by Mike Klaassen

Created on: May 14, 2007

FASCINATING AND INFORMATIVE

Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing, by David Morrell, is an insightful blend of writing tips and biographical information from the author of First Blood, the novel that introduced the world to the fictional character Rambo.

Rather than attempt to cover all aspects of the craft, Morrell addresses a dozen or so specific subjects, many using First Blood to illustrate specific points.

Morrell begins with a question he asks his students on the first day of class: "Why do you want to be a writer?" Other chapters well worth reading include viewpoint, research, description, and dialogue.

Some of the chapters were less interesting, with little information not already addressed in numerous other fiction-writing books. But even these chapters are worth reading because of the biographical content.

No recaps or exercises are included at the end of the chapters, but an index is provided for easy reference.

Bottom line: Lessons from a Lifetime of Writing is both fascinating and informative.

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