Are there so-called templates for writing? Michael Meanwell, author of The Enterprising Writer believes there are.
First, on the book -
There is lack of concern for correct punctuation marks, and the presence of many wavy dashes (~) where there should not be any, irritates.
A blurb on the site even sports wrong grammar, viz -
An Enterprising Writer
.. lives to write, but
.. realizes their craft is
.. also their livelihood.
Moreover, it would be more credible if there were sources indicated on the long commendation that Meanwell, himself, produces -
"Here's what fellow writers and the media are saying:"
"One of the most thorough and down to earth guides to the realities of writing . . . Meanwell's fluid writing and entertaining style is a pleasure for learning the freelance trade . . . easy step-by-step guides . . . packed with dozens of ideas and examples . . . real advice and tips ~ no fluff . . . it covers just about every way I can think of to make a living as a writer . . . the best book about commercial / business writing currently on the market . . ."
In the FAQ, here's what we read and the wrong grammar is repeated -
"Who is The Wealthy Writer?
Put simply, a Wealthy Writer is an enterprising writer who maximizes opportunities, who knows how to run their business and how to market themselves."
And here's the surprise!
According to Meanwell, one of his eBooks, "Writers on Writing," is an assemblage of "360 quotes categorized into specific chapters relating to issues affecting all writers, such as technique, creativity, writer's block and so on."
Here, the writer is to depend on affirmations which Meanwell calls positive statements, such as "I am a great writer; I am a great writer; I am a great writer." Expectedly, the writer is to verbalize statements like this, repeatedly until he believes in it, himself.
"But there's nothing simple about the effects of affirmations," Meanwell said.
Well, not every writer would approach writing this way. To begin with, one should strive to master his grammar and his punctuation marks first before engaging in so-called affirmations - if ever one would.
Admittedly, the zeal of the author is remarkable. The approach of his eBooks is not for academicians or for work needing high cognitive levels though.
What cannot be discounted, on the other hand, is that there is ready market for his kind of approach. Not all writers are academicians, and not all writing requires academic standards.
Anyone can try Meanwell’s methods. Believe me, this kind also knows how to make money!
