In "How To Write And Sell Great Short Stories", Linda M. James draws upon her many years of experience, expertise, and success as a published author to create a 211 page instructional compendium that covers ever element of a publishable short story. Ranging from the creation of memorable characters, to the importance of grammar, to 'showing vs. telling', to the role of research in writing, to common faults to avoid, to the art and craft of manuscript revision, the advice and commentary is unfailingly practical and 'user friendly'. Of special note are the concluding three chapters having to do with marketing the story, tips for writing stories that will stand out in the highly competitive field of publishing, as well as diverse and accessible writing outlets. Enhanced with the inclusion of three classic short story examples, a list of recommended readings, and some concluding remarks by Linda James, "How To Write And Sell Great Short Stories" is informed, informative, and strongly recommended reading by anyone aspiring to write in the short story format -- and have those stories published! ~ Small Press Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review

Having read any number of books about crafting great stories, I thought I had had my fill and that there were no more books left that could bolster my enthusiasm and help me to get on with my writing. In short, I thought the only thing left that could motivate me was, well, me.

I was wrong!

Linda M James has put together a useful collection of short, sharp insights into the creation of story. Clearly shes honed her own skills beautifully, as this book plunges straight in with an attention-grabbing introduction.

Covering topics from grammar to structure to style, her conciseness is a useful tool for for writers, especially those who have gone through all the technicalities several times but still need to find a way to keep key instructions and warnings in their minds. For example, she is careful to remind us of the dangers of straying into stereotype, or backing into blunders. Her examples are entertaining and therefore memorable, always useful when trying to keep guidelines in mind.

The book also features marketing ideas and an analysis of worldwide markets. This part will be key for the short story writer; the earlier sections will be useful for anyone writing fiction.

The appendices contains examples of writing that James refers to throughout the book, enabling the reader to form a fuller picture of how guidelines can be put into practice. Overall, a stimulating, enjoyable read which will benefit all aspiring fiction writers.

We were also impressed by James book on writing screenplays. 

A how-to guide with a terrific combination of inspiration and information...a stimulating, enjoyable read which will benefit all aspiring fiction writers. ~ , The New Writer

Short story writing is probably the most popular form of creative writing and yet it is the most competitive because of the restricted market place. That’s why Linda M James not only tells us how to write great short stories, she also shows how to sell them. There’s as much creative effort goes into a short story as into a full-length novel but where the novelist has the luxury of playing with words and painting visual pictures, the short story writer needs to learn the craft of honing his or her writing in order to make every word count. Even in the shortest of short stories we need to learn how to create convincing characters who utter meaningful dialogue against a backdrop of a vivid location that readers can visualise, while fashioning intriguing plots with the ‘read on’ factor. In ‘How to Write & Sell Great Short Stories’, Linda M James addresses all these facets of short story writing not to mention how to market the finished story so that it sells world-wide! Highly recommended. ~ Carys Llewellyn, Goodreads and Amazon