Short Story Writing; a Practical Treatise on the Art of the Short Story by Charles Raymond Barrett

Short Story Writing; a Practical Treatise on the Art of the Short Story 

by Charles Raymond Barrett 

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

Short Story Writing: A Practical Treatise on the Art of the Short Story by Charles Raymond Barrett is a timeless guide that delves into the craft of short story writing. Aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike will find this book to be an invaluable resource as they embark on their literary journey.

In today's fast-paced world, short stories have gained immense popularity. They provide a brief escape, capturing the essence of human experiences within a concise narrative. Crafting a compelling short story is no easy feat, requiring a delicate balance of concise storytelling, vivid characterization, and evocative imagery. Charles Raymond Barrett, in his astute and insightful writing style, provides a practical approach to mastering this art form.

One of the remarkable aspects of short story writing is Barrett's ability to cover a breadth of topics catering to the needs of budding writers while also delving into the nuances that experienced authors strive to refine. The book explores the essential elements of a short story, from developing captivating plots and characters to constructing effective dialogue and exploring various narrative techniques.

Barrett's guidance is rooted in both theory and practice, providing aspiring writers with a solid foundation while simultaneously inspiring them to experiment and push the boundaries of their creativity. He illuminates the intricacies of storytelling, elucidating how to create a story that captivates readers from the very first sentence.

Moreover, Barrett skillfully illustrates the power of brevity in storytelling. He emphasizes the necessity of the economy of language, encouraging writers to carefully choose every word and sentence to convey maximum impact. Through numerous examples and exercises, he guides writers in honing their skills and cultivating concise and potent narratives.

Furthermore, Barrett delves into the emotional resonance that exists within short stories, highlighting the importance of evoking strong and authentic emotions in readers. He explores various techniques, such as sensory descriptions and subtext, that empower writers to create narratives that resonate deeply with their audiences.

Short Story Writing is not only a comprehensive guide but also an encouragement for writers to embrace their unique voice and find their own distinct style. Barrett emphasizes the importance of originality and authenticity, emphasizing that every writer has a story to tell that is uniquely their own.

In an era where attention spans are dwindling, short stories continue to hold a special place in the literary landscape. With his expertise and passion, Barrett instills a renewed appreciation for this art form and equips writers with the necessary tools to craft compelling stories of their own.

Whether you are an aspiring writer seeking guidance or an experienced author looking to refine your skills in short story writing, a Practical Treatise on the Art of the Short Story is an indispensable resource. It is a book that will inspire, inform, and guide you on your quest to become a master of the short story.

Let Charles Raymond Barrett be your mentor as you navigate the intricate world of short story writing. Embrace the power of brevity, evoke emotions, and unleash your creativity. This book will undoubtedly ignite the writer within you and help you embark on a captivating journey through the art of the short story.

Olivia Salter

 03/11/2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface     7
Introduction     11
I     The Short Story     15
II     Short Stories Classified     26
III     The Plot     45
IV     Titles Good and Bad     64
V     The Use of Facts     78
VI     The Characters     94
VII     Methods of Narration     119
VIII     The Beginning     132
IX     The Story Proper     149
X     Climax and Conclusion     171
XI     The Style     189
XII     The Labor of Authorship     209
XIII     The Quest of a Market     222
Appendix     "The Ambitious s"     234
Index       

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Fiction Writing Tips Article Index Page

Short Story Writing And Free Lance Journalism by Sydney A Moseley

 

Short Story Writing And Free Lance Journalism  

by  Sydney A Moseley

 

PART 2
SHORT STORY WRITING

CHAPTER I

WHIT is a short story "The jolly art" A complete work Novelettes Sketches 113

CHAPTER II

STYLE : Three hints Short story anatomy Plot finding Three great themes Classes of story Specialization Dangers of models
What to read 121

CHAPTER III

EtaADXNO and observation Danger of plagiarism Plot construction
Blank road mystery Question and answer . . . , 133

CHAPTER IV

HAOKNBTBD situations A French example The forced situation
Don't be lazy Too bad to be true ,147


CHAPTER V 

WHAT makes a good title Openings Endings . . . . ,169

CHAPTER VI

FIRST and third person methods Cultivate your own style Colour
Local colour Use your environment Imagination . . . 168

CHAPTER VII

UNNECESSARY characters Dialogue Heroes and heroines Reality
Minor characters 180

CHAPTER VIII

LOVE scenes Some classic love scenes Strength with restraint
Avoid " piling it on " Humorous relief The pitfall of pathos
The definite aim Revising and retouching The inexorable blue
pencil Rejections and their lessons The editor's reason Fiction
fashions How to reshape old manuscripts . . .190

CHAPTER IX

SHOET story lengths Novels and novelettes How to sell manuscripts
More hints Serial short stories Serial novels Novels in book
form The commercial side of authorship Copyright American
and English rights Prices Proof correcting Letters to the editor
Literary agents A word in farewell 209

INDEX . 231
 

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 Short Story Writing And Free Lance Journalism by Sydney A Moseley

 

Writer's Digest 1922-07: Vol 2

THE WRITER’S DIGEST 

 Formerly "Successful Writing" A Monthly Journal on Writing Photoplays, Short Stories, Poems, Popular Songs, Etc. 

VOLUME II. JULY, 1922. NUMBER 8.

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A Handbook on Story Writing by Williams, Blanche Colton, 1879-1944

 

A Handbook on Story Writing 

by Williams, Blanche Colton, 1879-1944

 

 

FOREWORD

 

In the vast world of literature, stories hold a special place. They have the power to transport us to different realms, evoke a wide range of emotions, and challenge our perceptions of reality. Within the realm of storytelling, the art of crafting a compelling and engaging narrative is a true craft. It requires a delicate balance of imagination, creativity, and technical prowess.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce "A Handbook on Story Writing" by Blanche Colton Williams. This insightful and comprehensive guide is an invaluable tool for both aspiring and seasoned writers looking to master the art of storytelling. Drawing from her vast experience as a teacher, author, and literary critic, Williams offers a wealth of knowledge that will inspire and guide writers of all levels.

The beauty of this handbook lies in its ability to provide practical and actionable advice while also celebrating the boundless possibilities of storytelling. Williams begins by delving into the fundamental elements of storytelling, emphasizing the importance of plot, character development, and setting. She then proceeds to delve into the nuances of crafting dialogue utilizing symbolism and creating vivid descriptions that captivate readers' imaginations.

Throughout the manual, Williams skillfully interweaves examples from renowned works of literature, offering insightful analysis and shedding light on the techniques employed by successful storytellers. Her ability to dissect and explain the intricacies of storytelling not only educates but also sparks the writer's imagination, encouraging them to explore new avenues within their own creative process.

One notable aspect of this handbook is the attention given to the different genres and the distinct requirements each presents. Williams provides valuable advice on how to develop mystery, romance, science fiction, and other popular genres, ensuring that writers can confidently navigate the diverse landscape of storytelling.

As readers, we often find solace in stories that allow us to escape the confines of our daily lives and embark on thrilling adventures. With "A Handbook on Story Writing, Williams offers writers the tools to create these transformative experiences for their readers. Whether one aspires to pen an epic fantasy, a thought-provoking literary masterpiece, or a heartwarming children's tale, this handbook serves as a compass guiding writers towards their storytelling goals.

Blanche Colton Williams has dedicated her life to the study and appreciation of literature, and her passion radiates through these pages. Her deep understanding of the craft, coupled with her ability to convey complex concepts in an approachable manner, makes "A Handbook on Story Writing" an essential companion for any writer seeking to hone their skills and make their mark in the literary world.

It is my sincere belief that this handbook will serve as a beacon of guidance and inspiration to writers of all backgrounds. May it empower you to embark on your storytelling journey with confidence, and may your words find their rightful place in the hearts of readers around the world.

Olivia Salter 

03/07/2022

PREFACE

WHEN in 1910 I undertook the "teaching" of the short-story to a class of undergraduates at Hunter College, I found a dearth of books on the theory of story writing. There were Poe's examples and his body of criticism, from which help might be deduced; there was the pioneer "Philosophy" of Professor Matthews, and there were two or three texts whose chief valye lay in their exposition of the genre. After no great length of time a growing suspicion asserted itself that although my students could write unusually well, frequently with suggestion of charm and power, yet they were not always writing stories. They fell short of modern narrative requirement. , As first aid they needed some formulation of the laws of structure. By a frankly academic and deductive process, that is to say, by study of the classic stories and the best current examples, I found obvious underlying principles, so obvious, my first reaction was that nobody had written them down because of their obviousness. But I gave them to my students, with happy results in improvement of manuscripts. The writers learned to direct their energies, with a diminution of diffuseness, to the accomplishment of stronger stories. 

 CONTENTS 

I Definitions and Characterisations 

II The Inception of the Story 

III Plot: Preliminaries

IV Plot: Struggle and Complication 
 

V Plot: Composition 

VI Plot: Story Types Dependent on Plot Order 

VII The Point of View

VIII The Scenario

IX Characterisation

X Characterisation, continued

XI Dialogue

XII The Emotional Element 

XIII Local Colour and Atmosphere 

XIV Problems of Composition: Beginning, Body, and End

XV A Short-Story Type: The Ghost Story 

XVI Popularity and Longevity

Index



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A Handbook on Story Writing by Williams, Blanche Colton, 1879-1944 

 

 

 

Writer's Digest 1943-04: Vol 22

WAR TIME STORIES THAT SELL
EXPERT ADVICE $1

As the war drama reaches a climax, the problems of the fiction writer (who is doing his bit ith propaganda) become more intricate. All the obvious war-time plot ideas have been
used up. Where are the new ideas? How much military action should be used? How to
handle propaganda? How to use the life of your own community? How to organize your
material? What to avoid? Answers to these questions will be found in our professional talk
to writers entitled "Plots for War Times.”

This memorandum has just been revised and brought up to date. Send for it and pick our
brains on the topics of utmost importance to you today if you are writing for publication.
In it you will find analyses of current trends, sample plots, advice on slanting, on the non-war
escape story, on pulp needs and requirements for novels. Why perform in the dark? Here
is illumination. One dollar by return mail!


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The Writer by Luce, Robert, 1862 -1946, Hills, William Henry, 1859-

 

The Writer 

by Luce, Robert, 1862 -1946, Hills, William Henry, 1859-

Founded in 1887, The Writer instructs, informs, and inspires writers, providing practical coverage of the craft of writing and publishing.

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The Writer by Luce, Robert, 1862 -1946, Hills, William Henry, 1859-

Writer's Digest 1930-02: Vol 10

Writer's Digest is the No.1 Resource for Writers, Celebrating the Writing Life and What it Means to be a Writer in Today's Publishing Environment.

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