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BOOK REVIEW OF
BETWEEN THE LINES: Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing
By Jessica Page Morrell
2006, Writer's Digest Books

Between the Lines, by Jessica Page Morrell, is an in-depth look at a wide range of novel-writing subjects. As the title implies, this is not meant to be a typical A to Z how-to book, and for the most part it lives up to its title.

Between the Lines did quite well on my "Hi-Liter test." As I read a book, I highlight the meaty parts for further reference and note-taking. Books with little substance survive relatively unscathed, while information-packed, insightful books get a heavy dose of yellow ink. My copy of Between the Lines is now awash in yellow. The chapters I found least useful were Tension and Suspense, which included a lot of information I've seen elsewhere.

My "note-taking test" was a little rougher on Between the Lines. After I finish reading a book, I review the passages marked with my Hi-Liter, scribbling notes to be filed by topic. Some of the chapters were packed with insight and juicy tidbits I noted for future reference, but much of the subject matter was a review for me. I took lots of notes about Epiphanies, Revelations, Flashbacks, Foreshadowing, Prologues, and Epilogues. My favorite chapter was Transitions, which by itself is worth the price of the book.

Using a five-star rating system, I rank Between the Lines four stars. I didn't give it five stars largely because of what's missing from the text. Other books cover some of the material with greater insight. And many of the examples could have been better chosen to illustrate the points being made.

Overall, I'm glad I purchased Between the Lines and suspect I will be referring to it again and again in the future.

Learn more about this author, Mike Klaassen.
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