Fiction Is Folks
The Book
I don’t like to give bad reviews so this is going to be tough. I read Fiction is Folks: How to Create Unforgettable Characters by Robert Newton Peck.
The Good
Let me cover the good stuff first because there is plenty here that is good. First off Peck, as he refers to himself, is a funny light-hearted guy for the most part. He uses plenty of examples from his own books so you can always go back to source material. The chapters are quick and generally he gets to the point. If I had to pick a chapter I like best, if would be on converting a short story to a novel. I’ve thought of this as well so I was grateful he had some insight into since he has done it himself. He has a checklist starting on page 175 that I marked and will go back to.
The Not So Good
I expect to have a hint of any religion or politics up front. I don’t mind it, I just don’t want the sneak attack.
Perhaps if I had read the book in 1987 or was familiar with Peck, I would know his stand on issues. After I reached the middle, I was worried this was an issues book hiding as a craft book. I suppose as long as you agree with his point of view or the issues he brings up, no harm done. You might say his use of the issues was only as an illustration of his points. Um, no.
Peck is the Character
He ends the book with a chapter he titled the Last Gasp. Here is a quote to give you an idea of its contents.
This final note is to poke you in the ribs, tell you stuff you might not like, and agitate you enough to yank the dustcover off your Underwood…Thus, I will now jot a few things I’ve learned by reason: plus a few more that my emotions spew out, like venom, for your ire to handle.