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The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Making Shapely Fiction
Here is a book about the craft of writing fiction that is thoroughly useful from the first to the last page--whether the reader is a beginner, a seasoned writer, or a teacher of writing. You will see how a work takes form and shape once you grasp the principles of momentum, tension, and immediacy. "Tension," Stern says, "is the mother of fiction. When tension and immediacy combine, the story begins." Dialogue and action, beginnings and endings, the true meaning of "write what you know," and a memorable listing of don'ts for fiction writers are all covered. A special section features an Alphabet for Writers: entries range from Accuracy to Zigzag, with enlightening comments about such matters as Cliffhangers, Point of View, Irony, and Transitions.
Book Details
- Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
- Publish Date: Nov 17th, 2000
- Pages: 288
- Language: English
- Edition: undefined - undefined
- Dimensions: 8.20in - 5.40in - 0.80in - 0.55lb
- EAN: 9780393321241
- Categories: • Writing - General
About the Author
Stern, Jerome: - Jerome Stern, a professor of English and popular culture, is the author of an acclaimed book on writing, Making Shapely Fiction. His incisive monologues are regularly heard on National Public Radio.
Praise for this book
A complete original. The warm, witty, wise voice draws you in, and you leave the book wanting to write--and knowing how.--Jesse Lee Kercheval, director, Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing, University of Wisconsin
Clarifies the mumbo-jumbo. For serious students of fiction, Jerome Stern is the Alpha crow. Follow him and shave the miles off your flying time.--Bob Shacochis, author of Swimming in the Volcano
Useful on the most practical level.... [Stern] plunges his readers into the middle of things.-- "New York Times"
Offers a raft of examples that explain the techniques used by novelists from Flaubert to Updike--an eminently helpful and engaging writer's guide.-- "Booklist"
Jerome Stern has done us all a favor with this canny little book. If you are interested in writing, read it now. This is an expert writer and teacher sending his notes from the trenches. Never has caution been so exhilarating, advice so wry. I will use this book.--Ron Carlson, author of The Hotel Eden