Do you write short fiction but long to s-t-r-e-t-c-h those tight little 55ers, flash pieces, and short stories into longer, publishable work? Do you have binders full of short pieces with characters you’d love to flesh out? Are you dying to tell the rest of these stories? If so,The Short and Long of Itis for you! Award-winning short fiction writer Paul Alan Fahey shows you how to expand and adapt your brief creations into longer, more satisfying stories, plays, novellas, and novels pitch perfect for publication in the e-age. This book will help you practice expanding your short fiction. Through detailed examples and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn how to: Adapt 55 fiction into flash fiction;Adapt flash fiction into short stories and plays;Adapt flash memoir into personal essays;Write a tight logline;Develop a story theme;Build three-act structure; andDevelop characters and enhance backstory.So grab a copy today and start writing longer stories tomorrow!

The Short and Long of It

Close Your Eyes and Think of Englandby Paul Alan Fahey


Dr. Ugo, 60, a psychiatrist. Odd and eccentric.


Mrs. Roosevelt, late forties, a new patient.


Miss Lansing, in her fifties, Dr. Ugo’s secretary.


Present day. Doctor’s office. A desk and chair center stage. A comfortable chair for the patient. Framed diplomas hang from folding room dividers both sides of desk. Dr. Ugo faces audience. Mrs. Roosevelt sits stage right. Miss Lansing (Lights dark) sits at a small desk with computer stage right. She types quietly.


(Dr. Ugo shuffles the papers on his desk, then with an elaborate flourish sweeps them onto the floor.)


Dr. Ugo (Serious and professional): I’m sure I can help you, Miss…


Mrs. Roosevelt: Roosevelt. And it’s Mrs.


Mrs. Roosevelt (Leans closer to hear him): I’m just not happy. If I could be anyone else, I would.


Dr. Ugo (Takes off his bifocals): I know exactly how you feel.


Chapter 17