HOW TO ENJOY WRITING

Pointers for established, novice and would-be writers by a very successful one and his wife. Their book attempts to be lighthearted while at the same time dealing with the classic problems faced by the scrivener—inspiration, writer's block and other assorted traumas and joys. The cartoons by Sidney Harris are the most amusing part of the book. Using quotes and drawing on a lifetime of experience (and in Mr. Asimov's case, great success), the Asimovs take a positive approach to what is often a difficult, frustrating and lonely job. They remind one of a coach urging his charges to stay loose, have fun, but play to the hilt and give it their all. There is shrewdness afoot here, but much simplicity too, so that what they have to say sometimes, might seem banal to doughty toilers in the literary vineyard. However, it's possible that the authors' determined practicality and bonhomie together with their helpful flints might resuscitate a fading scribbler or even encourage a neophyte. Everyone, writers or not, could do with a little positive thinking. They will find it here in abundance. Upbeat, verging on the hyper, this book may energize the sluggard to get to the typewriter. For the more jaded reader, it will seem offhand and superficial.