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70th out of 97 books
—
2 voters
Fiction Writer's Workshop
In a clear and lively style, with rich literary references from classic and contemporary fiction, Novakovich teaches you how to: uncover ideas worth writing about; evoke a vivid sense of place and time; invent believable characters for your fiction; support your story with strong organization and structure; tell your story from the best viewpoint; direct your dramatic acti...more
Paperback, 250 pages
Published
February 15th 1998
by Writer's Digest Books
(first published 1995)
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I found Fiction Writer’s Workshop to be very informative. There was a lot of information in this book that I had previously learned, but had almost forgotten. While reading the book when I learned about a new technique or was re-familiarized with an old, I would suddenly feel inspired to write just to test the techniques out. Novakovich does an excellent job of breaking down by chapter the fundamental principles of writing. For most of his advice he provides clear examples, which help to better...more
Okay okay so I always complain about books on writing yet I am constantly reading books on writing either for classes or as craft markers for my own practice. This one was actually pretty good. First of all, its written by an accomplished author (that's crucial for me at this point). Secondly, it presents itself as a textbook. One of the aspects of the "how to write..." genre that I can't stand is the veiled arrogance behind most of those books. The posture tends to be, "well you are actually a...more
This book covers basic elements of fiction: setting, plot, character, beginnings & endings, dialogue & narritive, voice. POV, and revising. Each chapter provides multiple examples using works of fiction, and exercises and checklists for further writing development.
I've read a lot of these kinds of books and I like this one because it goes more in-depth on technique. The examples were a little dated; except for a couple, I'd never read the books that were quoted from. But I liked the auth...more
I've read a lot of these kinds of books and I like this one because it goes more in-depth on technique. The examples were a little dated; except for a couple, I'd never read the books that were quoted from. But I liked the auth...more
A great source for fiction writers, although it falls short in some areas. Each section begins with a lecture of some sort, with examples and thoughts, then numerous assignments.
It's divided into Sources of Fiction, Setting, Character, Plot, Point of View, Dialogue and Scenes, Beginnings and Endings, Description and Word Choice, Voice, then Revision.
The chapter on gathering story ideas is pretty generic but useful in a broad way. He lists some general things to trigger your thinking, like childh...more
It's divided into Sources of Fiction, Setting, Character, Plot, Point of View, Dialogue and Scenes, Beginnings and Endings, Description and Word Choice, Voice, then Revision.
The chapter on gathering story ideas is pretty generic but useful in a broad way. He lists some general things to trigger your thinking, like childh...more
This is a great book: technically, it drags the reader's attention towards many aspects of the trade which might easily be neglected by a novice writer. Reading this book doesn't necessarily mean that I will abide by its useful principles before I encounter them as mistakes in my own writing, but it's always a relief to know that others have encountered the same problems I might be having; and it's good to know I have somewhere to read such detailed and carefully structured advice.
Moving on, rea...more
Moving on, rea...more
A well done comprehensive view of fiction writing. He is a talented writer and conveys his perspective thoughtfully. Each chapter ended with a series of assignments. I did not find these very helpful. While the questions and learning explanations were good, I personally found the lack of feedback to significantly limit learning. So there's an endorsement for a class over a book - if you can find great teacher. Nevertheless, I learned a lot from the main text. I will read this book again (and tak...more
Jul 23, 2012
Jen Appell
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
booksluts-challenge
This book was great for writing! I took it out of the library and it really helped me get motivated as well as learn some new tips. It has a lot of exercises and examples as well. I'm pretty sure I'll be taking this out of the library again.
I love this book, until now I still read this book, again and again. I get a lot of exercises and technique from this book. Read this book, and create your own writing style.
Oh my God! From ideas in the first couple of chapters, I wrote three, count 'em THREE short stories! Similar output throughout the rest of the book. Love it!
The many exercises in this book seem like a great weapon against writers block, or just a resource for honing particular skills
Jadi salah satu buku panduan saya ngajar penulisan di kampus ;). Lengkap dan kompherensif.
Jun 05, 2009
Dee Burns
is currently reading it
Just started - great short stories to read in the back. Just wanted to know if others liked it.
May 02, 2013
Antoaneta Anguelova
added it
This is the most useful and interesting book about creative writing! I learned a lot!
Informative, clearly written, with great examples and tons of exercises.
Pulling me through a tight keyhole, experience, to the other side.
Your must-read book for the one who wanna be a writer! :D
Buku panduan menulis yang asyik dan praktikal
not my favourite book on writing.
A very good resource for new and seasoned writers. I am moving into the fiction genre, and this book is very helpful, especially the exercises. Even if you don't actually do them, just thinking about the subject helps you learn. There are many awesome examples of the situations that are described.
Oct 13, 2008
Amy Saunders
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Any fiction writer.
Shelves:
writing-craft
Another book that makes you dig deeper. I found the exercises refreshing compared to other similar guides. They require more time and thought but I've had many successful sessions using this book. The advice and suggestions has helped me improve in specific areas like dialogue. Plus, I love all the examples from famous authors. They really show how to use the information in the book.
Helpful in my early stages of writing, especially the sections on point of view and structure. However it is geared toward writing for plot instead of writing for story and plot. He teaches mechanics very well but leaves out the intuitive, metaphysical aspects of the craft (which are explained much better by John Gardner and Janet Burroway).
Mar 13, 2008
Krista
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
writers of all stripes
Shelves:
writing-advice
One of the best writer's workshop books I've found. The exercised in this book have really helped me expand and enliven my writing. Cannot recommend it enough for those that are serious about writing fictional short stories and novels (can also enrich non-fiction writing as well).
This is an excellent text for writing fiction. My students found it interesting and approachable. The long list of exercises at the end of each chapter are just right for encouraging students to revisit chapters throughout the semester.
This is a great book to get you out of the rut you're in. I got a bunch of ideas. Clear, clean writing. Good stuff
This was a good read, and has many ideas for writing exercises, which look interesting, but I don't know if I'd ever do. Might be worth a return to, but I wasn't as inspired as I was by other writing books I've read.
Really good book on writing if you're totally serious. This guy doesn't putz around, but credits the reader's brain - maybe too much. He's awesome, Russian, and doesn't mess around.
So far pretty good. Don't go by the first chapter which is pointless and boring. I'm using this textbook in a Writer's Digest online fiction writing course.
I take these books with buckets of salt. Still, it provided a good intro to some basics of fiction writing.
I haven't done the exercises after the chapters, but this has been a clear workshop text.
A good and comprehensive book about the basics of writing fiction.
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Josip Novakovich (Croatian: Novaković) is a Croatian-American writer. His grandparents had immigrated from the Croatia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Cleveland, Ohio, and, after the First World War, his grandfather returned to what had become Yugoslavia. Josip Novakovich was born (in 1956) and grew up in the Central Croatian town of Daruvar, studied medicine in the northern Serbian...more
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“You don't need to wait for inspiration to write. It's easier to be inspired while writing that while not writing...”
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