The Internet: A Writer's Guide (review)

The Internet: A Writer's Guide by Jane Dorner. A C & Black Limited, London, U.K., 2000. 200 pp., illus. Paper, £9.95. ISBN: 0 7136 5192X.

E.M. Forster's famous words, "only connect" begin this book, but British writer Jane Dorner prophesizes that it should now be updated to "only interconnect." How very appropriate in this modern electronic age! Today's writers should embrace rather than shun away from technology, and the world of the Internet is the message. She describes her book as a cookbook rather than a recipe book, the difference being that the former demonstrates the exact ingredients needed, whereas the latter "gives general principles together with tips and tricks from personal experience." It definitely keeps to its promise.

This book shows the reader how to enhance writing skills and capitalize on the resources available on the Net. In simple terms it brings high-tech jargon down to earth. Besides new avenues of publishing, it suggests ways of connecting with subjects, audiences and other authors. The first half of the guide covers getting on-line, e-mail basics, understanding web browsers, joining discussion circles and forums. The second half, though, is slightly illuminating. Dorner talks about fresh publishing opportunities, Internet publishing practicalities and on-line resources. (It provides a list of excellent links via an accompanying website: <http://www. internet.co.uk/>.) A list of more than 800 writing-related links is accessible online with a password disclosed in the book.

Lest one be misled into thinking that the Net is the answer to all the occupational hazards of being a writer, Dorner is quick to point out that "it does not replace the post, the telephone, going into libraries, browsing bookshops, attending literary events or talking to people face-to-face. It is as well as." Her honest writing style is in no way intimidating, especially for Internet "newbies," and the book serves as an excellent start-up guide with practical and useful tips. She shares tricks of the trade such as the best times to cold call an editor (answer: between 10:30 A.M. and 12 noon for best results, since in the early morning they are dealing with morning mail, at lunch-time they deal with appointments and after lunch they rush to meet deadlines.)

I found the guide to be a valuable read. It is a useful reference and warrants a space on a writer's personal shelf for days when you are drained of ideas or need an Internet-related question answered quickly.

Nisar Keshvani
P.O. Box 12552 Elizabeth Street, QLD 4002, Australia.
E-mail: <n.keshnavi@qut.edu.au>.

...