Technique in Fiction

Here is one of the most intelligent and useful guides to the craft of fiction ever published. Acknowledged by teachers, students, and writers as the indispensable book in the field, Technique in Fiction has been in print for over two decades. For this fully updated second edition, Robie Macauley and George Lanning have rewritten their discussions of the major technical questions and practices of fiction: setting, plot, characterization, point-of-view, style, pace and tone, and theme. These and other crucial points are illustrated with examples from Tolstoy, Forster, and James through contemporary masters such as Carver, Updike and Beattie. The result is a discerning guide to the essentials of writing fiction; in the author's words, "It is a how-it-was-done book -- and also a how-it-wasn't-done book."

YA Serious young writers looking for hints or detailed instructions may find both in these works. While different in tone and approach, they manage to answer many of the ``how do you do it'' questions about fiction writing. Technique in Fiction with its textbook-like approach covers all of the basics for creating a short story or novel. In addition, it makes good use of examples from well-known literature. Students with even limited literature backgrounds may recognize the authors and titles, while avid readers will be able to recall specific plots or characters as examples. Checklists further help aspiring writers to gauge their own work against the requirements of well-constructed plot, characterization, and setting. The Peck book, although a bit heavy on personal anecdotes and too-clever titles and wording, is a lively, conversational explanation of how one author puts together his characters. He covers such fascinating details as how to show a character using a tool to help establish personality traits and attitudes. Both titles should do well in collections where students are looking for how-to books on writing. Carolyn Praytor Boyd, Episcopal High School, Bellaire

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