Michael Knost

A rather good collection of essays on writing horror. Practical advice that gets to the nitty gritty of the genre. Above all, it helps new or prospective authors realise those who have made it in the field had to start somewhere and they also made mistakes, felt embarrassed by things they had written, and had learned the hard way. Writers are not born a success, they have to work at it, sometimes for many years without recognition. This book may help others examine their own writing and improve one step further towards their ultimate goal.… (meer)

Okay, when I got this book to review, I had anticipated a lot of info that I could work with and practice. I have to say that I was very disappointed.

Just from the title, Writers Workshop of Science Fiction and Fantasy, I had expected to find lessons and worksheets to use. I had hoped to see tables and charts and all sorts of info I could apply. I found that this was not what the title had led me to believe. It was a collection of essays from various science fiction and fantasy writers talking about their experience. That was all it was.

Now, I'm not saying that isn't good info in this book. There is, but it is delivered in a style I was not expecting. I guess it all came down to the title and what I was looking for. Workshop usually means you'll be working on material that you are learning and expanding your own experience. If I was there in person, that would be what I would expect. Instead, from this I'd just be attending a lecture: informative, but not what I was expecting.

I had trouble reading this book. Maybe if I had walked into it expecting what I got, I might have felt better. Many people seem to have liked the book and given it high marks, but for me it was a huge let down.

Note: I received this book as part of a tour with no expectation of a positive review.… (meer)