Product Description

ARCO's series of concise writing guides - covering essays, themes, research papers and other common writing projects - has been a favourite with school and college students for nearly three decades. Ideal as home-study aids for all types of English courses, these small format paperbacks provide clear step-by-step writing instructions, topic selection strategies, style guidelines, and definitions of important literary terms. Each one is packed with numerous illustrative examples, sometimes including full-length literary work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #716152 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Customer Reviews

excellent advice for new writers
If you are new to writing, as I am, then this is the best book of advice you can get. I was somewhat sceptical when I received my copy in the post but after the first couple of chapters I was more than satisfied with my investment. I read the book in one sitting and then started to apply the tips and tricks to my own short stories. I believe my writing has improved as a result of this book. My stories have gained a degree of clarity and structure, which they lacked before.
The advice is offered in a concise, clear manner. I understood the ideas being offered and could apply them immediately.
The book starts with a short story and then develops ideas and themes that are illustrated in the short story. Two other short stories are reviewed in the book, which give some excellent pointers to aspiring writers.
I still refer to this manual when I'm tapping away at my latest short story and need to find a solution to a problem.
I'm not sure that a book like this can make me a great writer. That requires talent! I do believe it's advice has made me a better one though.

Useful guide
This book is a very clear guide to writing short fiction. It exactly matched the "ideal" book I was looking for on the subject. It is full of useful and non-trivial guidance that will be of use right from the start. Highly recommended.

Good Things Do Come In Small Packages
When I first received this book, I was a little sceptical if not disappointed at it being so thin, however upon reading it, it had A LOT of tips, guides, and suggestions. Very fun to read (not textbook type) and also has some short story analysis.