Master Class in Fiction Writing: Techniques from Austen, Hemingway, and Other Greats

To learn the art and craft of writing, one must do two things -- one must read and one must write. Both are far more complex than that simple statement can elucidate, but this book delves into those twin tasks with great skill and depth. Through a series of guided readings, Sexton takes us through works of masterful literature and helps us see what makes these particular works stand out. It isn't necessary that we like a particular work, only that we can look at it, grasp how it works, and take that information into our own writing. The essays exploring each work are far better than the usual creative writing class or literature class lecture -- accessible, interesting, light, occasionally humorous.

This is not a casual book, but a book show more that can easily fill a year with study, or even longer if attended to assiduously. It's a book worth reading many times. show less

I found this a great read - I miss studying English Lit and it felt like this was a good substitute with a lively expert for a teacher. The books discussed are a good mix but there is a strong bias to American literature which, to my detriment, I don't know so well (being a Brit).

The concept behind this book is that you can become a better writer by learning specific techniques from master writers. Writers write by mimicking other writers, writers get inspiration and ideas from other writers. Adam Sexton shows how aspiring writers can develop their skills from classic writers such as Joyce, Conrad and Nabokov.

Sexton divides his book into sections that discuss the various elements of fiction. We use Hemingway's stories for learning voice, Austen for characterization, etc. Each section focuses on one work, either a short story, long story, or novel. He tells you to "stop now and read...." So you've got an excellent guide to reading or re-reading some twentieth century classics.

I bought this (work)book with hopes show more that it would help me hone my skills as a writer. I can see how I will apply myself to the chapters of this book. I will have to identify the writers that I admire and I want to learn from, then use the book to examine how my favorite writers manage to shape their stories based on their own writing styles. Hopefully this would give me ideas on how to improve my own work and writing. show less