Many Genres, One Craft
Edited By Michael A. Arnzen & Heidi Ruby Miller
Headline Books

Reviewed by J. Keith Jones

This fine volume is essentially a condensed MFA in Writing between two covers. Those contributing to this anthology of writing advice are affiliated with the MFA program at Seton Hill University. Professors, graduates and visiting lecturers all added their articles of the best writing advice. If you believe that they cobbled together some obscure academics and graduates whose greatest accomplishment is their MFA to slap together some quick articles, you are quite wrong. Among the authors are many award winners and a number of highly acclaimed writers you would be familiar with. Names such as: Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli & Isles), David Morrell (First Blood/Rambo) and Lawrence C. Connolly (Borderlands), as well as many others — including my good friend Lynn Salsi; fill out this book.

This is a must have for all who take up the pen – or keyboard – whether it be for a living or as an impassioned hobby. Many articles fill out sections on style, characterization, plotting and setting about the craft of writing as well as sections on the many genres. Romance, Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Thrillers and Childrens’ books are all covered. Then to complete the volume, the subjects that leave writers wondering where to start or asking what to do next are covered. Learning, Working and Promoting are all worthwhile sections.

I have barely scratched the surface of all this book covers. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this and keep it handy. Any time you feel weak in any area of your writing, a quick thumb-through will yield an article that will almost certainly strengthen your efforts.