Making Shapely Fiction

Great for defining terms used by writers. Arranged like a glossary but with a few paragraphs/pages for each topic. Well worth it as a reference tool.

The book is fine for what it is but it misrepresents what it is; that is, it deceives.80% of it is an alphabetical entry of writerly terms — plot, setting, etc., as well as some legit deeper ones.What you're essentially paying for is whoever compiled this. Again, that's fine — a lot of what we pay for is the work of others to gather and form and present the information. Even a movie is such a thing.The point I'm making here, tho, is that *Making Shapely Fiction* suggests something else. The 80% is a literal number — about 220 of the 270 pages is the dictionary. I guess you cd say 'encyclopedia' to be hifalutin ... it's true that the entries are a couple paragraphs each. The first 50 pages or so are short chapters on writing issues.It's for the beginner or as a reference work, or as something where you cd commit most of it to memory, or even just note what's listed in the Table of Contents and look those ideas up yourself. It's a time vs money thing, and we make that choice all the, well ... you know.Bummer the book lies about this in the title, and the very stupid first line of the back cover description, that this is suitable for, essentially, everyone. When you see that claim in a book, you know someone is [only] trying to sell you something.Paul Hughes

This is a great guide when crafting any kind of story. As with any other types of books on writing, this book will not tell or show you how to do that; however, what Shapely does do and do well is provide a mold, a frame, the foundation to builf on your story on. Shapely fiction works great for framing short stories. The book provides examples on how to use conflict, tension, and immediacy to grab the reader and keep them IN the story until the last word.Need examples of these shapes at work? I recommend classic short story anthologies like the Norton Anthology of Short Fiction (available in most second-hand book stores) or the Art of the Short Story (another Anthology of stories) or any other collection. The point is to read the stories and then match their shape to a shape in Shapely Fiction.I keep a list of stories and their shape or shapes as a reference in a notebook - combining shapes is challenging but rewarding. Get this book and happy writing!

This is a craftsman's book. It wastes no time with empty promises of success or inspiring rags-to-riches tales about other authors; it assumes you've come to write, rather than be seduced, and it lays out the challenges right off the bat.This is not an easy book. This isn't the kind of book you can curl up with on a rainy day and share a cup of tea. It's small, terse, and non-threatening in appearance, but chances are, while reading it, you will at some point feel the ego-crushing realization that you are a bad writer for having not already known all of this. It demands that you grab a pen and get to work, rather than mooning about and being wishy-washy.It's not a business book. It won't tell you how to sell your stories, what format to use, or how to get an agent. But it will teach you to write well enough that all those issues resolve themselves.If you think you're a great writer, you need this book because it will improve your storytelling, your subtlety, and your confidence.If you're a beginning writer, you need this book because it explains - in a very intuitive way - how every story fits into a "shape" or a series of shapes which serve as a basic framework for the unfolding action.If you're looking to improve your skills and you weren't sure where to turn, this is it, buddy. This is a kick in the pants for any serious writer, and I'd recommend it to everyone interested in writing better.

no rips tears or banged up

Overall, this book has really incredible advice for beginners! Even those who are considered to be more experienced in writing should take the time to read through this book as a nice refresher course.The table of contents provides a nice and easy way to jump right into the topics of writing you’d want to read up on—and I feel that the author does a fantastic job of giving both thorough explanations and keeping it short and sweet so not to overwhelm the reader.

As a wannbe writer, I found Making Shapely Fiction of good use. That for me is a high compliment. Mr. Stern also equips this reader with a large vocabulary with which to discuss and understand fiction with one's peers. Highly recommended for those interested in improving their writing.

This was my favorite textbook in college. I’ve ordered two to give to friends who inspire to be writers. I love my copy and reference it often!