More than simply a shorter version of the novel, the short story is a unique and rewarding literary form in itself. It offers a world in miniature faithfully captured by the author's mastery of character, plot, setting, image, and theme. The time it takes to read a short story may be brief, but its impact lasts much longer. Short story writers see by the light of the flash," says author and Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer. "Theirs is the art of

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With increased compression, every word, every sentence matters more. A writer must learn how to form narratives around caesuras and crevices instead of strings of connections, to move a story through the symbolic weight of images, to master the power of suggestion. With elegant prose, deep readings of other writers, and scaffolded writing exercises, The Art of Brevity takes the listener on a lyrical exploration of compact storytelling, guiding listeners...

Bloom's Major Short Story Writers are easy-to-follow guides to the most popular short story writers whose works are taught in high schools, colleges, and universities today. Each book is edited by the preeminent literary critic of our time, Harold Bloom, and contains a variety of critical views on the world's greatest short stories. These volumes are the perfect introduction to critical study of these important works by writers such as Mark Twain,...

The Art & Craft of the Short Story explores every key element of short fiction, including story structure and form; creative and believable characters; how to begin and where to end; and the generation of ideas; as well as technical aspects such as point of view; plot; description and imagery; and theme. Examples from the work of a wide variety are used. The author includes five of his own stories to demonstrate these topics.

"A collection of critical essays on Melville and his works. Also includes a chronology of events in the author's life." --

Discusses how to write fiction, exploring such aspects as character, plot, point of view, dialogue, endings, and revising.

A collection of critical essays on Eudora Welty and her work. Includes a chronology of events.