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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Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber

 

Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber
 

Conjure Wife

 

by Fritz Leiber

 

(eText)


Conjure Wife is a supernatural horror novel by American writer Fritz Leiber. Its premise is that witchcraft flourishes as an open secret among women. The story is told from the point of view of a small-town college professor who discovers that his wife is a witch. Wikipedia

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About the Author 

Fritz Reuter Leiber Jr.
Fritz Reuter Leiber Jr. (/ˈlaɪbÉ™r/ LEYE-bÉ™r; December 24, 1910 – September 5, 1992) was an American writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He was also a poet, actor in theater and films, playwright, and chess expert. With writers such as Robert E. Howard and Michael Moorcock, Leiber is one of the fathers of sword and sorcery and coined the term. Wikipedia


Born: December 24, 1910, Chicago, IL
Died: September 5, 1992, San Francisco, CA
Spouse: Margo Skinner (m. 1992–1992), Jonquil Stephens (m. 1936–1969)
Children: Justin Leiber
Parents: Fritz Leiber, Virginia Bronson

Fritz Reuter Leiber Jr at Amazon
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