Perspective

As indicated in biographical notes at the beginning of the book, the author is an acclaimed fiction writer and teacher, with years of experience in both creating narrative himself and in teaching others how to do so. In other words, there is a very clear sense that he knows from experience what he is talking about, and that he knows there are writers out there with both the need and the desire to know more about how to write (specifically how to create engaging and effective characters). The point is not made to suggest that the book is aimed solely at those who are just starting out in a writing career. On the contrary, the points discussed by the author could very well be useful to more experienced writers, as reminders of what has been previously applied or forgotten, or as introductions to fresh ways of both creating...