Lively, encouraging instruction on the craft of writing poetry and fiction. In notably energetic and student-friendly prose, filled with insightful observations and advice from other contemporary writers, Starkey introduces students to the elements of poetry and fiction and shows how the elements work together in model poems and short stories. Throughout, checklists remind students of important points to keep in mind as they write. A glossary of literary terms at the back of the book serves as a handy reference for review.A substantial selection of contemporary poems and stories offer varied models for students to learn from and emulate. More than 40 poems and 20 stories by many of today’s most admired writers augment the instruction on craft. The versatile mix of longer and shorter work is by established authors (for example, Mary Oliver and Yusef Komunyakaa in poetry, and Tobias Wolff and Lorrie Moore in fiction) and emerging writers (poets Matthew Zapruder and Elizabeth Alexander, fiction writers Dan Chaon and Allegra Goodman).Inventive creative writing assignments. Each chapter concludes with numerous highly praised "Kick-Starts," ingenious writing prompts that inspire students to try their hands at writing poems and stories.