The Art of Brevity: Crafting the Very Short Story

Grant Faulkner

Jul 2023 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Paul Heitsch

About this audiobook

With increased compression, every word, every sentence matters more. A writer must learn how to form narratives around caesuras and crevices instead of strings of connections, to move a story through the symbolic weight of images, to master the power of suggestion. With elegant prose, deep readings of other writers, and scaffolded writing exercises, The Art of Brevity takes the listener on a lyrical exploration of compact storytelling, guiding listeners to heighten their awareness of not only what appears on the page but also what doesn't.

About the author

Grant Faulkner is the executive director of National Novel Writing Month and the cofounder of 100 Word Story. His work has been anthologized in flash-fiction collections and he is the author of several books, including All the Comfort Sin Can Provide, Fissures, and Nothing Short of 100: Selected Tales from 100 Word Story.

Paul Heitsch has been narrating audiobooks since 2011, after having worked as a pianist, composer, recording engineer, producer, and sound designer for many years. His work is often cited for the authenticity he brings to the narrative and characters he portrays, as well as his versatility, and clear, smooth delivery.