How Fiction Works: Proven Secrets to Writing Successful Stories That Hook Readers and Sell

How Fiction Works - Oakley Hall An editor once told me that if you're going to take advice on writing, take it either from name-bestselling writers or gatekeepers such as acquiring editors or agents--not necessarily anyone who writes for Writer's Digest or has taught a writing class. Well, Hall is a published writer, but unlike other authors of books on fiction craft on my shelves (ie Stephen King and Elizabeth George) neither a "name" author nor one who I've read and personally admire. There's not much I have read elsewhere in this book either. It's staying on my shelves for two reasons. One, Hall has a more literary sensibility than many another writing book I've read--I like how he uses a lot of classic literature in his examples. (And examples of bad writing too--that's valuable). And I like his lists on the back of books to read :-)