The most widely used and respected text in its field, Writing Fiction, 7e by novelists Janet Burroway and Elizabeth Stuckey-French guides the novice story writer from first inspiration to final revision by providing practical writing techniques and concrete examples. Written in a tone that is personal and non-prescriptive, the text encourages students to develop proficiency through each step of the writing process, offering an abundance of exercises designed to spur writing and creativity. The text also integrates diverse contemporary short stories in every chapter in the belief that the reading of inspiring fiction goes hand-in-hand with the writing of fresh and exciting stories.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Janet Burroway lectures at Florida State Univerity Susan Weinberg lectures at Appalachian State University
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By C. J. Singh
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
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Reviewed by C J Singh
In the preface to the seventh edition, Burroway notes that "the idea of a text for writing fiction is itself problematic. Unlike such subjects as math and history, where a certain mass of information needs to be organized and conveyed, the writing of fiction is more often a process of trial and error--the learning is perpetual and, paradoxically, the writer needs to know everything at once. If a text is too prescriptive, it's not true to the immense variety of possibilities; if it's too anecdotal, it may be cheering but is unlikely to be of use." Excellent criteria, emerging from the author's decades of writing and teaching experience. And this book succeeds: it's engaging and it isn't too prescriptive.
Comparing the contents of previous editions, I see that Burroway has experimented with different chapter sequences. In the sixth edition, plot discussion began in chapter 2 (page 30); in the seventh edition, plot discussion is relegated to chapter 7 (page 259). Very well, as the writer "needs to know everything at once" anyway, such experimentation could lead to a better text. Burroway's experimentation is, for the most part, based on the feedback she has regularly received from instructors of creative writing. Moreover, the new sequence reflects the author's emphasis on literary fiction, which, she notes "differs from genre fiction fundamentally in the fact that the former is character-driven, the latter plot-driven" (page 413).
The author clearly prefers literary fiction over genre fiction. (In her definition, genre fiction comprises detective story, science fiction, fantasy fiction, romance, adventure, spy, horror, and thriller.... Read more ›
Reviewed by C J Singh
In the preface to the seventh edition, Burroway notes that "the idea of a text for writing fiction is itself problematic. Unlike such subjects as math and history, where a certain mass of information needs to be organized and conveyed, the writing of fiction is more often a process of trial and error--the learning is perpetual and, paradoxically, the writer needs to know everything at once. If a text is too prescriptive, it's not true to the immense variety of possibilities; if it's too anecdotal, it may be cheering but is unlikely to be of use." Excellent criteria, emerging from the author's decades of writing and teaching experience. And this book succeeds: it's engaging and it isn't too prescriptive.
Comparing the contents of previous editions, I see that Burroway has experimented with different chapter sequences. In the sixth edition, plot discussion began in chapter 2 (page 30); in the seventh edition, plot discussion is relegated to chapter 7 (page 259). Very well, as the writer "needs to know everything at once" anyway, such experimentation could lead to a better text. Burroway's experimentation is, for the most part, based on the feedback she has regularly received from instructors of creative writing. Moreover, the new sequence reflects the author's emphasis on literary fiction, which, she notes "differs from genre fiction fundamentally in the fact that the former is character-driven, the latter plot-driven" (page 413).
The author clearly prefers literary fiction over genre fiction. (In her definition, genre fiction comprises detective story, science fiction, fantasy fiction, romance, adventure, spy, horror, and thriller.... Read more ›
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By John Bond
Format:Paperback
This was the text in my Narrative Fiction Class in my MFA program in the 90s -- and I have kept it on my desk ever since!
This and John Dufresne's The Lie that Tells a Truth are invaluable companions to any writer of fiction.
This and John Dufresne's The Lie that Tells a Truth are invaluable companions to any writer of fiction.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Bon Henson
Format:Paperback
I took a writing class several years ago and this was required reading. I found it to be a great resource. It is very simply organized and well written. The author gives some excellent examples that become quite memorable.
After college, I had misplaced my book. I loved it so much that I ordered another copy from Amazon.
If you want just the basics on creative writing, this would be a great book to start.
After college, I had misplaced my book. I loved it so much that I ordered another copy from Amazon.
If you want just the basics on creative writing, this would be a great book to start.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Y. Hill
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book deserves some real estate on every writer's crowded bookshelf. Whether purchased for a class or for individual study, Burroway's book provides a solid grounding in scene construction, characterization, dialogue, point of view, and more, with readings to illustrate each lesson. This is a must-have manual for those seeking instruction in the elements of fiction.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book covers every subject a serious writer of fiction should know. I bought an earlier edition of it as a student back in 1986 when took my first class in creative writing. I also used it as a text during the limited time I taught novel writing in continuing education at NMSU-C in 2000. There are other sources out there that address the issue of plotting for novels more effectively. But this is the absolute best source for the overall subject of narrative craft, bar none.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
It is helpful in understanding the art of literature and how to become a writer yourself. It outlines the basics of writing so any one can understand.
By Ashton Moore
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love Janet Burroway. She's a great author. The book itself isn't that bad at all. a little wear, but still in good condition. It will probably stay on my shelf for the next 10 years.
7 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By T. Sutton
Format:Paperback
I had to get this book for a fiction workshop so the price was what it was, no negotiating textbooks.
I was pleaseed to discover how helpful and informative this book is. It is very well written and engaging and guides the reader well through the development of fiction. Many solid examples are given and the writer has many profound insights.
If it weren't a book for a class, search around for an older addition and buy it used. A great buy, but $60+ is too much for any book.
I was pleaseed to discover how helpful and informative this book is. It is very well written and engaging and guides the reader well through the development of fiction. Many solid examples are given and the writer has many profound insights.
If it weren't a book for a class, search around for an older addition and buy it used. A great buy, but $60+ is too much for any book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Received wrong edition
Although I received the textbook I had ordered fairly quickly, I was nonetheless sent the wrong item. I had ordered the 7th edition for my writing course. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jess
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Book!!!
Book was in exactly the condition the seller described. It's an excellent guide for the serious writing student. Read more
Published on February 28, 2010 by Richard Brylow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very satisfied, wonderful book about fiction writing
Although it took about 1.5-2 weeks to come by mail...I am overall happy with my purchase!
Published on November 24, 2009 by Nadia Dayya
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for growing writers
This book has great insight as well as input from seasoned writers. If you are struggling this is a good book for you, you will find you are not alone and how to over come and... Read more
Published on September 16, 2009 by William Grimmer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good textbook.
This textbook is a permanent addition to my library and will be used over and over. I am presently taking a course in Fiction Writing, maybe someday Amazon.com will carry my book.
Published on February 1, 2009 by Elizabeth R. Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars
writing fiction
Everything was fine except the book was slightly thinner and wider than the one in my school bookstore so I was a bit thrown off. I compared inside and they seem identical. Read more
Published on September 30, 2008 by S. Fong
1.0 out of 5 stars
stop being a snob
These authors seem to think that, just because they've never read strongly written genre fiction, it should never be written or read; she implicitly indicates that the two are, in... Read more
Published on September 11, 2008 by Rain
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Writing Craft Book I Own!!!!!!!!
I definitely recommend this book. It has helped me so much in my writing. She breaks things down thoroughly, gives great examples and the exercises are very helpful. Read more
Published on May 12, 2008 by B. Wyche
5.0 out of 5 stars
I haven't come across a better guide to writing short fiction
Rather than focusing on abstract concepts of what a beginning writer should practice, the author provides constant and concrete examples of how to implement such concepts, which... Read more
Published on April 17, 2008 by KNJ
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