Advice to the Writer

February 15, 2003
Koch, former chair of Columbia's graduate writing program, takes the beginning fiction writer through the entire writing process, from conceptualizing a story to making characters come alive. Seeing writing as a vocation, he persuasively argues that it is hard work and craft (and not always talent) that enables writers to succeed. This book is filled with practical advice and insights gained not only from the author's experience as a writer and teacher but, more importantly, from the myriad famous writers whom he quotes and whose work he analyzes for character, point of view, and style. Thus, the "workshop" here is conducted not only by Koch but also by all of those he invokes, from Aristotle to John Gardner and Ray Bradbury. There is also a wonderful chapter on memoir or autobiographical writing and the relationship between fiction and fact. This very readable book will appeal not only to serious fiction writers but also to all students of literature. Recommended.-Herbert E. Shapiro, SUNY/Empire State Coll., Rochester, NY

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2003
There's no shortage of writing guides available, but Koch's is especially valuable as it collects the comments and thoughts of such writers as Anthony Trollope, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Stephen King, in addition to his own sage advice. Koch, who taught at Columbia University's writing program, divides his book into the stages of the writing process. "Begin right now," he urges his readers. He goes over the basics, such as the importance of reading, the difficulty of finding time to write, and the importance of plot, with the added bonus of backing quotes from writers who have been around the block and found success. Learning that Toni Morrison, too, had to balance work and writing, or that Ray Bradbury writes six or seven drafts of each of his stories, is bound to buoy struggling writers. One thing he avoids is talking about the difficulties of a writer's life--a student sagely advised him to leave that to everyone else. Koch's tone is both encouraging and forthright, and his accessible, friendly guide will be essential for aspiring writers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)