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Making Shapely Fiction

by
Jerome Stern (Author)
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Jerome Stern (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 34 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0393321241
ISBN-10: 039332124X
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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: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsYou can't help but write good stories using this book.
By Robin K. Sterns on February 13, 2000
Format: 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.
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5.0 out of 5 starsBest Creative Writing Text I've Used
By lmacbeth08 on August 18, 2007
Format: 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!
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5.0 out of 5 starsThe quintessential guide for new and seasoned writers !!
By A Customer on December 30, 1998
Format: 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.
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4.0 out of 5 starsUseful but Spotty
By Kevin L. Nenstiel TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on February 2, 2004
Format: Paperback
The first part of this book feels at times more like criticism of story types than a writing manual. It details how stories have historically been structured and what advantages and disadvantages there are in each shape. Trying to grasp the Onion or the Visitation makes a good academic exercise, but it doesn't really get into the application of the relevant concepts.
The second and third parts are where this book gets useful. The second part is made up of essays on the craft--one on what it means to write what you know (a more inclusive idea than you may have realized) and one on what tragic pitfalls to avoid. Beware, young writer, for many others have fallen in these pits before you, and many more will follow.
The third part is a thorough glossary of writing terms, defined so a layman or a young author can grasp them without struggle. This is probably the most useful part of the book. When your editor, writing workshop, or trusted reviewer starts trying to define the strengths of weaknesses of your writing, you can consult this glossary to find out exactly what is being said. And when you're called upon to lend a hand to your fellow writers, this glossary will be your arsenal of concepts to communicate your meaning.
Advanced or experienced writers may not find much in this book that they haven't encountered already. However, young writers who haven't published their first full book will be able to mine this for ideas, communication, and a way to move forward in their writing.
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5.0 out of 5 starsGet This - Trust Me.
By C. Whitaker on May 31, 2011
Format: Kindle Edition
Okay, maybe you don't trust me, but how about giving me the benefit of the doubt? Amazon has a great return policy, but you'll never use it with this book. Every fiction writer should own this gem, read it thoroughly, and keep it within reach at all times. Heather Sellers (author of Page by Page; Chapter by Chapter - and PhD in creative writing!) says that everything you need to know about writing stories is between the covers of this one book. I agree. The author so keenly identifies and then defines "story types" -- you'll forever look at story writing in a different light. Really - it's difficult, after reading his concise treatment of a certain story type, not to grab a notebook and start scribbling, simply to prove to yourself that what you just read can indeed lead to a story, just like that.

The more familiar you become with these story types, the more easily you'll recognize which type any given story you might read is. Now: this is NOT a formula book! No, no, no. Anything but. It's an inspired look at the art and craft of story creation. Read the "Bear at the Door" story description, then write one. It's so great finally to be able to know basically what you're doing before you begin. Not *exactly*, maybe - but you know it's going to work.

We are not talking about the same-old "story paradigms" here - Quest, Revenge, Puzzle, etc. - No! These are primarily for short stories, I suppose; although novels could certainly arise from them, too.

Okay - I'll stop; it's impossible to explain. It's unique. Get this if you're a serious fiction writer. Maybe, then, you can explain it better. : )
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsHappy to find this gem

I first read this book in college and had kept my old copy for years. When I needed it recently, I realized it had disappeared. How excited I was to discover it on Amazon! Read more

Published 3 months ago by TP
5.0 out of 5 starsIndispensible resource

Excellent book. Well conceived and intellingent, well written, and witty. Indispensible resource for the fiction writer or fiction-writing teacher.

Published 10 months ago by Grumpy
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat book on writing

Great book on writing. It breaks down each issue a new writer has about writing. Few examples are POV, description and diction. I recommend this book to any level of writer.

Published 12 months ago by ernesto velasquez
5.0 out of 5 starsGood condition text book for school at a cheap price ...

Good condition text book for school at a cheap price and fast arrival. Saved me a lot of money.

Published 14 months ago by CommanderMel
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

I absolutely am glad this was an ebook. I needed it for class. It helped me a lot

Published 17 months ago by AmazonAuthor - @SHJ52111
5.0 out of 5 starsOne of the Most Helpful Books on Writing!

A virtual encyclopedia of writing tips. One of the best books on writing I've yet discovered. Arranged alphabetically, every writing technique is discussed and explained in an... Read more

Published 18 months ago by Richard C Meeks
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Tool for Fiction Authors

This is an amazingly useful book for anyone who wants to write fiction. I had to buy it for a class, but ended up reading it over just because it is that good. Read more

Published 20 months ago by lynchling
5.0 out of 5 starsPerfect for anyone who wants to be a writer

This is a highly recommended book - I've had it for 8+ years now, and just ordered another one since I lost my old one.... too bad, it was full of notes!

Published 22 months ago by Truth Peace Love
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent approach to thinking about fiction especially for new...

This book cuts to the heart of how fiction is structured without getting bogged down in example after example. Read more

Published 23 months ago by Adam Michaud
5.0 out of 5 starsessential

Essential text for anyone with aspirations to write well.
Structured in such a way to may dipping in later easy. Great reference work.

Published on March 17, 2014 by Angelo auciello

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