MODERN LIBRARY WRITER’S WORKSHOP, THE : A Guide to the Craft of Fiction

“Make [your] characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.” —Kurt Vonnegut Compiling wisdom and advice from such masters of the craft as Henry James, E. M. Forster, Eudora Welty, and Toni Morrison, this readerly guide to fiction writing provides helpful observations and techniques for would-be fiction writers, … Review: Koch, former chair of Columbia’s graduate writing program, takes the beginning fiction writer through the entire writing process, from conceptualizing a story to making characters come alive. Seeing writing as a vocation, he persuasively argues that it is hard work and craft (and not always talent) that enables writers to succeed. This book is filled with practical advice and insights gained not only from the author’s experience as a writer and teacher but, more importantly, from the myriad famous writers whom he quotes and whose work he analyzes for character, point of view, and style. Thus, the “workshop” here is conducted not only by Koch but also by all of those he invokes, from Aristotle to John Gardner and Ray Bradbury. There is also a wonderful chapter on memoir or autobiographical writing and the relationship between fiction and fact. This very readable book will appeal not only to serious fiction writers but also to all students of literature. Recommended