Making Shapely Fiction

Title: Making Shapely Fiction Author: Jerome H. Stern Published: 1990

Overview

"Making Shapely Fiction" by Jerome H. Stern is a comprehensive guide to the craft of writing fiction. The book is designed to be both a practical guide for writers and an informative resource for those interested in the principles of fiction writing. Here are the key themes and elements of the book:

Key Themes

1. The Shapes of Fiction: The book is organized around sixteen general ways of constructing a story, which Stern calls "shapes." These include forms like Façade, Juggling, Iceberg, Last Lap, Trauma, Specimen, Gathering, A Day in the Life, Onion, Journey, Visitation, Aha!, Bear at the Door, Snapshot, Blue Moon, and Explosion. Each shape is explained with its logic and supported by examples.
2. Momentum, Tension, and Immediacy: Stern emphasizes the importance of these elements in creating engaging fiction. He argues that tension is the mother of fiction and that combining tension with immediacy can make a story begin.
3. Dialogue and Action: The book covers the role of dialogue and action in storytelling, highlighting how these elements can drive the narrative forward.
4. Beginnings and Endings: Stern discusses the significance of beginnings and endings in fiction, providing insights into how to craft compelling openings and conclusions.
5. "Write What You Know": The book explores the often-debated principle of "write what you know," offering practical advice on how to apply this principle effectively.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into four parts, each consisting of short essays that describe various aspects of writing fiction. The first part, "The Shapes of Fiction," introduces the sixteen narrative forms. The subsequent parts delve into more detailed discussions of techniques, including characterization, point of view, and transitions. The book is organized to allow readers to easily look up and cross-reference helpful explanations and examples, making it a versatile resource for both beginners and experienced writers.

Critical Reception

Positive Reception:

• Informative and Entertaining: The book is praised for its informative and entertaining approach to writing fiction. It inspires readers to write and revise their work, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned writers.
• Holistic Approach: Stern's holistic approach to storytelling, focusing on the whole shape of the story rather than breaking it down into individual elements, is particularly noted. This approach helps readers understand how different techniques interplay to create a cohesive narrative.

Critical Points:

• Organization: While the book is organized in a way that makes it easy to look up specific topics, some critics note that it does not divide and conquer the elements of fiction as clearly as other guides. This can sometimes make fiction look like a math formula, but Stern's approach emphasizes the importance of unity and form in storytelling.

Conclusion

"Making Shapely Fiction" by Jerome H. Stern is a comprehensive guide that offers a unique perspective on the craft of writing fiction. Its focus on the shapes of fiction and the interplay of various techniques makes it a valuable resource for writers looking to improve their skills. The book's ability to inspire and inform readers has made it a respected guide in the literary community.