\documentstyle[manuscript]{article}
\def\name{Michael D. Mendyke}
\def\address{3 Ames St.\\Cambridge, MA 02139}
\def\security{389-76-0451}
\def\title{The Stuff Stories are Made Of}
\def\lastname{Mendyke}
\def\keyword{Stories}

\begin{document}
\maketitle

When I first enrolled in this course, I wasn't sure just what I was
going to get out of it. I had a flashback image of the writing courses
I took during high school, and was not sure I wanted to sit through
another. 

However, I have read and enjoyed SF stories for so long that I decided
it would be worth it if there were additional insight to be gained
into these stories.  After all, I have often toyed with the idea of
someday writing a story or two that would grace the pages of some SF
magazine.

The first thing I learned was that my vast knowledge of SF was not so
vast (Never again will I call this stuff ``Si-fi'').  The books and
names I am familiar make up only a small percentage of SF history.
Compared with the number of novels I have read, I have read very few
short stories.

I have seen into the minds of the editors of the SF magazines, and
gained a great deal of practical knowledge concerning the life and
lifestyle of a writer. I have seen how writing SF is truly an art
form, and that it takes more than just a good knowledge of celestial
mechanics and propulsion to be successful. In fact, you don't even
need a strong background in science, but can get away with almost
anything as long as the story works (Not to say that is the best way
to write, but it is true).

But most important to me, I have learned the fundamentals of what a
story really is. I know this sounds like a case of
writing-what-Mr.-Budrys-wants-to-hear, but it's true. Stuff I never
consciously considered through all the years of reading. Stuff so
straight forward that I can't believe It eluded me all these years.
Understanding the simple elements of a story make such a difference;
even if I never write my own stories I have enhanced my enjoyment of
reading. And if I do decide to take word processor in hand and write a
story, I now have the bones. It's up to me to see if I can supply the
meat.

Thinking back on how I went about writing Nibble, It is clear to me
how little I understood about the makings of a good story. I think I
know a lot more now.
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