In this short, easily accessed volume, the writer can read what has worked for other successful writers in many genres.
Editor Robert Fulton answers often-asked question about the writing business. And reminds the reader of the importance of humor in a serious business.
"Aspiring writers can profit from the advice in this 'how to' book."
W. Horace Carter, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.
Excerpt
"Can't writers edit their own writing?" Sure, they can and do. The question to ask is, "How WELL can they edit their own work.
Professional Reviews
Stop with the Excuses and Write, Already!
OK, so I took my own sweet time reading But...You Know What I Mean! That's because it's the best way for me to absorb useful books about writing...and this is a most useful book.
What I didn't need to be reminded of I skimmed. What I did and do need to be reminded of – like, stop with the excuses and write already! - I read carefully.
I particularly appreciated the references to the value of a journalist critic to a new writer. I also enjoyed the Fifth Grade Grammar section. Could have been double the length, in my opinion. And in all the years I have written, taken tests, and studied style manuals I have never come across such an understandable "that/which" explanation.
Fulton tells why you should do it a certain way and what will happen if you don't. The explanations and examples he presents offer that kind of clarity. Very valuable.
The section on queries is brilliant. Very clear, specific and helpful.
Author Fulton Takes the Fear Factor Out of Writing
The new baby is a charmer! From its tasteful blue matte finish to the wealth
of information tucked inside, it has all the makings of a best seller for would-be, budding and already-published authors.
The author focuses on the wealth of information shared on the "teaching"
side. It seems he was in a perfect position to create a book for writers by drawing on his experiences as a writer, editor and a teacher.
Fulton pulls together advice on such a
variety of topics that I fail to see how any writer would not benefit from the suggestions. I like the way Fulton shares how he has become a better writer
himself by turning his personal experiences into learning tools, probably illustrated best in the chapter: The Squeaky Wheel.
The author demonstrates that there really are no blind alleys, just detours that should be used to hone one's skills.
For example, the reader learns to look at a rejection as just another rung on the ladder, not where you fall off and give up. The bottom line is that the author has managed to take the "fear factor" out of writing and getting published
The frosting on the cake is the way Fulton injects his sharp sense of
humor to illustrate his points and keep the reader wanting more.
In the Clouds
I read this little book cover to cover at an altitude of 28,000 feet on my way to Detroit—however it wasn’t the altitude that made me light-headed, but the energy of encouragement combined with sound, sensible advice.
But...You Know What I Mean! will propel me, head first, into getting started on my next project.
