Short Story Writing

by Charles Raymond Barrett

This book is an attempt to put into definite form the principles observed by the masters of the short story in the practice of their art. It is the result of a careful study of their work, of some indifferent attempts to imitate them, and of the critical examination of several thousands of short stories written by amateurs. It is designed to be of practical assistance to the novice in short story writing, from the moment the tale is dimly conceived until it is completed and ready for the editor's judgment.

The rules and principles here presented embody not what I conceive to be right, but what the great masters of the short story have thought to be right, and what they have proved to be at least successful. I speak only as a delver into the secrets of other men; and if I seem arrogant, it is due to the influence of the company I keep. My deductions are made not only from the artifices and triumphs of the successful, but from the struggles and failures of the unfortunate as well; and I have endeavored to make clear both the philosophy and the application of all the principles so deduced. Though in theory these rules are obligatory on all who essay the short story, they are frequently and knowingly evaded or violated by the masters of the art, whose genius is great enough to excuse their disregard of the conventions, or whose skill is sufficient to smooth over their technical lapses; but for the novice the only safe course is a careful observance of all conventions.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, Short Stories

ebook

First published January 11, 2008

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love judgemental old books, I need to be beaten with cold hard facts and condescending advice at least twice a month to keep my wits about me 🤺

[Earl Royce Hugo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this no-nonsense treatise on writing if you are serious about this craft. It's straightforward and practical. In this book, you'll also be reminded that hard work pays off. Published in 1900, this book shows that the principles behind good writing are timeless.

[Chakib Miraoui · Rating 4 out of 5]

comprehensive and critical, this goes to theorise the art of the short story through studying every possible feature of the beginning, story proper, climax, and ending.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still very much helpful and relevant today as it undoubtedly was in 1900

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to go back to basics for a bit of research and read this book originally published in 1900. I can't say I learned anything from it, however it was still an interesting read. Why? Because the majority of current books on writing touting breakthrough methods or 'the answer' to your writing woes, cover exactly the material in this 117 year old publication. There were sections that did not fit with modern writing styles or what readers expect, but the essentials of craft, editing and marketing have not changed even down to the 'if you want to be a writer, get your ass in the chair and write' mantra that is splattered all over modern writing books. I would recommend this to writers simply to get them to realise there are no quick fixes to becoming a writer, no amount of glitzy web site courses offering you the world are going to make you brilliant. It really does come down to a few simple core lessons. If those lessons were the same in 1900 as they are now, they will be the same in another hundred years. This book because of its age helps in the recognition of those core lessons.

[Sella Malin · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I suscribed to the IWL (I write like) website, and it sent me this book in a PDF file over email. So I'm like "Oooh, free book!" And now I'm reading it and it seems cool. :)

EDIT: Nope. I gave up and abandoned this book 20 pages in. It's really, really boring, and it wasn't teaching me anything or telling me anything I didn't already no. So, fail. :P Not going to finish this book. Poopy on it.

[Robert Everhart · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book published in 1900, it holds up pretty well. Unfortunately, the subject has been covered in so many current writings that the insights are more easily accessible. The good news is, it's rather short.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dense but little bloat. Outdated but containing a rare practical and experimental spirit (of the science kind, not the literary). Rich with particular and detailed insight on topics which may be thinly explored in current manuals; or I might not be remembering them properly.

[Brevil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Guy took one class in short story writing and proceeded to write a pretentious book on the topic. There are some good points in there, I guess, but you've got a lot of bullshit to get through between them so it's really not worth the time.

[Chrissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the age & some unexpected (offensive) language, there were some good tips in here. It was a quick read and interesting.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated but still some good advice in some sections.

[Charlie Reina · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the VERY beginner. Though published in 1900, his points are modern and relevant. He argues for concise prose with unobtrusive authorial viewpoints, seamless incorporation of facts and story details, illustrative and enticing but brief titles, immediately engaging beginnings. These are maxims bordering on cliché but may have been novel in his time. His sporadic cultural references are dated and his examples limited to stories published before 1900, especially Hawthorne’s “The Ambitious Guest” included as an appendix. But his general points still hold up though he could have gone into greater depth.

[Sylvilel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit subjective and snobbish for my taste. Although it has a few useful tips, this is by my opinion mostly just a dusty old pile of condescension.

[Jose · Rating 1 out of 5]

Research. Meh, nothing I didn't know already.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not nearly useful enough for how pretentious it is.