Writing Fiction

by Alan Wall

This one-stop practical guide will show you how to write the novel that’s in you bursting to get out. To make your progress easier, it comes in a handy ebook format with expert advice throughout. For those who have always wanted to write fiction but didn’t know where to start, look no further. In Need to Know? Writing Fiction, respected novelist and creative writing teacher Alan Wall lends his expertise and advice on how to tap into your creative resources and give fiction writing a go. In this comprehensive guide, Alan Wall takes you through all aspects of the complex process, breaking down the many elements that go into crafting a good piece of writing. With his sharp analysis of literary classics, Alan deconstructs the text and lays bare the techniques behind the art, including everything from character, plot and setting, to narrative style, genre and the intricacies of language. Whether you want to write a short story or a novel, this book is a comprehensive and authoritative guide on how to fulfil your creative potential. Includes chapters on: Character, plot, setting, genres, humour, narrative structures, language, atmosphere, conclusions, drafting, and preparing for publication.

Genres: Writing

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

About the author

Wall was born in Bradford and studied at the University of Oxford. In addition to his work as a professional author, he has developed a career teaching creative writing with posts at Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Birmingham and the University of Chester. He is also a published poet and critic.

Reviews

[T.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book with many references to other works of fiction that you can use to see what he means. Which makes it easier to understand some of the concepts I'd never really thought of before.

However, whilst I found it very useful in many ways, I found his obvious dislike for certain types of writing a bit off-putting. It almost seems to say unless you are planning to write the next novel that people will be talking about still in 100 years time then don't bother.

There is a time and place for all types of books; fiction & non-fiction, classical or modern and most importantly critically acclaimed or trashy paperback.

[Ham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why? Why would the Clevenet library system buy this book? The only possible reason could be that someone is related to the author. I’m starting to remember why I stopped picking up craft books. After this one, I’m thinking I can write my own and get Clevenet to throw it in with the other garbage.

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I see books with no reviews I think of Eleanor Rigby, I think of 'all the lonely people' and I think of the time that authors put in compiling these lovely books, and I feel sad that they are lost and neglected in the backwater of the literary universe.

Don't worry Alan Wall, I appreciate you. I have read your book and it has made me a better person. It has equipped me with tools and tricks essential to this trade. I appreciate your efforts and I thank you.

As of today, the 29 Aug 2013 I am in the throes of reading my 10th book on this subject and this is certainly not the worst, but nor is it the best.

I like books that are comprehensive; that cover all the bases - and this is and does. I like my books with a bit of humour (like the Dummies books), but this has none I can discern. I like books that speak to me about things I like to hear, and this book does that. I like my authors to be nice about the things they talk about, but Alan Wall has too many digs at Charles Dickens for my comfort. I like to be challenged by the language and vocabulary of a book, and we fall here on just the right side of high-falluting to hit the spot nicely thank-you very much.

So, much to like, some to dislike. Would I recommend it? Hmm, perhaps only to me and my clones. ;)