Rules of Thumb: 71 Authors Reveal Their Fiction Writing Fixations

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Overview

Whether it's the simplest of prohibitions (don't use too many adjectives) or a cherished writing maxim (show, don't tell), all writers have a rule of thumb that guides their work. In this book, contemporary fiction writers share their favorites. Readers will discover:

* 72 original essays by writers detailing the one secret each writer swears by

* Insight and revelations from a range of writers including John Barth, Rick Moody, Melanie Rae Thon, Brett Lott, Thisbe Nissen, and more

* A spectrum of helpful and often contradictory advice, making for a rich guide to the craft

Readers will welcome the unique insights into writers' personal habits in this engaging guide.

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Overview

Whether it's the simplest of prohibitions (don't use too many adjectives) or a cherished writing maxim (show, don't tell), all writers have a rule of thumb that guides their work. In this book, contemporary fiction writers share their favorites. Readers will discover:

* 72 original essays by writers detailing the one secret each writer swears by

* Insight and revelations from a range of writers including John Barth, Rick Moody, Melanie Rae Thon, Brett Lott, Thisbe Nissen, and more

* A spectrum of helpful and often contradictory advice, making for a rich guide to the craft

Readers will welcome the unique insights into writers' personal habits in this engaging guide.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal
How much does advice go for nowadays? For about 28 cents per chapter, if you purchase this collection, in which an outstanding group of published (though not necessarily well-known) fiction writers and poets (despite the title) share the secrets that help them work productively. That's quite a bargain considering the number of personal anecdotes and words of wisdom compiled by Martone (director, MFA Program in Creative Writing, Univ. of Alabama; Unconventions: Attempting the Art of Craft and the Craft of Art) and Neville (creative writing, Butler Univ., Indianapolis; Fabrication: Essays on Making Things and Making Meaning). This is not a book on how to make money at writing but on how to perfect one's craft and find the inspiration to forge ahead. Liberally dotted with Victorian-era clip art that doesn't particularly enhance the prose, the book nevertheless gives novice writers numerous reasons to consult it again and again. Obviously, every author has his or her trick, technique, or routine for keeping pen to paper, but the resounding theme here is "Just do it." A worthwhile purchase for creative writing collections.-Ann Schade, Edgewood Coll., Madison, WI Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780641805875
  • Publisher: F & W Publications, Inc.
  • Publication date: 2/25/2006
  • Pages: 240
  • Product dimensions: 9.30 (w) x 6.60 (h) x 0.90 (d)

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