How can you take your writing to the next level? In this follow-up to their acclaimed handbook The Book You Need to Read to Write the Book You Want to Write, Sarah Burton and Jem Poster offer exercises and practical advice designed to set aspiring authors of fiction on their way to creating compelling short stories and novels. Carefully explaining the purpose and value of each exercise and encouraging writers to reflect on what they have learned in tackling each task, this themed collection of writing prompts provides both encouragement and inspiration. There are many books of prompts already available, but this one is different. Its structured, in-depth approach significantly increases the impact of the exercises, ensuring that storytellers use their time and talent to best effect – not only exploring their own creativity but also developing a wider and clearer understanding of the writer's craft.

‘The prompts in this comprehensive and deeply considered collection are an invitation to explore every aspect of the fiction-writer's craft. Reassuring and inspiring in equal measure, Burton's and Poster's long experience as teachers of creative writing rings out from every page. Used alone, or in combination with its sister volume, the book is a route to learning and embedding a rich palette of new writing skills.’

Helena Attlee - author of The Land Where Lemons Grow and Lev's Violin; tutor for the Arvon Foundation

‘This engaging and lively handbook goes beyond setting exercises for writers, both aspiring and practising – it explains the how, the what and the why. It’s like being in the presence of two experienced and enthusiastic tutors who are right there with you, every step of the way.’

Amal Chatterjee - Lecturer in Creative Writing, University of Oxford

‘A perfect combination of techniques, examples, commentary and prompts – this book is like having two accomplished creative writing professors at your side as you hone your craft.’

Seth Clabough - Associate Professor of Creative Writing, Randolph-Macon College, USA

‘A deft resource including expansive coverage of core elements of craft, together with highly generative exercises suitable for emerging and established practitioners. This text also offers exemplary support for teachers of literary fiction.’

Julia Prendergast - President and Chair of the Australasian Association of Writing Programs

‘In this carefully structured and generously detailed book, each chapter leads the apprentice writer through increasingly advanced exercises and techniques. Thought-provoking examples stimulate the imagination and also illustrate the essential craft skills all writers need to acquire. Highly recommended!’

Jane Rogers - Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Professor Emerita of Writing, Sheffield Hallam University