Hundreds of books on writing are available on the market these days. I try to get my hands on any new writing book that comes out, even though most of them end up being repetitive in one way or the other. I was pleasantly surprised by Bessler's book because, while it touches on the same topics which other similar books touch upon, this one does it in more depth and detail. Definitely it's a 'heavier' book and a longer read than titles such as Writing Down the Bones. Furthermore, because of Bessler's more formal writing style, it is a harder book to read and one that would be better appreciated by nonfiction writers, especially by legal writers.
Writing for Life isn't a grammar book, though it stresses its importance and recommends titles on the subject. Using lots of interesting quotes from some of the great writers and offering helpful tips, the author meticulously discusses a long list of topics such as the importance of daily practice, perseverance, discipline, style, editing, polishing and revising, storytelling, and freewriting. He also writes about procrastination and writer's block–what it is and how to cure it. As I said, these are the same topics that pop out in any writing book, but the difference here is that Bessler goes much deeper and examines the issues in more detail. He's an attorney and it shows in the writing. I particularly enjoyed his insight into the elusive concept of 'style'.
Writing for Life is a smart, insightful and sophisticated book. It is also well researched and would serve as a fine addition to any writer's reference bookshelf.
The Dark Phantom Review 
Y’know, I used to pick up these writing reference books but I stopped about 10 years ago. If you’re a writer, you write and you don’t need a text to tell you how to go about it. The only good writing books I know of are THE FOREST FOR THE TREES by Betsy Lerner and anything by Annie Dillard. A writer needs a pen and a notepad–these reference books are just props, window-dressing, an excuse to read rather than putting pen to paper and getting to the HARD WORK of writing…
Hi,
Thanks for your comment and for the suggested titles. I’ll check them out.
I completely agree that at the end, what matters is to WRITE. But I’m always inspired by books on writing and love to read the various perspectives on the craft from different authors.
My favorite is Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write.
It is easy for many aspiring writers to fall into the trap of reading how to write instead of actually doing it–so this is very tricky!
A writer is someone who writes everyday, plain and simple.
But the books are fun.
So glad I found your review! Amazon didn’t have one posted. Sure, the actual writing process is crucial, but I find reading books on writing very inspiring & it often makes me look at my writing in a different light. It enhances my work & helps me with structure. I also enjoy bios and autobiographies of writers. I also like May Sarton’s Journal of Solitude.