Becoming a writer, staying a writer : the artistry, joy, and career of storytelling / J. Michael Straczynski.

Includes index.

Introduction: Why this book? -- Becoming a writer. In which we discuss murdered typewriters, lost loves, and the writing impulse ; Who are you? Version 1.0 ; Writing for the workshop ; Sanding it down ; Building characters and worlds ; Muse-ings ; You can't sell an idea ; Shark alert! ; Hearing voices ; Finish the damned thing ; Hills, valleys, and the refractory period ; Questions of intent ; How to build a monster in three easy lessons ; To the university or college student ; Systems of creation ; Making time ; Value added -- Staying a writer. Who are you? Version 2.0 ; Nota bene ; Agents of darkness ; Imposter syndrome ; Annnnd here's the pitch ; Several hundred words about writer's block ; Turning it upside down ; Two for the price of fun ; What's in the box? ; The thick plotens ; Living (or at least surviving) the writing life -- Concluding thoughts: touching the world.

"From screenwriter and author J. Michael Straczynski, Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer offers expert insider advice to help fellow writers establish lasting careers as storytellers"-- Provided by publisher.

Straczynski knew he wanted to be a writer, but didn't know how to start a career as a writer-- or how to stay one. This is the kind of guidebook he wishes he'd had, one that offers more than 30 years of experience writing for film, television, books, and comics. He offers writers-- at any stage of their careers-- an honest, and often wisdom on what it means to be, and stay a writer. -- adapted from back cover.