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An essential read. Short Circuit is a collection of essays from writers who are passionate (and successfully!) about short fiction. A real gold mine of insights and ideas for aspiring writers and for those seeking a refresher. (The Bridport Prize )
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Short Circuit is a unique and indispensable guide to writing the short story. A collection of 24 specially commissioned essays from well-published short story writers, many of them prize winners in some of the toughest short story competitions in the English language. The writers are also experienced and successful teachers of their craft.
Each essay picks up on one or more craft or process issues and explores them in context, within the creative practice of the writer. Each writer has given of themselves very generously, exploring what it is that helps them produce strong short fiction, looking at their sources of inspiration, revealing more than a little of what goes on ‘behind the scenes’. They share favourite writing exercises, and suggest lists of published stories they find inspirational. Much of the guidance can equally be applied to writing longer fiction.
Contributions include five essays from winners of The Bridport Prize. There are interviews with Clare Wigfall – winner of The National Short Story Award – and with Tobias Hill whose short story collection won the PEN/Macmillan Silver Pen Award. Other prize-winning writers in this book include winners of The Asham Award for New Women Writers, The Fish Histories Prize, The Fish Short Story Prize, The BBC Short Story Prize, The Commonwealth Award, Writers Inc. Writer of the Year, The Willesden Herald Prize, NAWG Millennium Award for Radio Short Story and the Per Contra Prize.
Each essay picks up on one or more craft or process issues and explores them in context, within the creative practice of the writer. Each writer has given of themselves very generously, exploring what it is that helps them produce strong short fiction, looking at their sources of inspiration, revealing more than a little of what goes on ‘behind the scenes’. They share favourite writing exercises, and suggest lists of published stories they find inspirational. Much of the guidance can equally be applied to writing longer fiction.
Contributions include five essays from winners of The Bridport Prize. There are interviews with Clare Wigfall – winner of The National Short Story Award – and with Tobias Hill whose short story collection won the PEN/Macmillan Silver Pen Award. Other prize-winning writers in this book include winners of The Asham Award for New Women Writers, The Fish Histories Prize, The Fish Short Story Prize, The BBC Short Story Prize, The Commonwealth Award, Writers Inc. Writer of the Year, The Willesden Herald Prize, NAWG Millennium Award for Radio Short Story and the Per Contra Prize.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
At last, a book that not only recognises the short story as a viable art form but also respects, loves and attempts to analyse it. It can be read from cover to cover or as I did, dipped into periodically. I also bought two copies for writer friends. It also doesn't matter if one writer featured in the book might contradict another - the point is that this book is as much about craft as it is about passion and the individual methods each writer uses to produce their story. I was fascinated by the terms. techniques and tricks used, such as creating resonant or circular endings. It's a bit like learning to sew properly: as soon as you can stitch neatly and understand what you are doing, then the stitching should be pretty much invisible. My appetite for writing short stories, as well as my appetite for reading them, was greatly accelerated by Short Circuit. Also it is no accident that the named writers who have penned each chapter keep popping up again and again in competition wins. This is a magical, sincerely written and inspirational guide. I defy any would-be writer to read it and then not want to find some paper, quick.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is an inspiring yet practical manual that collates diverse, pragmatic advice from respected writers. The exercises at the end of each chapter, and the suggestions for further reading, are thought provoking antidotes to writers block.
I highly recommend this book to short story writers and students of all standards.
I highly recommend this book to short story writers and students of all standards.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I really can't recommend this book highly enough. I started carrying it round with me and taking it in the car so I could keep reading it. (When parked I hasten to add.) It is that good.
It is a collection of essays on aspects of short story writing from writers (and creative writing tutors) who have won major short story writing awards. The advice and guidance is practical and always gives something to think about. Every essay would be of use and interest to a short story writer regardless of whether they are just starting out, studying or they have years of experience. It is hard to pick a favourite but I will admit I really enjoyed "Thoughts About Writing Fiction, At the End of Term" (which gave me enough to think about for about six years)but also the essays on Endings, Originality, Myth and Magic, Flash Fiction,Micro Fiction - well there isn't one in the whole book that I didn't enjoy. I would normally expect to find something that didn't reach the same heights - but I didn't.
Every essay is also followed by comprehensive lists of works that are referenced, lists of favourite short stories of the author of that essay, and exercises for further thought. All wonderful.
It is a collection of essays on aspects of short story writing from writers (and creative writing tutors) who have won major short story writing awards. The advice and guidance is practical and always gives something to think about. Every essay would be of use and interest to a short story writer regardless of whether they are just starting out, studying or they have years of experience. It is hard to pick a favourite but I will admit I really enjoyed "Thoughts About Writing Fiction, At the End of Term" (which gave me enough to think about for about six years)but also the essays on Endings, Originality, Myth and Magic, Flash Fiction,Micro Fiction - well there isn't one in the whole book that I didn't enjoy. I would normally expect to find something that didn't reach the same heights - but I didn't.
Every essay is also followed by comprehensive lists of works that are referenced, lists of favourite short stories of the author of that essay, and exercises for further thought. All wonderful.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Gem of a Book
This is not a 'How to' book, it does not tell you everything you think you want to hear, but shows you everything you need to know as a reader or writer of short stories. Read more
Published on 7 Mar 2010 by Bluefish
Short Circuit
This book is excellent. It shows how to write in a literary way, emphasising how to add depth to language and how to 'show' not 'tell'. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2010 by L. Parkins
Short Circuit
This just about eclipses Rick De Marinis's "The Art and Craft of the Short Story" as my favourite "How To..." book. Read more
Published on 31 Jan 2010 by Bart Tremain
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