For a number of years, I've been promising the writers with whom I work that I would write a book covering the information that I offer in classes and editorial critiques.  For more than ten years, the book existed as notes on index cards and yellow pads.  During the past two years, I've been turning those notes into the long-promised book, which will be finished and available in late 2003.  The book includes:

— An introduction explaining the principles underlying the book: how writers read and teach themselves to write.

— Six Chapters on the Formal Elements of Fiction: Diction, Point of View, Characterization, Patterns of Imagery, Plot, and Theme.

— Many practical examples from American Short Stories Masterpieces, which I edited with Raymond Carver, and from other works by well-known writers.

— Advice on Beginnings, Endings, Narration, Dialogue, and other useful topics.

— A Glossary of Terms.

— A Bibliography to guide readers in further study.

The volume will contan practical knowledge not generally available elsewhere.  Students who have received their MFA degrees and/or attended prestigious writing conferences around the country have routinely told me that the information they gained from working with me and Carol Edgarian went far beyond what they had been given previously.  Comments on our teaching and details of my editing and writing are posted on this site.

If you would like to be notified when the book is available, please send your name, mailing address, and email address to tj@narrativemagazine.com.

> Samples from A Poetics of Fiction