8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Roadmap to Successful Fiction Writing, January 5, 2010
This review is from: Writers Workshop of Horror (Paperback)
Writers Workshop of Horror edited by Michael Knost is the most practical and comprehensive guide to writing fiction I have ever read. Contributors include some of the most successful authors in the genre who explain point by point how to construct powerful stories.
In the chapter "Once upon a Scary Time: Creating Effective Beginnings" Elizabeth Massy explains how to craft a story opening that grabs the reader's attention and ignites his curiosity. With detailed instruction and examples from her own published fiction, she shows the writer how to create an opening that will keep the reader turning pages, hungry for more.
Michael Lamio continues with tips on constructing a strong middle, using the time factor and other elements to build suspense. He explains the use of foreshadowing and how to keep reader interest high as the story moves toward a satisfying conclusion. J. F. Gonzalez describes the different types of endings, what each accomplishes and how to create it.
These three chapters alone are worth the price of the book, but it includes so much more. Every aspect of fiction writing is covered. Gary Braunbeck instructs on building believable characters, Tim Waggoner writes about plot, Scott Nicholson describes different points of view, Thomas F. Monteleone covers writing successful dialogue, G. Cameron Fuller details the use of setting and description, Rick Hautala explains tone, style and voice and Michael A. Arnzen analyzes scene and structure.
In addition to chapters on handling basic story elements, writers like Ramsey Campbell, Jonathan Maberry, Tom Piccirilli, Mort Castle, Jeff Strand, Joe R. Lansdale and Deborah Leblanc cover special issues such as writing dramatic fight and action scenes, the use of humor, naming characters and using personal themes in fiction, and Lisa Morton provides insight into writing screenplays.
Brian Keene discusses making time to write and Jason Sizemore and Brian Yount offer tips on the dos and don'ts of manuscript preparation and submission. Interviews with F. Paul Wilson, Tom Piccirilli, Ramsey Campbell and Clive Barker are entertaining as well as instructional. Editor Michael Knost includes an inspiring and enlightening article entitled "The Aha! Moment" in which various authors discuss the time when their writing came together for them.
The success of Writers Workshop of Horror is due in large part to Editor Michael Knost's bringing together some of the top authors in the field and having them instruct writers in areas in which they excel. Knost has also edited Legends of the Mountain State, Ghostly Tales from the State of West Virginia, Volumes 1-3 and Appalachian Holiday Hauntings.
Writers Workshop of Horror is a roadmap to successful fiction writing, an essential reference aspiring writers will want to keep, not on their shelves, but on their desks for easy access. Filled with useful information, concrete examples, and advice from authors who are the best in their field, Writers Workshop of Horror is treasure.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An invaluable resource!, October 2, 2009
This review is from: Writers Workshop of Horror (Paperback)
Writing manuals are often dry, boring, and full of self-congratulatory hyperbole. Thankfully, The Writers Workshop Of Horror is not your average writing manual. Editor Michael Knost has brought together some of the top names in the horror genre, as well as talented newcomers, and given readers an entertaining, informative, and valuable work.
Covering every aspect involved in writing, and writing well, the contributors share their secrets, their tips, and their invaluable experience with the reader. Even if you have no interest in writing whatsoever, this book will still entertain and enthrall, just due to the sheer infectious fun each contributor appears to be having, talking about a subject near and dear to their hearts. With a contributors' list including names like Monteleone, Campbell, Lansdale, Barker, Castle, and Piccirilli, you know you've got something special in your hands.
Writers Workshop Of Horror belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who is serious about their writing. Entertaining, informative, and just plain old fun, this book will not only make you want to write more, it will give you the tools to write better. This should be mandatory reading in creative writing classes.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid advice that can be put to use right away, March 4, 2010
This review is from: Writers Workshop of Horror (Paperback)
This assortment of tips from countless horror writers is filled with lots of good advice and tips for budding writers and those who simply want to refresh their memory when it comes to good style and effectiveness in the genre.
I have read a lot of books on writing and as such "Writers Workshop of Horror" didn't have a whole lot of new to add to the subject. Most of what is presented here I have read or heard elsewhere before. That is not necessarily a bad thing but for well-read authors, its information content may be somewhat diminished as a result. The information that is offered is solid advice and valuable, no doubt. It also offers a glimpse into the way other writers work and approach their projects which may give readers ideas and alternatives they may not have thought of before.
Some of the entries are rather short and unfortunately the contributions by some of the bigger name authors - the once I most looked forward to - are actually interview excerpts on the subject of their writing.
Still, overall, "Writers Workshop of Horror" is a solid book that surely holds enough information and advice for any writer working in the genre.
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