The Art of Fiction: a Guide for Writers and Readers [Paperback]

Here, Ms. Rand offers excellent insight into how actual writing gets done. For example, her thoughts on writer's block, and what others may call "inspiration," are not only fascinating, but they ring true. The next time I'm sitting there gathering wool, wondering what to write next, I'll follow this book's advice to take a step back and make sure that the scene I want to write fits into what I'm trying to accomplish. According to Ms. Rand, if it's not flowing, there's a reason, and part of the writer's job is to figure it out. Without spoiling too much, rest assured that this book coaches you on how to figure out what's wrong, and what to do about it.

Yes, Ms. Rand has definite ideas about the "right" way to do things -- there's basically her way, and the wrong way. But if you read through this with an open mind, and remember that everything that seemed to work for Ms. Rand may not work for you, then you will greatly enjoy this book. I've really learned a whole new way of thinking about theme, plot, "plot-theme", and characterization -- all of which I plan to integrate into my next writing project. And that's really the best recommendation I can give -- not only did I find this book interesting throughout, but I hope to incorporate some of the advice in my writing.

By the way, I've never read Ms. Rand's novels, and I don't subscribe to her rather radical (to my way of thinking) philosophy of objectivism. But not being familiar with her work doesn't detract from the ability to enjoy or understand this one. Ms. Rand discusses her work, but provides enough context for you to easily understand her points. In fact, her writing theories and discussion make me want to read through some of her more popular books, as well as classics by other authors, like Victor Hugo, whom Ms. Rand greatly admires.

If you are serious about writing gripping, plot-driven fiction, then you really owe it to yourself to grab a copy of this excellent peek into the creative process of a well-known and respected novelist. There's fiction writer's gold on almost every page!

Author: Lee Sandstead Subject: Suffering and tragedy in art

I never had a full justification why I love movies such as "Life is Beautiful," "Braveheart," and "Cyrano de Bergerac." They all present heroes, who die tragic deaths. Ayn Rand, in her new book on fiction writing, gives me the answer.

"The justification for presenting tragic endings in literature is to show, as in "We the Living," that the human spirit can survive even the worst of circumstances--that the worst that the chance events of nature or the evil of other people can do will not defeat the proper human spirit. To quote from Galt's speech in "Atlas Shrugged": "Suffering as such is not a value; only man's fight against suffering, is."

I highly recommend this book to everyone. There is bound to be some piece of information that will come as a revelation; for me, there has been many.

Best, Lee Sandstead Memphis, TN (Soon to be NYC)

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The only part missing from this book that I would have liked is a more complete discussion on "extravagant romanticism" (as mentioned in "Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life") verses Romanticism, the emphasis on volition. What was the "extravagant romanticism" of Fritz Lang movies verses the "adequate" job done with the Fountainhead movie? That is something elusive that I would like to understand.

Ayn Rand also contrasts her writing with other famous writers. She explains why I've never been able to stand reading fiction stories except her own. Her comparisons show why. So, if you are even mildly interested in writing, this book will make you excited to write because it will teach you how. It will give you a power you don't realize you have so that you can unleash your imagination to create stories of your own. If you come up with any good stories, you can learn to make them into movies at cyberspacefilmschool.com and become a millionaire director/producer.