An extraordinarily comprehensive and practical work by a master craftsman and a master analyst of the craft. Madison Smartt Bell, author of "All Souls Risin"g and "Anything Goes" Stephen Koch was my teacher long ago. Now he is everyone s teacher, indelibly. This is a book not just for the beginning writer but for every writer. Martha McPhee, author of the National Book Award nominee "Gorgeous Lies" "The Modern Library Writer s Workshop" is a treasure trove of wisdom, both immensely practical and philosophical, entertaining and thought-provoking. Koch takes us inside the writing process, and it is impossible not to emerge transformed. Joanna Hershon, author of "Swimming""