- Hardcover: 128 pages
- Publisher: Writer's Digest Books (30 Sep 1992)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0898795036
- ISBN-13: 978-0898795035
- Product Dimensions: 23.1 x 15 x 1.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 280,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Synopsis
The author diagnoses and treats the most frequently made errors by writers of fiction. The book includes tips, tricks, and techniques to enable the aspiring writer to rectify these errors.
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First Sentence
WRITERS ARE A FAVORITE SUBJECT FOR CARTOONISTS, FROM CHARLES SCHULZ of Peanuts fame to those who contribute to The New Yorker. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
WRITERS ARE A FAVORITE SUBJECT FOR CARTOONISTS, FROM CHARLES SCHULZ of Peanuts fame to those who contribute to The New Yorker. Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 52 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Everytime I read this book it inspires me to keep on going.
It has shown me several serious mistakes that I had made in my writing of commercial fiction and I would recommend it as the ideal book for any struggling authors - particularly us unpublished amateurs who are still learning with an intent to go commercial.
I find this the perfect book to take to airports or bus stations as the chapters are short and pithy. Each 'mistake' will only take a couple of minutes to read but should arouse much thought about your own work. They say that the only way to become a rule breaker - a maverick who sets their own rules or forges their own style is to know the rules. This book shows you the rules so that if you decide to break them then at least you know what you are doing and why it may or may not work.
It has shown me several serious mistakes that I had made in my writing of commercial fiction and I would recommend it as the ideal book for any struggling authors - particularly us unpublished amateurs who are still learning with an intent to go commercial.
I find this the perfect book to take to airports or bus stations as the chapters are short and pithy. Each 'mistake' will only take a couple of minutes to read but should arouse much thought about your own work. They say that the only way to become a rule breaker - a maverick who sets their own rules or forges their own style is to know the rules. This book shows you the rules so that if you decide to break them then at least you know what you are doing and why it may or may not work.
45 of 47 people found the following review helpful
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.
69 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although the title sounds negative, this book pulls no punches in telling you exactly what you should be doing with your writing. I particularly found his advice on the craft of writing scene structure useful. I have no hesitation in recommending it - it's a great buy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Punches well above its weight.
Don't let the length of this book put you off - no waffle just good honest advice which sometimes contradicts what your English teacher told you. But who wants to write essays? Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tinkertoo
The 38 Fiction writing mistakes
It's an instructive book and certainly ideal for a beginner, and perhaps useful for those who've been writing for years. I did disagree with some aspects of the book. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Topcat
excellent-very practical
Very easy to read and very practical fiction-writing advice. Even after several writing courses, I have found several pieces of advice that I have never thought of, such as the No... Read more
Published 12 months ago by KellyT
A must have for budding fiction writers
At the top of my list of helper books for fiction writing. One hundred pages of straight to the point, easy reading, nuggets that will make a big improvement to your writing.
Published 12 months ago by C. Hollingworth
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes Sorted.
This book is a God send for the amateur writer, informative and helpful it deals with many problems and helps by giving solutions. I wouldn't be without it. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Kaz
Brilliant
This book is a brilliantly inspiring novel emphasising the vital points and common errors of amateur writers work in detail, and how to overcome those natural fears of scribbling... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mrs. L. G. Mccombe
Sounds negative...but it's not
I bought this book as I had seen it recommended by an author whose opinion I respected. Initially I thought the title sounded very negative - the whole "let's focus on the bad and... Read more
Published 23 months ago by strugglinauthor
Good review
This is a well written book from a experienced proffessional who is not only a published author, but has dealt with lots of 'wood be' authors as well! A valuable find.
Published on 29 July 2009 by Ms. L. Jones
Too Lightweight
This is a slim little book full of good advice. Each of the short chapters is named for a mistake and the author then goes onto to explain them and give examples of how to avoid... Read more
Published on 15 July 2009 by Shutsumon
Too much of a one trick pony.
This would have better been titled, "Writing for Dummies".
If you have read any decent books whatsoever on fiction writing, you won't find much (if anything) in here of... Read more
If you have read any decent books whatsoever on fiction writing, you won't find much (if anything) in here of... Read more
Published on 22 April 2009 by tiggrie AKA Sarah
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