Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts [Paperback]

Raymond Obstfeld (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2001

Every writer struggles with spots that "just aren't working" in their manuscript. No other book on the market approaches works like Fiction First Aid does, which quickly shows how seemingly fatal errors can become both manageable and fixable. Novice and more experienced writers alike will appreciate the book's techniques for identifying and revising weaknesses in their work. Fiction First Aid shows how to repair those wounded manuscripts through easy-to-follow steps, patterned after those found in your typical first-aid manual: 1) Diagnose the problem; 2) Suggest specific remedies; 3) Prescribe therapies to avoid the problem in the future; It couldn't be any easier!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The head of the writing program at Orange Coast College in California and a prolific author with 27 novels to his credit, as well as screenplays, short stories, and 13 nonfiction books, Obstfeld here addresses writers who need help fixing specific areas of their fiction. The book has a strong outline structure, which makes the text easy to follow and accessible to readers looking for specific areas of interest. The topics covered are plot, characterization, setting, style, and theme. In keeping with the title, the author uses first-aid terminology (e.g., ailment, diagnosis, and treatment) as a device to move the reader along. Physical therapy sections give short writing exercises, and case studies look at works that provide both good and bad examples to study. Hints at the end of the book cover grammar mistakes, and Obstfeld recommends that if you want to write you need to read and study a lot of authors. This how-to book will be checked out where books on writing are popular. Recommended for public libraries. Lisa J. Cihlar, Monroe P.L., WI

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Raymond Obstfeld is the author of 27 novels in a variety of genres, including mysteries, suspense thrillers, and mainstream novels and The Novelist's Essential Guide to Creating Scenes. He has also sold ten screenplays, thirteen books of nonfiction, numerous short stories, poems, and nonfiction articles. He resides in Tustin, California, and heads the writing program at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582970505
• ISBN-13: 978-1582970509
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,890,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference Guide, August 15, 2002

By 

FictionAddiction.NET - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts (Paperback)

Weak plots. Writer's block. Lack of suspense. Unrealistic characters.

These are just a few of the many ailments that can infect your fiction. "Fiction First Aid" offers "instant remedies" for novels, short stories and scripts.

You don't have to know exactly what's causing the problem in your project. The layout of this guide helps you diagnose your "sick" manuscript and provides a prescription to get your work back on track.

Chapters are categorized for easy reference. Plot, characterization, setting, style and theme are all covered in great detail.

The very last section deals with the common questions writers of all experience levels face. How can I find more time to write? How can I tell if what I'm writing is good? What is the best way to revise my manuscript?

Each chapter contains hints and tips on making your work stronger. And when you're ready to examine your own work, check out the symptoms, ailment, diagnosis and treatment you can use for your manuscript.

The doctor is in. Author Raymond Obstfeld uses examples from popular novels, films and short stories to illustrate his point. Even if your writing isn't in Emergency Room status, a little check-up won't hurt. It's easy to learn how to take your fiction to the next level no matter what your writing background.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to help polish your work, December 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts (Paperback)

I'm an editing book junkie, and this is hands down the best one I've ever read. It gives specifics on trouble spots and what to look for, and actually tells you how to fix them. So many books I've read just advise of what to do, but never show you how. I read through the pages thinking, "I do that. Yikes, I do that too." My work has improved trememdously since I read this book. I think every writer who wants to polish his work or give it a final once over before submission should read it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to use proven techniques to enhance suspense, March 17, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies for Novels, Stories and Scripts (Paperback)

In Fiction First Aid: Instant Remedies For Novels & Stories, published author, poet, and screenwriter Raymond Obstfeld utilizes helpful examples drawn from classic and contemporary literature and film to show aspiring writers how to examine a flawed manuscript, diagnose the problems, and then correct them. A very highly recommended addition to any "how to" writing reading list or reference collection, Fiction First Aid shows how to use proven techniques to enhance suspense and meet reader expectations; make individual character motivations consistent with their action and the framework of the plot; determine the best place in which to set a story or particular scene; give minor and peripheral characters of their own; distinguish a genre or mainstream novel through using a unique style and a creative plot.