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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 808.066813
EAN num: 9780062720061
ISBN number: 0062720066
Label: Collins
Manufacturer: Collins
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 256
Printing Date: December 04, 1991
Publishing house: Collins
Release Date: November 20, 1991
Sale Popularity Level: 56060
Studio: Collins
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
What If? is the very first handbook for writers based on the idea that specific exercises are one of the most useful and provocative methods for mastering the art of writing fiction. With more than twenty-five years of experience teaching creative writing between them, Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter offer more than seventy-five exercises for both beginners and more experienced writers. These exercises are designed to develop and refine two basic skills: writing like a writer and, just as important, thinking like a writer. They deal with such topics as discovering where to start and end a story; learning when to use dialogue and when to use indirect discourse; transforming real events into fiction; and finding language that both sings and communicates precisely. What If? will be an essential addition to every writer's library, a welcome and much-used companion, a book that gracefully borrows a whisper from the muse.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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I bought this for a creative writing course. The book was very helpful, and I really enjoyed the excersises. Too bad the dealer sent the wrong version, and then did not honor my request to replace with the updated version.
Rated by buyers -
If you ask anyone who has published at least a few works of fiction--of whatever length--what instruction book helped them, I doubt whether they could come up with many if any at all. I've published fiction and I'd probably answer 'none.' That said, this book is among the best that can help get you started because the prompts and guides often mimic what goes through the heads of writers while they write. But if you don't have some magical thinking apparatus that is telling you you're going to be a great writer from studying books on writing, you can get quite a bit from this book in learning how to think like many writers and a guide on how to practice writing. But practice doesn't make perfect. It might not even make you competent as far as creative writing goes, but it's a lot cheaper than an M.F.A. program or even a continuing ed. course.
Rated by buyers 
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I teach creative writing at a University, and I use this text in my classroom. Bernays and Painter have compliled a great little collection of jumping-off points. No matter what you're trying to work on-- your grasp of plot, dialogue, or maybe just that very first line-- this book will give you some good ideas. Super-great for those new to creative writing.
Rated by buyers 
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After purchasing this book I was inspired to write a poem titled "What If." Wonderful mind jogger when blocked.
Rated by buyers -
I am novice writer who was in dire need of some stimulating direction.
I have idea's galore and inspiration a'plenty, but moulding all my little dribs and drabs together was proving to be a larger task than I thought.
If you are looking for a book to assist you with your writing, WHAT IF? will definitely help.
It prop's you up when you are drooping, keeps you motivated and active - in regard to both : thinking and writing, helps you relect on your past works and gives you the chance to re-invent them in various exercises.
It's a good purchase and a worthwhile read.
Certainly helped me along.
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