The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them): And How to Avoid Them

when I first started creative writing a few years ago, this was one of the first guide books I picked up. Since then I've read and highlighted it numerous times because the points Bickham drives home are so critical. He gives excellent examples of each potential type of fiction writing mistake and also gives practical advice to writers.Some key points Bickham devotes chapters to: don't be a show off when you write, speak intelligently to your reader, don't use real people in your stories, don't forget sense impressions, don't ignore scene structure, don't wander around in a fog, etc. In each of the 38 chapters (one for each fiction writing mistake) he clearly and thoroughly discusses each mistake and makes it evident why such writing doesn't work. After reading this book, such errors become evident in your own work. I know mine started jumping right out at me. Bickham is also a motivator, telling would be writers to set a schedule and write, write, write and you will find success. He shows writers how to remain positive and assures them that giving up is the biggest and costliest writing mistake of all. Those who persist will succeed, he assures. Overall, I derived a good bit of elementary writing technique from this book and some motivation and encouragement. I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly to all beginning fiction writers.

This book is a "must" for beginning fiction writers who want to write to publish stories. This book accomplishes its mission; it identifies many obvious mistakes that beginner writers make but ought to avoid--simple mistakes that could cause both editors or readers alike to reject a story and, ultimately, its author. My recommendation to a beginner fiction writer is to read this book now. I'd like to offer a backhanded compliment for this book, as well: //WARNING: if you are a person who just wants to read fiction for pleasure (and do not want to write fiction for profit), then don't read this book because it exposes the mystique of well-written fiction.// I am wildly enthusiastic about this book and am glad that Writer's Digest Books is still offering this gem. This book is well written in an easy-to-understand style. Bickham's examples are clear and meaningful. This book can be read and digested in small segments (each chapter ranges from 1 to three or four pages) or at one sitting. It can be used as a handy reference, tool, too. My copy is heavily highlighted for quick referral. I heartily look forward to reading other books on writing by Jack M. Bickham and will probably look for his novels, too (to study and hopefully enjoy as well).

First of all, I purchased this book over a year ago and I continue to use it. I pick it up to refresh my memory and it helps me see my work with fresh eyes. True, it is a don't do this don't do that book. I saw a few reviews complain about this... I wonder if they noticed the title of the book. Anyhow, a lot can be learned from what not to do. Second, this a book about writing works that publisher's find appealing (and the public too of course). If that is not what you hope for, then take it with a grain of salt and read Writing Down The Bones; that is a book focused on the creative side of the craft.Third, the most popular review of this book is negative "Not that interesting with some poor advice" July 2000. I'd like to point out Bickham is an accomplished, popular and published writer while the reviewer was at the time "...near completion of my first novel." Frankly, I think it is silly to critique a book like this on how well it deals with the creative side of writing; the creative part of writing is your job and no one can stop you but you.To sum it up, this is a writer's advice on writing books. There are plenty of authors I wish would do this; I am grateful Mr. Bickham did. I don't think he is claiming his word is law; any sensible person knows there is no such thing in art. But, if you hope to have an audience, you'd better know how to please it and I think this book does a fine job pointing out some things that can make that audience throw rotten fruit at you.;)

I don't often drop 10 to 12 bucks on how-to books, but this one got my attention with concise, helpful specifics. I'll definitely keep it to read and re-read. Great for helping you figure out what you're good at and what you need to work on, reminding you of the important stuff, and inspiring you to get back to the keyboard!

Pithy, to-the-point, and more useful than any other single book on the subject. Have yet to see the important writing questions asked (and answered) so well. Probably the best first book for aspiring writers to read, well before their manuscripts are finished.