Making Shapely Fiction [Paperback]

Jerome Stern (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 039332124X | ISBN-13: 978-0393321241 | Publication Date: November 1, 1991

A deft analysis and appreciation of fiction--what makes it work and what can make it fail.

Here is a book about the craft of writing fiction that is thoroughly useful from the first to the last page--whether the reader is a beginner, a seasoned writer, or a teacher of writing. Jerome Stern maintains that learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. You will see how a work takes form and shape once you grasp the principles of momentum, tension, and immediacy. "Tension," Stern says, "is the mother of fiction. When tension and immediacy combine, the story begins." Dialogue and action, beginnings and endings, the true meaning of "write what you know," and a memorable listing of don'ts for fiction writers are all covered. A special section features an Alphabet for Writers: entries range from Accuracy to Zigzag, with enlightening comments about such matters as Cliffhangers, Point of View, Irony, and Transitions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Full of wisdom with a light touch. . . . People will write better for this book. -- Janet Burroway, author of Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft

From the Publisher

This book is different from other books on writing. You can start writing serious fiction from the first page -- because, as Jerome Stern makes clear, learning to write spontaneously is the first step to writing well. As you begin to grasp the principle of momentum, tension and immediacy, you'll find your fiction has shape and form. You'll discover how to "write what you know," and avoid the traps and pitfalls awaiting fledgeling authors. A cross-referenced Alphabet for Writers includes incisive entries for such writerly concerns as Anti-Heroes, Dialogue, Sex, and Style. Whether you're a beginning, a seasoned professional, or a teacher of the craft, you already know there are no rules in writing ficton . . .but Jerome Stern will inspire you to find your personal path. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039332124X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393321241
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #26,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't help but write good stories using this book., February 13, 2000

By 

Robin K. Sterns "Dr. Robin Sterns" (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Making Shapely Fiction (Mass Market Paperback)

After reviewing a bunch of how-to-write-short-fiction texts, Isettled on Making Shapely Fiction. Ironic, because as a student atFlorida State University, where Jerry Stern taught, I stayed away from his creative writing classes - people said he was a pit bull. Twenty years later I find myself using this slim, artful text in an advanced writing class, and the students and I are all amazed at the quality of material we're generating from the first. This book doesn't merely promote plot, character and setting: each assignment sets up a scenario that creates tension while warning writers away from tired techniques and stereotype. I recommend it to everyone.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Creative Writing Text I've Used, August 18, 2007

By 

lmacbeth08 "LMac" (U.S.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Shapely Fiction (Paperback)

In my experience most creative writing texts are incredibly "fluffY" - very little real information and more concerned with the volume of prompts than with the value of the prompts. This book is quite the opposite; it contains 16 prompts (called "shapes"), a brief section on writing no-nos, an excellent list of other publications useful to the writer of fiction, and a wonderful, selective glossary of fiction writing terminology.

The "shapes" are really explanations of storytelling archetypes of form. Included are The Journey, The Gathering and The Visitation which are rather self-explanatory. Other shapes are less immediately recognizable, but all frequently used storytelling devices. Stern offers brief examples of each shape to help the reader understand and get started. He also references the glossary terms pertinent to each shape.

The glossary itself is as useful, if not moreso, than the shapes themselves. It defines concepts as simple as plot and as esoteric as objective correlative. In almost every definition, Stern makes reference to at least one work of fiction exemplifying the concept and these are a genuine aid to the reader or student in understanding what makes great fiction great.

I couldn't recommend this book more highly. In a recent creative writing class of 20+ people it got universally high marks, and it's the first book I turn to when my own enthusiasm or inspiration are on the wane. A great bargain!

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The quintessential guide for new and seasoned writers !!, December 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Making Shapely Fiction (Mass Market Paperback)

I "happened upon" this book in the library, quickly scanned its pages and decided to check it out. I'm thinking: Hey! What do I have to lose ?!? Two days later I am here, at Amazon.com, to buy it ... this book is THE START for anyone who is serious about writing fiction. Mr. Stern is obviously a seasoned writer and teacher and he offers his wisdom in a straightforward manner. This is not a book written by someone looking to "get rich quick." The shelves are full of those. This book ranks up there with "The Elements of Style" by Strunk & White (Serious writers know what I'm refering to). I highly recommend it. Two thumbs up, as the two guys in Chicago say.