Spider, Spin Me a Web - by Lawrence Block (Paperback)

About the Book

In his characteristically elegant style, Block offers expert writing advice and shares the experiences and attitudes of a fiction writer, in this companion guide to the popular Telling Lies for Fun & Profit. Destined to become another classic in Block's repertoire, Spider, Spin Me a Web takes a master's look at the techniques and strategies of the writer's craft.

Book Synopsis

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.

From the Back Cover

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 Bloock's expert advice, you can learn this art of entrapping your reader in a maze of facinating 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 reaad--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 awriter.

Review Quotes

"One of the best writers now working the beat"-- "The Wall Street Journal"It takes the steady hand of a cool pro to monitor the erratic pulsebeat of New York City...Block has the offhand grace to make it look easy."-- "The New York Times"Block knows that character and ambience are the heart and soul of crime fiction, but unlike so many of his brethren, he also maintaines a healthy respect for plot."-- "Booklist