How to Tell a Story: The Secrets of Writing Captivating Tales (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Gary Provost (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This writing reference combines the renowned instruction of the late Gary Provost with the literary savvy of his longtime colleague and friend, Peter Rubie.'

Product Details

• Hardcover: 234 pages
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books; 1st edition (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898798094
• ISBN-13: 978-0898798098
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #342,025 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An insightful, hands-on book that solves immediate problems, February 9, 2000

By	Frank Cunat (Chevy Chase, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This book by Peter Rubie and the late Gary Provost is filled with the kind of hands-on advice you'd get from very good writing instructors. More clearly than in many other books, Rubie and Provost explore the nature of character, objectives, and obstacles, and demonstrate that plot and structure derive from character and conflict. While the book is primarily intended for writers of fiction and nonfiction narrative, the principles can also be used by screenwriters and playwrights, and in fact most of the authors' examples are taken from films.

I'm a playwright and read this book while blocked on a project. Thanks to the ideas expressed here, I was able to go back and immediately think of further ideas and a "next step." The only reason I didn't rate the book 5 stars is that I think you can quarrel with some specific pieces of advice and with some analyses (e.g., the authors cite the play and movie "Betrayal" as an example of flashback, while I think it's actually an example of a nonlinear time sequence). (Also, it's surprising that a book about writing consistently misuses the word "it's.") But those are quibbles. I found this to be a useful, thorough book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best I've Read, February 2, 2006

By	DE Navarro "NavWorks Press" (Northport AL) - See all my reviews

This is one of the best books I have ever read on how to tell (or write) a story and I've read about 50. This book is simple and basic and therein is its beauty. In simple terms and a basic straightforward style, Rubie covers all the subtle and enthralling techniques and characteristics of writing gripping, captivating, page-turning tales. Only a true master can make the subtle so simple. I don't just recommend you read this, I recommend you read and read again. A great investment for any writer and really a great read for anyone.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A toolbox for expression, January 28, 2003

By A Customer

Writers live in a world where the right tools and skills can make the difference between surviving in a hovel and living in a comfortable home. 'How to Tell a Story" is a book that brings many of these skills and tools together in a useful format. Like a painter looking for just the right brush and stoke, I used the ideas and guidelines presented to help finalize my own book, which I'm happy to say is now being published (with minimum 'editing'). Highly recommended.