The Writing of the Short Story   By: Lewis Worthington Smith (1866-1947)

In "The Writing of the Short Story" by Lewis Worthington Smith, aspiring writers are presented with a comprehensive guide that delves into the art of crafting captivating short stories. With his insightful and knowledgeable approach, Smith provides a wealth of information designed to help both novice and experienced writers refine their skills.

One of the most commendable aspects of this book is Smith's ability to clarify the often elusive elements of storytelling. He breaks down the essential components of a short story, such as plot, character development, and theme, and imparts practical techniques to ensure these aspects are executed effectively. Through clear explanations and engaging examples, he navigates readers through the intricate process of constructing a compelling narrative, making it accessible for writers of all levels.

Smith's emphasis on the importance of creativity and originality is another strong aspect of this book. By challenging the conventional rules and encouraging writers to explore their unique voices, he inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and push the boundaries of their imagination. This approach breathes fresh life into the writing process, fostering an environment where innovation and authenticity can thrive.

Moreover, Smith's inclusion of exercises and writing prompts throughout the book is a valuable tool for writers seeking practical guidance. These exercises provide an opportunity for readers to put theory into practice, allowing them to actively develop their skills as they complete various writing challenges. By integrating hands-on activities, Smith ensures that his teachings are not merely theoretical, but rather, actionable and applicable in real writing scenarios.

Although the book offers a comprehensive exploration of short story writing, some readers may find certain sections to be slightly repetitive or overly verbose. While the intention may have been to reinforce important concepts, these repetitions can occasionally detract from the overall flow of the book. Additionally, a clearer organization of chapters could enhance the reading experience, enabling readers to navigate the content more efficiently.

In conclusion, Lewis Worthington Smith's "The Writing of the Short Story" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in honing their short story writing skills. With its comprehensive approach, practical exercises, and encouragement for self-expression, this book equips writers with the tools and knowledge necessary to create engaging and impactful short stories. Despite some minor drawbacks, Smith's expertise shines through, making this book an invaluable addition to any writer's library.

First Page:

In the author's classes the three stories in the volume entitled "Three Hundred Dollars" are first studied because of their simplicity, and these are followed by parts of "The Bonnie Brier Bush," and then by the stories from Bret Harte. Mrs. Phelps Ward's "Loveliness" is especially valuable for illustrating methods and devices for making a simple theme dramatically interesting. Students are required to mark stories with the symbols and discuss them with reference to the principles of which this little book is an exposition, but no recitation on the book itself is required. Perhaps one third of the time in the class room is spent in discussion of the short themes written by the class, and when convenient these are placed on the board before the class for that purpose. In the theme work following the suggested subjects the effort is made to confine instruction and practice to one thing at a time, but at the conclusion of the work of the term each member of the class is required to hand in a complete original story... Continue reading book >>