When Jack Bickham was a student at the University of Oklahoma, his teacher and mentor was Dwight Swain. Swain was one of the finest writing instructors of his generation -- right up there with John Gardner -- and many who were fortunate enough to study with him went on to publication.
Bickham went on not only to publish many science fiction and western stories and books but to teach writing, continuing in the fine tradition of his mentor. This is not the only book he has published with Writer's Digest... more info
What a Fantastic Book:
I haven't finished going through this book, because each chapter opens a new world of writing to you and takes quite some time. The habits that he teaches may not work for you as a writer forever, but try them anyway, because they are informative and illustrative in a way I had never imagined.
This is the best book on short story writing I own. It really teaches, and it pulls from the inside. It makes you learn about yourself as much as your craft, and forces you to break out of ruts you may not even have... more info
Excellent for starters:
I have bought several books on cretive writing and I am sure this is the best so far, specially for starters. The author does not wander in philosophical discussions or sentimental nonsense, this book is filled with sound, solid advice to help you start your own literary process. It seems to be a little formulaic some times but it didn't bother me at all, because the idea is to give you a starting structure and help you develop your own modus operandi. A must have!!!
Too Much Structure can Kill?:
I have to admit I've read quite a few books on writing fiction. Most of them try to take what is essentially an intuitive and difficult process and fire it down to clear, easy to follow instructions. Just like the most mediocre cook can work wonders with the right recipe, we hope that it can be that simple with fiction. Bickman's book has a lot to recommend it. Were it not for this book, I might not have discovered just what a great resource a box of notecards can be for the writer. If I hadn't followed his... more info
Privacy policy: we don't collect information
about visitors except for the standard technical server logs. We don't send unsolicited emails. We don't
sell the information that we don't collect about you to anyone. When you follow
links to other sites, their privacy policies apply. Thanks for visiting!
