Read Like A Writer

There are two ways to learn how to write fiction: by reading it and by writing it. Yes, you can learn lots about writing stories in workshops, in writing classes and writing groups, at writers' conferences. You can learn technique and process by reading the dozens of books like this one on fiction writing and by reading articles in writers' magazines. But the best teachers of fiction are the great works of fiction themselves. You can learn more about the structure of a short story by reading Anton Chekhov's 'Heartache' than you can in a semester of Creative Writing 101. If you read like a writer, that is, which means you have to read everything twice, at least. When you read a story or novel the first time, just let it happen. Enjoy the journey. When you've finished, you know where the story took you, and now you can go back and reread, and this time notice how the writer reached that destination. Notice the choices he made at each chapter, each sentence, each word. (Every word is a choice.) You see now how the transitions work, how a character gets across a room. All this time you're learning. You loved the central character in the story, and now you can see how the writer presented the character and rendered her worthy of your love and attention. The first reading is creative—you collaborate with the writer in making the story. The second reading is critical.


John Dufresne, from his book, The Lie That Tells A Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

Complete Original Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant (Audio Book)

 

Complete Original Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant

Complete Original Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant

 

Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893)
 

Translated by Albert M. Cohn McMaster (1888 - ), A. E. Henderson et al.

Guy de Maupassant was, and is to this day, one of the world's most celebrated short story writers. He famously tackled topics like the Franco-Prussian War and the disillusionment of life and relationships. This collection of his works, containing famous stories like "Boule de Suif" and "The Diamond Necklace" show off his lyrical and engaging style. The book is written in accessible language without being simple and is sure to delight a modern audience. - Summary by Tatiana Chichilla

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Satire, Single Author Collections

Language: English

 

Buy Guy de Maupassant Books at Amazon

 

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