Literary Story: Structure, Imagination, Enjoyment, Meaning

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Story in Literary Fiction - William H. Coles, click here for Bio

Resources for Writers - Learn the art of writing unforgettable literary fiction.

Essays on the Process of Writing
Story: what to do Literary Fictional Story Character Narration Drama Desire and Motivation Credibility Dialogue Philosophy: write for the right reasons Author’s Attitudes: Fine-Tuning How Stories Go Wrong Preparing to Write the Great Story The Anatomy of a Wannabe Literary Fiction Writer	Craft: do it well Momentum Information and Story Structure 1st person POV Top Story/Bottom Story Strong Voice and Attention to Time Humor and Fiction Emotional Complexity Conflict

Essays on the Process of Writing

Story: what to do

Philosophy: write for the right reasons

Craft: do it well

Story in Literary Fiction: A Manual for Writers

Interviews by William H. Coles

NEW ORIGINAL STORY! By William H. Coles “The Gift”
Advanced concepts for improved writing.“Emotional Complexity.” A new essay. Available now!
New in "What's New In Short Story Collections?" Interview and sample story with winner of the Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction, Andrew Porter, who teaches writing at Temple University.
New Interview with John Biguenet, Professor at Loyola in New Orleans.
Download for print or MP3. “Facing Grace with Gloria.” A story by William H. Coles
A new section, Audio SILF - perfect for driving, workout, or relaxed listening, available now.
New SILF Blog post. “Style of Writing and Literary Fiction”
Coming in June 2010. Lecture at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. “Narrating the Literary Story: Making the Right Choices” WHC
Getting Started on a story. New post. Additional insight in how a writer might more effectively approach the writing process.

Current Issues and Ideas

Thoughts about intuitive writing and the first person POV

Characterization drives a literary story. Learning techniques for dedicated authors.

Humor makes people happy. A sense of humor can be learned. Authors benefit.

Workshop drive students to tears as teachers shirk their responsibilities. What should be done?

Narration is more than POV. Readers enjoy accomplished writing.

What editors and publishers think. Are you aiming at the right target?

Read Award Winning Original Short Stories by William H. Coles.

Praise for this site:

I intend to go through this workshop step by step. This is an important resource for those who have neither the funds nor the time to pursue expensive workshops or college programs. Thank you. . . Rebecca Hanley

What a wonderful story. . . Excellent storyline. Ivory Edwards

Compelling story [Facing Grace with Gloria], powerfully told. I was engaged mentally and moved emotionally. You are gifted. K.L. Stover

Download MP3
Short Stories

- perfect for driving, workout
or relaxed listening.

Original Award Winning Short Stories
by William H. Coles

	"Facing Grace with Gloria" A scam artist does good.
"Homunculus" A circus performer falls for a trapeze artist.
	"Reddog" A convict fails to charm his last chance at love.
"Captain Withers's Wife" A desperate wife demands justice.
	"The thirteen Nudes of Ernest Goings" An artist's model draws attention.
"Crossing Over" A nursing assistant takes a wrong turn in patient care.
	"The Stonecutter" Stonecutter's son falls hopelessly in love with a client.
"The Gift" A determined mother protects her deformed child from the destructive sympathies of family and society.
	"The Activist" Coming of age while helping a nephew.
"The Perennial Student" An associate professor learns more from his student than he expected.
	"On the Road to Yazoo City" Discovering love in Mississippi when there's nothing left at the bottom of the bucket.
"The Miracle of Madame Villard" Miracles emerge in the chaos of the French revolution.