The Magic of Fiction

by Beth Hill

The prospect of writing a novel can seem daunting, but writing, revising, and editing fiction don't have to be headache-inducing tasks.

In The Magic of Fiction, editor Beth Hill helps you master the ins and outs of writing fiction. Learn how to create stronger first drafts to streamline the revision process later. Learn how to work and rework the fiction elements. And learn how to self-edit your stories whether you intend to self-publish or plan to submit your manuscript to an agent or publisher, whether you're a first-time novelist or a many-times-published author.

This book is your comprehensive guide to crafting fiction. It’s the perfect resource for writers planning to self-publish, authors looking for an edge for their manuscript submissions, and freelance fiction editors looking for a handbook on the craft. Students and educators will also benefit from having specifics about writing and editing in one book.

The Magic of Fiction addresses all aspects of writing and editing, from the mechanics to story issues to style concerns. In it you'll find tips, explanations, suggestions, examples, and a boatload of questions to guide your writing and editing.

This guide includes:
• A comprehensive editing checklist
• Fixes for common writing mistakes
• Specifics for punctuation in dialogue
• Tips for putting setting to work for your fiction
• Recommendations for strengthening plot, character, and dialogue
• Suggestions for editing for the reader
• Help for writing to genre conventions
• Tips for word choices
• A guide for editing approaches
and much more.

Why you need this book:
Every fiction writer should be equipped to not only write well, but to rewrite and self-edit. There are books designed to help you write a novel, books to help you revise, and books to help you with the nitty-gritty of punctuation and grammar. The Magic of Fiction brings all these elements together in a single friendly, easy-to-digest, and comprehensive resource for the writer looking for an edge in today’s literary marketplace.

Easy and convenient to use
The format of The Magic of Fiction helps you focus on what you need when you need it. Chapters provide a detailed discussion of topics and end with “quick lists” and suggestions to help you get straight to work on your own stories.

Written by a freelance fiction editor who’s seen hundreds of works in progress, The Magic of Fiction will help you produce high-quality fiction that will stand out for all the right reasons.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

606 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2015

Reviews

[Kat Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

TMoF is by far my most used resource (it doesn't even make it back to my shelf, it lives on my desk). I energetically recommend it to all writers and editors. It's geared to the US but gives alternatives for the British market, too, and can be easily adapted for the AU market.

[Lee-Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this to all my clients. From taking the long view and learning how to to approach writing with professionalism, to the mechanics of writing, to the techniques of storytelling, this covers it all.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for fiction writing and editing.

[Cairo Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just bought it on the recommendation of a fellow author. Looking forward to its arrival. I recently discovered Self-editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne, Dave King and that's been my go-to.

[Kate Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book. I have been looking for a guide on writing and editing fiction specifically, and finally, I’ve found it. It’s like I’ve set foot in a chocolate factory and it’s all mine, whenever I want. I’m that thrilled.

Beth Hill has a friendly voice and easy style, so I don’t feel like I’m back in school, taking grammar lessons all over again. There were times I forgot I was reading a guide because I was genuinely interested and immersed in her explanations and examples. She does a thorough and concise job examining all major and minor elements in fiction. Hill doesn’t talk only about punctuation, oh no, she discusses structure, how to make description sing, dialogue do’s and don’ts, how to introduce and raise conflict, major components of setting, how to manipulate pace, scene goals, word choices, genre expectations, and much more.

One of the best pieces of advice Hill offers is this: “During the creation phase, create. Use your imagination. Don’t limit yourself to rules and to doing the right thing—be open to everything.” I share this philosophy, but I know there are many who put “right” before “create,” which can kill creativity. Hearing these words coming from Hill, a woman who clearly respects the power of a properly crafted sentence, is refreshing. She acknowledges where story originates and when we’re ready, shows us how to work in a different way.

Probably the best bonus in this book (and there are many) are the checklists in part six. This is great for anyone who is a visual person and likes to physically check off a to-do list to help you feel like you’re making progress. Another reason the checklists are so wonderful is because there is sooo much to polish upon your final draft, you’re bound to overlook something. With these checklists, you’re less likely to let silly errors pass you by!

As if the title of my review doesn’t say it clearly enough, I’ve bookmarked dozens of places for quick access. Magic of Fiction has become my number-one resource for writing and editing my fiction. The English language is a lovely thing, but man-oh-man, is it flooded with rules and exceptions. It’s simply not easy for me to remember every little thing. Knowing I can pick up this book and find the answer I need is like a miracle at work. Can you tell I’m a fan???

[B. AGHA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book and a reference for all authors. Beth explains thoroughly all the components of crafting a good story in an easy and magical way. Highly recommended.