Concise but thorough instruction on writing in four genres. In a notably lively style, and in only one chapter for each genre, students are instructed in the elements of literature, and are shown how the elements work together in model poems, short-short stories, short essays, and ten-minute plays. Throughout, summary 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.
Diverse contemporary literature provides models of creative writing. Each chapter includes an anthology of contemporary writing in its genre, and each anthology presents a stimulating mix of established authors (e.g., Billy Collins, Fanny Howe, Joyce Carol Oates, Bharati Mukerjee, David Henry Hwang) and emerging writers (e.g., Natasha Tretheway, Los-Ann Yamanaka, Virgil Suarez, Elaine Romero).
Inventive creative writing assignments. Each chapter concludes with numerous highly praised "Kick-Starts," multiple writing prompts that inspire students to try their hands at writing in the genre.