Master Class in Fiction Writing: Techniques from Austen, Hemingway, and Other Greats

As the author of seven published books, three under contract with a commercial publisher, two submitted for consideration and one in process, on the advice of a dear adviser, I bought this book to try to improve my writing. Although the books that McGraw-Hill published have had wide success and the ones that Vantage Publishing are too recent to have a sales history, I have always believed that authors can improve the impact of their work. This book is a gold mine of information about how to do that. I highly recommend it to both established authors and those new writers who hope to share their ideas and insights with the reading public. Master Class in Fiction Writing: Techniques from Austen, Hemingway, and Other Greats

I purchased this book to meet a requirement for an Advanced Creative Writing class. I can honestly say I will continue to refer to it for personal use; it offers invaluable tips on plot, characterization, dialogue, and more in a format perfect for beginning writers. My only complaint is that each chapter relies heavily on examples from one written work. While this is an effective strategy, some of these works are quite lengthy, and lack of time (a common complaint for students and, indeed, people in general) can keep readers/writers from fully appreciating what this book has to offer. Overall, however, a fantastic product.

Whether your an avid or voracious reader or a writer, this class is worthwhile exploration of the craft of storytelling and great literature. If you're a writer needing to recharge your batteries, fill in some story holes on your screenplay (like I am), or build your writing skills, this is a great catalyst to push your character or story. At first glance, the subjects of discussion seem like the same old structure beats, but Sexton's examples throw new light on them. He uses examples from literature's best writers, with thorough, enlightening analysis. There's a lot of books on writing, but this one's a keeper.

As I writer myself, I appreciate learning the techniques from the masters of the craft. Excellent book for this topic and I have found the book very useful!

this is a good book for people who need training on fiction writing. I didn't give it a five because it requires the reader to read a number of books while also studying/reading this one. It's more of a class than a book so I'd suggest that anyone buying this book also purchase the books recommended beforehand.

This book provides a first class elucidation of the essential craft elements of fiction. Ideal, I'm inclined to believe, not only for would-be fiction writers, but also for fiction readers who would enjoy to have their pleasure enhanced. Full of apposite analysis, advice and exemplification. Such a rewarding and satisfying experience. If it seems like something you might find useful or interesting, hesitate no more. Just get the book and read it. You will be well pleased you did.

An excellent work for any writer. It can teach the new writer and act as a refresher for an established writer. This is one of those books a writer keeps close at hand in case it's needed. Kind of like the Brief Penguin Handbook for writers. A good investment if you're writing fiction.

It helped me. Had some very practical suggestions and lessons. I passed it on to my daughter now, with the hope that it will help her become a better writer.

For anyone writing fiction - you only think are - until you have read this book. It still helps, even after five full length novels.

This is a useful book for aspiring fiction authors. It analyses some techniques used by the great masters and suggests ways to apply these techniques. The obvious drawback is that these grand masters wrote a long time ago (typically 100 - 200 years ago) and their style doesn't completely translate into the 21st century, although the highlighted techniques can be adapted to modern writing.Whether this really is a 'Master Class in Fiction Writing' is debatable. I don't think so.