The Writing of the Short Story

This guide offers a clear, step‑by‑step look at what makes a short story work, beginning with the basic ingredients of incident, description, character and mood. It explains how a sequence of events turns into a cohesive plot, stressing the importance of cause‑and‑effect links that keep readers moving forward while the ending remains just out of view. The author also shows how varied personalities and subtle emotional conflicts give depth to even brief narratives, helping writers create characters readers can care about.

Designed especially for classroom use, the book suggests concrete reading selections and provides a framework for marking and discussing stories in detail. Students are encouraged to practice each element in turn, drafting their own pieces and receiving focused feedback before polishing a complete story for submission. The approach balances theory with hands‑on writing, making it a practical resource for anyone looking to strengthen their short‑fiction craft.