The mechanics of writing can be taught. Bauer has already outlined techniques in her book for young writers What's Your Story: A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction (Clarion, 1993). In this companion volume, she examines what cannot be taught: inspiration. What can inspire a writer? Where does experience mesh with technique? Bauer examines her published fiction to find answers for herself and offers advice useful to others. One need not be familiar with On My Honor (Clarion, 1986), Foster Child (Seabury, 1977) or any of Bauer's other novels to be compelled by her sensible essays. There is an index of stories and books discussed. (Age 11-adult)

In a companion book to "What's Your Story? A Young Person's Guide to Writing Fiction," award-winning novelist Marion Dane Bauer explores the conscious and unconscious ways in which her life experiences and emotions have influenced her writing. This vivid, personal account is a fascinating true story of inspiration, thought, research, and hours of hard work. "A Writer's Story" will intrigue and inspire young people who think they might like to become writers themselves. Index of stories and novels discussed.