How to Write a Dick: A Guide for Writing Fictional Sleuths from a Couple of Real-Life Sleuths

With a title like that, how could I not buy it?

I was clueless about PIs but I had a plot that wouldn't leave me alone without a detective character. The title of this one made it a no-brainer to check out, and it looked promising so I bought it. It was really helpful to me. I'm pretty paranoid about writing about professions I don't know anything about, but I feel pretty good about getting the details right this time. Great resource.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Magnum PI should've read this!

If you're an armchair sleuth or a writer of mysteries, this book is a wonderful resource; full of helpful insights, tips, and entertaining anecdotes. I learned a lot about detective work and the PI profession. Collins and Kaufman deliver the gumshoe goods.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Entertaining and Informative

I'm an experienced writer, but I'm new to mystery and suspense. How to Write a Dick is exactly the kind of reference I need -- full of great information presented in an easy to understand format. The book has all the insider details a writer needs to make her story authentic. Collins and Kaufman make the book very entertaining with just the right touch of humor. It's a great book for anyone who wants to know more about what goes on in the life of a private investigator.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An exceptional how to book, a must for any author who wants to be authentic

An easy to read book that has all the information you need to learn the in and outs of the world of private dectives. the authors obviously know their stuff and want to share it. I've heard them speak before and was anxious to read the book, it was better than I hoped it would be.

Kudo's to the authors!!!

I've attended these PIs' workshops and read this book: both are fantastic!

I'm a beginning mystery writer who's attended workshops presented by these authors, as well as read How to Write a Dick. Shaun and Colleen are not only excellent speakers on the topic of investigations, they also provide extraordinarily helpful information for writers like me who want to better understand how to develop a sleuth character. I just saw the other anonymous comment that has nothing to do with the book but is instead a personal attack on Shaun. I thought this was a forum for book reviews. Besides, the book is about private investigations, not being a lawyer. If you're writing a private eye character, or another type of sleuth character, and want to learn the tricks of the trade so your story rings true, I highly recommend this book.