Making Shapely Fiction
28 February 2001
Description
A deft analysis and appreciation of fiction—what makes it work and what can make it fail.
Reviews
"Useful on the most practical level.... [Stern] plunges his readers into the middle of things." — New York Times
"Offers a raft of examples that explain the techniques used by novelists from Flaubert to Updike—an eminently helpful and engaging writer's guide." — Booklist
"A complete original. The warm, witty, wise voice draws you in, and you leave the book wanting to write—and knowing how." — Jesse Lee Kercheval, director, Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing, University of Wisconsin
"Jerome Stern has done us all a favor with this canny little book. If you are interested in writing, read it now. This is an expert writer and teacher sending his notes from the trenches. Never has caution been so exhilarating, advice so wry. I will use this book." — Ron Carlson, author of The Hotel Eden
"Clarifies the mumbo-jumbo. For serious students of fiction, Jerome Stern is the Alpha crow. Follow him and shave the miles off your flying time." — Bob Shacochis, author of Swimming in the Volcano