February 1, 2001 SELINSGROVE, Pa. - Tom Bailey, assistant professor of English and Gustave Weber professor in the humanities at Susquehanna University, has published his second book, "A Short Story Writer's Companion." The book, published by Oxford University Press in January, is a guide to help young writers understand the elements of fiction writing and to create working short stories of their own. "It is not a rule-book," says Bailey. "Rather, it hopes through examples and close readings of a variety of short stories that illustrate the craft to help the young short story writer decide for himself or herself what works and what doesn't and why." He likens "A Short Story Writer's Companion" as a series of signposts that can help guide young writers on the writing of a short story. "Like road signs, they help to mark the way; but a writer will have to choose his or her own route. Indeed, they're encouraged to be masters of their own destinations as artists as they gain mastery of the craft of writing short stories." Bailey earned a B.A. in English literature from Marshall University, an M.F.A. in creative writing from the University of Iowa, and a Ph.D. in English literature from State University of New York Binghamton. He is the holder of the Winifred and Gustave Weber Professorship in the Humanities. Before coming to Susquehanna University, he taught in Harvard University's Expository Writing Program for five years. Bailey's responsibilities also include teaching in the Susquehanna University Writers' Institute. Bailey's first book, "On Writing Short Stories," published last year by Oxford University Press, is a collection of original essays by writers, including Bailey, on the art of writing a short story. Copies of both books, as well as "The Pushcart Prize Stories 2000," in which a story by Bailey appears, are available in the Susquehanna University campus bookstore. Contact: Sam Alcorn 570-372-4119 #sa/1344#