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Fire up Your Fiction: An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Stories Paperback – February 17, 2014

by Jodie Renner (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 180 ratings
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FIRE UP YOUR FICTION - AN EDITOR'S GUIDE TO WRITING COMPELLING STORIES (formerly titled "Style That Sizzles & Pacing for Power") has won a Silver Medal in the Florida Authors & Publishers President's Book Awards for 2013, a Silver Medal in the Readers' Favorite Book Awards for 2014, and an Honorable Mention in the Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards for 2013. It was also a finalist in Foreword Reviews IndieFab Book Awards and National Indie Excellence Awards. "What a wonderful resource for writers at any stage of their career! I wish I had this book when I first started writing. ... I can't think of anything important that you haven't addressed succinctly and clearly. ... This should be on the booklist for Master's Programs in Writing for Publication. ... You must be a wonderful editor to be able to write such a readable, but comprehensive book." - Judge, Writer's Digest Self-Published e-Book Awards, January 2014 “Jodie Renner’s FIRE UP YOUR FICTION is a handy manual for writers looking to make the biggest impact with their craft. ... “FIRE UP YOUR FICTION is the Strunk and White for writers who want to be not just mere storytellers but master story-compellers.” ~ IndieReader Approved review, Mar. 2014 If you're looking to hone your style, bring your scenes to life, tighten up your writing, add tension, pick up the pace, and develop a more authentic, appealing voice, this guide to the indispensable style elements of writing a popular novel is for you. This book is packed with great tips to help you write like the pros and create a compelling novel that sells. Not only that, but if you apply these tips to your manuscript, you'll save a lot of money on editing costs. "This book is packed with good advice on how to spot and fix weaknesses in your fiction writing. It summarizes the combined wisdom of the last century or so of fiction teachers into one handy volume." - Randy Ingermanson, bestselling author of Writing Fiction for Dummies "A handy checklist and self-editing guide that will get any fiction writer to a stronger, well-told tale." - James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Revision & Self-Editing, Plot & Structure, and The Art of War for Writers
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  1. Print length
    190 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    February 17, 2014
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.43 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0993700403
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0993700408
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The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is packed with good advice on how to spot and fix weaknesses in your fiction writing. It summarizes the combined wisdom of the last century or so of fiction teachers into one handy volume."
- Randy Ingermanson, bestselling author of Writing Fiction for Dummies

"A handy checklist and self-editing guide that will get any fiction writer to a stronger, well-told tale."
- James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Revision & Self-Editing, Plot & Structure, The Art of War for Writers, and more writing guides.

"What a wonderful resource for writers at any stage of their career! I wish I had this book when I first started writing. ... I can't think of anything important that you haven't addressed succinctly and clearly. ... This should be on the booklist for Master's Programs in Writing for Publication. ... You must be a wonderful editor to be able to write such a readable, but comprehensive book."
- Judge, Writer's Digest Self-Published e-Book Awards

"Jodie Renner's FIRE UP YOUR FICTION is a handy manual for writers looking to make the biggest impact with their craft. ... FIRE UP YOUR FICTION is the Strunk and White for writers who want to be not just mere storytellers but master story-compellers."
- LucyWang, IndieReader

From the Back Cover

REVISE YOUR FICTION TO TAKE IT UP A NOTCH

If you're looking to bring your characters and scenes to life, tighten your writing, pick up the pace, and develop a more authentic voice, this multi-award-winning writing guide is for you.

You'll get clear, concrete advice, with examples, for:

- Avoiding style blunders
- Showing instead of telling
- Streamlining your writing
- Fixing awkward phrasing
- Avoiding info dumps
- Choosing words that nail it
- Breaking formal writing habits
- Creating tense action scenes
- Writing snappy dialogue
- and more

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cobalt Books (February 17, 2014)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0993700403
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0993700408
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.43 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 180 ratings

About the author

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Jodie Renner

Jodie Renner

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Before retiring recently due to chronic fatigue syndrome and shutting down her website, Jodie Renner was a sought-after freelance fiction editor and respected nonfiction writer.

Jodie's latest book, LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE WITH LIMITED ENERGY -- Successfully Manage ME/ CFS, Long COVID, and Other Chronic Fatigue Conditions, was released on July 28, 2023.

Jodie Renner is also the award-winning author of three Editor's Guides to Writing Compelling Fiction, WRITING A KILLER THRILLER, FIRE UP YOUR FICTION, and CAPTIVATE YOUR READERS; as well as two QUICK CLICKS e-resources for writers and editors, SPELLING LIST and WORD USAGE.

She has also organized and edited two anthologies for charity, VOICES FROM THE VALLEYS - Stories & Poems about Life in BC's Interior, and CHILDHOOD REGAINED - Stories of Hope for Asian Child Workers.

FIRE UP YOUR FICTION offers concrete tips to tighten your prose and take your writing skills up several levels and has won three awards (two silver medals - Readers' Favorite Awards, FAPA President's Book Awards - and an Honorable Mention in Writer's Digest E-Book Awards).

CAPTIVATE YOUR READERS is all about engaging readers, bonding them with your protagonist, and drawing them into your story world through techniques like deep point of view, showing instead of telling, avoiding author intrusions, writing dialogue that zings, and generally letting the characters tell the story. It has won a silver medal in the FAPA Book Awards and is a finalist in two other book awards.

WRITING A KILLER THRILLER, her most popular book, provides concrete tips for adding tension, suspense, and intrigue to any novel.

Also check out Jodie's handy, time-saving, clickable e-resources, QUICK CLICKS: WORD USAGE - PRECISE WORD CHOICES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, and QUICK CLICKS: SPELLING - COMMONLY MISSPELLED WORDS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, both of which you can also read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Jodie has also organized and edited two anthologies, both for charity: VOICES FROM THE VALLEYS - STORIES & POEMS ABOUT LIFE IN BC'S INTERIOR, with all net proceeds to Doctors Without Borders Canada; and CHILDHOOD REGAINED - Stories of Hope for Asian Child Workers.

Visit www.JodieRenner.com.

Jodie is also a well-known blogger, and her craft-of-writing articles and other resources for writers appear on various blogs, as well as her own blog, Resources for Writers, at https://jodierennerediting.blogspot.com/ .

Jodie has also judged novels and short stories for various organizations, including several times for Writer's Digest. She has also presented workshops at writers' conferences and to writers'

As a freelance fiction manuscript editor, Jodie specialized in thrillers, romantic suspense, mysteries, and other fast-paced, suspenseful fiction.

When she's not editing, writing, or reading novels or books on writing compelling fiction, Jodie loves to pursue her three other passions, dancing, photography and traveling. She has traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and the Middle East, and continues to sneak away whenever she gets the chance.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
180 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a helpful guide for writers and editors, providing good writing basics and demonstrating techniques in an easy-to-understand format. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its solid pacing advice and ability to make stories come alive. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's sizzling style and consider it well worth the price.

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66 customers mention "Author's guide"66 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be a helpful guide for writers and editors, providing many good tips and insights into the book writing process.

"...Renner's book will help you self-edit your book, making sure you give your characters a strong natural voice, how to cut down on unnecessary words,..." Read more

"...Pour a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Sit a spell, crank up your writing skills, and imagine the possibilities. Peggy Kassees" Read more

"This book has been very insightful and was very easy to read...." Read more

"...Still, in spite of these points, there is enough useful information and examples to make this book a must for any author." Read more

46 customers mention "Writing quality"46 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality, noting its good grasp of basics and tight style, making it an easy read.

"...tools I need to do a better job of communications and improve my writing skills, eliminating common mistakes...." Read more

"...In a concise and readable format, Renner shares with the reader tips and habits a writer needs to succeed...." Read more

"This book has been very insightful and was very easy to read...." Read more

"...The structuring of the chapters makes for easy reference. Because of Renner's recommendations, I purchased a few new reference books...." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's ability to make stories compelling, with one customer noting how it helps keep suspense and plot moving forward.

"...Fire Up Your Fiction" will help them create strong characters, tighten up storylines, maintain the pacing, and wrap up the story...." Read more

"...if you are looking for solid advice on pacing, writing, and building your story!" Read more

"...I feel everything I need to know to make my writing tight and compelling, I've found in this nice, compact, repository of great advice...." Read more

"...gives examples on how to develop viable characters, keep the suspense and plot moving forward, write interesting dialogue, and find your voice...." Read more

10 customers mention "Sizzle"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the sizzle in the book's writing style.

"...You can, you know, with the help of Jodie Renner's book, Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power, An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction...." Read more

"...Jodie's own style sizzles, which makes her books a joy to read. These are fantastic guides to both writing the thriller and editing for any genre." Read more

"STYLE THAT SIZZLES & PACING FOR POWER is an excellently written "how-to-guide" on improving your writing...." Read more

"...Jodie Renner's STYLE THAT SIZZLES & PACING FOR POWER, is an excellent advisory guide that every author should have in their library...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing advice in the book, with one customer noting that it is simple to understand.

"...will help them create strong characters, tighten up storylines, maintain the pacing, and wrap up the story...." Read more

"...know, with the help of Jodie Renner's book, Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power, An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction...." Read more

"...that dissuade you from buying this book if you are looking for solid advice on pacing, writing, and building your story!" Read more

"...Jodie Renner's STYLE THAT SIZZLES & PACING FOR POWER, is an excellent advisory guide that every author should have in their library...." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth its price.

"...This book is worth 4 times its price, at least! HIGHLY recommended!!!" Read more

"...It was worth every cent I paid for it and I will buy this author again. Write on, friends." Read more

"...Best $10 Ive spent in a long time. Nice job. Like getting an M.F.A. in Thriller writing in an afternoon" Read more

"Worth the cost" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • John Kurtze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fire Up For Fiction puts sizzle in your style and shows you how to control your pacing.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    FIRE UP YOUR FICTION new title for Jodie Renner's Style That Sizzles & Pacing for Power an Editor's Guide for Writing Compelling Fiction

    My reason for selecting any book whether it is fiction or non-fiction comes from an interest in the story line, topic, research, or interest in an author I haven't read. I made the decision I wanted to improve my writing skills. This book provides the writing tools I need to do a better job of communications and improve my writing skills, eliminating common mistakes. If any aspiring author is looking for a reference book to set by his or her computer to guide them through the maze of putting together a good compelling fiction story, they need not look any further then "Fire Up Your Fiction" by Jodie Renner. She recently retitled "Style That Sizzles & Pacing For Power" to the new title "Fire Up Your Fiction", as she felt her title had to tell authors and aspiring authors what topics her book addressed. It seems to me she followed her own advice by creating a new title telling us her book teaches us to write compelling fiction.

    Anyone in need of a blueprint on how to write a good fictional story needs to read this book. If you are just getting started, Renner will take you step by step through the writing process from development of a story with a strong plot and exciting characters. A beginner will find this book has the answers to their questions. I use email and Facebook to connect with business associates and friends. I wanted to learn how to deliver a compelling message with fewer words.

    Authors looking to improve their writing will find "Fire Up Your Fiction" will help them create strong characters, tighten up storylines, maintain the pacing, and wrap up the story. Renner shares the do's and don'ts of good writing by hooking the reader's involvement in the story. If an existing author wants to improve or put more fire into their work, they will find references to resources addressing the writer's concerns. Renner's book will help you self-edit your book, making sure you give your characters a strong natural voice, how to cut down on unnecessary words, give pointers on how to tell the story and how not to lecture the reader.

    If you are looking to improve your day-to-day writing skills, business letters, book reviews, or newsletters, "Fire Up Your Fiction" is the answer to your needs. What I found useful was Jodie's willingness to share other resource material she has used to develop her editing skills. I have no trouble giving Jodie Renner's "Fire Up Your Fiction" a 5 star rating.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Peggy Kassees
    5.0 out of 5 stars To improve your writing skills, you need Style That Sizzles!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Imagine the possibilities of your words having power, punch, and pizzazz! You can, you know, with the help of Jodie Renner's book, Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power, An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction.

    I've read many "how to write" books, and currently have four that are my absolute favorites. The top book on this list is Style that Sizzles and Pacing for Power. I feel so strongly about this book that I bought a copy for my e-reader, and six paperback copies. I like to share. (I was going to say something smart, like: "In case I want to read it more than once," except Renner says in Chapter 12, "Take out any explanations or self-indulgent ramblings." I'm so guilty of this.)

    Whether you are working on your first novel, or have completed several, this book will help. In a concise and readable format, Renner shares with the reader tips and habits a writer needs to succeed. My first book maxed out at 141,365 words - and that is after I took a good 30,000 words out. It was like pulling teeth. Now, with the help of Style that Sizzles, I'm scooting through Menoly and Antoine's novel, removing the dross and leaving the gold. Taking a scalpel to my writing is difficult for me, but Renner makes that task easier with examples that clarify and edify.

    Chapter headings are informative and allow the reader to focus on the parts they need help resolving. However, I heartily recommend the novelist read the entire book, and then focus on specific areas.

    If you are serious about writing and filled with the desire to be published, Jodie Renner's book is the one for you.

    Now, I probably shouldn't say this, since she is a world-renowned editor, but, if you implement the lessons Renner espouses, pare your words, take away lengthy explanations and wordy phrases, when you submit your novel to your editor, it won't cost nearly as much.

    Hurry! Go buy the book. Pour a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Sit a spell, crank up your writing skills, and imagine the possibilities.

    Peggy Kassees
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Jon Rowlison
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jodie is an amazing writer and editor
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book has been very insightful and was very easy to read. I had the pleasure of working with Jodie in the past and she is an amazing person as well! I noticed a few reviews had given this book a low-star rating because they found the content too 'simple' for their needs. I imagine not every 'how-to' book is for everyone and if someone is such an advanced writer that they don't find this book useful--perhaps they don't need to be reading any more guides right now? But don't let that dissuade you from buying this book if you are looking for solid advice on pacing, writing, and building your story!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • B.j. Grandy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jodie Renner's "Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power" - a gold mine
    Reviewed in Canada on November 7, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Jodie Renner's "Style that Sizzles & Pacing for Power" is an essential guide for anyone writing suspense, thriller or mystery fiction for today's readers. Her experience as an editor adds breadth and depth to the valuable tips, tools and guidelines provided. Strong teaching skills are also evident throughout. Explanations are clear and concise. Examples - even a review exercise at the end - help the writer understand and remember what is learned. (I love her Scene Outline more than any I've seen to date) References to other writers and editors also enrich the material within.
    Jodie's book has already improved my 'fiction' writing, and has increased my confidence as I tackle this genre. My copy is tabbed, underlined and always near at hand as I write now. Her other books are already in my cart at Amazon.
    I wholeheartedly recommend her book.
    BShatki

    ASIN:1490389946 Writing a Killer Thriller: - An Editor's Guide to Writing Compelling Fiction]]
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  • C. Ridgway
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good guide to editing your fiction
    Reviewed in Australia on April 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book contains a lot of good information on how to approach editing your fiction. It is written be an editor who knows what they are talking about. The advice is very succinct, more bullet points than detailed, but she gives good and clear examples for each suggestion she makes. I highly recommend this as a guide to self editing your own novel.
    Report
  • N Potton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for reviewing your novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I can speak highly enough for this book! It has helped me hugely in reviewing the first draft of my novel. And note, it is better as a tool once you've done the initial draft although it can be used before you start as well. It's easy to read, understand and apply and it actually made me excited to work on improving my writing rather than deading it
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  • Christine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 28, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book in one sitting because it was difficult to put down. I was able to meet Jodie during a writer's lunch in and was hooked the minute I started her book (which I thought I had but didn't till I bought it) I found a hard copy in my local book store and also wanted a digital copy to keep with me and when I got my hands on it I could not put it down. I started it while waiting for an appointment and finished it the same day. Amazing. Highly recommended for anyone who needs a book on writing.
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  • S. Wharton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful advice
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book offers excellent tips and timely reminders - excellent resources essentially. Concepts which I've read elsewhere are reinforced and shared here, but without the jargon and fluff so often apparent in other craft books. For me, this makes craft lessons more easily accessible than many of the previous tellings. I want to read these to learn to write better, not to spend my writing time reading how to do it.

    If you want clear, simple guidelines about pace, style and good genre fiction writing, this is your book. However, if you only write literary fiction you MAY find this a little crude.

    Finding Esta: #1 The Supes Series (Urban Fantasy Paranormal & Mystery) by Shah Wharton
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