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Making Shapely Fiction Paperback – November 1, 1991

4.6 out of 5 stars 264

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A deft analysis and appreciation of fiction―what makes it work and what can make it fail.

Here is a book about the craft of writing fiction that is thoroughly useful from the first to the last page―whether the reader is a beginner, a seasoned writer, or a teacher of writing. You will see how a work takes form and shape once you grasp the principles of momentum, tension, and immediacy. "Tension," Stern says, "is the mother of fiction. When tension and immediacy combine, the story begins." Dialogue and action, beginnings and endings, the true meaning of "write what you know," and a memorable listing of don'ts for fiction writers are all covered. A special section features an Alphabet for Writers: entries range from Accuracy to Zigzag, with enlightening comments about such matters as Cliffhangers, Point of View, Irony, and Transitions.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Useful on the most practical level.... [Stern] plunges his readers into the middle of things."
New York Times

"Offers a raft of examples that explain the techniques used by novelists from Flaubert to Updike―an eminently helpful and engaging writer's guide."
Booklist

"A complete original. The warm, witty, wise voice draws you in, and you leave the book wanting to write―and knowing how."
Jesse Lee Kercheval, director, Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing, University of Wisconsin

"Jerome Stern has done us all a favor with this canny little book. If you are interested in writing,
read it now. This is an expert writer and teacher sending his notes from the trenches. Never has caution been so exhilarating, advice so wry. I will use this book."
Ron Carlson, author of The Hotel Eden

"Clarifies the mumbo-jumbo. For serious students of fiction, Jerome Stern is the Alpha crow. Follow him and shave the miles off your flying time."
Bob Shacochis, author of Swimming in the Volcano

About the Author

Jerome Stern, a professor of English and popular culture, is the author of an acclaimed book on writing, Making Shapely Fiction. His incisive monologues are regularly heard on National Public Radio.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company (November 1, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 270 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 039332124X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0393321241
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 264

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
264 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
If you want to get better at writing fiction take a look at this book! Will learn many things about writing!
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2020
This is a great guide when crafting any kind of story. As with any other types of books on writing, this book will not tell or show you how to do that; however, what Shapely does do and do well is provide a mold, a frame, the foundation to builf on your story on. Shapely fiction works great for framing short stories. The book provides examples on how to use conflict, tension, and immediacy to grab the reader and keep them IN the story until the last word.

Need examples of these shapes at work? I recommend classic short story anthologies like the Norton Anthology of Short Fiction (available in most second-hand book stores) or the Art of the Short Story (another Anthology of stories) or any other collection. The point is to read the stories and then match their shape to a shape in Shapely Fiction.

I keep a list of stories and their shape or shapes as a reference in a notebook - combining shapes is challenging but rewarding. Get this book and happy writing!
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2013
This is a craftsman's book. It wastes no time with empty promises of success or inspiring rags-to-riches tales about other authors; it assumes you've come to write, rather than be seduced, and it lays out the challenges right off the bat.

This is not an easy book. This isn't the kind of book you can curl up with on a rainy day and share a cup of tea. It's small, terse, and non-threatening in appearance, but chances are, while reading it, you will at some point feel the ego-crushing realization that you are a bad writer for having not already known all of this. It demands that you grab a pen and get to work, rather than mooning about and being wishy-washy.

It's not a business book. It won't tell you how to sell your stories, what format to use, or how to get an agent. But it will teach you to write well enough that all those issues resolve themselves.

If you think you're a great writer, you need this book because it will improve your storytelling, your subtlety, and your confidence.

If you're a beginning writer, you need this book because it explains - in a very intuitive way - how every story fits into a "shape" or a series of shapes which serve as a basic framework for the unfolding action.

If you're looking to improve your skills and you weren't sure where to turn, this is it, buddy. This is a kick in the pants for any serious writer, and I'd recommend it to everyone interested in writing better.
14 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2019
As a wannbe writer, I found Making Shapely Fiction of good use. That for me is a high compliment. Mr. Stern also equips this reader with a large vocabulary with which to discuss and understand fiction with one's peers. Highly recommended for those interested in improving their writing.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2022
Great for defining terms used by writers. Arranged like a glossary but with a few paragraphs/pages for each topic. Well worth it as a reference tool.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021
Overall, this book has really incredible advice for beginners! Even those who are considered to be more experienced in writing should take the time to read through this book as a nice refresher course.

The table of contents provides a nice and easy way to jump right into the topics of writing you’d want to read up on—and I feel that the author does a fantastic job of giving both thorough explanations and keeping it short and sweet so not to overwhelm the reader.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
no rips tears or banged up
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2019
This book was required for a college writing class. I ordered it both on Kindle and in print. This, the print book, came quickly and is clean and fragrance free (important for many people) and a nice size to handle. The book itself is well written and easy to understand. In the first few pages assigned to me, I have already read information that will improve my writing.
One person found this helpful
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