Writing Short Stories

Ailsa Cox is Professor Emerita at Edge Hill University, UK. Her short fiction has appeared in many magazines and anthologies, including Best British Short Stories 2016, and a selection published as Precipitation (2025). Other books include Alice Munro (2003).

‘Like the short stories she writes so brilliantly about, Ailsa Cox fits worlds of possibility into a small space. It's hard to think how Writing Short Stories could be bettered, both as a map of the territory and a guidebook to some of the landmarks.’ Toby Litt, Associate Professor in Creative Writing, University of Southampton, UK‘A seminal guide to the unique pleasures and subtle mechanics of the short story. The activities and writing prompts are alive with possibility, offering students of the form an eclectic range of inspirational paths.’ Tessa McWatt, Professor of Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, UK‘Fittingly, Cox's guide to writing stories is compact, stylishly-written and revelatory. It distils crucial aspects of short fiction without simplifying this rich and varied form. This is an insightful guide to creative practice, which is full of practical guidance as well as illuminating readings of classic and contemporary works.’ Naomi Booth, Professor of Creative Writing, Durham University, UK

• AcknowledgementsIntroduction1 Spinning a yarn2 Capturing the moment3 Humour, character and dialogue4 The fantastic5 What if?6 Reality7 Love, death and desireResourcesGlossaryBibliography Index