This book is an excellent book for new writers of the craft of fiction writing. It is a book that experienced writers will want to have also. I know I will have it always. It points out many of the traps and pitfalls writers face when attempting to write fiction. The author has tremendous experience teaching the craft, and answers all the issues pointed out in ways that seem directed to you personally, the reader.

Mr. Koch takes you from the beginnings of your fiction project all the way to the finish. He attempts, indeed, he greatly helps you navigate, avoid, and deal with many, if not all of the issues that arise from taking on a fictional writing project.

He also has a section at the end of the book that lists his recommended readings. In this section he comments on the author of each book and what you may hope to get or what the book might help you with in your writing.

Any writer of fiction new or experienced will benefit from owning this book.

Stephen Koch is a very eloquent writer. His many years of teaching are apparent in this book. Although some of his vocabulary is a little "high brow", it is obvious that he doesn't use "big words" to make some impression other than getting his point across. For the most part the average educated person will have no trouble understanding what the author is saying.

Some people may have to expand their vocabulary and look up some of the words he uses.
Otherwise, there wasn't anything I didn't like about this book.

Write!
I also wanted to go buy all the books he recommends, but I can't afford that all at once. He recommends quite a number of books on the craft.

This book helped me realize that I am a writer! The way many of Mr. Koch's explanations or solutions to problems read, I thought he was talking only to me!
This helped me realize I am not alone in the issues I face writing fiction. It presented new ways (to me) to deal with these issues or reinforced what I am already doing. I got exactly what I wanted to get from this book.

Stephen Koch taught the craft of fiction writing to graduate students for 28 years, 21 years at Columbia University, and 7 years at Princeton University. He has written two novels, "Night Watch" and "The Bachelor's Bride". He is also the author of several nonfiction works.

Steven Koch eloquently addresses real problems of the craft of fiction writing. His keen insight on these issues made it seem as if he wrote the book only for me. A great read for any aspiring or successful writer of fiction or nonfiction.

The style Mr. Koch uses throughout this book makes for a very fulfilling read and is very positive. All writers can benefit from reading this book. If for nothing else, his recommended reading list is a must have. I have made it a goal to begin acquiring many of the books from his list.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Modern Library Writer's Workshop : A Guide to the Craft of Fiction   from Amazon.Com!

Created Mar 12, 2005 at 6:13pm • Submit your own review...