Writing Fiction For Dummies

This book not only paints a clear picture of what a writer needs to do to become an author, but it also turns the spotlight on the details that need to be taken care of to achieve success, it does so in a way which is lively and enjoyable to read. It definitely isn't a painfully elaborated textbook, but rather a feast of good information which will help both the struggling and the successful writer publish his work

This is the only "Dummies" book I've ever bought, and I got it because I like the newsletter of Randy Ingermanson. The book does not disappoint.

Randy's voice is informal and no-nonsense. You get the the feeling that you've been invited into his office for some friendly mentoring. He gives practical information on what has worked for him and other writers that he knows, and I love it that his advice is always to try something and see if it works for you, and stick with only the things that do work.

This is a great book for beginners especially. Randy talks about "writer's life" stuff as well as practical tips for developing a long story. He starts at the beginning with info on how to organize your thoughts into a story readers will enjoy, and how to keep motivated. He then covers first drafts and revisions, how to think about structure, developing and fixing characters, and more.

If you are somewhat experienced and know what your weaknesses are, you may want a more specialized book, but if you are realizing that it's not so easy to sit down and write a brilliant novel, this will probably help you!

I've just finished reading this very informative book, Writing Fiction for Dummies. I began writing fiction novels over ten years ago and so far it contains more information for a new writer like myself than anything else I've read. I'm in the process of writing my fifth novel and I keep my copy of Dummies by my computer so I can refer to it like I do my dictionary. I recommend Writing Fiction for Dummies to authors of all ages. I'm 75 years young and just getting started. My thanks to the
writers of this great book of fiction knowledge.

William Francis Burke-Karen M Burke

As a first-time novelist, I needed basic information and suggestions to create rich characters and an interesting plot. This book exceeded my expectations. The authors share their own process for writing and revising, and help you find one that works for you.

Writing Fiction for Dummies is a great overview of the whole fiction-writing and selling process, from idea to writing to getting an agent and selling to publishers. The authors include many examples from well-known works to show their different points, instead of just explaining. They also describe different writing styles - everything from super-structured to free spirit. If you've ever wanted to write a novel, this is a great book to start with. It's technical, entertaining and insightful.

Lots of invaluable info if you are wanting to write a book and get it published. Well it helps you to write not just a book, but a GOOD book. I am re-writing some of my novel now thanks to the advise from this book. My book is even better now.

How many people dream of being a famous writer? But how in the world do you get from plunking away on your laptop to actually getting published? There are lots of things you need to do to get from point a to point b, and this book will tell you most of them. Discussions on character development, plot, story line, and theme are just a few of the tools this book contains.

This was the first time I actually read one of the "for dummies" books, because I had a chance to get a good deal on it, and it pertained to an interest of mine. Which, lets be honest, is probably why anyone would read any of these books. No one reads about how to write fiction out of sheer curiosity. And good thing, because they would probably be a little bored. There is a reason I do not read much nonfiction, and that is because I find it incredibly boring, through no fault of its own.

I thought the book actually contained a ton of great information, was well organized, and easy to read or use as a resource. It just is not my kind of book, which is absolutely not a flaw. I am sure I will refer to this book as a resource if I ever get around to writing. A bit of the information regarding publishing was a little dated, since self publishing of e-books and small publishers have really changed the market over the past few years, but still the information was valuable, and hopefully will come in handy for me some day.

How many people dream of being a famous writer? But how in the world do you get from plunking away on your laptop to actually getting published? There are lots of things you need to do to get from point a to point b, and this book will tell you most of them. Discussions on character development, plot, story line, and theme are just a few of the tools this book contains.

This was the first time I actually read one of the "for dummies" books, because I had a chance to get a good deal on it, and it pertained to an interest of mine. Which, lets be honest, is probably why anyone would read any of these books. No one reads about how to write fiction out of sheer curiosity. And good thing, because they would probably be a little bored. There is a reason I do not read much nonfiction, and that is because I find it incredibly boring, through no fault of its own.

I thought the book actually contained a ton of great information, was well organized, and easy to read or use as a resource. It just is not my kind of book, which is absolutely not a flaw. I am sure I will refer to this book as a resource if I ever get around to writing. A bit of the information regarding publishing was a little dated, since self publishing of e-books and small publishers have really changed the market over the past few years, but still the information was valuable, and hopefully will come in handy for me some day.

I needed this. It refreshes my memory again. Awakening it to a whole new level of learning all over again. This book is great for anyone trying to write a book. I would recommend it to everyone trying to write. Excellent teachings.

Well organized and thorough. With lots of examples and references.

Wish I had read this book before any other. This book is suitable for novice and expert writers alike. An invaluable tool you will be using as a reference for the rest of your writing career.

This book has been extremely helpful through my writing process. It helped keep me organized and on track. I've learned a lot about important story components that were missing but easy to add or fix. I highly recommend it.

I downloaded "Writing Fiction for Dummies" with some trepidation, figuring that any book with a title like that had to be hack-work. And that it also had to contain tips and advice redundant with every one of the dozens of other books I've read on fiction-writing. I thought that, by now, I'd read about everything to be said on the topic.

Boy, was I wrong.

This is THE best book on fiction-writing. Bar none. Period. End of story. It is THE most systematic, comprehensive, creatively fertile, and technically useful guide on the subject that I've ever had the pleasure to encounter. I'm not exaggerating when I say that I've learned more about fiction-writing from Mssrs. Ingermanson and Economy than from all the other books on the topic, combined.

I won't try to itemize its many virtues or summarize the breathtaking scope of its content. Suffice it to say that if you are going to read just one book on writing fiction, "Writing Fiction for Dummies" is the one to read.