All writers are familiar with terms like plot, suspense, conflict and character. They may be less familiar with intertextuality, anachrony, and fabula and they may be even less confident in achieving the effects these terms refer to. This book defines fictional techniques and guides the potential writer in their use. It may spark off ideas for stories and novels and provide first aid for failing stories. A story's ending may come as a surprise to the reader, suspense may have the reader on the edge of the seat, and conflict may lead to unbearable excitement. It is the job of the writer to create these effects and this book illustrates how it is done. The book is for students doing creative writing in higher education and at A-level (Grade 11-12). It will be essential reading for anyone interested in writing fiction.

Contents include:
* Definitions of over 200 terms and techiques to do with fiction writing
* How to achieve fictional effects
* Literary examples of the techniques described
* Characteristics of genre as well as literary fiction
* Basic but essential techniques such as writing dialogue and using figures of speech
* Definitions of major terms used in publishing.

Colin Bulman has taught creative writing in universities for 20 Years. He has published fiction and non-fiction as have some of his students.