"The Art of Fiction" is a non-fiction book by American writer John Gardner, published in 1983. The book is a guide for aspiring writers, and offers practical advice and insights into the craft of fiction writing.
Gardner, who was a novelist, literary critic, and professor of creative writing, draws on his own experiences as a writer and teacher to offer advice on a wide range of topics, including plot, character development, style, point of view, and the role of the writer in society.
One of the key themes of the book is the importance of the writer's moral and ethical responsibility. Gardner argues that writers have a duty to tell the truth about the world, to be faithful to their own vision, and to create characters and situations that are both believable and morally significant.
Gardner's writing style is clear and direct, and he uses examples from classic and contemporary literature to illustrate his points. He also includes a number of writing exercises and prompts to help readers develop their own skills as writers.
"The Art of Fiction" has been praised for its insightful and practical advice, as well as for its engaging and accessible writing style. It is widely regarded as a classic of the genre, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the craft of fiction writing.
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