The fiction writer's handbook

Compiled with all new fiction-writers in mind, this book offers advice on both the novel and the short story. A section on techniques and principles covers such topics as conflict, background, characteristics, dialogue, pace, theme, viewpoint, symbolism, reader identification and flashback, and illustrates them with examples, where appropriate. Further sections deal with the construction of different types of novel and advice on how to get them published, structure and atmosphere in short stories and how to find a market for them, and guidance on rewriting, presentation, length, writing methods and grammar. The author teaches creative writing and her other books include "The Essential A-Z of Creating Writing".