The Glimmer Train Guide to Writing Fiction: Volume 1: Building Blocks

Survey Our Literary Landscape From the Open Window of Glimmer Train Many writing books offer instruction and inspiration, but never before has one pulled back the curtain and laid bare before you the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1582974462
• ISBN13: 9781582974460
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 444 Pages
• Weight: 1.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 1.3" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Don't look any further, this book has it all!

What an AMAZING reference. I bought this and the second book within days of each other because I could not get over the amount of GEMS the first one contained, and knew I was in for more literary treasure! I don't think there is ANY book out there like these, the very best info, insight and wisdom from the very best authors, compiled together in over 400 pages? I love how their opinions often vary but you turn each page completely enthralled with it all. I can't stop raving about this series and even asked one of the editors about the third book because I am already fiending for it!

Help to make your way

I have read many books on writing fiction, mostly because I am inspired by reading about the creative process. The reason I love this book is that its breadth and variety provide a hundred little windows into the craft of story-telling. Somehow, it's refreshing to see that the experience of writing fiction is wildly different for different people; there's simply not a right or wrong way to approach the work. As other reviews have said, this would be a terrific book both for students of fiction and for practicing writers who need occasional fresh perspectives. I've shared my copy with my daughter, a teenage writer who is absorbing all she can about the nuts and bolts of writing stories; we both enjoy reading it in bits.

These contemporary writers offer their personal insights into writing techniques

THE GLIMMER TRAIN: GUIDE TO WRITING FICTION BUILDING BLOCKS is a writing reference like no other: most competitors offer inspiration but here a hundred writers' experiences are presented using interview excerpts conducted over a sixteen-year period by the editors of the literary quarterly Glimmer Train Stories. These contemporary writers offer their personal insights into writing techniques, challenges, and frustrations alike, making for a detailed collection of insights perfect for aspiring writers who would learn from the pros, and for any library catering to them. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

A perfect resource for aspiring and established writers!

I put this book to use the very same week I bought it. One of my creative writing students at the local university where I teach was having problems writing dialogue. When I met with him, I brought along my "Building Blocks" book. In addition to what I had to say, it was great to offer him the advice of some of my favorite writers, including Charles Baxter, Amy Bloom and Dick Bausch. I felt as though I was leading him down the corridors of the ultimate English department, and every door was open. The excerpts are golden nuggets of writing wisdom: short, conversational and enlightening. I'll definitely consider using this book as a required course text in the future. It covers everything I need to address in my writing class: point of view, voice, place and setting, character, description, use of language, dialogue, etc. - without sounding repetitive or pedantic. The variety of voices, perspectives, interviews and excerpts keep the topics interesting and fresh. As a writer myself, I've found that the book offers more than just "building blocks." I turn to the book when I'm feeling stuck, and when I need to get a fresh perspective on the craft. It's often helpful to remind myself that even the best writers experience roadblocks and frustrations. Unlike a lot of books on writing, this one tells it like it is, while at the same time offering helpful strategies and techniques -- from writing a novel for the first time to paragraph breaks and punctuation.

Excellent guide to writing fiction! A Must Have!

I am absolutely thrilled with my copy of The Glimmer Train Guide to Writing Fiction! To see "inside the head" for so many esteemed writers is valuable beyond words. The back cover says, "Many writing books offer instruction and inspiration, but never before has one pulled back the curtain and laid bare before you the joys, frustrations, struggles, and achievements of the literary life -- as experienced by more than one hundred accomplished writers." How very true! Anyone who is a writer, aspires to be a writer, and anyone who just plain enjoys reading will find this book to be a treasure. This book is a definite "must have!"