The Truth About Fiction

by Steven Schoen

This book presents readers and creative writing enthusiasts with comprehensive coverage of the elements of fiction and real-world writing techniques that help build skills—such as sensory detailing, character construction, and cause and effect plotting. Plenty of practical advice completes this treatment of the fiction genre. Chapter topics include character, plot, story structure, dialogue, point of view, style, and details. For writers pursuing a hobby or a dream—or just dabbling, this insightful guide will teach them how do it and “say” it better.

Genres: Writing, Textbooks, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published December 26, 1999

Reviews

[Tiomóid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with practical tips on writing fiction. Covers topics that are more obvious to fiction readers, but also goes over numerous other subjects that aren't so common knowledge. Points out a lot of pitfalls common to writing beginners and offers suggestions and steps to avoid them. A short read, clocking in a little over 100 pages, but well worth it if you need some tips to step up your fiction writing.

[Holley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great overview of the basics for writing fiction. Not all of the advice given here is going to work for every person every time, but their is helpful instruction and guidance. The book breaks down topics by chapter, so there is a chapter on setting, character development, style, plot, and so on. This layout makes it easy to skip around to the sections that you know need work.

Recommended for beginners.

[Kyle Willey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lucked out by having this book assigned for an undergrad class. While it's not as sophisticated as some writers' books, it makes up for it by being incredibly practical and accessible, and without it I would not be the writer I am today.

[Thomas Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read for anyone interested in writing a short story or novel. The process is broken down into topics and exercises to practice information learned.

[Beatrice Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a fiction workshop. Loved it. It's the best book about writing fiction that I've read; I've read quite a few. Schoen is down-to-earth, doesn't fill his explanations with writer-speak nonsense that doesn't make any sense, and using normal language to say normal things that every writer and aspiring writer needs to know. He gives advice on all topics and admits that they intertwine. There is no golden formula to writing a bestseller.

I highly recommend this book to any aspiring writers. Buy it and a highlighter. Read it more than once.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this textbook for the college-level creative writing courses I teach. Schoen's book offered some great insight into developing characters, plot, and dialogue. It is great for beginner writers, but I also found great value in it. Sometimes writers get so caught up in trying new literary devices and methods that we forget the basics. It's always good to get back to the writing basics and strengthen that foundation.

I would recommend this book for writers of all levels.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome book on writing! It addresses almost every subject for writing and gives very intuitive insights into writing about some of the tougher subjects for writers to open up about. It gives a number of inspirations and writing prompts for each chapter. I really enjoyed this book for class but I kept it for my own writing in the future.

[Jane Deaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

was assigned in an undergrad short-story writing class, and now i use it when i teach short-story writing! great book. concise, easy to read and use, practical, not overly-academic, encouraging, etc.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good little reference guide for writers. It has some good tips on writing fiction, plus a lot of exercises to help make your writing stronger. So, if you feel you need something like this, give it a try.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for those who want to become a writer, or for those who are writing, but is not sure what they are writing is good. Or it could be for someone who just wants to become a better writer. It helped me, and it should help others. A good book to own!

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my textbooks for my MFA class and it has been such an informative treat. I have learned so much from Schoen; he has really opened my eyes to the art of writing. I highly recommend this book to any beginner in writing.