In Search of the American Literary Masterpiece
Reflections on Writing
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Reflections on Writing

 

    This section is meant as an addendum to the endless multitude of how-to books on writing. It is not meant to be a primary source on how to write, but merely as reflections on the art and craft that every writer learns on his or her endless journey down the path of excellent writing.

    In my years of studying the craft of fiction I have developed my own prejudices and predilections about writing that expand upon and explore the typical declarations of setting, character, scene, conflict, climax, and resolution. I’ve decided to commit these preferences to a series of continuing essays that will appear here as occasional columns. Please feel free to return to this site occasionally to find new reflections on familiar themes.

 

     Click on the links for the pdf versions of my essays.

In Pursuit of a Genuine American Fiction

The Question of Literature

A Definition of Story

Beautiful Writing

The Psychological Effect

The Potential of Setting

The Subtleties of Translating Personal Experience into Fiction

Using the Stream of Consciousness Technique in Fiction

Writer's Block and the Intellectual Process

 
 
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All Essays Copyright 2004 by Lawrence Buentello