What's Your Story?: A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction

Rating:
Summary: Disappointment
Review: I purchased this book for a 13 year old writer and was very disappointed. While the book may be useful for writers several years younger than her, much of what was covered in its pages is taught in late grade school and early middle school classrooms. Chapters that do hold potential--such as the one on revising--still fall short of what they could provide (particularly if your writer already revises and has others review his or her work). If you are at the point of trying to find guides and writing resources for a budding young writer, the child is probably already beyond most of what this book has to offer. If you are looking for an introduction to the very basics of dilogue, points of view, rising action, and character, this book is probably a good buy.

Rating:
Summary: Amateurs need this advice
Review: Marion Dane Bauer's advice about fiction writing is orgainized in a way that's entertaining and easy to follow. Some of the points were a little painful at first, since I'd been doing just the wrong thing, but now that I've "seen the light" I like my own writing better.

The book is directed at young writers, with examples from children's books, but it's helpful for anyone, writing any kind of fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Every writer needs this book
Review: Marion Dane Bauer's book has been a tremendous help in my understanding good writing, and improving my own writing. Even after publishing three picture books and a novel for middle grade writers, I still like to reread her specific techniques and instructions on writing craft skills. If you are interested in any aspect of writing, you would certainly benefit from the information presented in this easy-to-use guide for authors.