Vivid and Continuous

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Building on The Creative Writer’s Survival Guide, John McNally’s Vivid and Continuous serves as a blunt yet cheerful guide for aspiring writers. While many books address the basics of fiction writing, McNally tackles the more complex, often overlooked challenges that arise in the craft. This book is designed as a supplement for beginner fiction-writing classes or as a primary text for advanced courses, focusing on the nuances that other resources might only touch upon briefly. Inspired by John Gardner’s insights in On Becoming a Novelist, McNally aims to help writers create a “vivid and continuous dream” in their work. In fifteen engaging chapters, he shares wisdom from nearly thirty years of experience in writing and teaching. He addresses common pitfalls in storytelling, the creation of memorable minor characters, and the management of pop culture references. He also explores how to revise stories for clarity, avoid excessive similes and flashbacks, and listen to the narrative’s voice. Additionally, McNally offers a humorous formula for enhancing comedic writing. Each chapter includes exercises to reinforce the concepts discussed, encouraging practical application. With a tone that is direct yet supportive, McNally challenges writers to think critically and strive for more meaningful and accomplished work.