The Elements of Storytelling: How to Write Compelling Fiction

by Peter Rubie

Book Overview

"I recommend this book to all aspiring novelists." --Kent Carroll, Publisher and Executive Editor Carroll & Graf "I would not hesitate to recommend The Elements of Storytelling to aspiring writers, or to better published ones who need to be reminded of the essentials of the craft. (That's all of us, by the way )" --Robert Goddard Author of In Pale Battalions and Full Circle "Should be on every writer's bookshelf right between The Elements of Style...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471130451
• ISBN13: 9780471130451
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Simple, interesting, and understandable

I agree with other reviewers who say this book is primarily for a beginner, but I find that it's the book to which I refer most frequently. When writing (or crafting a story for any medium), it's very easy for the author to become bogged down in details - this book reminds you to never forget your reader and what they expect (or sometimes how to give them what they DON'T expect). Furthermore, it's actually interesting to read.... not painfully dull like pretty much every other writing book out there. This is one of the most worn books on my shelf, and I'm sure it will be on yours as well. Highly Recommended!

Buy it.

If you've immersed yourself (or plan to) in writing fiction, then reading this book is a great example of a resource you should definitely read along the way. It's extremely helpful and will probably act mainly as a confirmation of many things you've already known or believed. The title is a daring reference to the classic 'Elements of Style' but Rubie appears to pull it off. It's well worth the money you'll spend.

One of the Best

I've read dozens of books on writing fiction and this is one of the best. It's not only informative, but interesting to read. Peter Rubie, himself, is a very good writer.

A truly legendary book

This is a great book for both beginners and experts. Better than his book with Gary! Every tip and the reading list helps. Buy this gem, this toy for mature writers, this tool for mature writers! Take care!

Good, complete, compelling and useful

When I read this book I thought it was one of the best writing books. Now I've read a few more, but I still rank this one very high. Peter Rubie's writing is clear and straightforward. It goes to the point. He explains the basics (and not so basics) of all the building blocks of a story. From the synopsis to plot to description and setting, to dialogue, it covers a lot of stuff and I found it very useful.