Here is a practical guide to writing short stories that explains all the essential techniques of fiction - from character and plot to flashback and...
read full description
reviews
Mar 31, 2011
Josh
rated it: 
I know this website is populated by serious readers and writers, so the very idea of an instructional book on writing is pretty repulsive, but I would compare Rust Hill's WIGSSIP to the "Dear Sugar" advice column at The Rumpus--in that it's an undertaking we ought not to judge based on the genre's previous iterations...because it absolutely blasts the rest of the "writing self-help" genre back to the "young adult" category to which it really belongs. Succinct and u
More...
Dec 01, 2008
Emanuella
rated it:
This is one of the best writer's guides I've ever read about the structure of the short story. Some of Rust Hill's opinions on popular fiction get pretty elitist. But his advice on how to write a quality short story has given me a lot to think about. It's a very good book.
One of my favorite passages is when he talks about how Joyce Carol Oates claims to have conquered writer's block. "She says writer's block is caused by some problem in the work that the mind can't consciously s More...
One of my favorite passages is when he talks about how Joyce Carol Oates claims to have conquered writer's block. "She says writer's block is caused by some problem in the work that the mind can't consciously s More...
Sep 08, 2009
Nan
rated it: 
Okay, the book is a little dated. Still, even the stuff about New Criticism is thoughtful. His thoughts on academia and literature are invaluable. He goes against tradition sometimes, but is always wise.
Nov 28, 2010
Ris
rated it: 
Rust Hills (yes, that's the author's name) has some terrific insights into writing short stories. I was a little disappointed that I had to sift through some rather obvious stuff to get there, but I think I'm being a little choosy.
Jun 26, 2011
Pretty sure I've read parts of this before, perhaps for a class, but I was flipping through it at the book store and it just seemed like something I really need to read.
Jan 12, 2012
Eric
rated it:
An indispensable resource for the beginning fiction writer, and useful for writing teachers, as well.
Dec 29, 2009
Hannah
rated it:
Incredibly helpful about the parts of plot. Will use this again and again!
Jul 26, 2010
Found in a treasure trove of my old stuff at my dad's house in Ohio. Two boxes of books! I filled a bag and carried back as many books as I could on the plane. I'm enjoying this so far. It's more about how short stories work than telling someone how to write them, and it's somewhat narrowed in on literary fiction, so it's speaking to me in a way a lot of "how to" books don't.
Sep 16, 2010
Krista H.
rated it:
Good book, and contains my favorite quote to date on most suspenseful dime-a-dozen novels, which can also be applied to bad fiction in general.
"Before one knows it, he's nearly through with the book and then must continue so as to 'find out what happens at the end.' These are the sort of book of which publishers say 'Once you pick it up, you can't put it down,'and one of the major reasons you don't want to put it down is that you don't ever want to pick it up again." ---page 34.
"Before one knows it, he's nearly through with the book and then must continue so as to 'find out what happens at the end.' These are the sort of book of which publishers say 'Once you pick it up, you can't put it down,'and one of the major reasons you don't want to put it down is that you don't ever want to pick it up again." ---page 34.
Oct 13, 2008
Jenai
rated it: 
This book was annoying as hell. It had no useful tips or information, and the overall voice of the author was pompous and dry. If you want real help with writing, pick up Strunk and White and read other short stories to get a sense of how to write. Don't listen to this guy.
Jun 14, 2008
Alex
rated it:
A great book for teaching reading and writing short stories. I use it my my 12th-grade English elective.
May 25, 2008
Another impulse used-bookstore find. Been meaning to get this for awhile.
Jan 11, 2012
Jan 11, 2012
Jan 09, 2012
Jan 28, 2012
Jan 04, 2012
Jan 04, 2012
Jan 03, 2012
Jan 02, 2012
Dec 15, 2011
Nov 28, 2011
