The Weekend Novelist
by Robert J. Ray
New York, Dell Books. 268 pp. US $11.95.
The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery
by Robert J. Ray and Jack Remick
New York, Dell Books. 257 pp. US $11.95.
Teach Yourself Writing for Children and Getting Published
by Allan Frewin Jones and Lesley Pollinger
London, Hodder & Stoughton. 216 pp. £6.99.
For a very long time would-be writers regarded as fact that you may need six years of study just to start practicing as a GP, or four years to become a historian or psychologist. But to be a writer required no study. Just inspiration.
The Americans were first to professionalise writing. Long and short creative writing courses were established, and how-to-write books published. There will always be people who will state (with that condescending look) that writing cannot be taught. You either have it or you do not! The number of published books in which the authors acknowledge writing courses and tutors testify that writing can, indeed, be taught...and learned successfully.
Robert J. Ray realized that many would-be authors only get their minute share of peace at mind at weekends. He came up with the idea of a how-to-write book showing how to start, get through the middle (where so many would-be authors peter out) and all the way to the end in 52 weeks. The unusual element in these books is that the exercises are not there for the sake of exercise, but as building blocks. They are like the preliminary sketches which an artist does finally incorporate in the masterpiece. The books are very clear and the bibliographies excellent.
Teaching Yourself Writing for Children and Getting Published is in a class all its own. It helps you to decide what to write, shows you how to write, where to sell, how to sell, how to deal with publishers, rejection, and if you are successful, proofs, promotion and prizes. So much of the information is useful to all writers anywhere, one hopes no would-be writer will pass by it. A really good how-to book in a renowned series, and a mine of practical and useful information in what is essentially a minefield. Excellent bibliography. First-class index (e.g. under tense you are referred to advice on which tense is best for your purpose).
All three books are written by authors in their own right, tutors, and Lesley Pollinger is a top literary agent.
