Customer Reviews

Creating Fiction: Instructions and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a writer, I'm usually skeptical about buying books on writing, but this book is amazing. It's smart and practical, with advice from some of the most accomplished novelists and short story writers living today. I honestly learned things I didn't know by reading this book. As a teacher of writing, I'm going to use it in the classroom, too. A must for anybody who's serious about writing fiction. A new classic! As good as, if not better than, John Gardner's The Art of Fiction!

I've purchased a lot of books on writing. This is by far one of the best. Each chapter is written by a different author, handling a different aspect of the writing process. Ms. Checkoway has done a brilliant job of editing and choosing her authors and their topics. I've used this book in every point of my novel's progress from start to revision and found the advice helpful, practical and accessible. I highly recommend this book for beginners and experienced writers.

This book is a friendly companion written by people who not only enjoy writing but who have been successful at it. The authors in each lesson set an excellent example for the aspiring writer, creating a tone that challenges you to be adventurous and to work at your prose. If this book doesn't put you on the right path, not much else will.

Creating Fiction: Instructions and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs Initially I wanted a new copy, searched all over for it,and couldn't locate one. Then I decided that I would have to buy it used. I was very surprised to get what looks like a new book, no markings or highlights, binding in excellent condition and what appears to be a new dust cover.

The book has been very helpful in learning about this craft. The contributing authors give wonderful insight and the exercises at the end of each lesson have been very thought provoking and useful to practice writing concepts. This book came highly recommended by people in the field and now I can see why. I feel that it was worth the effort I made to get it.

Very good resource for all levels of fiction writers. Good articles and exercises after each chapter. Enjoyed the different perspectives offered by the various authors. Creating Fiction: Instructions and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs.

why is this book out of print? I had to buy it 2nd hand. anybody who wants to write ANYTHING will get good use out of this book. even if you don't want to write, but wonder how your favorite authors did it, this will give you insight into how its done. the authors of the various chapters in this book have published articles and books of fiction and/or non-fiction. many of them are also college profs. in prestigeous writing programs. if anybody reading this review has any pull where it is needed, please help get this book re-published. it is wanted so badly, people I know have paid as much as $40 for a used paperback copy. I was lucky enough to find a hard cover edition. I loved reading GOOD advise on how to develop characters, write dialog, tell a story, etc. -- many times with great humor -- and always using well-known books and short stories as examples. and, each chapter ends with useful writing exercises. if you can find it, buy it!

A decidedly uninteresting collection of essays. The essays are written in a sort of univerally vanilla style, which is maybe indicitive of how writing classes are taught, but which hardly gets the reader exciting about the writing process. The exercises are hokey, and may be of interest to people just getting started on the work of writing, but will most likely be useless to anyone who has completed a few stories. "The Eleventh Draft" and "Why I Write" are much more interesting, inciteful, and inspiring books about creating fiction.

For any potential and existing writer this books shows the magic and purpose in writing.....even going beyond the philosophical to the practical (viewpoint etc. are all covered)

Definitely a fascinatingly well written book.

Inspiring