A Fairly Creative Guide to Telling Tales

Aubrey Lively has written a delightful book that offers a thorough and sophisticated introduction to creative writing in terms of prose fiction. She wittily describes the various elements necessary to a good story, and she provides amusing examples of what to do—and of what not to do. Most of her examples come from classic fairy tales so that readers can see how her lessons apply to the stories we all know. The book is organized into three parts: plot, characterization, and setting. Each chapter ends with an assignment that allows writers to practice their skills in a fun and nonthreatening way. This book will make readers grin as they gain insights that will make them better writers.