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

“Do come in,” Hilary said. “You can’t imagine how difficult it’s been finding someone to walk Granger. I’m Hilary Colbert.” She led them into a spacious living room dotted with mahogany tables, Tiffany lamps, and plush furniture. Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined two sides of the room.


The girl unbuttoned her coat and pulled off her cap and then sat next to the boy on the sofa opposite a magnificent view of the park. She shook her blond hair from side to side.


Hilary thought of Granger after a walk in the rain and almost said, “Granger does that,” but caught herself and said instead, “He’s used to his regular times. Eight in the morning, then noon, and a quarter to three just before his afternoon snack.”


“Oh, I’m sure that’ll be fine, ma’am” the girl said.


Chapter 51