Product Description

A deft analysis and appreciation of fiction--what makes it work and what can make it fail. 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. Jerome Stern maintains that learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7233 in Books
• Published on: 1991-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 270 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780393321241
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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Review
Full of wisdom with a light touch. . . . People will write better for this book. -- Janet Burroway, author of Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft

From the Publisher
This book is different from other books on writing. You can start writing serious fiction from the first page -- because, as Jerome Stern makes clear, learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. As you begin to grasp the principle of momentum, tension and immediacy, you'll find your fiction has shape and form. You'll discover how to "write what you know," and avoid the traps and pitfalls awaiting fledgeling authors. A cross-referenced Alphabet for Writers includes incisive entries for such writerly concerns as Anti-Heroes, Dialogue, Sex, and Style. Whether you're a beginning, a seasoned professional, or a teacher of the craft, you already know there are no rules in writing ficton . . .but Jerome Stern will inspire you to find your personal path.

From the Inside Flap
This book is different from other books on writing. You can start writing serious fiction from the first page -- because, as Jerome Stern makes clear, learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. As you begin to grasp the principle of momentum, tension and immediacy, you'll find your fiction has shape and form. You'll discover how to "write what you know," and avoid the traps and pitfalls awaiting fledgeling authors. A cross-referenced Alphabet for Writers includes incisive entries for such writerly concerns as Anti-Heroes, Dialogue, Sex, and Style. Whether you're a beginning, a seasoned professional, or a teacher of the craft, you already know there are no rules in writing ficton . . .but Jerome Stern will inspire you to find your personal path.

Customer Reviews

The quintessential guide for new and seasoned writers !!
I "happened upon" this book in the library, quickly scanned its pages and decided to check it out. I'm thinking: Hey! What do I have to lose ?!? Two days later I am here, at Amazon.com, to buy it ... this book is THE START for anyone who is serious about writing fiction. Mr. Stern is obviously a seasoned writer and teacher and he offers his wisdom in a straightforward manner. This is not a book written by someone looking to "get rich quick." The shelves are full of those. This book ranks up there with "The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White (Serious writers know what I'm refering to). I highly recommend it. Two thumbs up, as the two guys in Chicago say.

You can't help but write good stories using this book.
After reviewing a bunch of how-to-write-short-fiction texts, Isettled on Making Shapely Fiction. Ironic, because as a student atFlorida State University, where Jerry Stern taught, I stayed away from his creative writing classes - people said he was a pit bull. Twenty years later I find myself using this slim, artful text in an advanced writing class, and the students and I are all amazed at the quality of material we're generating from the first. This book doesn't merely promote plot, character and setting: each assignment sets up a scenario that creates tension while warning writers away from tired techniques and stereotype. I recommend it to everyone.

Useful but Spotty
The first part of this book feels at times more like criticism of story types than a writing manual. It details how stories have historically been structured and what advantages and disadvantages there are in each shape. Trying to grasp the Onion or the Visitation makes a good academic exercise, but it doesn't really get into the application of the relevant concepts.

The second and third parts are where this book gets useful. The second part is made up of essays on the craft--one on what it means to write what you know (a more inclusive idea than you may have realized) and one on what tragic pitfalls to avoid. Beware, young writer, for many others have fallen in these pits before you, and many more will follow.

The third part is a thorough glossary of writing terms, defined so a layman or a young author can grasp them without struggle. This is probably the most useful part of the book. When your editor, writing workshop, or trusted reviewer starts trying to define the strengths of weaknesses of your writing, you can consult this glossary to find out exactly what is being said. And when you're called upon to lend a hand to your fellow writers, this glossary will be your arsenal of concepts to communicate your meaning.

Advanced or experienced writers may not find much in this book that they haven't encountered already. However, young writers who haven't published their first full book will be able to mine this for ideas, communication, and a way to move forward in their writing.