Fiction First Aid

Raymond Obstfeld's book reflects his background: author of twenty-seven novels, "The Novelist's Essential Guide to Crafting Scenes", ten "sold" screenplays -- obviously this is the voice of experience -- as well the head of a writing program at Orange Coast College (that's a community college so he sees Freshman and Sophomore writers' work), so he has experience helping "baby" writers solve problems. Osterfeld covers the "Common Ailments" in fiction writing: "The Flypaper Effect"; "Rushing"; "Underexposure"; "Overly Mechanical Plots"; "Ho-hum suspense"; "Uninvolving Characters"; etc. Screenwriters, as well as novelists, with "problematic" projects, will find this book a lifesaver. If you find better advice anywhere, I'd be surprised.

I'm an editing book junkie, and this is hands down the best one I've ever read. It gives specifics on trouble spots and what to look for, and actually tells you how to fix them. So many books I've read just advise of what to do, but never show you how. I read through the pages thinking, "I do that. Yikes, I do that too." My work has improved trememdously since I read this book. I think every writer who wants to polish his work or give it a final once over before submission should read it.

Weak plots. Writer's block. Lack of suspense. Unrealistic characters. These are just a few of the many ailments that can infect your fiction. "Fiction First Aid" offers "instant remedies" for novels, short stories and scripts. You don't have to know exactly what's causing the problem in your project. The layout of this guide helps you diagnose your "sick" manuscript and provides a prescription to get your work back on track. Chapters are categorized for easy reference. Plot, characterization, setting, style and theme are all covered in great detail. The very last section deals with the common questions writers of all experience levels face. How can I find more time to write? How can I tell if what I'm writing is good? What is the best way to revise my manuscript? Each chapter contains hints and tips on making your work stronger. And when you're ready to examine your own work, check out the symptoms, ailment, diagnosis and treatment you can use for your manuscript. The doctor is in. Author Raymond Obstfeld uses examples from popular novels, films and short stories to illustrate his point. Even if your writing isn't in Emergency Room status, a little check-up won't hurt. It's easy to learn how to take your fiction to the next level no matter what your writing background.

As a writer, I frequently obtain books related to my craft. This one struck me as unusual in that it had DIFFERENT ideas and suggestions, not just the same 'ol same 'ol. It is a good reference and may pull you out of writer's block!Anne Jones

I found this book to be very helpful in my writing. The author gives a lot of practical ideas. I especially liked the chapter on theme - selection, refinement, etc. Everyone who has ever gotten stuck writing (and that includes us all) should have a copy of this on their shelf. If it works just once, it's more than paid for itself. - DJ Christian - San Jose California