Technique in Fiction/Second Edition: Revised and Updated for a New Generation [Paperback]

Robie Macauley (Author), George Lanning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1987 | ISBN-10: 0312006926 | ISBN-13: 978-0312006921 | Edition: 2 Rev Upd

Here is one of the most intelligent and useful guides to the craft of fiction ever published. Acknowledged by teachers, students, and writers as the indispensable book in the field, Technique in Fiction has been in print for over two decades. For this fully updated second edition, Robie Macauley and George Lanning have rewritten their discussions of the major technical questions and practices of fiction: setting, plot, characterization, point-of-view, style, pace and tone, and theme. These and other crucial points are illustrated with examples from Tolstoy, Forster, and James through contemporary masters such as Carver, Updike and Beattie. The result is a discerning guide to the essentials of writing fiction; in the author's words, "It is a how-it-was-done book -- and also a how-it-wasn't-done book."

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA Serious young writers looking for hints or detailed instructions may find both in these works. While different in tone and approach, they manage to answer many of the ``how do you do it'' questions about fiction writing. Technique in Fiction with its textbook-like approach covers all of the basics for creating a short story or novel. In addition, it makes good use of examples from well-known literature. Students with even limited literature backgrounds may recognize the authors and titles, while avid readers will be able to recall specific plots or characters as examples. Checklists further help aspiring writers to gauge their own work against the requirements of well-constructed plot, characterization, and setting. The Peck book, although a bit heavy on personal anecdotes and too-clever titles and wording, is a lively, conversational explanation of how one author puts together his characters. He covers such fascinating details as how to show a character using a tool to help establish personality traits and attitudes. Both titles should do well in collections where students are looking for how-to books on writing. Carolyn Praytor Boyd, Episcopal High School, Bellaire

Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Pr; 2 Rev Upd edition (May 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312006926
• ISBN-13: 978-0312006921
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,978,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to developing a critical eye, August 12, 1998

By 

nessanders (Oxford, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Technique In Fiction, Second Edition: Revised and Updated for a New Generation (Writer's Library) (Paperback)

MacAuley's book should be required reading for any new writers looking to improve their technique and style. It is easy to understand and very informative with a host of examples of good technique in practise. Even better is the section showing examples of poorly written segments by good authors.

After reading this book I gave a copy of it to my friend, an aspiring novellist, and it opened his eyes to thinking critically about writing. A must read for those who have not already undergone intensive workshop training, etc.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for any writer, August 15, 2010

By 

Robert A Wagstaff (SALEM, MA, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Technique In Fiction, Second Edition: Revised and Updated for a New Generation (Writer's Library) (Paperback)

This is a classic!

These writers are very thoughtful and comprehensive about aspects of getting into the "shifts" of narrative views and such that are often lacking in these kind of books. They also don't insult the reader by making it a "gosh golly" dummys type presentation. It's one you will re-read. Another great writer is James Woods - "How Fiction Works".