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

by Brunello, Piero; Lencek, Lena; Chekhov, Anton

• ISBN13: 9781569242599
• ISBN10: 1569242593
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-11-11
• Publisher: Balance

Summary

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 singular ability to speak volumes with a single, impeccably chosen word, mesh comedy and pathos, and capture life's basic sadness as he entertains us, are why so many aspire to emulate him.How to Write Like Chekhovmeticulously cherry-picks from Chekhov's plays, stories, and letters to his publisher, brother, and friends, offering suggestions and observations on subjects including plot and characters (and their names), descriptions and dialogue, and what to emphasize and avoid. This is a uniquely clear roadmap to Chekhov's intelligence and artistic expertise and an essential addition to the writing-guide shelf.

Author Biography

Piero Brunello is a professor at the University of Venice. Lena Lencek is a professor at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Introduction
Theory No Plot, No Ending	p. 1
General Questions
Why Write?	p. 3
For Whom Should One Write?	p. 6
What to Write, How to Write	p. 10
When and How Much to Write	p. 17
Specific Questions
Truth	p. 21
Descriptions	p. 27
Characters	p. 33
Emotions	p. 40
What to Avoid	p. 43
The Company of Writers	p. 47
Demonstration Good Shoes and a Notebook	p. 55
The Project	p. 57
The Report
Prerequisites	p. 65
Travel	p. 69
Observe	p. 89
Collect Facts	p. 99
The Actual Writing
vercoming Initial Difficulties	p. 115
Give the Book a Shape	p. 116
Being Objective	p. 119
Being Truthful	p. 130
Writing Advice	p. 133
Last Things	p. 152
Who's Who in Chekhov's Correspondence	p. 157
Afterword	p. 169
For Further Reading	p. 183
Note	p. 187
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