How to Write Like Chekhov

Writing guidance collected from the stories and letters of one of greatest authors of the nineteenth century.

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 Chekhov meticulously 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.

“This is the best how-to-write book I've ever come across. Chekov is the greatest of writers and the most articulate on how he pulls it off. His letters are smart, helpful, and I do believe a writer will benefit enormously by reading this book. This book will make you a better writer, creatively, and morally and experientially.” —O. Henry Award–winning author Stephen Dixon