How to Write Like Chekhov: Advice and Inspiration, Straight from His Own Letters and Work

First Da Capo Press edition 2008, 1st printing. A Lifelong Original, 210pp. Bright, clean & tight copy, unread, in AS NEW condition. Not PoD. "Conciseness is the sister of talent"--and other essential, illuminating observations and advice from pioneering and beloved modern master Anton Chekhov. "Maxim Gorky said that no one understood 'the tragedy of life's trivialities' as clearly as Anton Chekhov, widely considered the father of the modern short story and the modern play. Chekhov's abilities to speak volumes with a single word, to mesh comedy with pathos, and to capture life's sadness even as he entertains are the reasons so many aspire to write like him. [] HOW TO WRITE LIKE CHEKHOV meticulously draws from Chekhov's plays and stories, his letters to his publisher, brother, and friends, as well as from his nonfiction travel memoir The Island of Sakhalin, offering suggestions and observations on subjects including plot and characters (and their names), descriptions and dialogue, and what to focus on and avoid--all presented in translator and coeditor Lena Lencek's sparklingly clear new translations. This is a unique roadmap to Chekhov's intelligence and artistic expertise and an essential addition to the writing-guide shelf." [publisher copy] "Makes a thorough guide. . . An insightful, practical outline of Chekhov's literary approach. Following Lencek's intelligent introduction, advice is helpfully broken down by topic. . . Both Chekhov's correspondence and his excerpts prove interesting and illustrative. . . Including a 'who's who' of Chekhov's pen pals and suggestion for further reading, this is a useful and smart guide for writers of all kinds."--Publishers Weekly. "A masterpiece of writing advice. . . a perfect companion for writers at any stage of the craft."--Augusta Metro Spirit. "What's new and particularly noteworthy in this volume is a focus on lessons to be learned from a close reading of The Island of Sakhalin."--The Writer. Pristine paperback w/brilliant corners & crisp edges, a square & tight binding w/no creases in spine.…