Fiction Writer's Handbook

by Whit Burnett and Hallie Burnett

Book Overview

This book offers practical advice on every aspect of writing novels and short stories: plotting and narrative development, characterization and dialogue, sources of material, planning an opening,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062731696
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.5" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Excellent

This is a book for people who are serious about writing. It has specific, detailed tips and advice for how to be a real writer. This book is not for those who want the feel-good, dumbed-down kind of advice found in "how-to" writing books that want you to believe that all you need to be a writer is confidence and energy. The "Fiction Writer's Handbook" operates under the premise that if you are willing to be a writer you will work hard, rewrite, and pay attention to craft. To that end, this book has much to offer anyone who is willing to learn about style, character, and plot, and to work hard. I have found this to be a valuable guide for writing fiction, and would suggest it to anyone serious about the craft of fiction.

Aspiring Fictional Writer

For about ten years or more, I have always held the dream to write manuscript and be fortunate to have it publish into a fictional Novel. I was child with a vast imagination. I would outline a novel but simply let it sit and gather dust. Years ago, I mentioned my dream to become a writer of fiction to a friend of mine. Instead of teasing me about my ambition, he purchased for me the "Fiction Writer's Handbook." I was touched about his gesture in his belief in me possible achieving this goal. That friend recently died suddenly at the young age of 39-leaving behind a wife and baby. For him and maybe for my self, I started putting together a novel that I feel might me something worth reading. My dream is now a vision thanks to my old friend. Reading the purchased book, after years of also gathering dust-unread, gave me some great ideas as well as confirming some things for me as I write my manuscript. The book has topnotch suggestions for the new writer trying to develop the story towards publication. As I write, I will have the book "Fiction Writer's Handbook" close by as a guide. It is my prayer that my friend is looking down over me in a show of support for my endeavor. I hope to someday see my book on the shelves of many bookstores around the country. We all have dreams but only some of us turn those dreams in reality. Wish me luck. GOD BLESS.

A complicated book, but worth it in the end!

Ok, this is no "Writing for derrrrs" book. It is rather complicated and confusing sometimes, but you understand it all eventually. It gets specific and the author knows what he's saying because he taught writing at Harvard.Basically no "Writing for Morons" or "Keep it simple stupid" book.Give it a shot if your willing to think about stuff instead of having it served on a spoon to you. Worth it all in the end, if J.D. Salinger approves of this book you must know it is excellent. (He wrote some before and after work saying it is the best book for writing out there.)