If, like me, you have a collection of “how-to” books on the art of writing, then this is not like any of those. The Truth about Writing is exactly what it says on the cover. It’s the truth about everything to do with writing and publishing. Michael Allen pulls no punches when it comes to describing his thoughts on those employed in trade publishing. He tells it like it is.

His observation of trade publishers of fiction: “They simply cannot distinguish between books which will find a big audience and books which won’t.”

And if you still think you want to be a writer when you’ve finished reading the 250-odd pages, then you are indeed a tough cookie.

It’s not a negative book by any means. Oh, no! It’s positive all right. Positive with its facts: 6,000 manuscripts a year on the slush pile of one of the most famous publishers, with perhaps ten chosen for publication. And that’s on a good year.

Michael’s probably right when he says you’d be better off spending your time behind the bar in your local pub.

But the compulsive writer, like me, will read on. He’ll learn that there are many questions to be asked of oneself if the intention is to write a novel. Questions such as: What exactly am I trying to do? What is my main purpose? And answer these questions you must.

One aspect of novel writing that is often overlooked is emotion. The novel we write, Michael states, should be invoking a response from the reader, rather than the material we wish to put in our novel. The reader should suffer the ups and downs of varying emotions while reading and put the book down having suffered, danced, laughed and cried. We all live in an alien world, Michael claims, and the human spirit needs release from the drudgery of everyday life. He says it’s no surprise that novels, films, TV and such evolved after mankind had left the fields and become urbanised.

We need emotion in our life, but all too often we are stifled because of the way we live. Novels, films and TV allow us to experience the emotion of others and we are then satisfied.

But a novel should not express merely one emotion. A roller-coaster ride of different emotions at varying levels in a range of situations by a group of characters is needed.

Oh, yes, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water, says Michael. Porridge for breakfast, too, and take some exercise. I know that sounds strange but not the way Michael tells it. You should read this book!

The Truth about Writing, by Michael Allen, a paperback original from Kingsfield Publications. £12.99. ISBN 1-903988-05-5. Or visit the website www.kingsfieldpublications.co.uk

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