**"Easy Guide to Writing Short Stories That Sell - Boost Your Writing Skills for Amazon & Online Sales - Perfect for Aspiring Authors & Self-Publishers"**

I think this book is perfect for the beginning short story writer. It is chocked full of solid advice that ranges from beginning with the right mindset (training your brain to write freely by sitting down to write every day - basically, exercising your brain muscle daily) to realizing that synchronicity exists (that several people have the same idea at the same time, and that you'll do better by seeking a new approach to an old idea, rather than looking for something original).Rob Parnell discusses what editors are looking for and hints that the professional writer would do well to study the publication they would like to be published in (not that this is new information, but that we should write to be published in a specific publication isn't a bad idea; it's just a form of chasing the dream) and that the professional writer should be writing to please the reader. I agree. I often go on tangents writing in my little world of words and forget that I'm writing to treat others to my wordly destinations. He discusses literary and genre fiction, and opines that genre fiction is where this generation of writers will be leaving their mark. I'm of the mindset that the two are not mutually exclusive. Not to offend anyone, but I believe that you can have genre fiction of a literary quality (beautiful descriptions, dense prose, etc.) or you can have genre fiction of a minimalist quality; both styles can convey excellent stories.Rob explains the process of short story generation that begins with inspiration, continues with character creation, then dialogue writing, and follows with plot structuring and finally - unimpeded writing. He places a great deal of emphasis on creating compelling and interesting characters (above plotting) and is correct in doing so! He discusses motivations and interactions, and suggests how conversations between characters could evolve into a plot (what a great idea). The way he organizes his five-point plot structure and added 'twist' is fresh and imaginative (it is a template form).Rob places a great deal of emphasis on the writer's opening paragraph (the do's and don'ts), and continues with the process of writing the first draft (discussing the importance of writing at one sitting in order to maintain a consistent tone), the second draft (correcting grammar & spelling first, then a quick read through for consistency, premise, theme), through revising, editing, deleting, and adding to the final draft edit (rhythm and flow of sentences, clear imagery, choice of dialogue, symmetry of paragraphs, etc.). The usual instructions to strip adverbs, remove passives, etc., are included, as well as the suggestion to print your MS to edit it properly.Formatting and submitting your MS is discussed briefly, along with a reminder to remain optimistic and professional despite rejections. Rob provides a list of some short story authors to read (for mastery). The ebook concludes with a short story market listing (I can't comment to that because I use The Novel & Short Story Writer's Market).Overall, I find this book to be a great addition to the short story writer's library. The author is knowledgeable about writing and teaching and inspiring. His book is filled with tips, explanations, and time-tested techniques sure to help novice writers write short stories. I can see writers returning to the text for encouragement, enlightenment, or practice. I've definitely taken a few things away from this reading, and this has been my first reading of a book written by Rob Parnell.