It's a well-written book with lots of useful tips, but if you've already read a lot of writing books, it probably won't tell you anything you don't already know.

Simple and quick read. I always read books about writing. I even plan on asking my library to buy a copy of this book.

I’m a sucker for writing books. In a former life, I wrote all the time. Now I just read all the time, but I’m always looking for ways to improve my writing should I ever pick up a pen or typewriter again. This second edition of Masello’s book includes, “111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know.” As with all self-help books of any genre, there are going to be some items we’ve seen before, and this one is no exception; however, I always pick up a few new things, and this manual didn’t disappoint with some new things, new angles, and new things to try when writing.

Definitely recommend for the writer or writing enthusiast. Even if you only write for work or email communications, it never hurts to improve skills and think about the way we communicate in writing. I’m super behind on my reviews, so this one is definitely out in the world for you consumption at your local indy bookstore or library.

Very good writing tips - still have to put them in practice, but they all make sense, and they make you want to write a masterpiece!

Many books exist to give writing advice, and I've read a fair few. Robert's Rules of Writing doesn't have, for the most part, what I'd consider earth shattering knowledge, but it's the delivery I enjoyed: it's as though a friend or writing coach is giving you helpful, sometimes tongue-in-cheek reminders. I read this in smaller chunks and it seems like a helpful thing to revisit when you need some encouragement in your work.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a complimentary digital review copy of this title.

Many books exist to give writing advice, and I've read a fair few. Robert's Rules of Writing doesn't have, for the most part, what I'd consider earth shattering knowledge, but it's the delivery I enjoyed: it's as though a friend or writing coach is giving you helpful, sometimes tongue-in-cheek reminders. I read this in smaller chunks and it seems like a helpful thing to revisit when you need some encouragement in your work.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a complimentary digital review copy of this title.

I enjoyed this, and agreed with everything I read on my relatively quick read through - I’m going to go back and read it more thoroughly now, I think this is a book that will bear several read throughs! Because I agreed with it, I wasn’t sure I learnt much or had aha moments, but it’s validating to see one’s own ideas and rules for writing in print!

I'm conflicted on this book. As a writer, I have an arsenal of writing books and every time I see a new one I grab it. I think there's so many tips tricks and thoughts out there that it's hard for anybody to write a new book that is going to be eye-opening unless you are a brand new writer. The book was good but it didn't give me any information I didn't already know.

Robert's Rules of Writing, Second Edition: 111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know by Robert Masello is an informative and entertaining view on writing. Enjoyed reading many of these rules. #NetGalley

Conversational Amd Witty…
Tricks of the trade for writers. Useful insight into a potential minefield written in an engaging, informative yet conversational and witty tone and thus easy reading. A bright and intelligent guide for all which inspires confidence.

Each of the 111 lessons begins with a short rule, expressed wittily. This is followed by an explanation, often with examples from real life. This book is not a book about style, like Strunk & White's classic Elements of Style, but more a book about the writing life, how to write, and finding ideas.

Although Masello has experience in many kinds of writing, this book is most helpful for fiction writers.

Robert's Rules of Writing is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of suggestions to help a budding (or maybe even a more budded) writer on his or her way to writing, be it a novel, screenplay, editorial or anything else that comes to mind. The author is clearly very experienced and his "rules" are heartfelt and personal. "Skip the Starbucks" for example is evidently something which he has tried, tested and deemed unsatisfactory. "Stop Reading" (similar genres when in writing mode) is similarly a lesson which Mr Masello has picked up along the way to prevent emulating the content that you are reading in your writing. Some of the rules are unusual, some are obvious, but all truly make sense.

Although I did enjoy this book, and expect to be test-driving similar works in the immediate future to derive as many of my own rules as possible, I did feel the brevity of each lesson wasn't conducive to reading this book for a prolonged period of time. This is a book to pick up for a 5 minute booster shot to the brain when you feel like learning a valuable short lesson on writing.  If the 111 Rules would have been sorted by theme (such as creating a story, writing discipline, improving the tone and tempo of the story), it would have lent itself for longer reading sessions.

I've not read enough of similar works to be able to compare, but as a self-help book on how to write, I'm sure this one rates fairly well. For any budding writer to pick up some pointers in five minute shots.

Robert's Rules of Writing, Second Edition
111 Unconventional Lessons That Every Writer Needs to Know
by Robert Masello
Pub Date 21 Sep 2021 |
Skyhorse Publishing, Allworth
Nonfiction (Adult)


I am reviewing a copy of Robert Rules of Writing, Second Edition through Seahorse Publishing, Allworth and NetGalley:





Despite the fact that there’s no shortage of books on writing, Robert’s Rules of Writing: 111 Unconventional Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know is quite unique. Robert Masello draws on his many years of experience as an award-winning journalist, TV writer, and the author of over twenty books published by mainstream houses and translated, to date, into nineteen languages, Robert Masello addresses all the issues that confront, and all the problems that beset, writers of all stripes.





In this book Robert Masello reminds the author that weather you are working on a a novel or a script, a memoir or a blog, an epic poem or a newspaper piece, you’re going to have to find the best way to express yourself clearly, persuasively, and you will need to entertain your readers. In order to do this you will have to find your own personal voice, which is actually a lot harder than it sounds. And you will need to use that unique voice to bring to life your story, your thoughts, and your opinions, to the many readers out there that you’re eager to reach; with complete candor and welcome irreverence, Robert’s Rules of Writing offers the inside knowledge that will help you do just that. As provocative as they are amusing, these rules are purposely designed to challenge the old axioms and get you thinking afresh about your work.






This book includes over a hundred but pithy takes, in which Masello guides you over hurdles, around obstacles, and through the seemingly insurmountable barriers to completion and ultimately publication of your writing. This book is lively, thought provoking as well as funny.




I give Robert Rules of Writing five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I enjoy reading books on the craft of writing and this one did not disappoint. I'm very glad I took the time to read it and learn from it. Robert Masello had me thinking and wanting to set everything aside and get back to my writing!

First off I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read/review an eArc of Robert's Rules of Writing. I really enjoy books on the craft of writing and over the years have read dozens of them, so I can't say that I came across any 'new or ground breaking.' information here, but then I never expected to. When it comes to books on writing, for me at least, I merely enjoy hearing different author's take on the process, their views on what works for them. Sometimes hearing the same information told in a different way from a different point of view is what will finally get something to click. Now I must admit when I first started reading this book I wasn't even sure who Robert Masello was...turns out, I should have since I'd read a number of his novels in the past. His just isn't one of those names, like Stephen King, that is instantly recognizable...at least to me. But I will say I enjoyed not only his writing advice, all of which I found to be solid and insightful, but his particular style of relaying that advice. His wiring on the subject has an easy/friendly conversational feel. It comes across as if you're having a conversation on writing with a friend. It's not preachy or authoritative, but as I said friendly. It's 'hey this is what I think. take it or leave it, I won't be offended either way,' And for me it was an effective way to get across the information and one I appreciated and will re-read again in the future,

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/roberts-rules-of-writing-second-edition-robert-masello/1138725729?ean=9781621537830&bvnotificationId=99237acc-1afd-11ec-8e4c-0e50a865a55f&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=gmail.com#review/187651371

https://www.amazon.com/review/R30AV6PC5I98V1/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Robert’s Rules of Writing is a mixed jumble of advice about plot, character, motivation, and setting. The last two are referring to the writer—not their characters. To illustrate this point, four of the rules are Skip the Starbucks, Burn Your Journal, and instead Take a Walk Around the Block (and Take the Zoloft).

Robert’s Rules of Writing is a humorous look at the craft of writing. Some of the rules are obvious, some are great, and some will have you silently arguing about them within your own head. However, the best one is rule 10, Get Rolling. Truer words were never spoken. This would make a great gift to the aspiring writer in your life. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!

Thanks to Allworth, Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

A tongue-in-cheek view on the writing process. Even though it has “rules” in the title, it is clear from the start that tips, tricks and personal writing history will be dished out.

Many readers (if not most) are curious about the way books are put together - the back story. This was an entertaining and informative version of such a tale, with short and diverse chapters to illustrate the points. It goes to show that you don’t need to be a writer to appreciate this book. However, most of us are writing - daily - in other occupations or in our spare time. Whether it’s an email, on social media, or a business report - if your goal is to be read, this book can help improve your chances.

A useful resource on writing, particularly helpful for those just starting out, and who haven't read many writing skill books.

It’s another book on writing, I read quite a few of these due to my interest on the matter, but I didn’t feel it added anything new. It was still an enjoyable read, but it’s not fresh.

In the 2nd edition of Robert’s Rules of Writing, the author lays out 111 rules to help you with various aspects of your writing. Rules include “Burn Your Journal”, “Skip the Starbucks”, and “Strip Down to Your Briefs”…interested to see what Robert means by these rule titles? Pick up your copy of Robert’s Rules of Writing, 2nd Edition!
While some of the rules aren’t very useful to my work, they’re good to read over and use in my personal writing and for my own edification. . The author gives you a lot to think about and incorporate!

**Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**