Fiction Writer's Handbook [Paperback]

Hallie Burnett (Author), Whit Burnett (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0062731696 | ISBN-13: 978-0062731692 | Publication Date: January 27, 1993

This book offers practical advice on every aspect of writing novels and short stories: plotting and narrative development, characterization and dialogue, sources of material, planning an opening, roughing out chapters, using suspense and emotional color, rewriting and highlighting and much more. Examples drawn from the works of outstanding writers, past and present, illustrate each point, making this the perfect handbook for professional writers and students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Fiction Writer's Handbook is wise and comprehensive, and surprisingly full of touches of lore." -- -- from the preface by Norman Mailer

About the Author

As co-editors of Story magazine, Whit and Hallie Burnett published the first work of many noted writers--Norman Mailer, J.D. Salinger, William Saroyan, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Carson McCullers and many others. The Burnetts also taught writing and wrote and edited numerous books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference (January 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062731696
• ISBN-13: 978-0062731692
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #197,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, September 9, 2004

By 

Sister Soul (San Fran, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fiction Writer's Handbook (Paperback)

This is a book for people who are serious about writing. It has specific, detailed tips and advice for how to be a real writer. This book is not for those who want the feel-good, dumbed-down kind of advice found in "how-to" writing books that want you to believe that all you need to be a writer is confidence and energy. The "Fiction Writer's Handbook" operates under the premise that if you are willing to be a writer you will work hard, rewrite, and pay attention to craft. To that end, this book has much to offer anyone who is willing to learn about style, character, and plot, and to work hard. I have found this to be a valuable guide for writing fiction, and would suggest it to anyone serious about the craft of fiction.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A complicated book, but worth it in the end!, April 28, 2004

By 

Brian H. (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fiction Writer's Handbook (Paperback)

Ok, this is no "Writing for derrrrs" book. It is rather complicated and confusing sometimes, but you understand it all eventually. It gets specific and the author knows what he's saying because he taught writing at Harvard.

Basically no "Writing for Morons" or "Keep it simple stupid" book.

Give it a shot if your willing to think about stuff instead of having it served on a spoon to you. Worth it all in the end, if J.D. Salinger approves of this book you must know it is excellent. (He wrote some before and after work saying it is the best book for writing out there.)

8 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aspiring Fictional Writer, May 25, 2004

By 

Michael G. Yates "Aspiring Writer" (Chesterfield, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fiction Writer's Handbook (Paperback)

For about ten years or more, I have always held the dream to write manuscript and be fortunate to have it publish into a fictional Novel. I was child with a vast imagination. I would outline a novel but simply let it sit and gather dust. Years ago, I mentioned my dream to become a writer of fiction to a friend of mine. Instead of teasing me about my ambition, he purchased for me the "Fiction Writer's Handbook." I was touched about his gesture in his belief in me possible achieving this goal. That friend recently died suddenly at the young age of 39-leaving behind a wife and baby. For him and maybe for my self, I started putting together a novel that I feel might me something worth reading. My dream is now a vision thanks to my old friend. Reading the purchased book, after years of also gathering dust-unread, gave me some great ideas as well as confirming some things for me as I write my manuscript. The book has topnotch suggestions for the new writer trying to develop the story towards publication. As I write, I will have the book "Fiction Writer's Handbook" close by as a guide. It is my prayer that my friend is looking down over me in a show of support for my endeavor. I hope to someday see my book on the shelves of many bookstores around the country. We all have dreams but only some of us turn those dreams in reality. Wish me luck. GOD BLESS.