Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

How to Write & Publish Your Inspirational Short Story is a non-fiction book written by Kristen Clark and Lawrence J. Clark, PhD. Kristen is a public speaker and a writer of inspirational short stories and her husband is a professor who teaches writing. Most of her work is submitted to compilation book projects, and she recommends that as one of the best ways to get your inspirational work published. Clark has written a number of stories for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, a very well-known and reputable publishing concern, and she offers a number of good reasons why aspiring writers should consider that option. She discusses what publishers and readers look for in an inspirational short story and provides the reader with advice on constructing an initial story outline, writing the first and sequential drafts and surviving the editing process. She includes a list of do’s and don’ts for interacting with publishers, handy checklists for editing your work and a helpful list of suggested resources.

Kristen Clark and Lawrence J. Clark’s writing and publishing guide, How to Write & Publish Your Inspirational Short Story, provides the aspiring author with just about everything he or she needs to get stories written, edited, published and marketed. It’s beautifully constructed and filled with her experiences in breaking into the field and her techniques for crafting and editing stories that inspire readers. I was intrigued by the title and am so pleased that I read this book. The instructive tips for crafting short stories are marvelous, and Clark’s enthusiasm for her subject bubbles over into every page of the book. It should inspire anyone who reads it. There’s just so much in this deceptively slim book, and it’s all simply and clearly set out and explained. If you’ve been looking for a writing guide to get yourself started, How to Write & Publish Your Inspirational Short Story is one you should definitely consider. It’s highly recommended.