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Interviews | November 19, 2009

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The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers

by John Gardner

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers Cover

ISBN13: 9780679734031
ISBN10: 0679734031
Condition: Standard
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Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

John Gardner was almost as famous as a teacher of creative writing as he was for his own works. In this practical, instructive handbook, based on the courses and seminars that he gave, he explains, simply and cogently, the principles and techniques of good writing.

Review:

"The Art of Fiction is a 'how to' guide for the neophyte who wants to sharpen his writing skills. Its author, the late John Gardner, was not only an accomplished writer but a teacher as well, having been a veteran of many a fiction workshop. Gardner's teaching experience led him to concentrate on technique as a means to successful fiction writing. His book is a collection of do's and don'ts for the young writer, supplemented with examples of the right and wrong ways of writing. Above all, Gardner believed that practice makes perfect, and he has included numerous writing exercises for those who wish to improve. Gardner may be naïve in concluding that anyone who wants to write can, but his optimistic teaching approach is infectious and is sure to encourage those who until now have been too shy to try." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)

Review:

"John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this book) is his...gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend." The New York Times Book Review
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About the Author

Johh Gardner taught creative writing at many universities. He was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1982 at age 49.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 3 comments:
sudra, July 24, 2009 (view all comments by sudra)
I have to agree with "a reader" below - this is NOT a book for young writers. In fact, it's more likely to discourage young writers.

Gardner seems so distracted by his love of language and the theory of fiction that he's unable or unwilling to communicate his "notes on craft" in a clear and simple manner.

There are some important concepts in this book, but you'll likely have to read it twice with a highlighter in hand if you want to get anything out of it.

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Aelnyana, February 17, 2007 (view all comments by Aelnyana)
This book is not, as the previous review suggests, too obtuse and merely abstract. Rather, The Art of Fiction is a perfect choice for every young writer to peruse and understand. Among other things, Gardner introduces in this book his significant and classic theory of "the fictional dream," his proposal that an author's responsiblity is to create a dream-like state for the reader, completely capturing him into the story with techniques available to every writer. He talks about fiction not just as storytelling or a way to make money, but as art, an art which is capable of being not only learned but refined by using several methods, some of which Gardner describes herein. This book describes, quite simply, as the back cover blurb says, "..the principles and techniques of good writing." He is more explicit about writing method in his other classic book on writing, On Becoming a Novelist, but this book is a basic bible that absolutely should be required reading for every writer, and is really no less important. I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking to step out upon the course of bringing stories to life between the covers of books.
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a reader, January 19, 2007 (view all comments by a reader)
This is more a book on literary theory than a book which will help you to write better. The author states this up front about the first chapter, but the theorizing continues till the end of the book.

Gardner talks about specific works of fiction, but at a very high level, withoug including many extracts. He draws distinctions based only on the name of an author; often no particular book or passage is cited.

Gardner should have included a list of books that should be read and well understood before tackling 'The Art of Fiction'. A reader can be well-read, but still not have any way of knowing what Gardner is talking about.

I gave this only two stars, because I personally don't like literary theory that isn't concrete.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780679734031
Subtitle:
Notes on Craft for Young Writers
Author:
Gardner, John
Editor:
Laslocky, J.
Author:
Laslocky, J.
Publisher:
Vintage Books USA
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
Writing Skills
Subject:
Literature
Subject:
Authorship
Subject:
History, criticism and surveys
Subject:
Composition & Creative Writing - Fiction
Subject:
Technique
Subject:
Fiction -- Technique.
Subject:
Fiction -- Authorship.
Copyright:
c198
Edition Number:
Vintage Books ed.
Edition Description:
Vintage Books
Series Volume:
TM 10-4510-206-14
Publication Date:
June 1991
Binding:
Paperback
Language:
English
Pages:
240
Dimensions:
8.02x5.18x.63 in. .49 lbs.
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