I’ve already mentioned it on this blog, but Janet Evanovich is a writing machine. Author of the ridiculously popular Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series, Evanovich is the perfect person to be writing a writing advice book. Her writing style is extremely accessible, proof positive that fun and engaging writing is the key to success in an increasingly tight market.

Written in a question and answer style, How I Write, covers everything from the very basics of beginning your book all the way through to what to do once you’re published. Throughout the book you are given examples from Evanovich’s books to help illustrate her points. If you’ve ever struggled with the meaning of the advice “show, don’t tell” then How I Write is the writing advice book for you.

How I Write is also unexpectedly funny. As much as I love Stephen King’s On Writing, it’s hardly a laugh a minute. This makes How I Write a pleasure to read form cover to cover, so you won’t miss any of the tips and tricks Evanovich gives out. And the advice is excellent, even if you’re not a crime/romance/comedy writer in Evanovich’s style her advice still works.

If I had to pick one section above all others, then Evanovich’s advice about using the setting of your story as a character in its own right would be it. She lays it out in clear, constructive steps and again, gives you examples from her own writing. A close second place goes to the random advice section at the back of the book. It’s a place for all of the questions you wished you’d asked someone.

I wouldn’t necessarily follow her dietary advice, although her alternative suicide suggestion (death via cake) is the best line I’ve read in an advice book, ever.

This is a short review because there really isn’t anything wrong with the book. It’s funny, charming, intelligent and useful. What more do you want? Buy two and frame one.

You can find How I Write at Janet Evanovich’s website here along with the rest of her books, extra content and plenty of free advice.