Three Genres: The Writing of Poetry, Fiction, and Drama

by Stephen Minot

Appropriate for undergraduate courses in creative writing. This time-tested, hands-on introduction to poetry, fiction, and drama writing addresses the dynamics of the creative process while providing a non-technical analysis of each genre. It also encourages writers to find their own voice and provides advice on how to begin writing creatively.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Poetry, Education, School, Textbooks

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Paula]

This isn't a high three. The formal elements are gone over well enough for one to help students experiment across genres in one or two terms, but I found myself supplementing with a lot of alternate sample writing.

[Sylwia]

Although, the author takes at times a rather posh and holier-than-though tone, especially when talking about poetry, this is a genuinely very pleasant and useful ready who I would recommend to anyone trying to apply to apply their talents to creative writing. I've ever only dabbled in poetry and drama, but all three sections of the book were a fascinating read that makes one write, write, write.

[P Brown]

Very well organized and just right for a n introductory text.

[Ace]

After taking every possible fiction-only writing course at my university, I took a step back and returned to creative writing 101 for an intro into poetry and another chance to practice fiction. This textbook was helpful and did a great job solidifying the basics, but I personally prefer Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft and Deepening Fiction for fiction writing. These reference books include more examples. This would be a good introductory text for writers who have had little or no prior experience with formal writing techniques.

[Josiah DeGraaf]

This book had many good things to say about writing, but it was a lot of basic material that felt rather introductory to me. Granted, it was good introductory material. But it was still introductory. The first two sections on prose and poetry were pretty fair with good examples and some solid advice. The last section on drama seemed like it was way too driven by postmodernist tendencies and apart from that, it was rather basic. Overall, I gleaned some helpful stuff from this book, but not enough to really justify its length.

Rating: 2.5-3 Stars (Okay).

[Jason]

While the author sometimes gives writing instructions as if the student\reader has never read nor written any literature at all, but there is a wealth of techniques and writing instructions in it that I found to be valuable. I prefer to write in third person limited, so I really found tips and examples for writing first person, so it has helped me become a better writer and poet as well (not that I'll ever put the poetry tips to use).

[Willow]

Stephen Minot's book is a student-friendly introduction to each genre and a quick reference guide for instructors. His short story "Sausage and Beer" is always a favorite with students and one of mine as well. It is a good beginners book; an introduction and a steppingstone that continues to work as well now as it did thirty years ago when I first read it as a student.

[K.W. Gish]

I read an edition of this back in fall 1993 for a creative writing class. While I didn't absolutely adore it then, I'd like to read it again now and see what I could learn from it with several more years of writing experience - and life experience - under my belt.

[Carol]

textbook on writing.

[whimsicalmeerkat]

I found this interesting, in part because of how well he breaks down the elements of writing.

[Brandon Herbert]

This was my assigned textbook for my creative writing class, and was a better resource than my teacher was. Thank you for being awesome, dear book. :)

[Elaine Balliet]

I read this book for a creative writing class- it encompasses all genres- that of fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and the writing of plays- recommended!

[Tina Chooses Joy]

I only finished reading this because it's required reading for a class I'm taking. I didn't care for the selections chosen as examples.

[Aaron Cole]

Excellent book! Stick with the eighth edition...I wouldn't bother with the ninth.

[Brian]

It's a textbook...haha!

[Nicole Modugno]

Loved it. With every chapter that I read, I just wanted to take each suggestion and practice it on my stories.

[Gina]

I didn't read the section on drama-just the sections on literary nonfiction and poetry. I enjoyed the writing models as well as the tips on how to read like a writer.

[Katie Karnehm-Esh]

Very useful Creative Writing text.

[Kylie Hood]

Nice helpful book on writing and publishing work.

[Mills College Library]

808.02 M666t 1987