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Techniques you need to write fiction
Date of Review: Jan 17, 2000
In Techniques of the Selling Writer, Dwight V. Swain actually teaches exactly what you need to know to become a successful fiction writer. Most successful authors know about this book and consider it the "Bible" of writing. It should be in everyone's library if you are serious about writing commercial fiction.
Even so, it is not an easy book to read. Like any text it requires you to read it carefully and practice the lessons. The chapters include specific lessons.
Fiction and You is the first. It starts with the wisdom of Dwight Swain and his ability to get to the heart of any situation including the mystery of writing.
This book tells you how to write, in detail, step by step. There are tricks, tools, techniques, and devices you need to know which the late Swain includes. Reading and following the lessons can help the new writer to avoid some of the pitfalls which stop many new writers. In other words, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Swain has laid out chapter by chapter what you need to know to write. Of course, you do need talent but knowing techniques won't hurt. And the more you read, write and learn, the better you'll be as a writer.
Now since this book is not available at all book stores you'll need to order it. Here is the information you need:
Techniques of the Selling Writer
Dwight V. Swain
University of Oklahoma Press
Press Norman, Oklahoma
ISBN 0-8061 1191 7 (paper)
copyright 1965 (original)
