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.

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.

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;

essay the short story,

whose genius is great enough to excuse their disregard of the conventions,

but for the novice the only safe course is a careful observance of all conventions.

to labor—and to labor the severest and most persistent.

earnest, serious, conscientious worker, I would say a word of hope