WRITING FICTION

Subtitled ""Techniques of the Craft"", this is a book for the student of writing who is more than eager to absorb specific details for developing his ability. The basic facts of fiction, transforming ideas into stories, drama, movement, plot and character, dialog, etc., are discussed and emphasis is placed on the sharing of the experience with the reader, the importance of visualization and clear images and the means by which the reader gets to know the characters on paper. Examples of both good and bad usage come from Chekhov, Dickens, Jane Austen, Lardner, Mansfield, Hemingway, O'Hara and others, a worthwhile combination of old and new stylists, and the analysis of how a writer can earn publication is intelligent, careful and critical in presentation. There is material too on commercial and formula writing, agents, publishers and contracts, so that the whole offers a serious study for the would-be informed.