Learning to Write Fiction from the Masters

I've been a writer for some time and with the ever present desire to increse my abilities as one, I've added this book to my collection. I must say it is a worthy addition to my eclectic array of resources, but not with out its points, good and bad. The book, like the title suggests, deals with writing samples from the "masters" of the English language. The book does very well in addressing the essentialities of fiction writing: setting, plot, dramatization, characterization, dialogue. It is helpful in that Conrad has selected specific textual examples from past works of English authors to support what he is saying. Let me reiterate the fact that this book is very example heavy. It has more of other peoples' words, I think, than Conrads own. It's not the best book I've seen, but it does help you if you're struggling or confused on how to best write dialogue or portray specific characterizations. Don't expect to become a phenomenal writer overnight by reading this book. Purchase this book with the proviso that you take it into your arsenal so that you may study and learn from it, not that you expect it to make you an instantly better writer.

Although I might question one or two of Mr. Conrad's selection for the canon, his instincts and approach are right on target. Before I came across this book, I had discovered that any great writer does at least one thing well. I would study how he or she did it and try the same thing myself. Sometimes it didn't work for me, but often it did. More important is to read good writing because reading good writing will influence your own. Since reading this book, I have tried to read less junk and more books, old and new, of real quality. I find that it makes a difference.