Writing Fiction: An Introduction to the Craft

Useful for writers at any level or age, this guide explains the basic steps to effective fiction writing. From an award-winning author, sound, practical advice is included on the most significant elements of fiction, such as plot, character development, and voice, and strategies are provided for the effective use of tense and the dialogue. All forms of fiction are explored, including novels, novellas, short stories, and crime fiction. In addition, the writing concepts introduced are illustrated with examples from a wide variety of known writers, presenting a candid picture of the pleasure and pitfalls from a wide range of fiction-writing experiences.

Useful for writers at any level or age, this guide explains the basic steps to effective fiction writing. From an award-winning author, sound, practical advice is included on the most significant elements of fiction, such as plot, character development, and voice, and strategies are provided for the effective use of tense and the dialogue. All forms of fiction are explored, including novels, novellas, short stories, and crime fiction. In addition, the writing concepts introduced are illustrated with examples from a wide variety of known writers, presenting a candid picture of the pleasure and pitfalls from a wide range of fiction-writing experiences.

Library Journal

Australian fiction writer Disher (The Sunken Road) has written a useful handbook for the beginning writer of fiction. "It's pointless to wait for inspiration," Disher advises would-be writers, who, he argues, should "write whether [they] feel like it or not." He then takes the developing writer through all the stages of the writing process, from finding story ideas to understanding how characters and dialog work to reveal plot. Separate chapters focus on issues specific to the various forms of fiction. Disher warns that it takes more than absorbing characters and exciting plots to compel readers: "The words on the page-the style-must also compel." Hence, a chapter each is devoted to practical tips on using language economically and dealing with writer's block. "Do it, don't tell me about it," exclaims Disher-good advice comes from a writer who does just that. The concluding section lists a wonderful array of sources for further reading that the author draws upon throughout the book. Highly recommended for beginning students of creative writing.-Herbert E. Shapiro, SUNY/Empire State Coll., Rochester Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Garry Disher is the author of over forty books for adults and children. His crime fiction includes numerous anthology stories and the Wyatt novels, including Kickback, winner of the German Crime Fiction Critics Prize 2000. The first in his Detective Inspector Challis murder mystery series, The Dragon Man, won the German Crime Fiction Critics Prize 2001.