Theory AND Practice

This really is an outstanding course. I teach creative writing and I got interested to have a listen to this to get a glimpse of another approach.

I'd say that if you are a complete beginner writer, then this is probably not helpful yet. But if you are a writing novice, with a little unpublished writing under your belt, this may be the single most helpful tool you ever buy.

If you are an experienced writer who has gotten stuck in your process, this is a marvelous guide to alternate approaches.

Well presented, very well illustrated through texts and super-practical.

184 people found this helpful

Best Course I've ever taken

I learned more from this course than many I took during my MFA program.

Professor Hynes breaks the process of writing fiction into its many elements: character development, setting, plot vs. story, etc., just like dozens of other books/audio lectures I've listened to. But there's one huge difference - he delivers the information in such a way that it is not only understandable, but exciting and relevant.

For each chapter/subject, Professor Hynes cites examples of the techniques he's describing from published fiction, from age-old classics to current day novels, reading brief passages and then explaining how the author utilized the technique. With precision and finesse, he literally paints a picture of what he is describing, and he ends each chapter with a suggested exercise to enforce the concept in the student's mind.

As far as delivery, Dr. Hynes is an eloquent, clear-speaking narrator who turns what might otherwise become just another boring lecture into an engaging, lively conversation between himself and the listener. I must admit, when he announced he had reached the last lecture, I was disappointed.

I experienced more than a few epiphanies for my own work during this course. I believe it to be an invaluable tool for ANY fiction writer, and one I highly recommend. It will remain in my "writer's toolbox" to be listened to time and again.

104 people found this helpful

My favorite top 5 audiobook!

Would you listen to Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques again? Why?

YES! I love this audiobook and I feel I could listen to the speaker talk all day. I love the information, it's clear, very informative and inspiring. I'm definitely listening to this again! I have learned so much from this course and found it immensely inspiring for my own writing. On my second listen I will do the exercises he suggests.

Have you listened to any of Professor James Hynes’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I havn't but he's now my favorite performer (I only have 3 favorites and I listen to A LOT of audio books) so I'm excited to see what else he has done. I'd listen to him read the phone book I think. He should do more readings.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes but who has the time! I've been listening to it for about an hour at a time everyday on my walks and in car rides. Usually I'll switch sometimes but this book was not only informative but also so enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

The only thing I didn't like is the music that comes in at the end of a chapter sometimes is really loud and distracting from what he's saying in the last few sentences. But no big deal.

62 people found this helpful

Good advice and sobering truths

What did you like best about this story?

This is an excellent lecture for both the beginner and for the guy working on his next book. The first half of the book was filled with the same old tips you find in most writing books. That’s not to say the tips weren’t valuable – in fact they made for a good refresher. However, it was the latter part of the lecture that I found most helpful.

I am a published (not self-published) author of a well-written (though not very successful) book that I am convinced, far exceeded my actual capabilities. I am very proud of that book but I am fairly convinced it was a fluke. Now I am currently halfway through my next book and I find myself facing the same struggles and self-loathing that I faced writing the first book.

So I found it very reassuring to know that my plight is no different than what most writers face. Listening to (most) of the second half of this lecture inspired me and gave me hope. Hope that I am just like every successful writer out there and that I too would reach my goal.

I highlight the word (most) because the last chapter of this lecture was so frank and true that I questioned why I am even writing in the first place. In the last 30min, Hynes gives a sobering and honest account of what it means to be a writer. Despite the lack of success from my first book, I am still deluded enough to believe that some day I will write the great American novel. So while Hynes’ honest conclusion may leave the listener feeling defeated, I have taken it as a call to arms. If writing were easy everyone would do it.

281 people found this helpful

Like Taking a Course in the Art of Fiction

This is my first of the great courses and it definitely set the bar very high. I have my BA in Professional Writing and am currently working in an unrelated field. I've been creatively stunted and eager to get my mind back on writing.

This course is absolutely brilliant! I feel like I actually got a mini degree in fiction writing. The narrator is awesome! He walks you through all the major components of crafting a story from character to point view, plotting to research. All of the major stones are turned over and addressed in detail, citing passages from famous beloved works of fiction, many of which I have read. Those that I have not read are now on my list.

Not only does he take you through the major components necessary to write a successful work of fiction, but he also discusses the writing process, revision, the publishing industry, not to mention many insights into the writing life in his own words and in the words of many other greats.

I feel more motivated and confident as I move forward, trying to get myself back into writing again. I highly recommend this course for experienced and inexperienced writers alike. Five stars!

100 people found this helpful

The Creative Writing Class I Always Wanted!

Incredible!
I really enjoyed this course. I've read a lot of books about writing and creative writing, I've listened to other courses on writing.I've never had a course this good on the subject. Other courses tell you you should read if you want to write. This course explains what it is you are reading. Tell you the truth, I'm sure that I now know more about writing and how to write, and may end up actually writing something, but I am even more sure that now I understand the art of fiction even better and can enjoy the writing of others more. Hynes does a wonderful job across the board.
I also liked his candid manner of explaining the two personas of a writer who has to both write and sell. It was also enlightening to hear of how authors tell the secrets and how they pay the price with both family and friends. His insight into the publishing world and the changes of the last couple decades was very helpful for me to understand as a translator who has managed some published material. All around great lecture series for anyone involved with literature.

33 people found this helpful

Useful and interesting

The lecture series has plenty of good tips on going about the process of creating and revising stories and includes insights into the publishing industry, including how writing and publishing have changed in recent years. I would recommend this to beginner writers who don't have a clue how to start as well as writers who need a refresher, are experiencing writer’s block, or just want to try new methods.

47 people found this helpful

Do Not Waste Your Money!

Extremely disappointing! I've listened to numerous books in The Great Lectures series and they've been much higher quality instruction. This book is nothing more than a basic introduction to literature. The only useful tips provided in these lectures comes from other writers advice on writing. Save your time and invest your money in John Gardner's books on writing fiction: The Art of Fiction and Becoming a Novelist. These lectures provide no substantial insight or guidance.

14 people found this helpful

Repetitive, annoying, hard to finish.

By the time I got to the last 4 hours I had it on triple speed to finish it. He states around hour 12 that he's "not a very successful writer so maybe you shouldn't listen to [him]" I found myself nodding yes. His favorite phrases: 'in other words', 'for example', and 'as I said before'. He uses the same six or seven books for examples so often, I can quote from memory several books I've never read. If you took out all the repetition this would probably be about 8 hours long. The speaker also stammered a lot. Forgivable on its own, but added to the other flaws, it's incredibly annoying. I recommend Stephen King's book On Writing instead.

46 people found this helpful

Great Class

Would you listen to Writing Great Fiction: Storytelling Tips and Techniques again? Why?

Yes. In fact, I just started it over from the begining day after finishing it for 1st time.

Any additional comments?

He does a great job of covering all the important aspects of the writing process. He walks a perfect balance of being introductory, but offers lots of solid specifics so he is able to move efficently and effectively through the material. I learned a lot. The course really got my creative juices flowing. The section on narrative voice and the impact of the various options was very helpful. I recommend this class.

12 people found this helpful