Writing Better Fiction

This is the only book you need on the craft of writing fiction.
It is an ambitious, comprehensive guide to writing any form from short stories to novellas to novels and novel series and in any genre.
In twelve generous chapters, this professional, prolific fiction writer discusses every applicable general topic on the craft of writing fiction:Definition of Character-Driven FictionThe Writer's Role in the StoryStory Ideas (and where to get them)Writing the OpeningWriting the Cliffhanger and the HookWriting SettingWriting the SceneWriting the EndingThe Pseudonym (Pen Name) vs. the PersonaWriting Into the DarkIt's All Up to YouA Grammar Refresher and Notes on Punctuation and Dialogue
Throughout, this book is replete with examples of how to write the various aspects of fiction listed above.
Finally, in six appendices, the author adds invaluable information in the form ofGeneral Tips for Writing FictionTwo Fiction ExercisesAn Example of POV and Timeline IndicatorsRules of Writing from MastersMy Personal Experience with BrandingHow to Continue Learning Craft
What Writers Are Saying about Writing Better Fiction
"Can you be taught to write genre fiction? Yes. If you are one of the lucky few who has shown some aptitude for creating good and entertaining stories, Writing Better Fiction is for you. Take it from one who knows. If you learn how to get it right, there is no better fun you can have with your clothes on than writing character-driven fiction." Vincent Zandri, New York Times bestselling ITW Thriller and PWA Shamus Award winning author of The Remains, The Innocent, and the Dick Moonlight PI series
"[In Writing Better Fiction] the explanations are perfectly clear. There's no question of misinterpretation. And the examples/illustrations are succinct. It makes one wonder how the purveyors of so many myths that run rampant (especially on the Internet) can even pretend that what they are doing is 'teaching writing.' Most everyone who is even attempting writing should know the rudiments of spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph construction. This deceptively simple manual shows them what to do with their otherwise basic skills. ... Congratulations on a job extraordinarily well done!" Michaele Lockhart, Author and Copyeditor
"Writing Better Fiction is for the writer who, like Teddy Roosevelt's 'man in the arena,' works faithfully at the craft of writing excellent fiction. It is for the writer who isn't afraid to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard every day to honor the craft of writing. Harvey Stanbrough writes and instructs from the arena. That's where the action is, and where the fun is too. Mark this up as essential reading." Dan Baldwin, Author
"I own several books on writing, most of which take up space on my bookshelf. Being able to look back and consult the commonsense advice contained in this book on each of the parts of a story make it invaluable as a reference. The easy to read, approachable style of Writing Better Fiction makes it my go to reference. It will be allowed space to reside on my desk." David Taylor, Ed.D

Harvey Stanbrough is an award winning writer and poet who was born in New Mexico, seasoned in Texas, and baked in Arizona. Twenty-one years after graduating from high school in the metropolis of Tatum New Mexico, he matriculated again, this time from a Civilian-Life Appreciation Course (CLAC) in the US Marine Corps. He follows Heinlein's Rules avidly and most often may be found Writing Off Into the Dark.
Harvey has written and published 36 novels, 7 novellas. almost 200 short stories and the attendant collections. He's also written and published 16 nonfiction how-to books on writing.
More than almost anything else, he hopes you will enjoy his stories.