BLOOMSBURY Short-Form Creative Writing: A Writer's Guide and Anthology

Bloomsbury Writer's Guides and Anthologies

by H.K. Hummel

Short-Form Creative A Writer's Guide and Anthology is a complete introduction to the art and craft of extremely compressed works of imaginative literature. H. K. Hummel and Stephanie Lenox introduce both traditional and innovative approaches to the short form and demonstrate how it possesses structure, logic, and coherence while simultaneously resisting expectations. With discussion questions, writing prompts, flash interviews, and illustrated key concepts, the book


- Prose poetry
- Flash fiction
- Micro memoir
- Lyric essay
- Cross-genre/hybrid writing

. . . and much more.

Short-Form Creative Writing also includes an anthology, offering inspiring examples of short-form writing in all of the styles covered by the book, including work by Charles Baudelaire, Italo Calvino, Lydia Davis, Grant Faulkner, Ilya Kaminsky, Jamaica Kincaid, and many others.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published November 15, 2018

Reviews

[Raytown · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Overall useful and practical, with a systematic approach that I appreciated. The chapters on Time & Space and Revision, respectively, I found quite excellent.

That said, some chapters were less insightful than others (as in, they had a bit too much 'fluff') but I believe this might have been corrected in the second edition, where it appears that some sections have been consolidated or simplified. The flash interviews and many of the prompts were fairly bland & a missed opportunity, and quite a few texts in the anthology were unremarkable and not particularly successful in showcasing the possibilities of the short form, but that's to be expected in an anthology.

[Sean Prentiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a little biased, since I've known about this book since well before it was published, but I love this book. I love its idea. I love its deep content into a form that too many writers would assume needs so little explanation. Instead, these authors dive deeply into a deep and old and beautiful form. And I love the tone of this book. Rather than being overly academic, the reader forays into the world with H.K. and Stephanie as they explore short-form writing in its multiple genres.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the least favorite creative writing books I’ve read. It’s hard to follow and I didn’t love the short story collection. However, some really wonderful exercises are scattered throughout the book, so I don’t want to completely discount it. But for me, the value in this book was solely in the writing exercises (specifically the free dives).

(Read for MFA program - Contemporary Fiction, IMF51639)

[Carol Roh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed this professionally for CHOICE publications, forthcoming.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books with one of the most important messages—start small and build from there. Short form creative writing is the basis to everything writing.

[Sarp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite useful.

[S. Alberto ঌ⁻⁷ (always yearning) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It definitely provided me with a clearer understanding and deeper appreciation for the short form as a medium for creative expression. While I’m still not completely convinced that short-form writing is my preferred style, this book helped me grasp its potential in a way I hadn’t before. The structure of the book, with its blend of practical guidance and examples, was an insightful introduction to the craft.

H.K. Hummel does a great job of breaking down the elements of short-form writing, and for anyone just starting out in creative writing or looking to explore this specific form, this book is an invaluable resource. The guide is thorough and gives solid advice on how to approach short stories, flash fiction, and more. I found the exercises and prompts helpful, though not always something I would use personally. That said, it was a good reminder of the core principles behind concise, impactful writing.

For me, the most beneficial aspect of the book was how it encouraged me to experiment with brevity and precision in my own writing. I’ve been able to reflect on what I’ve learned here and apply some of these techniques to my own creative projects—though admittedly, it’s still a work in progress.

Overall, it’s a solid resource for anyone looking to dive into short-form writing, and I can see myself revisiting this as I continue to hone my skills. While I didn’t love everything about it, I can appreciate the foundation it’s given me as I work on my own creative writing journey.

[Janette Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Useful text

I came to this book by way of it being required reading for a Writer’s retreat. I found it to be a useful reference. The writing exercises and prompts will energize your mind and pen.