~Pablo Picasso
“I’ve been using the ‘Gessner Method’ in my classes for the past 14 years, and I can confidently say—it works.”
~ Jeff Becker
“This gem of a writer’s guide earns its place on the bookshelf next to Bird by Bird and The Elements of Style.”
~ Daphne Uviller
This handbook demystifies the craft of writing. In a succinct 60 pages, Jennifer Gessner offers clear, practical strategies that will help aspiring and seasoned writers to unlock their creative potential, turning imaginings into masterpieces.
Gessner’s vast experience as both a college writing teacher and a top editor at a major publisher qualifies her to help translate an author’s vision into a finished, audience-worthy product.
The Elements of Short Fiction really works! Don’t let its compact size and no-nonsense approach deceive you — every page is packed with ideas and exercises guaranteed to get you writing!
“You know how most how-to books could be condensed to a third of their length? In The Elements of Short Fiction: A Practical Guide for Writers, Jennifer Gessner has done just that. In engaging, pragmatic language, Gessner reassures readers—and teachers—that anyone can learn the craft of writing. ‘If your muse is not waiting for you, craft will always be there.’ Peppered with personal anecdotes and annotated examples, this gem of a writer’s guide earns its place on the bookshelf next to Bird by Bird and The Elements of Style.”
~ Daphne Uviller, author of This Was Not the Plan and Super in the City
“It is no surprise that after decades of teaching creative writing, Gessner has pulled off a triumphant feat by condensing the elements of short fiction into a highly readable, fun ride that will give you the skills and confidence to write your story.”
~ Amy Baldwin, author, professor, and researcher
“I’ve been using the ‘Gessner Method’ in my classes for the past 14 years, and I can confidently say—it works. For writers just starting out, these ten elements offer both guidance and a gentle push to focus on language and craft. At the same time, they serve as a valuable reminder for more experienced writers to return to the core principles of strong storytelling. If you are a writer or a teacher of writing, you will find these elements useful.”
~ Jeffrey Becker, author and professor of Creative Writing
“An invaluable guide to creating vivid places, compelling characters, and absorbing stories with style. Gessner distills the components of fiction into ten digestible elements, teaching each aspect of story-writing with useful exercises and advice on craft. Her lessons on how to notice and how to build suspense are particularly useful. This book will help students, teachers, and all writers find a new way to turn ideas into captivating prose.”
~ Rick Van Noy, author of Borne by the River: Canoeing the Delaware from Headwaters to Home, among others; professor of English, Radford University
FRONTLIST EDITORIAL SERVICES
For anyone looking to tell their story or improve their writing skills.
All services are designed to help writers like you, whether you want to learn an easier way to get words to page or you want to see your book published.
– Writing workshops.
– Getting a manuscript started.
– Manuscript development.
– Navigating the haziness of the publishing industry.
JENNIFER GESSNER
Jenny has decades of experience as a writing professor and a development editor.
She specializes in helping folks learn to tell their stories and shape them into their own masterpieces. Jenny believes writing is a skill that can be learned through practice – just like playing an instrument or a sport. She also acknowledges that some of us are natural musicians, some are natural athletes, and some of us are natural storytellers. But we can all learn the steps and practice them to achieve greatness.
