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Lawrence Block
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Telling Lies for Fun & Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers Paperback – February 25, 1994

by Lawrence Block (Author), Sue Grafton (Introduction)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 179 ratings
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Characters refusing to talk? Plot plodding along? Where do good ideas come from anyway? In this wonderfully practical volume, two-time Edgar Award-winning novelist Lawrence Block takes an inside look at writing as a craft and as a career.

From studying the market, to mastering self-discipline and "creative procrastination," through coping with rejections, Telling Lies for Fun & Profit is an invaluable sourcebook of information. It is a must read for anyone serious about writing or understanding how the process works.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 25, 1994
  4. Dimensions
    6.12 x 0.58 x 9.25 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0688132286
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0688132286
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

It's a good thing Lawrence Block is so friendly and generous with his writing advice. Otherwise, you'd just have to hate the guy. After all, it took him a mere two weeks to write his first novel. He was still a teenager at the time, and he promptly sold it to Fawcett, the first publisher to see it. What can a guy like that tell the rest of us about fiction writing that could possibly apply to our lives? Lots, actually. Telling Lies for Fun & Profit comprises four years' worth of Block's monthly fiction-writing column from Writer's Digest magazine. In it, Block turns his witty, welcoming prose to many aspects of the writing life, including collaboration, which Block maintains he does "largely as a means of avoiding work"; speed writing (surprise: "Sometimes a book or story will be better for having been written more rapidly"); the benefits of using strong verbs; and the importance of good character names.

As one might expect from a man who seems to have such a facile way with the typewriter, Block can make writing seem a lot easier than it does in real life. "If you write one page a day," he says, "you will produce a substantial novel in a year.... Don't you figure you could produce one measly little page, even on a bad day? Even on a rotten day?"

Still, just because he's published about, oh, 50 books, don't think Block considers novel writing to be all fun and profit. "Those of us who are driven to produce great quantities of manuscript don't necessarily get any real pleasure out of the act," he says. "It's just that we feel worse when we don't write." --Jane Steinberg

Review

"Lawrence Block is a writer's best friend. He is wise, he is funny, and, to tell the truth, he is damn helpful. When best friends and mothers fail, read this book." -- Martin Cruz Smith

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (February 25, 1994)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688132286
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688132286
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.12 x 0.58 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 179 ratings

About the author

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Lawrence Block

Lawrence Block

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Lawrence Block has been writing crime, mystery, and suspense fiction for more than half a century. He has published more than 100 books, and no end of short stories.

LB is best known for his series characters, including Matthew Scudder, Bernie Rhodenbarr, Evan Tanner, and Keller. LB has also published under pseudonyms including Jill Emerson, John Warren Wells, Lesley Evans, and Anne Campbell Clarke.

His monthly instructional column ran in Writer’s Digest for 14 years and led to a series of books for writers. He has also written television and film screenplays. Several of LB’s books have been filmed, including A Walk Among the Tombstones.

LB is a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America. He has won multiple Edgar and Shamus awards, the Japanese Maltese Falcon award, the Nero Wolfe and Philip Marlowe awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Private Eye Writers of America, and the Diamond Dagger for Life Achievement from the Crime Writers Association of the UK, been proclaimed a Grand Maitre du Roman Noir, and has been awarded the Société 813 trophy.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
179 global ratings
not fun at all, and shouldn't be profitable
1 Star
not fun at all, and shouldn't be profitable
I returned my copy immediately. I don't think I've seen a printing job this bad for an item you actually pay money for. The ink bleeds all over the paper, the type is very dark (almost like bold) but spaced very close, and you can see the printing on the back of the page. Ever print on an inkjet printer on crappy cheap paper? That's what it looks like. I posted some photos to give you an idea.
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Top reviews from the United States

Eric Beaty, Author of the SMART FOCUS series
5.0 out of 5 stars Cozy, Comfy, Casual...It's like he's right there with me!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2015
Verified Purchase
Almost finished reading this awesome, informative book after only a few weeks. (Would've been sooner if I weren't reading so many other writing books!) I've already read Block's previous book on writing "Writing the Novel: From Plot to Print" and was very impressed with his style and advice, so I decided this book was likely to be a good read as well; I haven't been disappointed.

So far I'm nearly to the 3rd section of the book which deals with writing as "Fiction as Craft," and my favorite section thus far has been the first which deals with "Fiction as a Profession." Reading this book has been as if Block was teaching me one on one; like we're sitting across from each other in comfy high-back chairs just having casual conversation about the ins and outs of writing.

Block has great wit and I found myself rolling with laughter at certain portions of the text. I particularly like the way he uses the "frame" of a classroom, addressing the readers as his students—even calling them by name at times.

If you like books on writing, you'll definitely benefit from Block's "Telling Lies for Fun & Profit." I know I'll be going back to it more than once as I continue my journey on the fiction path.

P.S. The introduction by Sue Grafton is a great addition since it gives us an insight into the woes of even the most professional writers.

P.P.S. This is a steal of a deal in paperback; keep in mind the book is a bit large and clunky compared to normal paperback sizes.
3 people found this helpful
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heidiB
5.0 out of 5 stars Immensely helpful and well-written.
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
Verified Purchase
The best almost 5 bucks I've spent on a book about writing. Now I don't feel ashamed when I only write 5 pages in a day, overuse adjectives and adverbs, or procrastinate. And because I don't beat myself up to much about it - I work more:) Seriously, this is a great book for writers. The author gives usable advice, helped me fix several things I'm doing wrong in my writing, entertained me, and used real examples to illustrate his points. It also gave me a sense of camaraderie - I don't meet with any writing groups, so it was nice to know that even prolific writers go through the same pitfalls and blocks I do. I know I will return to this book again and again when I need refreshing and reminders. If you are trying to write a book for the first or 10th time, any writer could benefit from the tips and insights Block gives. So glad I bought it.
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking, Inspiring,Useful
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013
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Block's advice is well articulated and makes sense. After reading the first 5 chapters, I decided to read one of his books. I bought Hit Man, read it and marveled at how well the tale flowed and was told. Block wrote when typewriters were used as word processors so bits of the book are dated but nearly all the words are useful, inspiring and thought provoking.
One person found this helpful
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TKrauss
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Authors!
Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2016
Verified Purchase
What a gem! I literally laughed out loud at some points. The author has a very unique, albeit dry sense of humour that makes this book a pleasure to read. It’s a must for any author: successful, aspiring, or otherwise. In fact, after reading it through once, I wanted to go back and reread some chapters just for the enjoyment of it! Some chapters were more applicable to my current situation than others, but each one had at least one nugget of wisdom, from very practical writing ‘how-to’ kind of stuff, to more philosophical questions about writing as a calling versus a job. He includes plenty of personal anecdotes that serve to also show readers what ‘not to do’. I can’t believe I haven’t come across this book before. it’s timeless - as fresh and relevant now as it was when it was first published – despite the changes in the publishing industry. All I can really advise is, “Read it!”
5 people found this helpful
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Barbara
5.0 out of 5 stars Much to be Learned from this Book
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
As I'm a beginning writer, Lawrence Block's book, "Telling Lies for Fun and Profit" was very helpful. Throughout the book Mr. Block consistently talked about the way the reader would interpret or feel about what the author had written. Before reading this book, I had not given much thought to trying to please my reader. Mr. Block told us about his personal life as an author. There were several times of sadness which he was kind enough to share with us lest we think being an author Is a little bit of work and a lot of play. When he explained the nuts and bolts of writing such as plot, exposition and characters, it was done with real-life examples. These examples were amusing and not boring, just as I picture Mr. Block to be. My time reading this book was well spent and I plan to read more of his books in the future.
One person found this helpful
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Dawn D Boyer PhD - Author of 100+ Big Kids Coloring Books for adult coloring hobbyists
3.0 out of 5 stars Telling Lies -- The Author or the Publisher?
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2003
Verified Purchase
I recently ordered and received Lawrence Block's book, 'Writing the Novel From Plot to Print.' IF you are very serious about writing a novel, this small book provides some thoughtful, though verbose information on tips and tricks and should and shouldn't's.
In the same order package, I purchased 'Telling Lies for Fun and Profit -- A Manuel for Fiction Writers.' I was very dissapointed to find that the second book was an almost verbatim version of the 'Writing the Novel...' book.
Keeping that in mind, if/when you order either of the books, go for the cheapest used version you can get of either because Mr. Block tells the same anecdotes, the same thoughts, and information in both books--almost verbatim.
I just wish that on either of the books information, either in Amazon or Printer's Editorial/Description, it would have been noted that the first book was a rewrite of the second (or vice versa).
As to the value of the information that is provided in either book--it's OK, but nothing earthshattering that will help you write a blockbuster novel. The text itself reads easily, as if you were having a conversation with Mr. Block in the same room. Very friendly and easy to understand--nothing you would need a college degree to comprehend.
23 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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inkyfingers
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, APPALLING printing and binding
Reviewed in Spain on October 24, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a good book and well worth the read – but the printing is SO BAD, the printers should be ashamed of themselves. The bold type (on most pages) is blurred and difficult to read. Headlines, difficult to read. Every time I pick it up, I put it down again, because the printers did such a horrific job they've made it like an obstacle course, trying to get through it. The pages HADN'T EVEN BEEN CUT! I had to do that. Absolutely cheapskate printers. I would have given 1 star (actually, I'd have given MINUS 10 stars) but that's not fair to the writer, who wrote a perfectly good book, which was ruined by c r a p printing. Keep the writer, SACK THE PRINTERS.
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BewBob
5.0 out of 5 stars Best fiction writer's guide ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
Why do I think Telling Lies for Fun and Profit is the single best resource for would-be, kind-of, or actual crime/ mystery writers?
There are three main elements I think a writer’s manual should have to be of real value:
1. Credibility: Lawrence Block’s credentials are impeccable: with 10+Edgar Awards, 12+ Shamus Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Gumshoe recognition.
2. Usability: just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean you can teach it; TLfFaP is stuffed with invaluable advice. Whether it’s on what it means to start your fledgling career as a writer, understanding the marketplace, the disciplines of being a writer, tips and tricks, or more formal elements of the craft of writing: across 47 chapters, there really is a whole lot of material to help any would-be author in their pursuits.
3. Readability: The writing has all of Block’s trademark humour you find in much of his fiction. It’s not just the witty way it’s written, it’s the way it’s presented – so not just chapter after chapter of advice, instead you’ll find class discussions as Block explains his point to some particularly inquisitive students in presumably fictionalised lecture situations. You’ll get advice letters, some juicy inside information which is most likely complete fantasy, bullet-pointed lists, and arguments with his publishers…if you’ve read Block’s work you’ll get insights into the mechanics and thought processes behind published, and not-published material, generously shared, sometimes warts-and-all.
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Lynne Bedbrook
5.0 out of 5 stars worth it
Reviewed in Canada on February 17, 2017
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this is a great book
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Amazon Customer
1.0 out of 5 stars I'm sure the content is great, but the quality of the print is awful.
Reviewed in Australia on June 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
I won't share more pics, as mine looks just like the other review that posted them. Even the cover isn't crisp, and inside the text is all fuzzy, like a low quality scan has been used to reproduce this book. Get an ebook version or an old edition if you can and stay away from this new one.
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Gabriel
4.0 out of 5 stars Um ótimo livro sobre escrita
Reviewed in Brazil on June 13, 2014
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Com linguagem bem direta e clara, Lawrence Block aborda diversos aspectos da arte de escrever ficção. Apesar de carregar marcas de um tempo que já passou, especialmente quando se refere exaustivamente à máquina de escrever, o texto é bastante pertinente para quem pretende escrever suas próprias histórias. Seus capítulos curtos tratam de temas específicos e podem ser lidos de maneira independente, e a leitura completa do livro possibilita ao aspirante a escritor pensar sobre seus próprios processos de escrita e melhorar a forma como se relaciona com sua obra.

Muito do que se escreveu sobre como escrever ficção teve este livro de Block como base, então é possível que boa parte das informações nele contidas sejam repetidas pelos leitores mais assíduos do tema. Ainda assim, é leitura recomendada dada a clareza das ideias e a maneira com que o autor desenvolve seu pensamento, sempre com bom humor, citando largamente seus exemplos pessoais e passagens ilustrativas de outros autores.
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