The Art and Craft of Storytelling: A Comprehensive Guide to Classic Writing Techniques

by Nancy Lamb

Book Overview

Master the Power of Story

When you consider the thousands of years of storytelling that comprise our literary tradition, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the shadow of so many works. But there are common threads that link all stories--from Beowulf and Hamlet to Gone With the Wind and The Godfather to the story you're drafting right now in your head. These threads form the foundation that supports story--a...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582975590
• ISBN13: 9781582975597
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Great Book For Beginning Novelists

I was beginning my third (unpublished) novel this April,(2009), when it suddenly occurred to me that I really wasn't sure what I was doing. There must be a reason I'm not a published novelist, besides the wrath of God and life is hard. AHA, I'm not a genius,I must need help! Since mentors are scarce on the ground here in East Texas, I bought several books about fiction-writing techniques. Best thing I've ever done. And of the books I bought, Nancy Lamb's was the most helpful. She told me about concrete technique; for instance, structural design, how to begin, moving foward and backward in the story, structuring scenes, how to write subplot, even how to contact your muse, and more. If in the next few years you see my name on a novel, it will be because I read Ms. Lamb's book.

Mix of Intro material and Her Experience

70 % practical advice and examples that are easy to apply, 30 % intro material. Practical comments on her writing experience (43 books). The multitude of texts (classics or successful modern authors) illustrate her advice quite well. Author has a captivating writing style using lots of metaphors. Glad I bought her book.

What a rewarding book

Already, we have a first name friendship, Nancy. That's because I just finished your Storytelling. And it's the friendliest book about writing I've ever read. At 70, I wish I had read it before I wrote my first (and overwrought, overwritten) novel 4 years ago. But your book was probably only in the planning stages, then. I've been a writer all my life, made a good living in advertising, and you've reinforced a lot of rules I've followed, many I've ignored, and revealed some I wish didn't exist. They'll all help me become the writer I will be. We have a young writer from Ireland staying with us, and I'm giving her a copy of Nancy Lamb's "Storytelling" with this inscription: Read this wonderful book slowly. And browse through it the rest of your life. As a playwright, with one recent success, I've also found in Storytelling some great reminders of what keeps a story moving on a stage. But for now, I'm going to wring out the miscues from that overwrought novel.

Get this book if you're serious!!

I was blown away by this book! Get two and keep one in your purse or car to have with you at all times and the other, put under your pillow! I think you can shove the other writing books on your shelf to the side to face this one out. It is the quintessential guide to aid and assist anyone who seriously wants to write. Nancy Lamb gave everything she's knows and she knows a lot! This book makes writing accessible and lessens the fear and intimidation when it's just the blank page and me. I refer to the book when I'm stuck and when I'm not. I wouldn't go on a hike without a bottle of water. I wouldn't start writing now without this book!

A Writer's Must Have

Faced with serious novel revision, I'd spent days scrubbing the kitchen floor, gardening, going for uphill walks and doing anything possible to stay away from the keyboard. Finally, I picked up Nancy Lamb's The Art and Craft of Storytelling and found the inspiration I needed. Lamb covers everything from dialogue writing to establishing your characters' dislikes, hobbies and body language. But it was her chapter on structural design that unlocked the door to my story and actually got me into the chair. This book is a "must have" for writers. Read and learn.