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The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes

by Jack Bickham (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 66 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0898798210
ISBN-10: 0898798213
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  • The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (September 15, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0898798213
  • ISBN-13: 978-0898798210
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #884,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA few things
By A Customer on April 20, 2001
Format: Paperback
First of all, I purchased this book over a year ago and I continue to use it. I pick it up to refresh my memory and it helps me see my work with fresh eyes. True, it is a don't do this don't do that book. I saw a few reviews complain about this... I wonder if they noticed the title of the book. Anyhow, a lot can be learned from what not to do.
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.
;)
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3.0 out of 5 starsNot that interesting with some poor advice
By A Customer on July 25, 2000
Format: Paperback
As a writer and a teacher of writing, I didn't like this book nearly as much as Self Editing for Fiction Writers or How to Write a Damn Good Novel. It is much less elegantly written, far more simplistic, and actually gives some bad advice in my opinion. For example, the author says, "Don't worry about being obvious" and says it's okay to introduce characters with direct author statements such as the following: "James Marx was a mean man all his life, and on one had ever liked him. He never gave an inch in business, and he never gave a cent to charity. Of all who knew him, his wife liked him best; she merely detested him." This is certainly the opposite of "showing vs. telling" and sounds corny and uninteresting to me. Good writing makes characters come to life and lets readers form their own opinions by letting them see, hear, and smell them. Effective literature's also much more subtle than blatant, with nuances, ambiguities, and contradictions shown through rich visual detail .. . that's how you create layered, believable, interesting characters instead of stick figures. And I'm not talking about just "literary" fiction here--the best of mainstream and genre fiction also has nuanced characterizatons that don't hit the reader over the head with an over-obvious approach.
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.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing and inspirational
By nessanders on August 22, 1998
Format: Paperback
In this very short volume, Bickham manages to get to the essence of writing good popular fiction. His language is very easy to understand, very easy to apply, and yet reveals his decades of experience. He has distilled it all down into this one book, and it's a must for all those who want to write more effective popular fiction. For those looking for even more, try his 'How to Write and Sell Your Novel', which contains longer, more in-depth treatment of the material.
Warning: For those wanting to write 'literary fiction' or such stuff, this is not the book for you.
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5.0 out of 5 starsWell worth the money. A rare find.
By A Customer on October 4, 1999
Format: Paperback
I don't often drop 10 to 12 bucks on how-to books, but this one got my attention with concise, helpful specifics. I'll definitely keep it to read and re-read. Great for helping you figure out what you're good at and what you need to work on, reminding you of the important stuff, and inspiring you to get back to the keyboard!
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4.0 out of 5 starsSome excellent ideas and some I disagree with. Worth trying for beginning writers.
By Jane on May 11, 2012
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
I've edited quotations for brevity.

TWO IDEAS I LIKE:

1. Character Actions.
(page 104) Characters should "do things for what they see as good reasons and that will achieve their ends. Don't have characters do things just because you, the author, want them to." Personally, I do not like the following which I have seen too often.
1. a character lies which does not fit his motivations.
2. heroine stupidity. I'm happy to read about a flawed or stupid heroine, but don't make a rational heroine do something illogical.

2. Too Much Pondering.
(page 66). "Scenes (peaks) represent the high points of excitement and conflict. Sequels (valleys) are quieter times when conflict is not on stage - when the character has time to feel emotion, reflect on recent developments, and plan ahead. Your character reacts to the disaster that just took place...then plans what he is going to do next. Scenes move swiftly; sequels move slowly. If your story feels slow, you may need to expand your scenes and cut or shorten sequels."

(page 22) "Don't write about wimps. It isn't interesting, watching somebody sit in his easy chair and ponder things. Your character has to be a person capable of action. He doesn't have to be a super hero. He may be active - refuse to give up or stop trying - yet still be scared or unsure of himself."

(pages 14-15): "Don't do long descriptions. Fiction is movement. Any description stops movement. Characters' thoughts and feelings are descriptions. Descriptions of the character's state of mind and emotion should be brief. The accomplished writer will tell (describe) a little, and demonstrate (show in action) a lot."

SEVEN IDEAS I QUESTION OR DISAGREE WITH:

1. Disasters.Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Very good information and guidelines for writing and editing your novel.

Published 4 months ago by Michael Sheehan
4.0 out of 5 starsBrief and effective, with laser focus on specific things to watch out...

I have been reading a variety of creative writing manuals over the past few months to gear up for my workshopping, writing, teaching, and learning that I will be doing in my new... Read more

Published 6 months ago by Garrett Zecker
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent!

This is an excellent book for anyone wanting to write fiction. Very thorough and easy to understand.

Published 7 months ago by Marjorie R
4.0 out of 5 starsGood book

Good book

Published 13 months ago by The JetCats
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Oh my G-d amazing.

Published 14 months ago by T. Youngjohn
3.0 out of 5 starsDecent read

Some decent information. However, the writer seemed to break a lot of his own principles; especially in the area of talking as if he was better than the reader.

Published 15 months ago by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsNot a long book, thus a compact tool.

Keep a copy of this in your laptop case. I do.
You can read this in one sitting. Highlight memorable elaborative phrasings, then skim it before your next project. Read more

Published 17 months ago by P.R. Greywich
5.0 out of 5 starsSuccinct and Focused

Fabulous How-To Write Book

This thin volume is packed with solid information in an easily understood format. It's succinct, focused, and often humorous. Read more

Published 17 months ago by Joan Reeves
4.0 out of 5 starsGood advice

Excellent encapsulated advice. Can't wait to revise using it. Nicely written and organized. He even added some inspiration at the end. Sorely needed after. Read more

Published 19 months ago by Joy Sieminski
4.0 out of 5 starsFour Stars

Short sweet, a lot of common sense and practicality for the real working writer. Excellent.

Published 19 months ago by Brad Ashlock

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