Creative Writer's Style Guide: Rules and Advice for Writing Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

by Christopher T. Leland

Textbook rules about punctuation and grammar can be difficult to apply to your novel, short story, personal essay or memoir. There are special considerations that normal style manuals just don't address.
This resource saves you time, while giving you the guidance you need to edit your manuscript with confidence.

Genres: Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands-down the best grammar reference for fiction writers. The needs of a fiction writer require the occasional bending and stretching of rules, a fact of the writing life you won't find acknowledged in CMOS or other guides, most of which focus on business and academic writing. This, Strunk & White, and Self-editing for Fiction Writers need to be in every writer's toolbox.

[Razzleteddy (Shiera) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your starting out writing and such, this book is to have. It'll teach you everything you need to know. ^^

[Ashley Polikoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone writing fiction. It succinctly teaches grammar related to fiction--so many authors mess up their tenses. Worth picking up for that. Some bad advice though--like using 'scare quotes.'

[Janett Wawrzyniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a great many instances what is correct is a matter of opinion. This is why we have the MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, The Chicago Manual of Style, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, and so on-- not to mention the numerous writing guides turned out annually by major publishers. In creative work, the author confronts problems that are distinct from those dealt with by scholars or journalists. This book approaches issues of grammar, usage, and style with a strong slant toward writers of creative prose. It is not intended to replace other manuals, which cover particular questions not addressed in this book. For writing a short story, a novel, a memoir, or some other work of creative nonfiction then instruction is given. The best way to transmit your characters thoughts, when you have a foul mouthed character and how much foulness to include is discussed. What to employ with stylistic intent and have confidence is focused on in this book. The result should be a manuscript which, though it may not coincide completely with the house style of an editor who reads it, will be "correct." In this book learning conventions is discussed; with attention to creative work to create particular effects, to add emphasis. Basic and more complex issues are discussed. Regardless of skill level this book can provide the tools to learn. I highly recommend this book. I own copy.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful blend of rules and examples. Particularly the chapters on description and accuracy.

Description makes clear when and what to describe. Accuracy focuses on internal consistency. Clear guidelines for both applications with variations.

[Jane Mangalus]

Favorite stule guide though my copy was stolen in 2008