How to Write a Great Story: A Fiction Writer's Handbook

by Othello Bach

This powerful little volume provides a concise yet complete roadmap for both the literary novice as well as the seasoned writer. Packed with clear examples and practical writing assignments, it’s like having an English professor in your pocket. How to Write a Great Story authoritatively answers your questions • Characterization • Plotting • Dialogue • Action • Transitions • Manuscript preparation and much more!

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 1999

About the author

Othello Bach is the author of 17 books which range in scope and variety from suspense novels to children's books to non-fiction "How-to" books. Her memoir "Cry Into The Wind," chronicles an abusive childhood, including 11 years in an orphanage.

Although a non-reader until the eighth grade, she wrote and sold her first novel to Avon Books when she was 22.

Othello often composes music and lyrics to accompany her children's stories, and celebrities Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes and Sandy Duncan have recorded her books and songs.

She is a motivational speaker who loves to share "the tools" that helped her overcome an abusive past.

Reviews

[Francene Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a simple style that young people and beginning authors will be able to understand, this book also has some good tips for more experienced writers. There are many examples given to demonstrate the author's points and also exercises to reinforce learning. Definitely worth a read, especially considering it's free.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

A small book that is elementary in a lot of respects, but has a few strong points. I found some paragraphs on plotting, characters, and dialogue useful. Not sure what it is about these ebooks on writing, but this is the second one I've read recently that is riddled with typos. In this light, the section on reading and editing your work was pretty amusing.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book proved to have a number of great tips. I think that Bach wrote this book as a way to share with other writers the bits and pieces of knowledge she's gained over the years. For a novice in fiction writing (but not in writing in general), I found this a quick, enjoyable read.