mindful of your diction -- Rule 42 : avoid repeating words that sound or look similar -- Rule 43 : play with words -- Rule 44 : collect good titles and practice writing your own -- Rule 45 : be brief -- Rule 46 : for speed in communication, write clearly -- Rule 47 : accelerate the pace with " invisible writing" -- Rule 48 : vary sentence structure and type -- Rule 49 : be interesting with every sentence -- Rule 50 : the discipline of poetry will sharpen your sentences -- Rule 51 : sentences are written like jokes: the punch line is at the end -- Rule 52 : write toward climax -- Rule 53 : the first duty of the writer is to entertain -- Rule 54 : tell your story as fast as you can -- p. 3. Craft -- Rule 55 : write like you talk -- Rule 56 : trust the power of your own choice -- Rule 57 : command attention immediately -- Rule 58 : design your opening page for maximum impact -- Rule 59 : start where the story gets interesting -- Rule 60 : never save your best for last -- Rule 61 : master the basics of literature -- Rule 62 : mix description, narration, exposition, and dialogue -- Rule 63 : for structure, remember the golden triangle -- Rule 64 : use the classical plot outline -- Rule 65 : a more detailed plot outline provides your template -- Rule 66 : allow the process of discovery to happen naturally -- Rule 67 : dialogue heightens drama -- Rule 68 : dialogue speeds the process of discovery -- Rule 69 : dialogue creates tension -- Rule 70 : use dialogue tags correctly -- Rule 71 : establish point of view early -- Rule 72 : keep your characters real -- Rule 73 : give the opposition quality attention -- Rule 74 : tell a dream and you risk boring a reader -- Rule 75 : setting matters -- Rule 76 : allow for descriptive passages -- Rule 77 : practice the elements of description -- Rule 78 : use images to deliver ideas -- Rule 79 : avoid commentary; let readers make their own deductions -- Rule 80 : tell them stories to keep them reading -- Rule 81 : reveal past events through exposition or flashback -- Rule 82 : shift focus often -- Rule 83 : know you theme -- Rule 84 : go with God, but write with the devil -- Rule 85 : resolve all conflicts by the end of the story -- Rule 86 : writing is the vehicle for truth -- Rule 87 : maintain the trance of verisimilitude -- Rule 88 : writing offers hope -- Rule 89 : think about your readers -- Rule 90 : revise with a critical eye and outside help -- Rule 91 : art shows up in rewriting -- Rule 92 : get distance from your work -- Rule 93 : revise for speed -- Rule 94 : trust the muse of revision -- Rule 95 : if you can de misread, you will be -- Rule 96 : ultimately, content matters more than craft -- Rule 97 : know how to sell it -- Rule 98 : study the board -- Rule 99 : submit a professional manuscript -- Rule 100 : aspire to reach a universal audience -- Rule 101 : embrace the view of opposing views.

Part writing coach and part personal muse, The Writer's Book of Wisdom shows you how to hone your skills and liberate your creativity. Novelist and poet Steven Goldsberry offers 101 thoughtful, concise, and proven techniques to help you with everything from first-draft outlines and plot development to precise word choice and correct sentence structure. Whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, The Writer's Book of Wisdom shows you how to overcome mental roadblocks, infuse your language with energy, and master the essential elements of the craft. With technical guidance and heart-felt motivation, this book is a must-have resource guaranteed to teach and inspire. -- Back cover.