Customer reviews (courtesy
of Amazon.co.uk)
Click
here to see these actual reviews at Amazon.co.uk
Martha King, UK: 
"Buy this book before you start"
The great merits of this book are two-fold. Firstly, the author tells it
as it is, wasting no time with hype or padding, just getting over the many
facts and vast quantities of information he has assembled that a writer needs
to know if they're going to write 'fast' and not fall down over the hard
bits of writing. And, secondly, he divides it all up with bullets and section
heads, photographs and diagrams, tips and hints in boxes. This means you
can find any piece of information or advice again, immediately on flicking
through. The result is an essential pre-read and an invaluable reference
resource - right through to marketing your finished book. Just one example
of the author's ingenious and useful advice: in the editing section he suggests
getting friends to read through and rewarding them for any errors found.
How simple, how brilliant. The whole book is like that. If you buy nothing
else, get this one and get writing.
Patricia Livingston, Merseyside:
"Read it now and write your own book tomorrow!"
I have read so many books on how to write a book but this is the first that
sets out clearly the steps needed. As a writer I am not very organised. Ideas
whizz in and around my mind but I don't always take the steps I need to capture
these ideas before they escape. This book takes you through the whole process
of writing a book from idea to finished product, including a section on selling
your book. It makes you want to start now and stick with it until the end.
My book is progressing nicely. Thanks Dave.
Becs:
"Read this book before writing your own!"
A lot of people start writing a book with enthusiasm and then it all fizzles
out before they've got halfway through. Others want to write a book but think
they'll never have the time. By following the advice in this book you can
plan sensibly and avoid the pitfalls - and write your book fast! Full of
useful advice, it is arranged in easy-to-read sections. 'The Fastest Way
to Write Your Book' should be on every writer's bookshelf.
Donna Bateson, UK:
"The Fastest Way to Write Your Book"
A great book. I found The Fastest Way to Write Your Book helpful. It's easy
to understand and is a great reference book full of fresh new ideas whether
you're a beginner or an experienced writer. It's a book you can refer to
time after time and still get more out of it.
Noreen O. Brien, Limerick, Ireland:
"You have the ability to write a book"
The main reason I really like this book and recommend it to many people is
that it makes me feel that I already have the ability to write a book. The
difficulties I perceive are mere incidentals that can be resolved. Since
Dave Haslett wrote the book to first draft stage in twenty-three days, then
it proves it is possible. The print is very easy to read. He uses ordinary
language from which you can grasp the point immediately. This book is genuine
and authentic. I got the impression throughout that the author was cheering
me on. He wants to know of my successful outcome as requested by him as early
on as page three.
'The Fastest way to write your book' gets down to action immediately.
Information is easy to access under the bold print sub-headings
within the chapters. The information is succinct. Dave brings
you right from the earliest stages to finally selling your book.
In Chapter Two, he reinforces all the wonderful reasons why one
should write a book and write it fast. His enthusiasm is most
encouraging. I find the fact that Dave has so many ideas infectious
and so it triggers a lot of ideas within me. I feel far more
creative and my ideas flow more easily now.
I loved Chapter Eight - 'Finding time to write'. How we use
our time is fundamental to achieving anything. The practical
easy-to-implement suggestions given are very beneficial. They
have empowered me to make new choices as to how I want to invest
my time. We can waste a lot of energy wondering whether we have
enough ideas/knowledge/expertise, that we procrastinate on actually
writing. Dave spells it out - writers write. You learn by doing.
Dave's logical structured system makes success attainable. His
guidance is given with genuine conviction. This book will give
you the confidence to apply the knowledge you have and take action
immediately.
Geoff Nelder, Chester, UK:
Author of "Escaping Reality" and "Exit, Pursued by a Bee",
editor of "Escape Velocity" magazine
"An essential tool for newbie writers and others"
Dave Haslett is the creator of ideas4writers, a website absolutely packed
with ideas, engines and forums for fiction and non-fiction writers, whether
professional or newbie. His extensive experience has enabled him to put together
this handy reference for professional and amateur writers alike. He has expertly
done the research so we don't have to have bleeding scalps scratching to
let ideas in. There are chapters on mind-mapping, cheating (yes!), overcoming
writer's block, making the most of what you already know, idea generation,
making the best and smart use of technology, editing and marketing. It is
a brilliant manual and an interesting read in its own right.
Jan Free-Gore, England:
"Write with your personal trainer"
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) wrote "If a man write a better book
... the world will make a beaten path to his door." What an incentive,
but where to begin? A good place to start is with Dave Haslett's book. Twenty
chapters packed with hints, tips and advice, culminating in an Appendix offering
200 'what if...' ideas to kick start the muse and get that book written.
If the thought of sitting at your desk and writing 60,000+ words makes your
spirits sag and your enthusiasm wilt, be encouraged. Books are broken down
into chapters and the writing of a book can be broken down into manageable
chunks. Haslett's book offers techniques to guide you, from finding an idea,
to refining it, building on it, editing, staying motivated and, finally,
how to sell your book. An absolute mine of information and encouragement,
written in easy to read plain language. An outline of your book is crucial
not only to keep you on track, but to show you where you are going and Haslett
devotes a whole chapter to planning and outlining. Both fiction and non-fiction
are covered. In fact, there is little that Haslett does not cover. No time
to write a book? Do not believe it. Chapter 8 is all about 'Finding time
to write', budgeting and managing your time, and finding more time. The best
chapter for many writers will be Chapter 16 'Writers' Block'. Even professional
writers can come up against a wall and grind to a halt. They, like the amateur,
will benefit from Haslett's advice. Following one or several of his suggestions
will get the pen moving again. Write because you have a book to be written.
Arm yourself with Haslett's book, find the time and within a few months you
will be on the way to becoming an author.
W. Mather, Milton Keynes:
"On target"
This book speaks to your writing soul - its time to get that book out, you
can do this, and it won't be torture! The positive enthusiasm for what can
be done and the practical focus on how to do it are Dave Haslett's injections
of energy, belief and determination to ensure that you feel the difference
between your longing to write that book and actually doing it. And he gives
you a mindset that is open to ever greater possibilities of how you can be
a successful and prolific author. Magical!
Christobel Gardner, Coventry:
"Read this book and be successful"
What a gem this book is. With the help of this book I finished my novel.
It is so easy to follow being laid out logically, with no parts of it difficult
to understand. I was hooked from the research, through the planning, to the
actual writing, and found the section on 'finding time to write' easy to
put into practice. This book is my bible.
C. Devlin, Belfast, N. Ireland:
"Does exactly what it says on the tin"
This is one of those books that makes claims to help aspiring writers. I
believe that it does exactly as it says on the tin. I bought this book recently
and already I have two short stories written and an article away to the Guardian.
The book is written in user friendly style. The book begins with advice on
your chair and writing desk through to producing a book per month. All the
steps are laid out in an easy and fun format. There are time and money saving
tips in info boxes throughout the book. At the end of the book Dave Haslett
provides a voucher for his website www.ideas4writers.co.uk. Visit the site
and get a feel for the depth of information and assistance provided by Dave.
I recommend this book and know you will not be disappointed. It will become
your writing handbook.
Eileen Frost, Dorset:
"A great book for established and new writers"
I found The Fastest Way to Write Your Book one of the best and easiest writing
manuals there is. In plain language, with no frills, it does exactly what
it sets out to do, and that is to instill self-discipline into the writer.
Finding ideas for your story, planning, researching, editing and selling
- it's all there. Writers block? Read chapter 16. Can't find the time to
write? See chapter 8. A great book and although I've read it from cover to
cover, I still refer to it constantly.
Isobel McDonald, UK:
"Straightforward information on writing a novel" [or non-fiction
book]
This book takes you from start to finish of writing your own book. If you
are wondering whether you will achieve your dream of writing "that book" this
should get you started. Pointing you in the right direction to get ideas,
researching them, where to find the information and using knowledge you already
have, finding the time to do your writing and so much more. Supported on
the author's website, this is a must for any writer.
"I've got a small library of writing books and purchased
The Fastest Way to Write Your Book after reading a review in
Writers' News, which I subscribe to. I found the book super!
Straight to the point, no waffling, every page has some hints
and tips and great advice. Dave thinks outside the box and
many of the pointers you will not learn about anywhere else.
His style appeals to me. This is a must read for everyone,
whether an experienced or new writer."
Dolly van Zaane, Perth, Australia
"I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Fastest Way to Write Your
Book'. A very readable book with an excellent range of information."
David Davenport, author of "Successful
Photography for Writers"
"What a great book! So inspirational. It brings writing methodologies into
the 21st century. I'll dump George Bernard Shaw's approach and adopt yours. Thank
you so much for the motivation."
John Woodcock, UK
"Great service! Great book!!"
Julia Finan, UK
"Superbly crafted."
Brian Page, editor, "Mensa Magazine"
"Packed with useful advice, and I didn't find anything with which I didn't
agree (and that's very unusual as far as I'm concerned when I read other people's
books for would-be writers). This book will encourage wannabe writers to write
a full-length novel [or non-fiction book], rather than sticking to short stories,
and if they just try to put the precepts into practice they will write faster
and more easily, and will approach the whole thing with a more professional attitude
and with a better hope of success."
Michael Legat, publisher, author "An Author's
Guide to Publishing", and Writing Magazine columnist
"Thanks for the quick service and great book. I found it very informative
and enjoyable. It will have pride of place next to my computer."
Doreen Thatcher
"Just finished 'The Fastest Way To Write Your Book' ... and am inspired.
Don't make this one your bedtime reading, or you'll only get up again and begin
writing. It's practical, positive and powerful. I particularly liked the chapters
on the fastest way to find great ideas and on staying motivated. It's a very
positive book - with hints on how to stay positive - and even though I've been
writing for years, there were ideas which were new to me. Required reading for
writers and wannabe writers I'd say!"
Pat Holness, Radio presenter, South Hams Radio,
Devon
"Not just a good read from cover to cover, but a very very useful reference
manual. Should be kept next to your computer / writing kit at all times."
John Lacey
"Thanks Dave. A great book and brilliant service."
Marion Walker
"Your book is excellent value and so much more useful than another book/course
on the same subject that I paid a fortune for about a year ago."
Karen Bali, Southampton, UK
"A wonderful informative book."
Noreen Mortell
"I found your book really helpful. I found other 'How to Write' books a
bit stultifying to be honest, but your book allows for the brain's creative processes
to weave stories together like a tapestry - far more satisfying and interesting."
E. James
"Great website and great book. I've read dozens of 'How to Write' books
but yours is the one that's finally got me on my butt and actually writing.
I've found that the working method suggested
in your book fits in perfectly with my lifestyle. I've got
a wife, two small kids and a full time job, so it's the only
practical way I can get a script written."
Robin Gott, Malmo, Sweden
