I am not a writer who often reads books on writing. They make me feel hemmed in or they remove my focus from the story to the mechanics in a way that makes the story feel dead. I become a taxidermist digging around under some hide hoping I can pass off my story as something living when everyone can see that it's dead.
This short, easy book is one of the good writing books. It takes gut instinct and turns it into intention. It makes the intangible tangible. Wisely, because the chapters are so short and direct, it doesn't force the storyteller into a box. It says put your characters through hell, defines that, gives you some examples, and sets you free to play. Because the examples aren't always about the most obvious living hell it encourages writers to explore subtle and overt ways to grow characters.
I liked this book because it was helpful without stifling my imagination. I enjoyed it because it enhanced my delight in stories and movies.
I plan on revisiting this book regularly because I can see it already growing my understanding of my craft.
