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Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction

by Patricia Highsmith

Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Patricia Highsmith, author of Strangers On a Train, The Talented Mr.Ripley, Found In The Street, and many other books, is known as one of the finest suspense novelists. In this book, she analyzes the key elements of suspense fiction, drawing upon her own experience in four decades as a working writer. She talks about, among other topics; how to develop a complete story from an idea; what makes a plot gripping; the use (and abuse) of coincidence; characterization and the "likeable criminal"; going from first draft to final draft; and writing the suspense short story. Throughout the book, Highsmith illustrates her points with plentiful examples from her own work, and by discussing her own inspirations, false starts, dead ends, successes, and failures, she presents a lively and highly readable picture of the novelist at work. Anyone who wishes to write crime and suspense fiction, or who enjoys reading it, will find this book an insightful guide to the craft and art of a modern master.

Synopsis:

Patricia Highsmith is known as one of the finest suspense novelists in the world. In this book, she analyzes the key elements of suspense fiction, drawing upon her own experience in four decades as a working writer. She talks about how to develop a complete story from an idea; what makes a plot gripping; the use (and abuse) of coincidence; characterization and the "likeable criminal"; going from first draft to final draft; and writing the suspense short story. Throughout the book, Highsmith illustrates her points with plentiful examples from her own work, and by discussing her own inspirations, false starts, dead ends, successes, and failures, she presents a lively and highly readable picture of the novelist at work.

About the Author

The great mystery/suspense writer Patricia Highsmith published more than two dozen works of fiction, as well as numerous reviews and essays, and was awarded the French Grand Prix de Littérature Policière (1957) and the British Crime Writers Associations's Silver Dagger (1964).

Product Details

ISBN:
9780312286668
Author:
Highsmith, Patricia
Publisher:
St. Martin's Press
Location:
New York
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
Composition & Creative Writing
Subject:
Creative writing
Subject:
Composition & Creative Writing - Genre Fiction
Subject:
Detective and mystery stories
Subject:
Suspense fiction
Subject:
Detective and mystery stories -- Technique.
Copyright:
Edition Number:
Reprint
Edition Description:
Revised and Updated
Series Volume:
no. 01-11-009
Publication Date:
September 2001
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Pages:
145
Dimensions:
8.34x5.56x.43 in. .34 lbs.

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