Spider, Spin Me a Web: A Handbook for Fiction Writers

By Lawrence Block

Book Overview

The craft of writing is a lot like spinning a web: You take threads and weave them skillfully together, and only you know where this intricate network of twists and turns begin and how it will end. Now, with Lawrence Block's expert advice, you can learn this art of entrapping your reader in a maze of fascinating fiction.

Spider, Spin Me a Web is the perfect companion volume to Block's previous book on writing, Telling Lies for Fun and Profit, which Sue Grafton noted "should be a permanent part of every writer's library." As helpful and supportive as always, Block shares what he's learned over the course of writing over one hundred published books: techniques to help you to write a solid piece of fiction; strategies for getting a reader (or editor) to read--and buy--your book; ideas for increasing your creativity and developing an environment that will nourish you and your craft.

Spider, Spin Me a Web is a complete guide to achieving your full potential as a writer.

In this indispensable book, Block provides honest, practical answers to the biggest questions about the writer's journey:

The Inner Game of Fiction: Learn to overcome procrastination, survive rejection, and turn crippling fear into the courage and faith you need to succeed.The Craft of Storytelling: Master the essential techniques of fiction, from organic writing and foreshadowing to the art of omission and creating memorable characters.From First Draft to Published Book: Discover what editors really want, how to get their attention, and why you must write the book you want to write.Living the Writer's Life: Get practical, hard-won advice on everything from finding your creative process to getting by on a writer's income.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688146902
• ISBN13: 9780688146900
• Release Date: July 1996
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very supportive of new writers

I absolutely adore this book and it has a special place in my heart; mainly because I found it in the street, battered and face down, in front of my house only days after I flushed out the story line for my very first book. Providence is alive and well! Although Lawrence Block's literary subject matters falls outside my area of interest, I found the content of his book to touch upon most if not all the of the areas I had questions about. Relating some of the experiences he has had with writing has made me feel more relaxed and at ease with my own.

Excellent resource for writers

Along with Block's _Telling Lies for Fun and Profit_, this is a book I've found indispensable over the years. It's not only tremendously helpful and encouraging for me as a writer, but it's also, like all of Block's work, sheer fun to read. Block's writing on writing is particularly engaging because he gives the impression of addressing a friend and colleague, offering the benefit of his experience for what it's worth, without talking down to his audience or intimidating with a judgmental list of must-dos and must-nots (like some tyrannical authors of books on writing). Block never condescends, and he always acknowledges that writers work in different ways (sometimes, in fact, different books work in different ways), so that the would-be writer feels free to take away only what works for him or her, without obligation to learn to write The Block Way.While I find _Telling Lies_ even more helpful during the writing process, _Spider_ offers a fuller menu for the writer: not only does Block address specific tools of writing like foreshadowing, mining life experiences, and background information, but he also tackles some bigger issues about writing routines, marketing one's work, what to expect from editors, and the best ways to become successful. He also gives solid practical advice on more "advanced" writing issues for those who have established themselves and may be facing specific dilemmas regarding ghostwriting, living on a writer's income, and other realities of the writing life (not forgetting the harshest reality: rejection). And for those in a philosophical mood, he looks at the writer's mindset: how to set a writing goal, how to achieve it, and even how to determine what kind of writer you are. Altogether, _Spider_ is a refreshing combination of down-to-earth conversation about the nuts and bolts side of writing and serious thoughts on the more elusive questions liable to bedevil the writer. It's a great resource whether you need a pep talk to get started, find yourself bogged down during your writing, or just want to get the perspective of a lively mind on the whole writing life. I advise every fiction writer to keep a copy on her desk.