Indie Reader: CREATING STORIES is a useful resource for new writers who have a terrific story idea but aren't sure how to go about turning that into a functional, readable, enjoyable novel. 4.5 stars
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Mark Cain, best-selling satirist, author of the CIRCLES IN HELL series
Developing a method for writing a successful story -- a system that can be understood and utilized by another writer -- is an intimidating challenge, yet Hank Quense has managed it. There are other ways to approach story writing, but none likely are better or more understandable than Quense's methodology. Creating Stories is highly recommended as a how-to guide for the novice writer and as a reminder of best practices for the experienced author.
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Mark Henderson: Author of Cruel and Unusual Punnishments
Hank doesn't purport to tell reader how to produce creative ideas, but offers guidance on how to turn those ideas into readable fiction.
I recommend Creating Stories unreservedly to fiction writers everywhere.
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Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite: 5 stars
For the wannabe writer who doesn't know where to start, this is the book for you.
A good story must be told with care and this requires consideration and planning on the part of the author. The whole point of writing a story is to capture the attention of readers. Hank helps novice and experienced writers perfect their writing and tell a good story.
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Do you want to write fiction, but don’t know how to go about it? Puzzled by creating characters and creating plots? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, an author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He demystifies fiction writing. Quense believes that stories come from the melding of three creating stories processes: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two.
The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarley dicussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography.
Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot.
A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs.
Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice,