Writing Better Fiction, Second Edition

This is the only book you need on the craft of writing fiction.

Most writing-craft books out there are simply tired, reworded regurgitations of the same old stuff. They claim that you must outline, you must world-build and do character sketches, you must depend on the advice of critique groups, and so on.

Writing Better Fiction breaks that pattern. It offers a new, self-confident approach, one the author used to write over 120 novels, 10 novellas, and well over 300 short stories in less than ten years.

Writing Better Fiction is an ambitious, comprehensive guide to writing any form of fiction from short stories to novellas to novels and novel series and in any genre.

In twelve generous chapters, the author—a professional, prolific fiction writer—discusses every applicable general topic on the craft of writing fiction:

• Definition of Character-Driven Fiction
• The Writer’s Role in the Story
• Story Ideas (and where to get them)
• Writing the Opening
• Writing the Cliffhanger and the Hook
• Writing Setting
• Writing the Scene
• Writing the Ending
• The Pseudonym (Pen Name) vs. the Persona
• Writing Into the Dark
• It’s All Up to You
• A Grammar Refresher

Throughout, this book is replete with examples of how to write the various aspects of fiction listed above.

The final chapter is a reasoned explanation of the conscious, critical mind and the creative subconscious mind and their very different roles in writing fiction.

Finally, in six appendices, the author adds invaluable information in the form of

• General Tips for Writing Fiction
• Two Fiction Exercises
• An Example of POV and Timeline Indicators
• Rules of Writing from Masters
• My Personal Experience with Branding
• How to Continue Learning Craft

What Writers Are Saying about Writing Better Fiction

“Can you be taught to write genre fiction? Yes. If you are one of the lucky few who has shown some aptitude for creating good and entertaining stories, Writing Better Fiction is for you. Take it from one who knows. If you learn how to get it right, there is no better fun you can have with your clothes on than writing character-driven fiction.” Vincent Zandri, New York Times bestselling ITW Thriller and PWA Shamus Award winning author of The Remains, The Innocent, and the Dick Moonlight PI series

“[In Writing Better Fiction] the explanations are perfectly clear. There’s no question of misinterpretation. And the examples/illustrations are succinct. It makes one wonder how the purveyors of so many myths that run rampant (especially on the Internet) can even pretend that what they are doing is ‘teaching writing.’ Most everyone who is even attempting writing should know the rudiments of spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph construction. This deceptively simple manual shows them what to do with their otherwise basic skills. … Congratulations on a job extraordinarily well done!” Michaele Lockhart, Author and Copyeditor

“I own several books on writing, most of which take up space on my bookshelf. Being able to look back and consult the commonsense advice contained in this book on each of the parts of a story make it invaluable as a reference. The easy to read, approachable style of Writing Better Fiction makes it my go to reference. It will be allowed space to reside on my desk.” David Taylor, Ed.D