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Beginnings, Middles & Ends

Get your stories off to a roaring start. Keep them tight and crisp throughout. Conclude them with a wallop.

Is the story or novel you've been carrying around in your head the same one you see on the page? Or does the dialogue suddenly sound flat and predictable? Do the events seem to ramble?

Translating a flash of inspiration into a compelling story requires careful crafting. The words you choose, how you describe characters, and the way you orchestrate conflict all make the difference - the difference between a story that is slow to begin, flounders midway, or trails off at the end - and one that holds the interest of readers and editors to the final page. By demonstrating effective solutions for potential problems at each stage of your story, Nancy Kress will help you...

  • hook the editor in the first three paragraphs.
  • make - and keep - your story's "implicit promise."
  • build drama and credibility by controlling your prose.


Dozens of exercises help you strengthen your short story or novel. Plus, you'll sharpen skills and gain new insight into...

  • the price a writer pays for flashbacks.
  • six ways characters should "reveal" themselves.
  • techniques for writing - and rewriting.

Let this working resource be your guide to successful stories - from beginning to end.

Product Details

Return Policy

Your satisfaction is our top priority. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, please return the item(s) for an exchange or refund within 30 days from the purchase date, unless otherwise noted on the product page.

Ship the item(s) to The Writers Store via a traceable and insured method. You will be responsible for return shipping fees.

Please include a completed Return Form with your shipment. Refunds take up to one week to process once we have received the item(s).

Software returns must be deactivated and uninstalled from your computer before a refund may be issued. Please contact the software manufacturer if you need assistance uninstalling or deactivating your software.

The following items are not returnable: Hollywood Creative Directories, DVDs (opened), and Gift Certificates.

Meet the Author: Nancy Kress

$14.99