Published in 1998
176 pages
Margaret Lucke flings words around as a writer and editorial consultant in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is fascinated by the power of stories and the magic of creativity. Her novels include the Claire Scanlan Haunted House Mysteries — House of Desire and House of Whispers and two mysteries featuring artist and private eye Jess Randolph: Snow Angel and A Relative Stranger (nominated for an Anthony Award). A former president of the Northern California chapter of Mystery Writers of America, Margaret teaches fiction writing classes and has authored two how-to books on writing: Writing Mysteries and Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories. Her other publishing credits include more than 60 short stories, feature articles, and scripts for mystery weekends.
What is this book about?
This guide to writing compelling, memorable short stories gives you all the essentials without wasted words. It tells you how and where to get ideas, how to establish and sustain excitement, how to create live, colorful characters, and how to plot, develop and bring home your story. It even includes exercises to help you perfect your story-telling skills. Full of tips and techniques that work, it makes an indispensable, reliable collaborator. You’ll find it ideal whether you’re studying alone or supplementing a creative or fiction writing course, conference or workshop.
