Technique in Fiction/Second Edition

By George Lanning and Robie MacAuley

Book Overview

Here is one of the most intelligent and useful guides to the craft of fiction ever published. Acknowledged by teachers, students, and writers as the indispensable book in the field, Technique in Fiction has been in print for over two decades. For this fully updated second edition, Robie Macauley and George Lanning have rewritten their discussions of the major technical questions and practices of fiction: setting, plot, characterization, point-of-view, style, pace and tone, and theme. These and other crucial points are illustrated with examples from Tolstoy, Forster, and James through contemporary masters such as Carver, Updike and Beattie. The result is a discerning guide to the essentials of writing fiction; in the author's words, "It is a how-it-was-done book -- and also a how-it-wasn't-done book." Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006044150X
• ISBN13: 9780060441500
• Release Date: May 1987
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent introduction to developing a critical eye

MacAuley's book should be required reading for any new writers looking to improve their technique and style. It is easy to understand and very informative with a host of examples of good technique in practise. Even better is the section showing examples of poorly written segments by good authors. After reading this book I gave a copy of it to my friend, an aspiring novellist, and it opened his eyes to thinking critically about writing. A must read for those who have not already undergone intensive workshop training, etc.