Margaret LuckeCritiques

A very basic overview on writing short stories. Good information.

Some decent advice in here, but not a lot that hadn't been said elsewhere. Perhaps the best features are the well structured layout, to the point discussions, and the FAQs part the end. I made quite a few notes.

This is the best book I have come across to encourage the writing of short stories. It's light, yet full of wisdom. It doesn't assume the reader is an expert, but neither does it assume idiocy. It gets, in my view, the balance exactly right.

There are chapters on getting started, creating people, conflict, plot, setting and voice. Each one has plenty of examples of what is being described, and a good selection of exercises at the end of each one. These exercises don't require the writing of every possible genre - they are general enough that any writer can choose his or her own style and type of story.

I didn't do all - or even most of - the exercises, but I found the techniques and ideas extremely helpful. I've dipped into it many times over the past year, and will no doubt continue to do so.

Highly recommended to anyone who has ever considered writing short stories, including those who have already had some published.

I was pulled into this book and continued to read because I wanted to solve the mystery. I will be interested to see this author's next offering and hope that she (or her editor) cleans up some of the jarring transitions. It was difficult to peg a genre description. Heavy on mystery, medium on paranormal, light on romance.½

The beauty of this book are the tip sheets and the exercises at the end of every chapter. VERY teacher friendly--even if you're teaching yourself!