Dwight V. Swain
Dwight V. Swain was an influential American author and screenwriter, known for his contributions to the genre of fiction writing. Born in Rochester, Michigan, he developed a passion for storytelling that would define his career. Swain's notable works include 'Techniques of the Selling Writer' and 'Creating Characters: How to Build Story People', both of which have become essential reading for aspiring writers. His practical approach to narrative structure and character development has left a lasting impact on the craft of writing, making him a respected figure in literary circles. In addition to his writing, Swain was a dedicated teacher, sharing his expertise with students and writers alike. His work not only provided guidance on the mechanics of writing but also emphasized the importance of creativity and originality. Swain's legacy is preserved through his books and the influence he had on generations of writers, earning him a place in the Oklahoma Professional Writers Hall of Fame. His teachings continue to inspire those seeking to master the art of storytelling.
Famous Quotes
View all 3 quotes“To be a writer, a creative person, you must retain your ability to react uniquely. Your feelings must remain your own. The day you mute yourself, or moderate yourself, or repress your proneness to get excited or ecstatic or angry or emotionally involved...that day, you die as a writer.”
“But emotion, for most people, too often is like some sort of slumbering giant, lulled to sleep by preoccupation with the dead facts of that outer world we call objective. When we look at a painting, we see a price tag. A trip is logistics more than pleasure. Romance dies in household routine. Yet life without feeling is a sort of death.”
“A story is the record of how somebody deals with danger.”
Books from the author
