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

"I used to think that the only books of this kind worth reading were John Gardner's and Janet Burroway's. I've made room on my shelf for Dufresne's."

An engaging covers-all-the bases guide-sometimes moving, often funny, full of goodwill and good sense. -- Janet Burroway

This is the writing guide I've been waiting for.--Lewis Nordan

I used to think that the only books of this kind worth reading were John Gardner's and Janet Burroway's. I've made room on my shelf for Dufresne's. --Alan Cheuse"

This is the writing guide I've been waiting for. --Lewis Nordan"

Dufresne's literary intelligence shines through every line....I'll be directing people to this book for years to come. It's wonderful. --Steve Yarbrough"

With uncommon candor, grace, insight, and clarity, Dufresne unmasks the Writer's Muse, allowing...a vivid and rich exploration of the creative process. --Connie May Flower"

Dufresne makes it all good fun, from first to last, from guggle to zatch. See for yourself.--George Garrett

An engaging covers-all-the bases guide sometimes moving, often funny, full of goodwill and good sense.--Janet Burroway"

An engaging covers-all-the bases guide--sometimes moving, often funny, full of goodwill and good sense.--Janet Burroway

Designed for writers in general, fiction writers in particular, beginning writers and anyone facing a blank page, this guide aims to demystify the writing process. Drawing upon the wisdom of literature's great craftsmen, Dufresne's essays and diverse exercises initiate the reader into the tools, processes and techniques of writing including: inventing compelling characters; developing a voice; creating a sense of place; and editing your own words. Where do great ideas come from? How do we recognize them? How can language capture them? Dufresne answers these questions and more in chapters such as, "Writing around the block", "Plottery" and "The art of abbreviation". In what should be a useful writer's companion, "The Lie That Tells a Truth" shows that while the idea of writing may be overwhelming, the act of writing is simplicity itself.