The Fire in Fiction

Which writing techniques do widely published authors use to continuously improve their writing and ensure compelling storytelling in every release? The Fire in Fiction delves deep into the world of character development, with fiction writing tips that can turn any writer into a pro at developing character and voice in writing in no time at all. Learn how to write dialogue effectively by using the same techniques of favorite and best selling authors around the world.

The book contains a wealth of information for fiction and nonfiction writers alike. Complete with a character development worksheet, and containing answers to the most commonly asked character development questions, the included examples and fiction writing exercises will improve your writing and take your storytelling skills to the next level.

Written by successful literary agent Donald Mass, The Fire in Fictionis a first hand account of what it takes to succeed as a storywriter. Mass, who himself is an author of over fifteen novels, also owns a literary agency currently representing over one hundred prominent authors - lending him a certain degree of credibility in the matters addressed throughout the book.

Currently living in New York City, Maass remains a fixture in "must reads" when it comes to learning how to develop character in writing.

Readers are Saying...
"Donald's The Fire in Fiction was easily the best money I've spent all year. At just $18, you can't afford *not* to own it. I ended up buying four more copies for my buddies in my writing class, and now they're lending it to all their friends. I read a few books about writing fiction and about using "character development techniques and tactics" before, with high hopes of coming out a better writer, but this is the first one that actually made me stop searching for A/B things to do and to actually look *into* the character I was trying to write. Hard to explain, but much easier to understand if you can get your hands on a copy :-) Write on!"

Book Excerpt

The heroes of popular series are memorable, but quick: Who's the most unforgettable sidekick in contemporary fiction? Takes some thought, doesn't it? Dr. Watson comes easily to mind; perhaps also Sancho Panza or Paul Drake? After that it's easier to think of sidekicks from movies or comic books.

Same question for femmes fatales. Not so easy, is it? Conjuring up the names of Brigid O'Shaughnessy in Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon (1930) or Carmen Sternwood in Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep (1939) tests the depth of your trivia knowledge. Maybe you thought of Justine in Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet (1957–1960)? Points to you — but what about contemporary fiction? Do you recall the name of Lyra Belacqua's mother in Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass (1995)? (It's Mrs. Coulter.) Other femmes fatales?

We could issue the same challenge with respect to the great villains of contemporary literature. After Hannibal Lecter, who is there?

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