Read Like A Writer

There are two ways to learn how to write fiction: by reading it and by writing it. Yes, you can learn lots about writing stories in workshops, in writing classes and writing groups, at writers' conferences. You can learn technique and process by reading the dozens of books like this one on fiction writing and by reading articles in writers' magazines. But the best teachers of fiction are the great works of fiction themselves. You can learn more about the structure of a short story by reading Anton Chekhov's 'Heartache' than you can in a semester of Creative Writing 101. If you read like a writer, that is, which means you have to read everything twice, at least. When you read a story or novel the first time, just let it happen. Enjoy the journey. When you've finished, you know where the story took you, and now you can go back and reread, and this time notice how the writer reached that destination. Notice the choices he made at each chapter, each sentence, each word. (Every word is a choice.) You see now how the transitions work, how a character gets across a room. All this time you're learning. You loved the central character in the story, and now you can see how the writer presented the character and rendered her worthy of your love and attention. The first reading is creative—you collaborate with the writer in making the story. The second reading is critical.


John Dufresne, from his book, The Lie That Tells A Truth: A Guide to Writing Fiction

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Saturday, November 19, 2022

How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction by by Leslie Quirk (1906)

How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction by by Leslie Quirk (1906)

How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction 

 

by Leslie Quirk

(1906)

 
How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction (1906) by Leslie Quirk. The material in the following pages is a series of suggestive talks rather than a scholarly discourse. I leave to others the discussion of polish, atmosphere, and artistic handling; I take for my theme the writing of a short story that will sell.  
 
There are many writers throughout the country, with good educations, with clear brains, and with the ambition to see their work in print, who are failing merely because they are not familiar with the technique of the short story. It is to these that I would appeal.



Foreword


Welcome to the captivating world of short fiction!!! In this insightful guide, Leslie Quirk takes you on a journey through the art and craft of writing concise, impactful stories. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a curious beginner, this book offers valuable techniques and practical advice.

Quirk's passion for storytelling shines through as he delves into the nuances of character development, plot construction, and the delicate balance between brevity and depth. From inception to publication, he demystifies the process, emphasizing creativity, discipline, and the joy of discovery.

As you turn these pages, imagine yourself at a cozy writing desk, pen in hand, ready to craft tales that linger in readers' minds. Whether you aspire to literary acclaim or simply want to share your voice, "How to Write a Short Story" provides a compass for your literary voyage.

So, dear reader, let's embark on this adventure together. May your imagination soar, your sentences sing, and your stories resonate with hearts across time and space.

Olivia Salter
11/19/2022


*Note: The book "How to Write a Short Story: An Exposition of the Technique of Short Fiction" by Leslie Quirk was published in 1904. If you're interested, you can explore more recent resources on short story writing.



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