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)