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On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback)

On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback)

Best price now

$4.99at alibrisChecked Nov 8

65% under what the other stores charge

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Price facts

  • Last seen at $4.99 at alibris on Nov 8.
  • Checked at 3 stores.

Our take on the On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback)

On Teaching and Writing Fiction is a paperback collection of essays on the craft of fiction, drawn from the writer's long experience as a teacher and novelist. It focuses on how stories are built and how writing is taught, rather than on publishing or marketing. Readers looking for exercises and step-by-step prompts will find it more reflective than practical. It suits writers and teachers who want craft discussion with literary depth, and it sits closer to books like John Gardner's On Becoming a Novelist than to workbook-style guides.

Best forWriters who want craft essays rather than exercisesCreative writing teachers and workshop leadersReaders interested in how fiction is taughtFans of literary essays on the writing life
Pros
  • Thoughtful essays on how fiction works and how it is taught
  • Written by an experienced novelist and teacher
  • Short pieces that can be read and reread individually
  • Useful for structuring workshops and classroom discussion
  • Paperback format is easy to annotate and carry
Cons
  • Light on concrete exercises and step-by-step instruction
  • Assumes a literary rather than commercial fiction outlook
  • Some essays repeat ideas covered elsewhere in the book
  • Not a beginner's how-to for plotting or drafting

On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback) prices at every store

  • alibrisNew

    In stock

    $4.99Checked Nov 8
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  • WalmartNew

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    $14.24+ $6.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
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  • TargetNew

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    $15.39+ $5.99 shippingChecked Nov 8
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Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback) price history

Lowest price we've seen: $4.99 on Nov 9 at alibris. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 9.

What reviewers say

Readers who know the author's fiction tend to value the book as a serious, readable set of essays on craft and teaching. Others expecting a practical writing manual say it offers reflection more than instruction.

What people mention
  • Craft insightPraisedReaders say the essays give a clear, considered view of how fiction is built.
  • Teaching usePraisedTeachers find the book useful for planning workshops and class discussion.
  • PracticalityCriticisedSome readers expected exercises and step-by-step instruction and found little of either.
  • RepetitionMixedA few readers note that some essays revisit ideas already covered.

Specifications

Format
PaperbackSource
Language
EnglishSource
Genre
Contemporary Fiction, Dictionaries & Languages, Literature StudiesSource

Questions and answers

Is this a how-to writing manual with exercises?
No. It is a collection of essays on craft and teaching. It offers reflection and analysis rather than prompts or step-by-step exercises.
Who is it best for?
Writers with some experience and creative writing teachers get the most from it. Complete beginners may want a more practical guide alongside it.
Does it cover plotting and structure?
It discusses how fiction works at a literary level, including character and story, but it is not a plotting workbook.
Is it useful for teaching a workshop?
Yes. The essays work well as discussion material for classes and writing groups.
What format is it?
It is a paperback in English, so it is easy to annotate and carry to class.
Where is the On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback) cheapest?
At alibris, for $4.99, 65% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
Where can I buy the On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback)?
3 stores we checked sell it, including alibris, Walmart, Target.

Stores we've priced the On Teaching and Writing Fiction (Paperback) at

  • Target deals and prices
  • Walmart deals and prices

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