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

BUY IT!

Who will know your story if you don’t begin to write it now?

I’m such a fan of writing prompts.  For me, they are the juice that gets me going.  Like a morning cup of joe, they clear the pipes and defog the eyes.

Write for ten minutes on each of these prompts. Use a separate page for each. Put pen to page and just write. First thoughts, no censoring.  Now go…

• Who gave you your name?
• How did they choose that name for you?
• Did you have a family nickname?
• Who gave you the nickname?
• How did you feel about being called that special name?

Now, take what you have written. Reread. Write for 30 minutes on each of the above over the next few days, or weeks, and develop a short vignette.

Whenever a group of memoir writers get together, and when we talk about home, the subject always seems to turn toward stories that took place in “our rooms.”  No doubt, our earliest bedrooms made a lasting impression on us because they provided a safe haven.  Or did they?  What went on in your room?  Put pen to page and just write. First thoughts, no censoring. Now go…

• Describe your childhood bedroom. What was the view from your window?

• List one special memory about each of your brothers and sisters (or friends).

Now, take what you have written. Reread. Write for 30 minutes on each of the above over the next few days, or weeks, and develop a short vignette.