This knowledge is not something that can be put into words like other
         sciences; but after long companionship with it, as between teacher and
         pupil in joint pursuit of the subject, suddenly, like light flashing forth when
         a fire is kindled, it is born in the soul and straightway nourishes itself.

                                                                         –Plato, Seventh Letter, § 341

I've been writing for more years than I care to elaborate, and in that time I've received my fair share of editorial comments. I've also read numerous instructional books, and attended courses on what makes writing good. I'm not an English teacher, but a few things have actually sunk in.

I've discovered you don't need to be a language expert to write well. You can do so without even knowing the definition of a dangling participle. The simple truth is: all writing requires good communication.

You can't communicate if your readers get distracted by bad form, or worse, if they can't understand what you're trying to say. They will simply turn the page or close the book. A few general rules can enhance your writing to keep it concise and moving at an appropriate pace. In the end, it is the writer's responsibility to keep the reader interested.

This book includes my thoughts on how to do that when writing fiction.  It's also the foundation for a course on writing fiction that I teach.


CONTENTS


Module 1: The Essentials of Storytelling

         One can be absolutely truthful and sincere even though admittedly the most
         outrageous liar. Fiction and invention are of the very fabric of life.

                                                       –Henry Miller, Henry Miller on Writing, 1964.

"Invalid Entry"  — Introduction to storytelling.
"Invalid Entry"  — Deciding on a theme.
"Invalid Entry"  — Choosing the correct genre.
"Invalid Entry"  — Selecting the appropriate point of view.
"Invalid Entry"  — Developing believable characters.
— Putting your characters in the right setting.
— Moving your characters around.

"Invalid Entry" 


Module 1: You and Your Manuscript

         Manuscript: something submitted in haste and returned at leisure.

                                                                                   –Oliver Herford

"Invalid Entry" 
   Story length, counting words, and industry standards for manuscripts.
"Invalid Entry" 
   How to self-edit your writing and deal with reviews.


Module 2: Principles of Grammar and Composition

         I think we've all arrived at a very special place ... spiritually, ecumenically,
         grammatically.

                         –Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow             
                           Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, 2003

"Invalid Entry" 
   Those nasty little marks that pepper your writing.
"Invalid Entry" 
   A playland of poor sentence structure.
"Invalid Entry" 
   The art of proper paragraphing.
"Invalid Entry" 
   Twenty-five quick and easy checks on your grammar.


Module 3: Using the Right Words

         It's only words, and words are all I have, to take your heart away.

                                                 –The Brothers Gibb, "Words", 1968

"Invalid Entry" 
   Getting in touch with imagery, voice, and tone.
"Invalid Entry" 
   Additional rhetorical devices to improve writing, if you dare.
"Invalid Entry" 
   Choosing improper words can kill a story.
"Invalid Entry" 
   There are no shortcuts to good writing.





Module 5: The Business of Writing

         To live outside the law, you must be honest.

                                                 –Bob Dylan, "Absolutely Sweet Marie"
                                                   Blonde on Blonde, 1966

Knowing Your Rights (coming soon)
   Protecting your rights and marketing your writing.
Knowing Your Wrongs (coming soon)
   Copyright infringement, plagiarism, and other nasty legal stuff.