The Joy of Writing
A Guide for Writers Disguised as a Literary Memoir
Published on 30. April 2010
336 pages
978-0-385-67356-3 (ISBN)
Description
Drawing on his fifty years as an award-winning journalist and author of some of the finest books on Canadian history, Pierre Berton has written a witty and practical guide for writers. With almost every book a bestseller, clearly this writer knows what it takes to succeed in the publishing world. From the all-important rule of "knowing your audience” and other essential writing tips to down-to-earth advice on dealing with agents, publishers, and editors, The Joy of Writing covers every aspect of non-fiction writing and includes interviews with twenty-seven of Canada's leading writers. Illustrated with more than thirty manuscript pages from Pierre Berton's own works.
Includes Interviews With: Alex Barris • Ted Barris • Jack Batten • Fred Bodsworth • June Callwood • Stevie Cameron • Robert Collins • Elaine Dewar • Will Ferguson • Trent Frayne • Bob Fulford • Charlotte Gray • Richard Gwyn • Stephen Kimber • Ken McGoogan • Roy McGregor • Linda McQuaig • Farley Mowat • Knowlton Nash • Peter Newman • Stephanie Nolen • John Sawatsky • Russell Smith • Edna Staebler • Walter Stewart • Betty Jane Wylie • Jan Wong
Includes Interviews With: Alex Barris • Ted Barris • Jack Batten • Fred Bodsworth • June Callwood • Stevie Cameron • Robert Collins • Elaine Dewar • Will Ferguson • Trent Frayne • Bob Fulford • Charlotte Gray • Richard Gwyn • Stephen Kimber • Ken McGoogan • Roy McGregor • Linda McQuaig • Farley Mowat • Knowlton Nash • Peter Newman • Stephanie Nolen • John Sawatsky • Russell Smith • Edna Staebler • Walter Stewart • Betty Jane Wylie • Jan Wong
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
01/2003
Doubleday Canada
€52.15
Shipment within 10-20 days
Person
Pierre Berton, Canada's most popular historian and a member of the Newsman's Hall of Fame, was born in the Yukon and educated at UBC. He has received three Governor General's Awards, two Nellies, two National Newspaper Awards, the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, and an award from the National History Society. He holds twelve honorary degrees and is a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Content
Prologue: Letters to the Author
"I think I'm at wits end..."
Introduction: About This Book
Chapter One: Weasel Words
"Read! Read! Read! Write! Write! Write! Rewrite! Rewrite! Rewrite!"
1. When I retire..."
2. The rules of the game
3. The one that got away
4. The pain of rejection
Chapter Two: The Learning Process
"You write like an angel"
1. A sense of style
2. The spell of the North
3. Why bother?
Chapter Three: Writing What You Know
"What is the book really about?"
1. Making plans
2. The joy of recycling
3. The roulette wheel of timing
Chapter Four: The Joy of Research
"Always describe the people; always describe the places"
1. Establishing shots
2. The importance of texture
3. Filling in the picture
Chapter Five: Digging Deep
"Don't be a one-book writer"
1. Cutting and pasting
2. The Big Question
3. The joy of organizing
4. Thinking and dreaming
5. Don't shoot the editor
Chapter Six: Storytelling
"Grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go!"
1. Getting started
2. Finishing touches
3. The old blue pencil
4. Whatcha gonna call it?
5. Cover stories
Chapter Seven: Afterthought
"Use a bad review to sell your book"
1. Reviewing the reviewers
2. Perchance to sleep
3. Selling your wares
Coda: Letters from the Author
"There's no easy way to write a book"
Thirty Rules for Up-and-Coming Writers
Author's Note
"I think I'm at wits end..."
Introduction: About This Book
Chapter One: Weasel Words
"Read! Read! Read! Write! Write! Write! Rewrite! Rewrite! Rewrite!"
1. When I retire..."
2. The rules of the game
3. The one that got away
4. The pain of rejection
Chapter Two: The Learning Process
"You write like an angel"
1. A sense of style
2. The spell of the North
3. Why bother?
Chapter Three: Writing What You Know
"What is the book really about?"
1. Making plans
2. The joy of recycling
3. The roulette wheel of timing
Chapter Four: The Joy of Research
"Always describe the people; always describe the places"
1. Establishing shots
2. The importance of texture
3. Filling in the picture
Chapter Five: Digging Deep
"Don't be a one-book writer"
1. Cutting and pasting
2. The Big Question
3. The joy of organizing
4. Thinking and dreaming
5. Don't shoot the editor
Chapter Six: Storytelling
"Grab 'em by the throat and never let 'em go!"
1. Getting started
2. Finishing touches
3. The old blue pencil
4. Whatcha gonna call it?
5. Cover stories
Chapter Seven: Afterthought
"Use a bad review to sell your book"
1. Reviewing the reviewers
2. Perchance to sleep
3. Selling your wares
Coda: Letters from the Author
"There's no easy way to write a book"
Thirty Rules for Up-and-Coming Writers
Author's Note
