The Short Story Writer's Toolshed - Your Quick Read, Straight-To-The-Point Guide to Writing and Selling Short Fiction

by Della Galton

Originally written as a series for Writers’ Forum Magazine, this snappy, no-nonsense guide has been expanded, amended and updated. Using new examples from her own published short fiction, Della Galton takes you from 'story idea' to 'final edit', and demonstrates how to construct and polish the perfect short story, ready for publication.

Della Galton is a working writer and agony aunt for Writer's Forum magazine. She has had over 1,000 short stories published in national magazines in the UK, and throughout the world.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

102 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2012

About the author

Della Galton (aka Della Parker) writes novels set in Dorset, featuring quirky characters and very often a dog or two. She's had more than 2000 short stories published and she's run out of fingers to count her books on.

She is a popular speaker at writing conventions and the agony aunt for Writers' Forum Magazine.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside and beaches.

Reviews

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nearly passed over this book because the cover looks like a 1970s women's magazine about gardening; it's all cramped up and the drop shadows are out of whack on the fonts (the title has the light source coming from below, the author name from the right). I'm glad I decided to buy it anyway. It is a succinct look at all the various parts that go into writing short stories well. It answered a couple of questions for me and made me feel I was on the right track with my writing goals. If you are after a quick little reference guide this is very handy to have on your shelf.

[Leslie Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a slim volume this book packs a lot of advice in! I was so impressed that I will definitely look at other books in this series by Della Galton. I suppose that, when gathered together, they will offer comprehensive advice on all aspects of writing but there will be some redundant items that are covered in other volumes, if not all volumes. Despite the previous doubt I believe that, for a very small outlay, "The Writer's Toolshed" series will be invaluable for anyone starting out with a pen in their hand or a keyoard at their fingertips.

[N · Rating 2 out of 5]

Della Galton is a lively and no-nonsense guide to the world of short story writing, but that doesn't make up for the fact that this book is very slight. Her earlier book, How to Write and Sell Short Stories covers much the same ground in greater detail. Read that instead.

[Laura Besley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any writer starting out. Great tips on how to write excellent short stories with rounded characters, good plots and believable themes.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay.... definitely some good tips included, but a little general in places too.