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As a new writer, I wanted to write short stories.
I scoured the bookshops, but couldn't find anything to teach me how to write them. I read gazillions of short stories and bought a ton of books on writing, but still couldn’t find anything specifically geared toward writing short stories.
It was a hard slog; without even a little bit of guidance, I felt like I was drowning. Even today, there is virtually nothing available that focuses totally on short story writing.
And let's face it, writing short stories is completely different to writing novels, or any other form of writing. It’s a specialised area, and if you don't understand the concepts, you just won't sell your work. (And that's what we're all aiming for, right?)
After earning more than $500 on the sale of just one story, I decided to write the book that I needed back in those early days.
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who learns by doing, not being told, so the book was written as an interactive workshop - you will work your way through using the summary and exercises provided in each section. You may end up with a short story, or at the very least, the bare-bones for one.
You will be guided through every stage of writing your story, learn to brainstorm better outcomes, build realistic characters, give your character a unique voice, prepare your manuscript, and much, much more. I will teach you to:
-Create Memorable Characters
-Create Authentic Settings
-Using Layers
-Fit your Character to his/her surroundings
-Physical Appearance vs. Imagination
-Write Realistic Dialogue
-Use Action Tags
-Find Outstanding Ideas
-Use Point of View
-Write Dazzling Opening Sentences
-Use Emotion, Conflict, and Motivation (and the differences between them)
-Write a Twist at the End
-Create Stunning Titles
-Show, Don't Tell - that annoying term that people say, but no-one ever bothers to explain
There’s no technical jargon or incomprehensible information; everything is explained in a way that is easily understood by both novices and experienced writers.
Apart from the monetary factor, there are other important reasons to get your short stories published:
* Editors love to snag previously published writers
* Book publishers prefer writers with a publishing history
* Short stories teach you to write tight and not waste words
* Helps with your character development
# This one won't help your career, but it sure will help your ego:
* It's a great feeling to be able to say you're a published author!
This book could easily have sold for $29.95 - even more, but I've chosen to keep it affordable for all writers at all income levels. (Why? Because when I was starting out, I simply couldn't afford the tools I needed; I don't want to put anyone else in that same position.)
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Cheryl Wright has written a wonderful book covering the basics: developing characters, setting the scene, writing and selling short stories. It is an invaluable resource for people seeking financial success for their fiction writing.
- Sarah White, Freelance Writer and Editor
Stuck with a shelf full of undeveloped short story ideas, I went through this book as writer-- not just a book reviewer-- and tried many of her exercises with a skeptical eye. Her exercises worked, and her knowledge and advice turned my ideas into short stories. Anyone who is a novice to writing the short story can expect growth in writing and publishable short stories after reading this book.
- Brandy Y. Foster, Absolute Write
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