Writing Short Stories: The Most Practical Guide

by William Phillips

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815629191
Publisher:	Syracuse University Press
Publication date:	05/01/2002
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	142
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

William H. Phillips is a continuing visiting professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His publications include Film: An Introduction and Writing Short Scripts, also published by Syracuse University Press.

Table of Contents

	Preface	xi
Part 1	Exploring Sources
1.	General Sources	3
2.	Particular Sources	14
Part 2	Studying Stories
3.	"Crooked Handlebars," by Allen Lujan	33
4.	"Treason and Vengeance," by Rosa M. Diaz	46
5.	"Intruders," by Claire Doud	57
6.	Stories: Goals and Means	74
Part 3	Writing Stories
	Before You Begin	87
7.	Planning	89
8.	Writing	97
9.	Rewriting	103
	Summary and Conclusion	124
Appendix	Tips on Publishing	129
	Glossary	133
	Works Cited	135
	Index	137

Editorial Reviews

Phillips (creative writing, U. of Wisconsin, Eau Claire) has designed a text for undergraduate creative writing courses that provides step- by-step instruction in beginning to write, setting up a journal, and beginning to write a short story. Four short stories by students are included with an interview of each writer to show the relationship of truth to fiction. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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