Part I. Writing : Getting started ; Short assignments ; Shitty first drafts ; Perfectionism ; School lunches ; Polaroids ; Character ; Plot ; Dialogue ; Set design ; False starts ; Plot treatment ; How do you know when you're done?
Part II. The writing frame of mind : Looking around ; The moral point of view ; Broccoli ; Radio Station KFKD ; Jealousy
Part III. Help along the way : Index cards ; Calling around ; Writing groups ; Someone to read your drafts ; Letters ; Writer's block
Part IV. Publication, and other reasons to write : Writing a present ; Finding your voice ; Giving ; Publication