A Writer's Story: From Life to Fiction

Having discussed the nuts and bolts of writing fiction in What's Your Story? A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction, Newbery Honor author Bauer now delves into the more abstract aspects of the creative process. Drawing on her own experiences, the novelist examines the origins of inspiration and the subconscious drives that compel authors to write. She points out that many components of fiction-characters, settings, plot details-need not be autobiographical, yet the text does suggest that a story's meaning is directly linked to the unique experiences of its creator. Matching particular sections of her own works with the ideas or circumstances behind them, Bauer provides invaluable information for both writers and readers of fiction. As smoothly composed as What's Your Story?, this companion guide offers a frank, compelling analysis of the artistic imagination. Ages 10-up. (Sept.)