What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers

I am novice writer who was in dire need of some stimulating direction.I have idea's galore and inspiration a'plenty, but moulding all my little dribs and drabs together was proving to be a larger task than I thought.If you are looking for a book to assist you with your writing, WHAT IF? will definitely help.It prop's you up when you are drooping, keeps you motivated and active - in regard to both : thinking and writing, helps you relect on your past works and gives you the chance to re-invent them in various exercises.It's a good purchase and a worthwhile read.Certainly helped me along.

I purchased WHAT IF? WRITING EXERCISES FOR FICTION WRITERS upon the recommendation of Darnell Arnoult, a noted Appalachian writer who has served as mentor for many contemporary Appalachian authors. Her recommendation has led to a fine discovery. This book contains many examples not only of polished drafts but also examples of early drafts, indicating the importance of revision. I am pleased with this book.

Early edition of a book that has become a textbook in some colleges (thus, the current edition is priced much higher; my acquaintances in academia tell me that is because new teaching methods come out and are incorporated into new editions, and these are very, very expensive to develop, even though that conflicts completely with what is taught in very, very expensive textbooks on economics, and with the fact that the current edition came out _before_ being selected as a textbook, only _after_ which did its price suddenly reflect the cost of those very, very expensive teaching methods).If you can't find or afford the version with the vastly superior teaching methods, buy any of the earlier ones. I checked the stunningly improved textbook version out of my local library and, well... I must be dumb, or something, because the material in this edition, though different from the overwhelmingly enhanced textbook version, seemed every bit as good to me.

Am only a third of the way through but the writing assignments to date have helped me improve my writing. I am really putting a lot of effort into the assignments so it's taking some time to get through the book. I recommend this book. Note - I have no financial or other connection with the authors, just an appreciative customer.

Generally has some good tips and pointers, but there is some ableism, racism, transphobia, etc

I am absolutely happy with my purchase. It was cheap and an easy way to get the book for my college course. The used copy I bought is still in pretty good condition as well. I would recommend buying this older version instead of the newer edition of the book.

Thank you for writing this! I'm not even finished reading the book, and have not completed the exercises, and I have used the techniques and suggestions I've learned already. There are at least a dozen Sticky-Note bookmarks in just the first half of my copy. I've thrown out countless outlines of one novel because I just couldn't make things work out the way they needed to, but this time, with help from these techniques, things are turning out nearly perfect.Thank you so much, Anne Bernays!

I first became acquainted with this book in high school as a burgeoning writer of fiction and it has stayed with me over the years. It contains a series of exercises designed to spark the imagination and help developing writers hone the skills necessary to write compelling fiction. I have used it myself to great success and have given it to many friends as a gift. I highly recommend this to anyone who feels a need to write.

This is a rely helpful book for writers and especially would-be writers. The book was recommended to me at a writers' workshop by a a prizewinning author. Doing the exercises in it are helpful antidote to writers block or those times when a writer find his or herself 'stuck' in the writing process.I thoroughly recommend it.

Un magnífico compendio de ejercicios y reflexiones que, al hacerlos, nos permiten captar la esencia del relato literario. Para aquellos que quieran desarrollar su experiencia como escritores noveles y...más allá.

Le strategie e le tecniche illustrate in questo libro sono ideali per stimolare la creatività e l'immaginazione coltivando l'abilità nel creare personaggi, dialoghi e ambientazioni di narrativa. La spedizione da parte del venditore è stata puntuale e corretta, i tempi postali di ricezione sono ovviamente legati all'efficienza delle Poste italiane più che quelle inglesi, in questo caso, quindi tralascio i prevedibili commenti. :)

I found 'What If?' a really useful book. The exercises within the book are divided into different sections focusing on a particular aspect of writing, for example, beginning a story and characterisation. Each section is introduced explaining the benefits of looking at the topic. Exercises are numbered, and have their own introduction, explaining a little of the theory. This is followed by the exercise itself with examples from well known works. At the end the authors give the objective of each exercise and student examples. Each exercise is clearly laid out with headings making it easier to digest the information.The authors give you a lot of information, but only enough to make the points that they are making, and is accessible even to novice writers. The weakest section of the book is the one that deals with plot. The authors admit they focus on characterisation, and plot derives from that.Even though the exercises are numbered, you don't have to do them in order, and is possible to dip in and out as each exercise is self contained. Some exercises can take five minutes, others hours, some are even ongoing. The book is like having a creative writing course at your fingertips! One that you can do at your own pace, and personalise to meet your needs.This book delivers in what it sets out to do: Writing exercises for fiction writers. It doesn't cover topics such as editing/revision or how to get published. It contains a wealth of useful information for people who write fiction. I would recommend it, especially at this price.

This book is full of practical advice and it's very concise. 83 very short chapters, each with a short intro, exercise, clarification of the objective of that exercise and some examples. It eases you into the process with exercises gradually becoming more complex. A really valuable guide to my adventure with writing. It's a pity it took me so much time to use it. Circumstances, I guess... I'd strongly recommend it.