Wrede on Writing: Tips, Hints, and Opinions on Writing is a detailed, but fast paced instructional text on writing fiction. If you are the self-learning type trying to get your hands dirty with short stories or perhaps even a novel, Wrede on Writing will give you the much needed advice and direction to kick-off your writing project.
Patricia Wrede published her first novel in 1982 and many more since then. She has been to the bestsellers lists received from numerous critics and fans.
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Title: Wrede on Writing: Tips, Hints, and Opinions on Writing Author: Patricia C. Wrede Publisher: Diversion Books (December 3, 2013) ISBN-10: 1626812225
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Book Review
The first time I came across the title, I immediately thought of large volume by some Greek Philosopher on something. I was not completely wrong. The book covers all the aspects of creative writing you need to know and at the same time does it in a simple, easy to understand style.
The author’s conversational style is easy as she raises all the questions a new writer would have, throughout the book. The bite-sized chapters focused on specific problems that authors face gives it a “page turner” attribute. Abundant examples and use of easy metaphors makes the technical discussions easy for someone who is not formally educated in writing.
For example, in the Where Do You Get Ideas the author explains that ideas are everywhere, you just need to look at things happening around you in a different perspective and it becomes a habit. She explains this in a humorous style by showing how you can get a great story by twisting your grocery list of the week.
The book is an excellent resource for writers stepping into writing their first novel or short stories. Other than some basic questions like getting ideas, the book also talks about more technical issues relating to developing a story and the differences between approach to a short story and a novel. The author believes that novels allow more latitude and space for a developed character, and elaborate subplots, which need to feed the main plot in the end; whereas short stories need to be tight and focused.
