Between the Lines [Paperback]

Jessica Morrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2006 | ISBN-10: 158297392X | ISBN-13: 978-1582973920

Effective storytelling stems from many elements, the most crucial of which are unseen or blended in so unobtrusively that they are difficult to spot and analyze. Still, they are necessary to the wholeness and coherence of a story–to create a work that lingers and resonates in the reader's imagination.

In Between the Lines, author and writing instructor Jessica Page Morrell shows you how to craft a unified and layered novel or short story by mastering subtle storytelling techniques, such as:

• Using emotional bombshells, surprises, and interruptions to intensify cliffhangers
• Enlarging your story world through the use of layered subplots
• Building suspense one scene at a time to maximize the emotional payoff
• Anchoring your premise to your protagonist's character arc
• Transitioning into and out of flashbacks without interrupting the mood of your story

Detailed instruction combined with examples from well-known authors turn seemingly complex topics like subtext, revelations, misdirection, and balance into comprehensible techniques that will elevate your writing to the next level.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As a writing instructor for more than 15 years, Jessica Morrell reaches thousands of writers through her popular Writing Life Web site, her blog, and her monthly e-newsletter with 2,000 subscribers. In addition, she is a writing coach and developmental editor, and writes a monthly column for the Willamette Writers newsletter. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (April 25, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158297392X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582973920
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Write between the lines September 5, 2006

By H. Grove TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

There are so many things to take into account when writing fiction. Trying to achieve all the subtleties of pacing, tension, characterization, emotional intensity, and so on is such an artful balancing act that many people believe it's something you either get or don't, and cannot be taught. Very few people have ever been able to break this art form down to the point where it really can be taught--or if they have, they've only been able to break down small pieces of it. Finally, however, Jessica Page Morrell has done the most amazing job I've ever seen of transforming all those subtleties into solid, understandable tips, techniques, hints, rules of thumb, and guidelines.

She balances specific techniques with a true understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all "solution" to any given issue. Instead of saying "you have to do this" or "most writers can't make this work so don't do it," she goes into great depth on what usually works and doesn't and, most importantly, why (or why not). Instead of being told that you shouldn't use flashbacks, you'll be told what they're useful for and how to make them work if you need them--as well as when you might want to cut them out.

"Between the Lines" contains one of the best discussions of theme & premise I've ever seen in a writing book, changing them from something that can seem clumsy and contrived into a much more organic, understandable, necessary thing. The book covers transitions, foreshadowing, backstory, cliffhangers, flashbacks, imagery, pacing, sensory details, setting and sense of place, subplots, tension, suspense, and so much more. Always it delves into not just the how but also the why and why not, allowing you access not to some formula, but rather to an entire workshop of subtle techniques. The mysteries of fiction become so much more understandable when viewed through Ms. Morrell's eyes, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars All in one spot! November 24, 2006

By Gerri Lynn Baxter

Format:Paperback

Finally, all those little things that writers sort of know, all in one spot. Between the Lines isn't a fluffy writer's book that pats the reader on the back without giving substance. This book is about technique. Morrell has brought together all the refinements that authors sort of know, even though that knowledge has been gleaned from so many sources. Here, it's all together. It's all about the small things, the subtle things.

The only caution I would have about this book is that new writers shouldn't read it, not until they've had writing experience under their belt. Why? Because many new writers tend to take books like these far too seriously and try to incorporate everything they've read about into one work. If a new writer tries that with Between the Lines, they'll drive themselves up a wall and maybe out of writing.

This book is best for advanced writers, ones who are seeking to refine their already solid prose and storytelling skills.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of ideas and information from a gifted writer January 13, 2007

By C. Bridges

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this after returning from a writing seminar with the gifted author, thinking that it would summarize the wealth of information presented. It certainly does, but the information in the seminar was just the tip of the iceberg compared to the book. I will buy this as a gift for each of the wonderful writers in my creative writing group.