Elements of Fiction Writing - Characters & Viewpoint: Proven advice and timeless techniques for creating compelling characters by an award-winning author [Paperback]

Orson Scott Card (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 18, 2011 | ISBN-10: 9781599632124 | ISBN-13: 978-1599632124 | Edition: 2

Vivid and memorable characters aren't born: they have to be made

This book is a set of tools: literary crowbars, chisels, mallets, pliers and tongs. Use them to pry, chip, yank and sift good characters out of the place where they live in your imagination.

Award-winning author Orson Scott Card explains in depth the techniques of inventing, developing and presenting characters, plus handling viewpoint in novels and short stories. With specific examples, he spells out your narrative options—the choices you'll make in creating fictional people so real" that readers will feel they know them like members of their own families.

You'll learn how to:

• Draw characters from a variety of sources
• Make characters show who they are by the things they do and say, and by their individual "style"
• Develop characters readers will love—or love to hate
• Distinguish among major characters, minor characters and walk-ons, and develop each appropriately
• Choose the most effective viewpoint to reveal the characters and move the storytelling
• Decide how deeply you should explore your characters' thoughts, emotions, and attitudes

"

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 2 edition (January 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781599632124
• ISBN-13: 978-1599632124
• ASIN: 1599632128
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.7 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship
  • #88 in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Writing Skills

More About the Author

Orson Scott Card is the bestselling author best known for the classic Ender's Game, Ender's Shadow and other novels in the Ender universe. Most recently, he was awarded the 2008 Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in Young Adult literature, from the American Library Association. Card has written sixty-one books, assorted plays, comics, and essays and newspaper columns. His work has won multiple awards, including back-to-back wins of the Hugo and the Nebula Awards-the only author to have done so in consecutive years. His titles have also landed on 'best of' lists and been adopted by cities, universities and libraries for reading programs. The Ender novels have inspired a Marvel Comics series, a forthcoming video game from Chair Entertainment, and pre-production on a film version. A highly anticipated The Authorized Ender Companion, written by Jake Black, is also forthcoming.Card offers writing workshops from time to time and occasionally teaches writing and literature at universities.Orson Scott Card currently lives with his family in Greensboro, NC.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#17 Overall (See top 100 authors)

#2 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction

#2 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction

#4 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy

#17 in Books

#21 in Books > Literature & Fiction

#2 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Science Fiction

#2 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Science Fiction

#4 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy

#17 in Books

#21 in Books > Literature & Fiction

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very objective and rich January 12, 2011

By Alie Brown

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A few weeks ago I discovered in Speaker for the Dead how distinct and memorable are Orson Scott characters. So, I decided to buy this book for learning the craft. And I'm very pleased. The author goes straight to the point with all the things a writer should consider for creating memorable characters, and how to do it.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Tools for Creating Vibrant Memorable Characters January 7, 2012

By Richard R. Blake TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

In "Characters and Viewpoints" Orson Scott Card provides the writer with the tools for constructing colorful credible characters.

Card grabbed my attention as I scanned the table of contents. I immediately followed this by perusing the bold headings within the chapters. After reading the book I find it an important resource in my collection of books for the writer.

The book is divided into three parts. Card begins with pointers on inventing characters, where they come from, potential audience, and choosing names.
He moves on to help the reader/writer construct characters, including the protagonist, supporting, and minor characters. I particularly needed help in the area of voice, presentation, and person. Card included illustrations from well-known authors to reinforce the writing principles presented throughout the book.

"The Elements of Fiction Writing - Characters and Viewpoint" is an important tool for new writers. The book is filled with definitive techniques for creating vibrant memorable characters.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring March 5, 2012

By R. Ward

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I have purchased 3 books dealing with similar topics. This is the first I was able to read all the way through. A testament to Mr. Cards prowess as a writer. The examples in the book are not disguised advertisements for the authors works. There are a wide range of examples given, all spot on to illustrate the current topic. My only complaint is that some of the novels mentioned as examples of a certain type of viewpoit are now out of print or at least in very limited supply (to expensive for me to buy as research). I will be going back through this work in a few months with a more practiced eye, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Character and Viewpoint.