An Essential Book for Writers – How Stories Work
November 4, 2009 by Debra Marrs
Filed under Blog, Books, Videos, Your Writer's Bookshelf
No doubt, every writing instructor has their favorite books to recommend. My own bookshelf of writing related books sags from the weight of books I love. Every one of them holds a significant message for the writer and her craft, but few capture a set of basics as well as Margaret Lucke’s basic how-to for creating compelling stories. Whether you’re new to writing, or a seasoned pro, whether you write novels, short stories, flash fiction or memoir, this one book packs the best of the basics in a slim volume of 160 pages.
HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. Writing A Short Story–Getting Started
2. Characters–How to Create People Who Live and Breathe On the Page
3. Conflict–How to Devise A Story That Readers Won’t Want to Put Down
4. Plot and Structure–How To Shape Your Story and Keep It Moving Forward
5. Setting and Atmosphere–How To Bring Readers Into A Vivid Story World
6. Narrative Voice–How To Develop Your Individual Voice As a Writer
Includes: extensive reading list, quick guide to submitting manuscripts for publication, how to format your manuscript
Of all the wonderful writing books you have introduced me to, “Writing Great Short Stories” is my favorite. Thank you, Debra.
Thanks for your note, Dan. You prove this book a winner by the stellar short stories you’ve produced since we used this text in recent classes. So glad to hear you find it useful!
Well that is a great video. Love the setting. And, you’ve convinced me. Next stop: Amazon, to buy my copy. Thanks, Debra.
Thanks for your kudos, Darrelyn. I know you’ll like it. I especially like the 2nd chapter, Characters–How to Create People Who Live and Breathe On the Page. Page 39-40 includes a tip sheet for developing three-dimensional characters. I teach this to my memoir students for portraying the precise personae of real life characters too. Writing dialogue section is just right, and equally applicable to memoirs writers. Enjoy!