Writing Short Stories The Most Practical Guide

How does one translate experience into fiction? Here at last is specific and practical guidance on the art, craft, and business of writing short stories. Comprehensive yet concise, William H. Phillips offers indispensable advice on exploring sources, galvanizing the imagination, studying stories, and then writing them. Drawing on years of classroom experience, the author provides guidance for several types of writers: beginners, writers with works in progress, those seeking other writers for critiques, and students in introductory and intermediate writing courses. A special section features three original stories by former students of the author. Accompanying materials on development offer keen insights into the writer's craft. Using proven, group-tested materials, Writing Short Stories furnishes all the essentials needed to produce effective short fiction—from simple guidelines to sample journal entries, from exercises to strategies—not to mention a healthy and welcome dollop of encouragement and inspiration.