Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Foster […] offers in this friendly guide practical advice on developing a voice and writing ‘like you mean it.’” — Publishers Weekly
“Foster brings his experience as a teacher and writer to this genial guide to the writing process.” — Kirkus Reviews
"A writing guide that digs below thesis, punctuation, paragraphs, and sentence structure to offer a philosophical view of the art of written communication." — New York Journal of Books
“Thomas C. Foster must have been the sort of memorable college professor whose classes filled up fast with long-waiting lists. Fortunately, he has written this bright, positive and helpful work . . . . This is truly an inspired writing manual for everyman. Writing can be a struggle but this slender volume can offer fine assistance in making it better.” — BookTrib
About the Author
Thomas C. Foster is the author of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, How to Write Like a Writer, How to Read Nonfiction Like a Professor, and other works. He is professor emeritus of English at the University of Michigan, Flint, where he taught classes in contemporary fiction, drama, and poetry as well as creative writing and freelance writing. He is also the author of several books on twentieth-century British and Irish literature and poetry.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition for my Writing collection
I'm an author working on his own novels and this book was a useful addition.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for AP Classes
This is great for people teaching AP Language or Seminar
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and entertaining
I really enjoy books on writing and over the years I’ve read quite a few of them. Even if a book covers information I’ve heard before I still consider it worth reading. I could be wrong but I believe it was Zig Ziglar who once said “repetition is the mother of learning.” And I agree because sometimes it’s hearing the same information told in a different way that will make the information click for you. And I have to say I absolutely loved the way Thomas Foster imparted knowledge in How To Write Like a Writer. His writing style is easygoing, almost conversational. The chapters are short, only a few pages and follow a set pattern: he imparts a piece of writing advice using a particular writer as the focus (a journalist/novelist/etc), gives a coaching tip, and then ends each chapter with a notable quote. I really enjoyed this book and think it’s worthwhile for anyone from a novice writer, to a professional writer, to anyone just interested in the subject of writing itself. Thanks so much to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of How To Write Like a Writer.
4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview. Focused a little on non-fiction, but helpful to all.
A good general guide to the process of writing on both the strategic (how to shape a piece of work overall, from conception to final polish) and tactical (sentence and paragraph structure, ordering, opening, and closing). Dr. Foster avoids it being a book of rules, but he cannot escape a book of guidelines.The intended audience, he tells us, is important. Dr. Foster’s target is reluctant writers, those students, and professionals who must write but would rather not. Mostly then, this is about non-fiction, from book reviews, eulogies, letters, journalism, and legal briefs to theses. But the fictionalist should not, for that reason, ignore the book. Many of Foster’s examples are taken from literature and a long career encompassing almost every sort of writing imaginable. His observations on the overall writing process, the high-level structure of a work, and on down to the paragraph and sentence apply equally to fiction and non-fiction.On social media, many writers of fiction bemoan what they call “imposter syndrome.” These are people who want to write, sometimes even enjoy the process, but despair of ever being “good enough.” For those writers (and yes, if you write, you are a writer), Dr. Foster has a whole chapter and many observations scattered throughout the book.It is good from time to time to be reminded of all the many steps that can, ultimately, yield one’s best possible (never perfect) piece of writing. Few writers (especially me) will employ every step, but adding a few to your process, whatever it is, cannot help but make you a better writer.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of the entire writing process
There are enough exercises in this book that it isn’t well suited to the audio format, at least not for me. It’s not the kind of book you can listen to for however long you’re out for a walk or whatever, which is usually how I consume audiobooks. It’s the kind of book that’s meant to read some of, take notes, and work the exercises. I find the exercises worth doing.It’s not a write this genre or that kind of book. It’s not focused on one element like plot or dialog or characterization. It serves more as a view from 50,000 feet kind of guide, briefly looking at a bit of everything. For someone starting out, that’s ideal.The writing style is excellent — conversational and engaging. The narration is fantastic.
1.0 out of 5 stars Printing issues
I received the book with a completely blank cover. I’m assuming some kind of printing error. I cannot comment on the contents of the book, as I have not read it but the blank cover is concerning.
4.0 out of 5 stars Writing
How to Write Like a Writer, A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice by Thomas C. Foster was only the second book I’ve seriously looked at for a greater knowledge of how I might write a better review.I wasn’t paying attention in school and suffered from the boring old formats.The author compelled me to see that I will learn from exercising my abilities and better understand my writing with practice. Also that failure can teach me a lot. I need to to a lot more thinking and practicing. I love the “reading journal” and “practice rewriting news paper articles” for practice.I could go on and on but I just say that I found it helpful.I’m no writer nor will be, but I’ve definitely been inspired to try. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for some solid insight.Thanks Harper Perennial via NetGalley.My favorite quote:“All writing is an act of imagination. Use yours. Discover or invent the best way to say what it is you have to say in your writing. Don’t write the way you think a book would have you do it. Write the way you think and feel will best do the job.”
4.0 out of 5 stars More of a book on academic writing
This was a pretty good book and offers some unique lessons. The majority of chapters seem to lean towards non-fiction and academic writing and offer less value to improve the reader's fiction writing. On one hand, it's refreshing to find a writing book that tackles the academic writing perspective.However, customer expectations with writing books are that they're fiction-focused unless stated otherwise, and the marketing and sales material did not make it clear that this book really isn't a book on fiction writing, and to say the book helps all types of writing really isn't true since several chapters are only non-fiction and academic research focused. Ultimately, I didn't buy what I expected but I still got value from it.
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How to Write Like a Writer: A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice
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Visit the Harper Perennial Store
How to Write Like a Writer: A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice
AED9198
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Foster […] offers in this friendly guide practical advice on developing a voice and writing ‘like you mean it.’” — Publishers Weekly
“Foster brings his experience as a teacher and writer to this genial guide to the writing process.” — Kirkus Reviews
"A writing guide that digs below thesis, punctuation, paragraphs, and sentence structure to offer a philosophical view of the art of written communication." — New York Journal of Books
“Thomas C. Foster must have been the sort of memorable college professor whose classes filled up fast with long-waiting lists. Fortunately, he has written this bright, positive and helpful work . . . . This is truly an inspired writing manual for everyman. Writing can be a struggle but this slender volume can offer fine assistance in making it better.” — BookTrib
About the Author
Thomas C. Foster is the author of How to Read Literature Like a Professor, How to Write Like a Writer, How to Read Nonfiction Like a Professor, and other works. He is professor emeritus of English at the University of Michigan, Flint, where he taught classes in contemporary fiction, drama, and poetry as well as creative writing and freelance writing. He is also the author of several books on twentieth-century British and Irish literature and poetry.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great addition for my Writing collection
I'm an author working on his own novels and this book was a useful addition.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for AP Classes
This is great for people teaching AP Language or Seminar
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and entertaining
I really enjoy books on writing and over the years I’ve read quite a few of them. Even if a book covers information I’ve heard before I still consider it worth reading. I could be wrong but I believe it was Zig Ziglar who once said “repetition is the mother of learning.” And I agree because sometimes it’s hearing the same information told in a different way that will make the information click for you. And I have to say I absolutely loved the way Thomas Foster imparted knowledge in How To Write Like a Writer. His writing style is easygoing, almost conversational. The chapters are short, only a few pages and follow a set pattern: he imparts a piece of writing advice using a particular writer as the focus (a journalist/novelist/etc), gives a coaching tip, and then ends each chapter with a notable quote. I really enjoyed this book and think it’s worthwhile for anyone from a novice writer, to a professional writer, to anyone just interested in the subject of writing itself. Thanks so much to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of How To Write Like a Writer.
4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview. Focused a little on non-fiction, but helpful to all.
A good general guide to the process of writing on both the strategic (how to shape a piece of work overall, from conception to final polish) and tactical (sentence and paragraph structure, ordering, opening, and closing). Dr. Foster avoids it being a book of rules, but he cannot escape a book of guidelines.The intended audience, he tells us, is important. Dr. Foster’s target is reluctant writers, those students, and professionals who must write but would rather not. Mostly then, this is about non-fiction, from book reviews, eulogies, letters, journalism, and legal briefs to theses. But the fictionalist should not, for that reason, ignore the book. Many of Foster’s examples are taken from literature and a long career encompassing almost every sort of writing imaginable. His observations on the overall writing process, the high-level structure of a work, and on down to the paragraph and sentence apply equally to fiction and non-fiction.On social media, many writers of fiction bemoan what they call “imposter syndrome.” These are people who want to write, sometimes even enjoy the process, but despair of ever being “good enough.” For those writers (and yes, if you write, you are a writer), Dr. Foster has a whole chapter and many observations scattered throughout the book.It is good from time to time to be reminded of all the many steps that can, ultimately, yield one’s best possible (never perfect) piece of writing. Few writers (especially me) will employ every step, but adding a few to your process, whatever it is, cannot help but make you a better writer.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of the entire writing process
There are enough exercises in this book that it isn’t well suited to the audio format, at least not for me. It’s not the kind of book you can listen to for however long you’re out for a walk or whatever, which is usually how I consume audiobooks. It’s the kind of book that’s meant to read some of, take notes, and work the exercises. I find the exercises worth doing.It’s not a write this genre or that kind of book. It’s not focused on one element like plot or dialog or characterization. It serves more as a view from 50,000 feet kind of guide, briefly looking at a bit of everything. For someone starting out, that’s ideal.The writing style is excellent — conversational and engaging. The narration is fantastic.
1.0 out of 5 stars Printing issues
I received the book with a completely blank cover. I’m assuming some kind of printing error. I cannot comment on the contents of the book, as I have not read it but the blank cover is concerning.
4.0 out of 5 stars Writing
How to Write Like a Writer, A Sharp and Subversive Guide to Ignoring Inhibitions, Inviting Inspiration, and Finding Your True Voice by Thomas C. Foster was only the second book I’ve seriously looked at for a greater knowledge of how I might write a better review.I wasn’t paying attention in school and suffered from the boring old formats.The author compelled me to see that I will learn from exercising my abilities and better understand my writing with practice. Also that failure can teach me a lot. I need to to a lot more thinking and practicing. I love the “reading journal” and “practice rewriting news paper articles” for practice.I could go on and on but I just say that I found it helpful.I’m no writer nor will be, but I’ve definitely been inspired to try. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for some solid insight.Thanks Harper Perennial via NetGalley.My favorite quote:“All writing is an act of imagination. Use yours. Discover or invent the best way to say what it is you have to say in your writing. Don’t write the way you think a book would have you do it. Write the way you think and feel will best do the job.”
4.0 out of 5 stars More of a book on academic writing
This was a pretty good book and offers some unique lessons. The majority of chapters seem to lean towards non-fiction and academic writing and offer less value to improve the reader's fiction writing. On one hand, it's refreshing to find a writing book that tackles the academic writing perspective.However, customer expectations with writing books are that they're fiction-focused unless stated otherwise, and the marketing and sales material did not make it clear that this book really isn't a book on fiction writing, and to say the book helps all types of writing really isn't true since several chapters are only non-fiction and academic research focused. Ultimately, I didn't buy what I expected but I still got value from it.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “General”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0063139413