'Thought-provoking and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to all readers and writers of fic
How Stories Really Work: Exploring the Physics of Fiction
by Grant P. Hudson
Learn:
• what a story really is
• what it is actually doing to and for you and other readers
• the magnetic power that attracts readers even before the introduction of any character
• what the thing called a ‘character’ actually is, and how to rapidly
build a convincing one
• the things called ‘plots’, what they are and how they are actually made
• what ‘protagonists’ and ‘antagonists’ really are, and what the connection between them consists of
• the four categories of the powerful force that compels readers to turn pages
• the ‘nuclear reactor’ that drives all successful stories through to their conclusion
• how the four basic genres - Epic, Tragedy, Irony and Comedy - are composed and how they work to create different effects
and much, much more.
What the experts say:
As with all professionals, I too read craft books every day, to stay on top of my game.
Over the last thirty years, I’ve read (literally) hundreds of writing books. And, lemme tell ya, the VAST majority of them are garbage.The relative few that are decent still aren’t great. Writing instructors usually spend 60,000 words saying what could’ve been said in 60.
EXCEPT for yours, Grant. Your books are hands down, bar none, exceptional. You get down into the nitty gritty and talk about real stuff that’s immediately useful. I especially like How Stories Really Work. You really nailed it with that one.
And, Grant... it’s REALLY hard to impress me. But, you had me hooked from the very first sentence. In fact, I’ve already turned a number of my past clients onto it.
So... thank you for giving the writing world something of merit. Your book is a breath of invigorating fresh air. May it breathe new life into this great industry of ours so that writers may once again set the world on fire.
-J. C. Admore, Professional Writing Expert
An amazing book. Fascinating application of physics theory to the art of fiction writing. Presents new ways of understanding how stories work. I now look for"vacuums" everywhere. Excellent case studies covering all genres. Thought-provoking and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to all readers and writers of fiction.
- G. Leyland (B Social Work, Grad Dip Writing, MA Creative Writing)
What the authors say:
I'm reading through How Stories Really Work. I've studied writing books for years but I've never seen anything like this!
I learned about your work after reading an article you wrote. I was intrigued by the premise, but at the time, there wasn't an Amazon review (something I must rectify when I'm finished). I decided it wouldn't hurt to read the preview. . .And promptly bought it.
This book is REVOLUTIONARY. Everything is made so simple and precise that other methods of writing seem clumsy by comparison. It's not just a way of writing, but a way of seeing.
-A. P. (Author)
It's beautiful, informative, essential reading for anyone who wants to write fiction. It’s almost a responsibility point, you’re committing a crime if you don’t get it into peoples’ hands!!!
-B.R. (Author)
Loved the book. Have used the principles in many a story. It all makes so much sense. If you want help in drawing readers in - this is the book to get.
-M W-B (Author)
This is a book every author should own. Grant P. Hudson does an outstanding job explaining story structure and the mechanics involved in creating a story or novel that readers will love. His examples are explained in an engaging manner so this book doesn't seem like reading a text book. I have already implemented many of his ideas in building a novel. This book contains great advice and I highly recommend it to all authors.
-D. T. (Author)
After reading this book, I'll never look at stories the same way. This step-by-step how-to book is full of wisdom about how classic stories are structured. You will see how to apply these principles to your own stories and novels, converting them to page-turners.
-P. V. A. (Author)