The Lie That Tells a Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating look at the craft of writing
Review: The Lie That Tells the Truth is an entertaining and enlightening look at the art of writing. No formulas or logical constraints. Just guidance for anyone who has thought about becoming a writer. Readers of any form of writing would also get a lot out of this fine book.

John Dufrense intelligence and humor come through on every page. One has a greater appreciation for his fine novels after reading this non fiction text.

Rating:
Summary: As Great as it gets
Review: This truly is a marvelous book that should help any creative writer add more life and excitement to his/her work. Just reading pieces of this book (it reads much like a text book) makes me want to sit down and try the exercies. A wonderful book that could be used as a textbook in any creative writing class. It is also a great book for the shelf of a would-be writer to use when he/she is running dry or just feeling a little worn out. Great ideas for getting your creative juices flowing again.

Rating:
Summary: Witty and inciteful
Review: You'll be moved to laugh, you'll be moved to write.

A nice change of pace from most writing guides. Witty and insightful, Dufresne's book offers guidance on both the creative aspects as well as the more nitty gritty side of writing. He also provides concrete examples, demonstrating the story behind the story with specific references to his own work--an invaluable chance to get into the head of a published author. My only critique was that Dufresne tended to be a bit long-winded, sometimes belaboring points he had already covered thoroughly. I felt the book suffered a bit from a lack of editing, perhaps because Dufresne was in teaching mode (and felt the need to emphasize through repetition) instead of "murder your darlings" writing mode.

Includes a helpful list of potential resources for writers at the end.