Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction by a Two-Time Pulitzer Prize Winner by Jon Franklin ISBN: 0-452-27295-5 Publisher: Plume Pub. Date: September, 1994 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.11 (18 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: The Real Write-Stuff
Comment: How to Write books are irresistible to the novice writer: 'Read me and I'll tell you what you need to know to be famous, or at least published.' At first the reader is thrilled when he or she recognizes a kindred spirit in the author, then the reader tries to apply what he or she learned. More often than not the lessons of the book are little more than a collection of the author's war stories. The novice writer suspects that writing is an art form, not subject to the laws of physics. Jon Franklin says: 'No, good short stories have form, structure and behavior patterns that can be analyzed.'
The workaday world of journalism, not academia, honed Franklin's skills. He served his apprenticeship under a quintessential irascible old editor, G. Vern Blasdell. The young Franklin learned his craft by squirming in his seat while awaiting the old man's verdict. Now it's his turn to teach but he's at a disadvantage Blasdell never faced. The reader doesn't work for him and won't oblige by twitching so much as one butt muscle. Franklin must win the reader's attention by the pure utility of his method.
Unlike most writers, Franklin has something in common with good mathematicians. He realizes that a formula can be memorized but if one doesn't understand the assumptions on which the formula is derived, one can never apply the formula successfully. This is as true in writing as it is in mathematics.
Franklin builds his case for formula carefully. He demonstrates the nature of each assumption-a complication must be significant to the human condition; if you can't see the complication, look for the action and work your way back to the motivation, etc. Once the reader understands the assumptions, the formula becomes a useful tool in the hand of the writer, not some abstract theory laid to rust in a forgotten corner of the mind.
Once the reader is hooked, Franklin introduces the outline. More than a butt muscle twitches here; the reader squirms as visions of that Roman numerated nemesis of junior high come to mind. But this is not what Franklin has in mind. Franklin talks of a simple three-word, five-sentence form called the conflict-resolution outline. Character-action verb-direct object, what could be simpler? Diving in and writing first and thinking later, but this would be less productive in the long run.
The conflict-resolution outline forces the writer to think though the elements of good story first and make sure these elements are present before the writing begins. This method means survival for a journalist faced with a deadline. This method insures a more satisfying and successful writing experience for any writer.
Franklin teaches the 'work smarter, not harder' principles of current business practice. The importance of this to writers can not be understated. Ultimately, all writing is business if one wants to be a successful writer. The writer must produce a good product that sells itself to the editor and in turn, the reader; otherwise the writer will be unpaid. In this book, Franklin earned his pay.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Happy Little Secret
Comment: Lay people often suggest that journalists are bums, that writers get paid to watch a ball game or a movie or whatever their beats may entail. They fail to realize that the crux of the job lays with the writing. This book makes the observations of those lay people a bit more applicable -- writing a great story and seeing its components are fundamental skills that aren't difficult to learn. Read "Writing for Story," and you'll be that much closer to living the life of a writer with few worries. (Thanks to Dr. Dennis Jackson of the University of Delaware's journalism department for leading years of students to this wonderful book.)
Rating: 4
Summary: Making Non-Fiction Fictional
Comment: As a two-time pulitzer winner, Jon Franklin tries to elaborate how he was able to convert a newspaper story into a fiction and win a pulitzer for it. This sounding pretty interesting, I started this book and learnt something indeed.
The author presents two characteristic stories, explains in detail the methodology he takes in writing stories and applies them perfectly to make us understand.
The methods and the dissection of a story are wise and stories are interesting. Well Worth a read if you intend to make your write up interesting.
 |
Title: The Art and Craft of Feature Writing by William E. Blundell ISBN: 0452261589 Publisher: Plume Pub. Date: November, 1988 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
 |
Title: Writing Creative Nonfiction: Instruction and Insights from Teachers of the Associated Writing Programs by Carolyn Forche, Philip Gerard, Associated Writing Programs ISBN: 1884910505 Publisher: Story Pr Pub. Date: May, 2001 List Price(USD): $18.99 |
 |
Title: Literary Journalism by MARK KRAMER, NORMAN SIMS ISBN: 0345382226 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 23 May, 1995 List Price(USD): $14.95 |
 |
Title: FOLLOW THE STORY: HOW TO WRITE SUCCESSFUL NONFICTION by James B. Stewart ISBN: 0684850672 Publisher: Touchstone Books Pub. Date: 14 October, 1998 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
 |
Title: On Writing Well, 25th Anniversary : The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William K. Zinsser ISBN: 0060006641 Publisher: HarperResource Pub. Date: 18 September, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
