Fundamentals of fiction writing

A practical guide to writing fiction that presents clear, elemental principles for producing effective short stories and novels. It emphasizes creating and maintaining the reader's illusion through simplicity, clarity, and the avoidance of needless distractions such as obscure foreign phrases, overused classical references, awkward proper names, heavy dialect, and technical mistakes. The author treats craft topics—plot and structure, characterization, action, convincingness, and pacing—while arguing for the balance between individual voice and disciplined technique. Chapters also advise how to shape style to material, hold and please readers, and prepare manuscripts for editors, offering pragmatic rules and examples aimed at improving clarity and reader engagement.