Delve into the art of storytelling in this self-guided unit. Multiple topics are covered such as literary genres, the 7 elements of fiction, figurative language, theme, characterization, etc. At the end of the unit, write your own flash...

This Cambridge History of English and American Literature site examines the contributions of Washington Irving to the development of the American short story genre.

Lesson explores the genre of Gothic literature. Includes discussion of Frankenstein, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Edgar Allen Poe among others.

This site contains definitions and analysis of American captivity narratives. Describes the conventions, rhetorical purposes, and themes of the captivity narrative genre. Lists example captivity narratives.

This site, part of the online version of the magazine BookPage, provides a 1998 interview with Gary Soto, in which he discusses the themes of some of his works, his background, and his use of different genres of writing.

The life and work of Latin American writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez are surveyed with an emphasis on his contribution to the genre of magical realism.

This site defines and identifies characteristics for the Romance, the novel, and the Gothic novel. Uses good examples to distinguish between these genres.

A comprehensive site on Bret Harte, a Western storyteller during the Gilded Age. Some links may no longer work, but there is still ample material.