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Top 10 Books on Short Story Writing Techniques
Discover the 10 best books to master short story writing, packed with expert insights and practical tips for aspiring authors.
Book Summaries
Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah's memoir combines humor and poignant storytelling, offering insights into the art of narrative that can inspire short story writers to explore their own experiences.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Growing up mixed-race in apartheid South Africa
- The power of language in navigating a complex society
- Hustling and entrepreneurship in the township
Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling
Matthew Dicks, an award-winning storyteller, shares practical techniques for crafting engaging stories, perfect for those looking to enhance their short story writing skills.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Find Your Story: Everyday Moments Can Be Extraordinary
- Craft Your Story: The Five-Second Moment is Key
- Engage Your Audience: Use Stakes to Create Suspense
Will Storr explores the psychology behind storytelling, providing valuable insights for writers looking to create impactful short stories that resonate with readers.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Stories are fundamental to human cognition and social behavior
- Change and curiosity drive compelling narratives
- Our brains construct a hallucinated model of reality
How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel
Lisa Cron's exploration of brain science in storytelling offers a unique perspective that can help short story writers craft compelling narratives that engage readers on a deeper level.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Story is the brain's decoder ring for reality
- Every story needs a protagonist with a clear desire and misbelief
- The protagonist's worldview shapes the story's internal logic
Orson Scott Card, a celebrated author, provides invaluable insights into character development and viewpoint selection, essential for crafting compelling short stories.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Characters are defined by their actions, motives, and past
- Effective characterization balances realism and romanticism
- Sympathy and antipathy shape reader engagement
Orhan Pamuk's exploration of the novel's art offers profound insights that can inspire short story writers to delve deeper into their narratives and character development.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Novels are second lives that reveal the complexities of our existence
- The art of the novel relies on our ability to believe in contradictory states
- Reading a novel is a collaborative and personal task of transforming words into images
What Good Editors Know
Shawn Coyne's analytical approach to storytelling provides essential tools for writers to structure their short stories effectively, ensuring they captivate their audience.
3 Key Takeaways:
- The Story Grid: A powerful tool for writers and editors
- Genre is crucial: Understanding and meeting reader expectations
- The five commandments of storytelling: Essential elements for every scene
A Practical Guide to Building Stories That Resonate
Brian McDonald, a seasoned storyteller, reveals the hidden elements of storytelling that resonate with readers, making this book essential for short story writers.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Invisible Ink: The Hidden Elements of Storytelling
- The Armature: Building Your Story's Foundation
- Ritual Pain: Transforming Characters Through Conflict
More Trouble for Screenwriters to Get Into… and Out Of
Blake Snyder's insights into story structure and creative breakthroughs are invaluable for short story writers looking to enhance their storytelling skills.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Trouble as a Catalyst for Creative Breakthroughs
- Master the Art of the Pitch and Logline
- Structure Your Story with the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2)
Roy Peter Clark, America's writing coach, offers practical strategies for mastering the art of short writing, making it a must-read for aspiring short story authors.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Master the craft of short writing to thrive in the digital age
- Collect and study great examples of short writing from diverse sources
- Use strategic moves like balance, pacing, and emphasis to enhance short texts
