Thrice Told Tales: Three Mice Full of Writing Advice

A helpful, approachable reference that addresses nearly a hundred literary terms using playful language and reoccurring jokes between three blind mice. Catherine Lewis creatively teaches concepts and demonstrates how to apply them. For example, the page defining sentimentality is set up as a publisher’s rejection letter to Pee Wee mouse. He is asked to embrace “ambiguity, tension, and irony” in his writing instead of hitting the reader over the head with emotion. Often uses the familiar story of the “Three Blind Mice” to introduce other literary references, such as a nimble characterization of Hemmingway’s writing style: “Three mice. Woman with knife. No tails.” Offers relevant, sensible advice, including guidance on the use of expletives in writing: “most readers don’t mind an expletive or two if it’s within character or if the situation merits it.” Examples of each term are followed up with “Snip of the Tale” summaries. For instance, avant-garde is described as “writing that challenges (or even attacks) the traditional forms or ideas of art.” The humorous, dynamic illustrations often depict the mice in the midst of their many antics.