The Modern Library Writer's Workshop: A Guide to the Craft of Fiction
- ISBN-10
- 0307538486
- ISBN-13
- 9780307538482
- Category
- Language Arts & Disciplines
- Pages
- 272
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2009-05-14
- Publisher
- Modern Library
- Author
- Stephen Koch
Description
“Make [your] characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.” —Kurt Vonnegut “‘The cat sat on the mat’ is not the beginning of a story, but ‘the cat sat on the dog’s mat’ is.” —John Le Carré Nothing is more inspiring for a beginning writer than listening to masters of the craft talk about the writing life. But if you can’t get Vladimir Nabokov, Virginia Woolf, and Gabriel García Márquez together at the Algonquin, The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop gives you the next best thing. Stephen Koch, former chair of Columbia University’s graduate creative writing program, presents a unique guide to the craft of fiction. Along with his own lucid observations and commonsense techniques, he weaves together wisdom, advice, and inspiring commentary from some of our greatest writers. Taking you from the moment of inspiration (keep a notebook with you at all times), to writing a first draft (do it quickly! you can always revise later), to figuring out a plot (plot always serves the story, not vice versa), Koch is a benevolent mentor, glad to dispense sound advice when you need it most. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop belongs on every writer’s shelf, to be picked up and pored over for those moments when the muse needs a little help finding her way.
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2003-04-01
- 272 pages
- Paperback
- Modern Library
Similar books
-
Advice to the Writer: The Writer's Guide to Plot, Revision, and Autobiography: A Digital Pamphlet: Excerpted from The Modern Library's...
By Stephen KochThis is a book not just for the beginning writer but for every writer.”—Martha McPhee, author of the National Book Award nominee Gorgeous Lies “The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop is a treasure trove of wisdom, both immensely ...
-
Batavia Library Writers Workshop Tenth Literary Annual
By Batavia Library Writers WorkshopBatavia Library Writers Workshop Tenth Literary Annual
-
The Granta Book of the American Short Story
By Richard FordGathers stories by Paul Bowles, Robert Penn Warren, John Cheever, Eudora Welty, Wallace Stegner, Bernard Malamud, Flannery O'Connor, Joyce Carol Oates, Donald Barthelme, Raymond Carver, John Updike, and Grace Paley
-
The Portable MFA in Creative Writing
By New York Writers WorkshopCovering fiction, memoirs, personal essays, magazine articles, poetry, and playwriting, this book provides you with: • Inspiration and tips on revision, stamina, and productivity • Clear instruction on the craft behind the art • ...
-
Gotham Writers' Workshop: Writing Fiction: The Practical Guide From New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School
By Gotham Writers' WorkshopGotham Writers' Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book.
-
Gotham Writers' Workshop Fiction Gallery: Exceptional Short Stories Selected by New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School
By Alex Steele, Thom DidatoA collection of short fiction selected by members of New York's acclaimed creative writing school presents works that range from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," to "A Romantic Weekend by Mary Gaitskill, to ...
-
No More "I'm Done!": Fostering Independent Writers in the Primary Grades
By Jennifer Jacobson... Moon Sandwich Mom. Joliet, IL: Albert Whitman. Rafferty wants a new mother—a mother who is fun. (organization) ——. 2005. Andy Shane and the Very Bossy Dolores Starbuckle. Somerville, MA: Candlewick. Andy is reluctant to go to school and ...
-
Welcome to Writing Workshop: Engaging Today's Students with a Model That Works
By Lynne R. Dorfman, Stacey ShubitzFrom explanations of writing process and writing traits to small-group strategy lessons and minilessons, this book will provide the know-how to feel confident and comfortable in the teaching of writers.
-
Jasmine and Maddie
By Christine PakkalaWhen Jasmine steals Maddie's heirloom ring, just how far will she go to keep it? In alternating chapters, Maddie and Jasmine take turns weaving their story about friendship and coming of age.
-
Walking on Cowrie Shells: Stories
By Nana NkwetiA “boisterous and high-spirited debut” (Kirkus starred review)“that enthralls the reader through their every twist and turn” (Publishers Weekly starred review), named one of the Most Anticipated Books for Brittle Paper, The Millions ...