Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques For Exceptional Storytelling (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I had read Donald Maass's previous book Writing the Breakout Novel and expected this to be more of the same. It took things in a new direction and to a new depth. In fact, the thrust of this is that the books that touch us do so by getting us to tap into something deep within us. It is the emotional connection that we remember in a great book long after we've forgotten those with merely quirky characters, funny lines or breathtaking plots. Such writing is not for the timid or rushed. It is poetic that I have finished this book while in the middle of a week long writing workshop taught by Maass. In person, he is even more impressive and his insight more profound while being remarkably approachable and unpretentious.A must read for any serious author. It deserves a re-read. I loved this book and recommend it highly to anyone who is working on a novel. As promised by the subtitle, High Impact Techniques for Exceptional Storytelling, Donald Maass offers a discussion of various elements of writing that is both practical and inspiring. The end of each chapter includes a set of writing tools -- several sets of questions for writers to ask about their own manuscripts -- which can be returned to again and again. A writing guide that is quick to read, but can also be savored over a number of weeks and months to add inspiration to the writing process. This book has earned a permanent spot on my writing desk!
What do You think about Writing 21st Century Fiction: High Impact Techniques For Exceptional Storytelling (2012)?
One of the best books on writing I've read in years. Pick it up. NOW.
—shaziie_17
Awesome as always and incredibly helpful!
—noushinkhan
