Ron Carlson has been praised as a master of the short story. In this essay, he gives a rare insight into a veteran writer's process by inviting the reader to watch over his shoulder as he creates the short story The Governor's Ball. This is the story of a story, and it offers practical advice for creating a great story, from the first glimmer of an idea to the final sentence. Carlson urges the writer to refuse outside distractions and attend to the pleasures of an unfolding story.