This is the best book I have come across to encourage the writing of short stories. It’s light, yet full of wisdom. It doesn’t assume the reader is an expert, but neither does it assume idiocy. It gets, in my view, the balance exactly right.

There are chapters on getting started, creating people, conflict, plot, setting and voice. Each one has plenty of examples of what is being described, and a good selection of exercises at the end of each one. These exercises don’t require the writing of every possible genre – they are general enough that any writer can choose his or her own style and type of story.

I didn’t do all – or even most of – the exercises, but I found the techniques and ideas extremely helpful. I’ve dipped into it many times over the past year, and will no doubt continue to do so.

Highly recommended to anyone who has ever considered writing short stories, including those who have already had some published.