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Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques cover art

Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques

Written by: James Hynes,The Great Courses
Narrated by: James Hynes
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Publisher's Summary

Whether you're huddled around the campfire, composing an email to a friend, or sitting down to write a novel, storytelling is fundamental to human nature. But as any writer can tell you, the blank page can be daunting. It's tough to know where to get started, what details to include in each scene, and how to move from the kernel of an idea to a completed manuscript.

Writing great fiction isn't a gift reserved for the talented few. There is a craft to storytelling that can be learned, and studying writing techniques can be incredibly rewarding - both personally and professionally. Even if you don’t have ambitions of penning the next Moby-Dick, you'll find value in exploring all the elements of fiction.

From evoking a scene to charting a plot to revising your drafts, Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques offers a master class in storytelling. Taught by award-winning novelist James Hynes, a former visiting professor at the famed Iowa Writers' Workshop, these 24 insightful lectures show you the ins and outs of the fiction writer's craft. Get tips for developing believable and memorable characters, explore how to craft plausible dialogue that serves the purposes of your narrative, compare the advantages of different points of view, and more. A wealth of exercises will inspire you to practice the many techniques you learn. Professor Hynes is an able guide, showing you what has worked for him and other novelists, and pointing out pitfalls to avoid. Writing Great Fiction is truly an exceptional course for anyone interested in storytelling.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2014 The Great Courses

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this is a book of extraordinary quality on conveyi

I truly needed to read this book it is of exceptional quality and answered many of my questions abode a craft of writing

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

that was something new to learn

i always wanted to learn how to write fiction. last chapter sort of gave me a good answer that i should not

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3 people found this helpful

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Always wanted to write... This is a must-read

Absolutely loved this book. The lecturer makes it both interesting and super motivating. Smart step by step guide... you will not regret it. I will listen to it again. Thanks #Audible1 for making it happen.

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent

If you are writing a non fiction book this is one you really need to listen to.

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2 people found this helpful

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A Superb Course for Aspiring Authors

I listen to this course often. Since its purchase, I have probably listened to these lectures dozens of times. Jame Hynes is fantastic at explaining the various nuances of the writing art. I highly recommend this audiobook to any would-be author.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great info for aspiring writers.

An easy listen full of concise information and explanation. The author demonstrates, in easy to understand language, the key principles of writing fiction.

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1 person found this helpful

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Excellent lecture series for new writers

This lecture series, broken into digestible 40-minute lectures, is a fantastic starting point for prospective fiction writers hoping to improve their work. At the end of each lecture, there is even an activity or exercise recommended that will help to improve a relevant skill or make you think a little deeper about the subject.

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Good information, well delivered

I've been writing dribs and drabs of fiction for most of my life and thought that I was getting the hang of it. These lectures have added immensely to my knowledge of what I should have done, and should do in future writing efforts. Clear and concise, the lessons give plenty of examples of what makes a good story. Instead of just reading a great book, I can now spot the masterful touches that make them classics.

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  • 2023-04-29

helpful

helped understand several things, good motivation, liked the exercises, liked the lecturer, better perspective of how to refine and push through

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easy and informative listen

An easy and informative listen. Nicely paced, interesting, and with numerous relevant examples and insights.

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