Customer Reviews

Between the Lines

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

What an excellent book! I learned something from every chapter -- maybe from every single page. Morrell's book is packed with valuable teaching that will benefit every fiction writer seeking to fine-tune his/her work. I found all the chapters to be relevant, clear, and full of practical advice and well-chosen examples. I highly recommend "Between the Lines"!

Between the Lines, by Jessica Page Morrell, is an in-depth look at a wide range of novel-writing subjects. As the title implies, this is not meant to be a typical A to Z how-to book, and for the most part it lives up to its title.

Between the Lines did quite well on my "Hi-Liter test." As I read a book, I highlight the meaty parts for further reference and note-taking. Books with little substance survive relatively unscathed, while information-packed, insightful books get a heavy dose of yellow ink. My copy of Between the Lines is now awash in yellow. The chapters I found least useful were Tension and Suspense, which included a lot of information I've seen elsewhere.

My "note-taking test" was a little rougher on Between the Lines. After I finish reading a book, I review the passages marked with my Hi-Liter, scribbling notes to be filed by topic. Some of the chapters were packed with insight and juicy tidbits I noted for future reference, but much of the subject matter was a review for me. I took lots of notes about Epiphanies, Revelations, Flashbacks, Foreshadowing, Prologues, and Epilogues. My favorite chapter was Transitions, which by itself is worth the price of the book.

Using a five-star rating system, I rank Between the Lines four stars. I didn't give it five stars largely because of what's missing from the text. Other books cover some of the material with greater insight. And many of the examples could have been better chosen to illustrate the points being made.

Overall, I'm glad I purchased Between the Lines and suspect I will be referring to it again and again in the future.

Thank you, Jessica Page Morrell. I am so glad that I happened to walk past the new arrivals shelf in my local library. This caught my eye, I grabbed it and I have not been able to put it down. I have written 50,000 words so far for my first novel. I knew my second draft would keep me busy but now I know what it needs .... not guessing at what it needs. This lady knows her stuff. I would happily take a writing course that she teaches ... any day of the week.

Between the Lines is one of the best books on writing I've ever read. Morrell's relaxed style and depth of knowledge fit easily together and thankfully, she includes lots of examples and illustrations. The subtitle mentions mastering the subtle elements of fiction writing and that's just what the book covers--everything that is common to overlook when you're focused on the story. Everything that makes a story come alive. Whether you're a novice writer or an established author, I recommend this book. Morrell is an accomplished writer in her own right and one of the premier writing instructors in the country.

With a book shelf full of writing books, I finally found the help to make my stories vibrate with life. Jessica Page Morrell gets into all the nuances that bring your writing alive complete with lots of examples. I have been gnawing on a manuscript for a couple of years and Between The Lines showed me all the little subtleties that make good writing great. Thank you, Jessica

As a novel writing teacher, I purchase a lot of books on writing. I'm always looking for new ideas and new ways to present information to my students. BETWEEN THE LINES is simply one of the best overall books about writing that I've found. I absolutely disagree with the reviewer who said only beginners will profit from reading this book. That's ridiculous. In fact, beginners would be overwhelmed by reading this book; it's not for beginners. Beginners need basics: point of view, conflict, scene structure. Morrell covers the subtler aspects of writing, the things you can't possibly comprehend when you're just beginning because they are over your head -- and she does it extremely well. I used this book quite extensively in teaching my advanced students and they soaked it up and clamored for more. I've advised them to buy the book. I've been writing for more than twenty years, have sold 47 novels of romance and women's fiction, have taught creative writing at the college level and now am doing it online, and BETWEEN THE LINES is one of just five books about writing that I strongly recommend to my students. Trust me on this, folks. This is one fine book. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This book packs alot bang for your buck. Morrell knows her stuff and explains everything succinctly. What's great about the book is that at the end of almost every chapter she offers editing tips, so you can use this book to aid you in your self-editing and revision process. There are no formal exercises (just alot of helpful tips), but she covers just above every aspect of fiction that really isnt treated in depth in other books (just look at the table of contents).

Another reviewer complained about the stylistic designs on the pages within the book. They are somewhat distracting and does take some space away along the margins (especially if you like to write notes), but this does NOT detract the value of the information she provides. In other words, Morrell did not doctor up her book design to hide any fluff, because THERE IS NO FLUFF. There's plenty of room on the top and bottom of each page if you must write notes.

The other great thing about this book is that she offers a recommended reading list after each topic. It would have been nice though, if she compiled that list at the end of the book, as well as bibliography of books she used for reference. The other pet peeve of this book is that she doesn't end the book with a chapter of summary or a final note in summation. The last chapter is on transitions and that's where she cuts her readers off.

***Note to Author*** Perhaps in a future updated edition, you may want to consider adding chapters on Dialogue and Viewpoint. This would add tremendous value to your book, as well as portray your book as an almost complete fiction writing book!!!!