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What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers Paperback – November 20, 1991

by Anne Bernays (Author), Pamela Painter (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 240 ratings
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What If? is the 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.

  
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  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 20, 1991
  4. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.58 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0062720066
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0062720061
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

What If? is the 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.

About the Author

Anne Bernays, a novelist and writing teacher, is the author of eight novels, including Professor Romeo and Growing Up Rich, as well as two works of nonfiction, including The Language of Names written with Justin Kaplan and What If? written with Pamela Painter. Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous major publications, among them The Nation, the New York Times, Town & Country, and Sports Illustrated. She lives in Cambridge and Truro, Massachusetts with her husband, Justin Kaplan. They have three daughters and six grandchildren.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow Paperbacks
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 20, 1991
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Reissue
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062720066
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062720061
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.58 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 240 ratings

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Anne Bernays

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4.4 out of 5 stars
240 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book excellent for fiction writing, providing insight into the writing process. They appreciate its helpful content, with one customer noting how it encourages reflection on past works.

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32 customers mention "Writing ability"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent for fiction writing, providing insight into the writing process and serving as a guide for the creative spirit.

"...It really does provide a valuable guide to build, expand, and most importantly spark foundational creative writing skills...." Read more

"...The gesture stuck with me, and I loved the exercises, so I bought another copy to give to my creative writing students as well!" Read more

"Unparalleled exercises to increase the writer's depth and use real life experiences" Read more

"This book is helpful and has some good ways of approaching writing, but it seems dry...." Read more

13 customers mention "Knowledge"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful, with one mentioning it provides excellent advice and another noting its practical exercises that encourage reflection on past works.

"This book is helpful and has some good ways of approaching writing, but it seems dry...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"The women who wrote this book are talented writers and intellectual teachers...." Read more

"This is the most real, helpful, fiction writing book I have ever read...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • A. G. Wallace
    5.0 out of 5 stars Suggested by Professors at University, Loved Regardless
    Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Many of us (readers, students, collectors) have books on our shelves that were purchased for a class at one time or another. And we looked at the book once or twice, maybe even used it (or tried to). Then it was placed on the bookshelf, giving silver fish something to live in, not being worthy enough for donation to the local Goodwill or Library Friends bins. This is NOT that book.

    Very recently, I joined a course at University of Chicago for creative writing. The professor listed this book as one of the suggested reads for the class. Naturally, I bought the thing. And was better for it. While the class may have ended, and with it so much of the energy and spontaneity it provided, I find that the exercises in this book continue that same wonderful vibe. It really does provide a valuable guide to build, expand, and most importantly spark foundational creative writing skills. In a collection of writing books for writers, this one should definitely make the list right next to Steven King's On Writing.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Michelle E.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for fiction writers!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I heard of this book when my first author mentor got us all a copy after her writing workshop. The gesture stuck with me, and I loved the exercises, so I bought another copy to give to my creative writing students as well!
    Helpful
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  • pro_crustes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Buy this edition. It's great, even if it's not a textbook.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Early edition of a book that has become a textbook in some colleges (thus, the current edition is priced much higher; my acquaintances in academia tell me that is because new teaching methods come out and are incorporated into new editions, and these are very, very expensive to develop, even though that conflicts completely with what is taught in very, very expensive textbooks on economics, and with the fact that the current edition came out _before_ being selected as a textbook, only _after_ which did its price suddenly reflect the cost of those very, very expensive teaching methods).

    If you can't find or afford the version with the vastly superior teaching methods, buy any of the earlier ones. I checked the stunningly improved textbook version out of my local library and, well... I must be dumb, or something, because the material in this edition, though different from the overwhelmingly enhanced textbook version, seemed every bit as good to me.
    38 people found this helpful
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  • Thomas A. Holmes
    5.0 out of 5 stars A book of useful prompts
    Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased WHAT IF? WRITING EXERCISES FOR FICTION WRITERS upon the recommendation of Darnell Arnoult, a noted Appalachian writer who has served as mentor for many contemporary Appalachian authors. Her recommendation has led to a fine discovery. This book contains many examples not only of polished drafts but also examples of early drafts, indicating the importance of revision. I am pleased with this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jackson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Read cover to cover
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Unparalleled exercises to increase the writer's depth and use real life experiences
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bill H.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
    Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is helpful and has some good ways of approaching writing, but it seems dry. It would be helpful to have a more stimulating format to excite the muse as well.
    Helpful
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  • anonymous aussie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Writing Buddy
    Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2007
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Ashley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good for college textbook
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I am absolutely happy with my purchase. It was cheap and an easy way to get the book for my college course. The used copy I bought is still in pretty good condition as well. I would recommend buying this older version instead of the newer edition of the book.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Miss S. L. Riley
    5.0 out of 5 stars What If? Exercises that expand your imagination
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I found 'What If?' a really useful book. The exercises within the book are divided into different sections focusing on a particular aspect of writing, for example, beginning a story and characterisation. Each section is introduced explaining the benefits of looking at the topic. Exercises are numbered, and have their own introduction, explaining a little of the theory. This is followed by the exercise itself with examples from well known works. At the end the authors give the objective of each exercise and student examples. Each exercise is clearly laid out with headings making it easier to digest the information.

    The authors give you a lot of information, but only enough to make the points that they are making, and is accessible even to novice writers. The weakest section of the book is the one that deals with plot. The authors admit they focus on characterisation, and plot derives from that.

    Even though the exercises are numbered, you don't have to do them in order, and is possible to dip in and out as each exercise is self contained. Some exercises can take five minutes, others hours, some are even ongoing. The book is like having a creative writing course at your fingertips! One that you can do at your own pace, and personalise to meet your needs.

    This book delivers in what it sets out to do: Writing exercises for fiction writers. It doesn't cover topics such as editing/revision or how to get published. It contains a wealth of useful information for people who write fiction. I would recommend it, especially at this price.
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  • Dan Za
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Estrellas
    Reviewed in Spain on November 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Un magnífico compendio de ejercicios y reflexiones que, al hacerlos, nos permiten captar la esencia del relato literario. Para aquellos que quieran desarrollar su experiencia como escritores noveles y...más allá.
    Report
  • Jack
    4.0 out of 5 stars Utilissimo per creare spunti di esercitazione nella scrittura creativa
    Reviewed in Italy on August 27, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Le strategie e le tecniche illustrate in questo libro sono ideali per stimolare la creatività e l'immaginazione coltivando l'abilità nel creare personaggi, dialoghi e ambientazioni di narrativa. La spedizione da parte del venditore è stata puntuale e corretta, i tempi postali di ricezione sono ovviamente legati all'efficienza delle Poste italiane più che quelle inglesi, in questo caso, quindi tralascio i prevedibili commenti. :)
    Report
  • Margaret Southall
    5.0 out of 5 stars A helping hand for writers
    Reviewed in Canada on October 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a rely helpful book for writers and especially would-be writers. The book was recommended to me at a writers' workshop by a a prizewinning author. Doing the exercises in it are helpful antidote to writers block or those times when a writer find his or herself 'stuck' in the writing process.
    I thoroughly recommend it.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars I have loved this book for many years ever since I found ...
    Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I have loved this book for many years ever since I found a copy of it in the library. I am so happy now to have a copy of my own now
    Report