Creating Fiction: Instruction and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs

by Julie Checkoway

Book Overview

Readers learn how to revise and edit from Jane Smiley. They find ways to evoke time and place from Richard Russo. Charles Johnson offers a passionate discussion of the writer's apprenticeship. Lan... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1884910513
• ISBN13: 9781884910517
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Story Press Books
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference book for writers and writing teachers

Creating Fiction is very usable for students and teachers of fiction writing. The primary strength of this book is that the authors give concrete instruction for developing skills as a fiction writer, rather than vague, abstract advice. They tell the reader what works (and what doesn't work) in their classrooms. Every essay contains examples from classic and/or contemporary published writing--from Shakespeare to T.C. Boyle. Thus, teachers will easily be able to pair these essays, or lessons on the writing theories and practices contained within the essays, with reading assignments. Also, every essay ends with a list of writing exercises that encourage the reader to practice the theories or advice. Teachers and students will be able to use the essays and exercises effectively learn how fiction functions, and apply this knowledge to their development as writers. Also, because talented fiction writers wrote the essays, they are extremely enjoyable to read. These discussions of fiction theory, which in other books may feel heavy and overdone, are very approachable in Creating Fiction. Undergraduate students (and other beginning writers) will not be frightened or overwhelmed by this book.

A Complete Writing Workshop in One Book

Imagine having 23 professional writing coaches at your disposal - each instructor teaching the fundamentals of writing they've perfected over the years. "Creating Fiction" is the best of nationwide creative writing programs taught by respected novelists and short story writers. Established authors offer their expertise in these informative essays. Every entry ends with related exercises pertaining to the writing elements you've just learned. In fact, you'll find over 100 writing exercises taught in expensive workshops. These writing essays tackle the challenging aspects of your writing venture. This in-depth guide to writing covers: * Thinking About Fiction * Characterization * Point of View * Plot, Structure and Narrative * Style and Voice * Revising, Editing and Marketing Every category provides a variety of essays, offering several unique perspectives to help you perfect your craft.

Excellent Resource

I've purchased a lot of books on writing. This is by far one of the best. Each chapter is written by a different author, handling a different aspect of the writing process. Ms. Checkoway has done a brilliant job of editing and choosing her authors and their topics. I've used this book in every point of my novel's progress from start to revision and found the advice helpful, practical and accessible. I highly recommend this book for beginners and experienced writers.

The ideal team of writing coaches, all in one place

This book is a friendly companion written by people who not only enjoy writing but who have been successful at it. The authors in each lesson set an excellent example for the aspiring writer, creating a tone that challenges you to be adventurous and to work at your prose. If this book doesn't put you on the right path, not much else will.

A new classic--the best book on craft around!

As a writer, I'm usually skeptical about buying books on writing, but this book is amazing. It's smart and practical, with advice from some of the most accomplished novelists and short story writers living today. I honestly learned things I didn't know by reading this book. As a teacher of writing, I'm going to use it in the classroom, too. A must for anybody who's serious about writing fiction. A new classic! As good as, if not better than, John Gardner's The Art of Fiction!