Behind the Short Story

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. 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. Features contemporary short stories and craft commentaries from 27 of today's best-known short story writers, including Amy Bloom, T.C. Boyle, Mary Gaitskill, Lorrie Moore, and George Saunders. Craft-oriented commentary by each author reveals many of the fiction techniques and decisions that go into writing a short story. For writers interested in exploring the process of writing a successful short story.