Product Description

Chosen by Writer's Digest as one of the best writing books published in 1994, this illuminating guide mixes creative inspiration with practical advice about the craft to help writers discover their most powerful writing tool: the voices that are uniquely their own.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #161496 in Books
• Published on: 1996-12-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Library Journal
Voice is the thing that makes one writer's work different from another's. Every writer has a voice and a personal way of telling a story that reflects his or her life experience, sense of humor, and way of seeing the world. This book will help writers find their own voice-helping them move from raw outpourings to polished prose. The authors, writing professors at San Francisco State University and the University of California at Berkeley Extension, respectively, have included some exercises to help writers tap into their personal voice. For stories to be good, argue the authors, that voice must be true, powerful, and raw. The authors have focused on a writing skill that is very hard to teach, and they have done so successfully. The ideas they present are good, and the exercises should help writers get at the heart of their feelings and passions. Still, this book is useful only for libraries that serve a large population of writers.
Lisa J. Cochenet, Winfield P.L., Ill.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Does everyone in America want to be a writer? Publishers seem to think so, witness the never-ending flow from the presses of books on writing. (If publishers really do have their fingers on the pulse of America, buy stock in computer discs and spiral-bound notebooks.) Interestingly, most of these books, like Frank and Wall's, emphasize the creative aspect, not the mundane business end, of writing. Frank and Wall do, however, take a refreshingly novel approach to the subject of encouraging the beginning creative writer. Focus on voice, they suggest, for it will be what distinguishes you from the pack (of other writers buying such books as this). Happily, Frank and Wall practice what they preach in their own well-wrought book, whose voice is frank and objective but warmly conversational. The many exercises are intriguing and imaginative. Pat Monaghan

Review
Beginning would-be writers should begin with this encouraging title, which provides a collection of exercises designed to unlock creative techniques. From working in the first and third person to using voice to create characters, unlocking barriers through journal entries, and exploring voice applications, this provides an excellent key to developing a writer's perspective. -- Midwest Book Review