Behind the Short Story: From First to Final Draft [Paperback]

Ryan G. Van Cleave (Author), Todd James Pierce (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321117247 | ISBN-13: 978-0321117243 | Publication Date: March 13, 2006 | Edition: 1

Behind the Short Story provides the “inside scoop” on how a successful story emerges from first to final draft by compiling critical analysis techniques, writing exercises, representative stories, and useful insights into the writing process from award-winning, student-oriented teachers who are also successful short story writers.  Covering the process of writing and elements of fiction at the same time, unique craft commentaries explore the decisions writers make on issues of structure, character, setting, etc. and offer practical suggestions for pre-writing, drafting, and revising.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1 edition (March 13, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321117247
• ISBN-13: 978-0321117243
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unique Approach to Teaching Yourself Short-Story Writing, March 11, 2008

By 

C. J. Singh (Berkeley, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the Short Story: From First to Final Draft (Paperback)

Introducing BEHIND the SHORT STORY, the editors note: "Unlike traditional creative writing texts, this book offers students the opportunity to be mentored by twenty-seven successful short story writers and fiction instructors, each of whom discusses skills that lead to a deeper understanding of fiction's craft. . . . It allows students to work at their own pace through in-depth, teacher-assisted instruction or independent, self-initiated study and shift their focus from product to process."

Twenty-seven mentors? Initially skeptical, I studied the book on my own. I found the editorial introductions to the eleven chapters clear and the behind-the-story essays by each of the twenty-seven authors illuminating. Among the authors featured are Lorrie Moore, Amy Bloom, Adam Johnson, Judith Mitchell, Tom Hazuka, T. Coraghessan Boyle, George Saunders, and Mary Gaitskell. A great selection.

All of the stories selected are by contemporary authors, published in highly regarded literary magazines such as The New Yorker, Ploughshares, and The Gettysburg Review. Wonderful stories.

But are these stories the most suited "to provide a solid foundation ... to the beginning writer"? Doubtful. The editors' stated objective would be better achieved by stories that are more readily accessible. Just such stories are in the anthology ON WRITING SHORT STORIES,edited by Tom Bailey. Bailey's anthology along with his A SHORT-STORY WRITER'S COMPANION would make a better choice for the beginning writer.

For the intermediate/advanced student of the craft, BEHIND THE SHORT STORY would make an excellent choice.

-- C J Singh
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More Details?

The first part of the book comprises three brief chapters: On Prewriting.

The second part comprises five detailed chapters: Story Structure and the Fundamentals of Plot; Developing Characters; Choosing a Point of View; Constructing a Scene; The Short-Short Story.

The third part comprises three chapters: Revision Techniques; The Story and Its Audience; Theme, Meaning, and Vision.