Telling the Tale: The African-American Fiction Writer's Guide

I thought this book was very helpful. She gave some useful tips on keeping your characters in order by charting their names and relationships with others. She also suggests that the writer interview the characters as if they were the subjects of a magazine or newspaper article. This book can be read before or during the novel writing process.

This was a great book to use as a writing guide for aspiring writers. It was an easy read with simple steps to accomplish the major goal of writing a novel. I am a true testament that completing the exercises are helpful. After following the guidelines in the book, I completed my first novel. I'm now a published author, and I credit my success to this book!

I think Ms. Benson did a fantastic job of outlining an approach and a structure to writing. She didn't tout this as "the way to do it," but simply as a way that has worked for her. I also think the exercises included in each chapter helped drive home the point being made. Good read for aspiring writers, as well as writers looking to hone their craft!

Angela Benson, romance and inspirational author, gives here a blueprint for African Americans who want to be successful in writing. Why a fiction writing guide for African Americans? Ms. Benson says "As minorities in American culture, blacks are in a postiton to provide social commentary on the system, the way things are". That said, she strongly stresses how important it is as a minority to understand how the majority operates.To that end she offers section on plot, character development, POV, revisions, dialogue, and a host of exercises to hone your craft. With this guide anyone, no matter what color, gets an excellent view of the ins and out of writing fiction that is believable and marketable. Don't Guess, Research- this chapter is invaluable in that she makes the point that one should make the library a place with which to be familiar and to make the librarian a close friend. Think you can get everything from the Internet? Think again. Minute details such as dates and particular events can give your story authencity or show you up as being careless.This is a good resource for any fiction writer, black or white. Thank you, Angela, for this gift.

Angela Benson is a talented writer. Her books speak for them selves. It is any wonder that she would write an excellent guide for new and experienced writers? Absolutely not! Please take time to check out her work if you are interested in some day building your own writing career. Her ideas will give a large step up that long and difficult climb to becoming a published author. I believe Telling The Tale is worth your time and investment.