The Fiction Writing Handbook is a complete guide for the fiction writer who wants to develop an individual voice and understand the reasons underlying the so-called rules of writing. Although a few rules really are necessary, the vast majority are either dogma or passing fads. Worse, so much advice like "show don't tell" and "open with action" is generally poorly explained and entirely misunderstood.Drawing on fifteen years of writing, critiquing, editing and mentoring experience, Dario Ciriello explains and dissects the often misleading advice and diktats shouted at writers from books and blogs, agents and publishers, and puts you in control of your story. Whether your interest lies in novels or screenwriting, The Fiction Writing Handbook will help you tell your story in your voice and place it before your audience, bringing out your unique vision while adhering to the few rules that actually matter. Because writing isn't about prose wonks and industry insiders: it's about the reader, and most of all it's about telling a story. Your story.