Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished professional, whether your field is fiction, nonfiction or journalism, Sol Stein's Solutions for Writers is an indispensable guide to enhancing your work. In Stein's own words, 'This is not a book of theory': just practical, immediately useful solutions to help with every type of writing problem. From shaping an opening sentence that hooks the reader to the secret of successful revision, deft character development to pumping up pacing, Solutions for Writers contains a wealth of wisdom from one of publishing's most storied editors. Packed with ideas, examples of techniques in practice, and advice that shines a new light on craft, Sol Stein's writing guide is a timeless classic - a book for writers to mark up, dog-ear, and cherish.

Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for all writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether they are newcomers or old hands, students or instructors, amateurs or professionals. As the always clear and direct Stein explains here, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions—how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from bestsellers as well as from students' drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

What does a man really know about love? Francis Widmer is a well-bred, beautiful, provocative young woman with a good mind. When she is raped by Harry Koslak, she decides to press charges. Her attorney father sends her to George Thomassy, as successful criminal lawyer. Thomassy, against his better judgment, involves himself in the case and finds himself attracted to Francine more than he cares to admit. Stein lays bare the unsavory, manipulative aspects of criminal law as he explores today's sexuality - its cruelties, hypocrisies, joys and mysteries. This fast, suspenseful, unusual love story is best seller material. - Publishers Weekly. Bound to be a success - The New York Times Book Review. Wonderful...full of unexpected twists and breathless turns. - The Washington Post. Sure to cause a sensation...a fast-moving story that reveals the dark underside of unanswered love. - Boston Herald American. Highly original. Stein gives readers what they want. - Cleveland Press. Riveting...shocking...so many intriguing characters, as credible as they are memorable. - King Features Syndicate. A timely, powerful story. - Library Journal.

"Stein attains a new level of achievement that demonstrates his ability to write as well as, and perhaps better than, most of the novelists he publishes... It's the sort of book you hate to stop reading." --"John Barkham Reviews"

"If you bury yourself in a Sol Stein book while walking, you will walk into a wall." --"The New York Times"

"Brilliantly conceived, highly recommended." --United Press International

Cliffhaven--Magnificent new resort near Big Sur. Surrounded by redwoods. Guarded by Oceanside cliffs. Protected from prying eyes. By reservation only. Cliffhaven--Founded by a man with very special interests, catering to a very special clientele. Margaret and Henry Brown, vacationing New Yorkers innocently driving down the sea-washed coast of California, are just the right sort of people. Cliffhaven--It has a spectacular entrance, a three-star restaurant, lavish accommodations--and no exit! "This novel should do for California vacation retreats what jaws did for swimming in the Atlantic."--"Los Angeles Times" Book Review "A thrilling nightmare...A Dante's "Inferno,.".more than fulfills the remark "I read it all in one nail-biting session."--Eli Wallach "Not only a thriller...a parable and a warning to all who say 'It can't happen here.'"--"Jewish Post and Opinion"

How To Grow A Novel is an invaluable editorial workshop in print. It includes details and examples from Sol Stein's behind-the-scenes work with bestselling novelists as well as talented newcomers.

Stein takes the reader backstage in the development of memorable characters and fascinating plots. The chapter on dialogue overflows with solutions for short story writers, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights. Stein shows what readers are looking for-and what they avoid-in the experience of reading fiction. The book offers guidelines-and warnings-of special value for nonfiction writers who want to move into fiction. Stein points to the little, often overlooked things that damage the writer's authority without the writer knowing it.

And this book, like no other writing book, takes the reader behind the scenes of the publishing business as it affects writers of every level of experience, revealing the hard truths that are kept behind shut doors.

James Baldwin was beginning to be recognized as the most brilliant black writer of his generation when his first book of essays, "Notes of a Native Son," " "established his reputation in 1955. No one was more pleased by the book's reception than Baldwin's high school friend Sol Stein. A rising New York editor, novelist, and playwright, Stein had suggested that Baldwin do the book and coaxed his old friend through the long and sometimes agonizing process of putting the volume together and seeing it into print. Now, in this fascinating new book, Sol Stein documents the story of his intense creative partnership with Baldwin through newly uncovered letters, photos, inscriptions, and an illuminating memoir of the friendship that resulted in one of the classics of American literature. Included in this book are the two works they created together-the story "Dark Runner" and the play "Equal in Paris," both published here for the first time.
Though a world of difference separated them-Baldwin was black and gay, living in self-imposed exile in Europe; Stein was Jewish and married, with a growing family to support-the two men shared the same fundamental passion. Nothing mattered more to either of them than telling and writing the truth, which was not always welcome. As Stein wrote Baldwin in a long, heartfelt letter, "You are the only friend with whom I feel comfortable about all three: heart, head, and writing." In this extraordinary book, Stein unfolds how that shared passion played out in the months surrounding the creation and publication of Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son," in which Baldwin's main themes are illuminated.
A literary event published to honor the eightieth anniversary of James Baldwin's birth, "Native Sons" is a celebration of one of the most fruitful and influential friendships in American letters.

"From the Hardcover edition."