An editor once told me that if you're going to take advice on writing, take it either from name-bestselling writers or gatekeepers such as acquiring editors or agents--not necessarily anyone who writes for Writer's Digest or has taught a writing class. By those terms Jack Bickham doesn't qualify, and I do agree with the LibraryThing reviewer that called this something of a slog to read. At the same time, Bickham wrote the first book on writing I ever purchased, Writing the Short Story, and I did find his whole concept of scene and sequel when groping my way to what a story was very useful.
