Scene and Structure

This is probably the best book on Scene writing. I had my share of struggles with wanting to master the theory and practice behind fiction writing and this book, along with the others in the series, helped clear my path when I only had short summaries, dribbles and random timelines.

I've read all the books in the Elements of Fiction Writing series and this is how I'd rank them."Scene & Structure" "Characters & Viewpoint" "Beginnings, Middles & Ends"The above three books are invaluable -- must reads. They are the best of the series, in my opinion, and are packed with good information on every page. Well-done."Conflict, Action & Suspense" "Description" "Plot" "Manuscript Submission" "Setting"The above five books are good, solid reads. Again, they contain good information and cover the subject decently."Voice & Style" "Dialogue"To me, the last two books need to be rewritten. They are by far the weakest of the series. Both suffer from an annoying style, particularly Dialogue, and both are very skimpy on real information. Neither one is very helpful.This is the order in which I'd recommend reading them.

Where was this book when I was writing my first three novels? Halfway through this book, I threw out everything after chapter two of my current book (and I had 13 chapters already written!) and started rewriting feverishly. Powerful stuff. If you haven't read this book, you probably don't know enough about how to write captivating scenes and what to do with the characters AFTER the scene is over. I only put this book down long enough to apply what I was learning. It's worth every penny. A heartfelt wish Jack Bickham had written much, much more about the art of writing...

Most books on fiction writing aren't worth the paper they're printed on. This one is different. Jack Bickham is a master when it comes to structure, and if you let it, this book can make you a master as well. Not everything about writing can be learned; fortunately structure is something that can. This book is as well-structured as are Bickham's novels. Frankly, I don't know any writer, beginner or advanced, who couldn't profit from this book. It's certainly helped me.

Taking you from the very minute 'Stimulus and Response' through How to build a classic scene, How to twist the classic scene and finally ending with How to write a multi viewpoint book, Jack M. Bickham keeps as tight hold of you in this non fiction book as he teaches you how to keep a tight hold your readers. All prepublished and mamy published writers could improve their writing by reading this book and doing what it says to. Well done.