The pieces of a satisfying novel or story seem to fit together so effortlessly, so seamlessly, that it's easy to find yourself wondering, "How on earth did the author do this?" The answer is simple: He sat alone at his desk, considered an array of options, and made smart, careful choices.

In On Writing Fiction, award-winning author and respected creative writing professor David Jauss offers practical information and advice that will help you make smart creative and technical decisions about such topics as:

• Writing prose with syntax and rhythm to create a "soundtrack" for the narrative
• Choosing the right point of view to create the appropriate degree of "distance" between your characters and the reader
• Harnessing the power of contradiction in the creative process