Between the Lines: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing

I bought this after returning from a writing seminar with the gifted author, thinking that it would summarize the wealth of information presented. It certainly does, but the information in the seminar was just the tip of the iceberg compared to the book. I will buy this as a gift for each of the wonderful writers in my creative writing group.

Finally, all those little things that writers sort of know, all in one spot. Between the Lines isn't a fluffy writer's book that pats the reader on the back without giving substance. This book is about technique. Morrell has brought together all the refinements that authors sort of know, even though that knowledge has been gleaned from so many sources. Here, it's all together. It's all about the small things, the subtle things. The only caution I would have about this book is that new writers shouldn't read it, not until they've had writing experience under their belt. Why? Because many new writers tend to take books like these far too seriously and try to incorporate everything they've read about into one work. If a new writer tries that with Between the Lines, they'll drive themselves up a wall and maybe out of writing. This book is best for advanced writers, ones who are seeking to refine their already solid prose and storytelling skills.

Thank you, Jessica Page Morrell. I am so glad that I happened to walk past the new arrivals shelf in my local library. This caught my eye, I grabbed it and I have not been able to put it down. I have written 50,000 words so far for my first novel. I knew my second draft would keep me busy but now I know what it needs .... not guessing at what it needs. This lady knows her stuff. I would happily take a writing course that she teaches ... any day of the week.

There are so many things to take into account when writing fiction. Trying to achieve all the subtleties of pacing, tension, characterization, emotional intensity, and so on is such an artful balancing act that many people believe it's something you either get or don't, and cannot be taught. Very few people have ever been able to break this art form down to the point where it really can be taught--or if they have, they've only been able to break down small pieces of it. Finally, however, Jessica Page Morrell has done the most amazing job I've ever seen of transforming all those subtleties into solid, understandable tips, techniques, hints, rules of thumb, and guidelines. She balances specific techniques with a true understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all "solution" to any given issue. Instead of saying "you have to do this" or "most writers can't make this work so don't do it," she goes into great depth on what usually works and doesn't and, most importantly, why (or why not). Instead of being told that you shouldn't use flashbacks, you'll be told what they're useful for and how to make them work if you need them--as well as when you might want to cut them out. "Between the Lines" contains one of the best discussions of theme & premise I've ever seen in a writing book, changing them from something that can seem clumsy and contrived into a much more organic, understandable, necessary thing. The book covers transitions, foreshadowing, backstory, cliffhangers, flashbacks, imagery, pacing, sensory details, setting and sense of place, subplots, tension, suspense, and so much more. Always it delves into not just the how but also the why and why not, allowing you access not to some formula, but rather to an entire workshop of subtle techniques. The mysteries of fiction become so much more understandable when viewed through Ms. Morrell's eyes, and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

What an excellent book! I learned something from every chapter -- maybe from every single page. Morrell's book is packed with valuable teaching that will benefit every fiction writer seeking to fine-tune his/her work. I found all the chapters to be relevant, clear, and full of practical advice and well-chosen examples. I highly recommend "Between the Lines"!