The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (Paperback)

The author also says, "beware of late-blooming ideas that seem to come from nowhere during your writing of the project" and mocks the idea that characters can "come to life" and seem to take over a story. I think this advice is counter to the creative process, where some of one's best ideas can come from who knows where and you develop something that wasn't part of your preconception. Much of the fun of writing to me is experiencing those times when new ideas and angles come from the ether (or the muse)--when I'm in the creative flow and the characters DO seem to come to life and I know what they can and cannot do. Scores of writers speak of and actually revere this phenomenon. It seems terrible advice to me to stick to your plan no matter what and ignore the gifts of the creative process. I'm a journalist and some of my best writing has been that that came to me relatively late in the process of working on a story--the "ah ha, so that's how to do it" moment when it all falls together differently--and so much better than-- than the original idea. As I near completion of my first novel I find that some of my most exciting material is without a doubt that which I did not pre-plan. I believe in structuring but think you must go with the flow, too, and be open to following those serendipidous ideas that come to you. You can also choose not to use them if they don't pan out.

This book has some good sections that I was able to learn from and enjoy (for example the chapters on characters going from feeling to thinking to action and on scenes/sequels), but much more of it seemed wordy and tiresome with such phrases as "pardon me while I disagree" and statements of the obvious, for example, "A windbag, in old-fashion slang, is a person who talks and talks and talks . . . and never lets anybody get a word in edgewise. Windbags in real life are colossal bores. In fiction they're even worse."

Second, this a book about writing works that publisher's find appealing (and the public too of course). If that is not what you hope for, then take it with a grain of salt and read Writing Down The Bones; that is a book focused on the creative side of the craft.

Third, the most popular review of this book is negative "Not that interesting with some poor advice" July 2000. I'd like to point out Bickham is an accomplished, popular and published writer while the reviewer was at the time "...near completion of my first novel." Frankly, I think it is silly to critique a book like this on how well it deals with the creative side of writing; the creative part of writing is your job and no one can stop you but you.

To sum it up, this is a writer's advice on writing books. There are plenty of authors I wish would do this; I am grateful Mr. Bickham did. I don't think he is claiming his word is law; any sensible person knows there is no such thing in art. But, if you hope to have an audience, you'd better know how to please it and I think this book does a fine job pointing out some things that can make that audience throw rotten fruit at you.

;)

Some key points Bickham devotes chapters to: don't be a show off when you write, speak intelligently to your reader, don't use real people in your stories, don't forget sense impressions, don't ignore scene structure, don't wander around in a fog, etc. In each of the 38 chapters (one for each fiction writing mistake) he clearly and thoroughly discusses each mistake and makes it evident why such writing doesn't work. After reading this book, such errors become evident in your own work. I know mine started jumping right out at me.

Bickham is also a motivator, telling would be writers to set a schedule and write, write, write and you will find success. He shows writers how to remain positive and assures them that giving up is the biggest and costliest writing mistake of all. Those who persist will succeed, he assures.

Overall, I derived a good bit of elementary writing technique from this book and some motivation and encouragement. I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to all beginning fiction writers.