Creative writing Books

Book SynopsisDerek Neale is Professor of Creative Writing at the Open University, UK. He is the author of the novel The Book of Guardians (2012) and is a script and short story writer. He taught both script and fiction writing at UEA before joining The Open University. He edited and co-wrote A Creative Writing Handbook: Developing dramatic technique, individual style and voice (A&C Black/Bloomsbury, 2009); co-authored Writing Fiction and Life Writing (2009) and was a principle author in Creative Writing: a workbook with readings (2006). Derek is lead educator on the OU/FutureLearn Start Writing Fiction which attracts thousands of writers. His volume Writing Talk collected interviews with novelists, playwrights, screenwriters and life writers - was published in 2020.Heather Richardson is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the Open University, UK She has published two novels: Magdeburg (2010) and Doubting Thomas (2017). Her poetry, short fiction and creative nonfiction have appeared in journals and anthologies in the UK, Ireland and Australia, and she is a former winner of the Brian Moore Short Story Award. She has a particular interest in multi-modal writing, with recent projects combining textiles, digital art and flash fiction. Her textile art has been exhibited at the International Linen Biennale (Lisburn, 2018) and at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery (Banbridge, 2019).

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Book SynopsisForeword by Alice Oseman, creator of the million-copy bestselling Heartstopper books.This is not a book, it is a sky filled with possibility, so let its wisdom lift you and soar!' Joseph Coelho, Children's LaureateCelebrating its 21st edition, this indispensable Children''s Writers'' & Artists'' Yearbook provides everything you need to know to get your work noticed. With thousands of up-to-date contacts and inspiring articles from dozens of successful writers, illustrators and industry insiders, it is the ultimate resource on writing and publishing for children of all ages.Packed with insights and practical tips, it provides expert advice on: - submitting to agents and publishers - writing non-fiction and fiction across genres and formats - poetry, plays, broadcast media and illustration - self-publishing - copyright, finances and contracts - marketing, prizes and festivals - and much, much more

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Book Synopsis*For those aspiring authors who are interested in the path to success*'I read this yesterday in one glorious sitting! What an absolute treat of a book!' Lesley Kara'Illuminating, revealing and absolutely fascinating, Will Brooker offers us the keys to the Jewell kingdom.' Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin aka Sam Blake__________Have you ever thought about what it takes to become a bestselling writer?If so, The Truth About Lisa Jewell is the book for you. It is the story of how a novel is written, from before the start to after the finish; it's an in-depth analysis of how that novel fits into a bestselling author like Lisa Jewell's career and her previous work, and what her style shares with authors from James Joyce to Martin Amis.But this is more than just a study of an author at the top of her game. Like Lisa Jewell's much-loved novels, it's also the story of a relationship - between the bestselling author and the professor of cultural studies who has made her his muse - evolving slowly as the world comes gradually out of Covid. It's the story of two very different writers getting to know each other gradually through words; two complete strangers becoming something more like friends.A must-have for fans of Lisa Jewell, for aspiring authors who are interested in the path to success - and a testament to the way books can bring us together. . .__________Readers LOVE The Truth About Lisa Jewell . . .***** 'This book is perfect for fans and aspiring writers alike ... It's faultless to the point that I'd say it's a must read for anyone interested in Lisa Jewell or her work.'***** 'An insightful and well written book.'***** 'Brooker ... succeeds in being a great guide to [Lisa Jewell's] progression.'

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Book SynopsisInfuse your lyrics with sensory detail!Writing great song lyrics requires practice and discipline. Songwriting Without Boundaries will help you commit to routine practice through fun writing exercises. This unique collection of more than150 sense-bound prompts helps you develop the skills you need to:   • tap into your senses and inject your writing with vivid details   • effectively use metaphor and comparative language   • add rhythm to your writing and manage phrasingSongwriters, as well as writers of other genres, will benefit from this collection of sensory writing challenges. Divided into four sections, Songwriting Without Boundaries features four different fourteen-day challenges with timed writing exercises, along with examples from other songwriters, poets, and prose writers.

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Book Synopsis'We should write because it is human nature to write' Julia CameronFor those jumping into the writing life for the first time and for those already living it, the art of writing will never be the same after reading this book. Provocative, thoughtful and exciting, The Right to Write will draw you back again and again as you seek to liberate and cultivate the writer residing within you.This isn't a book of rules, which can stifle creativity - it's a book about using writing to bring clarity and passion to the act of living. The secret is in breaking loose from the grip of your established thought process to unleash the wave of creativity which is striving to express itself.With the techniques and illustrative stories in The Right to Write, you'll learn how to make writing a natural and intensely personal part of your life. You'll also discover the details of Cameron's own writing processes, the ones she uses to create her poetry, plays, essays, novels and bestselling books, including the world famousThe Artist's Way.

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Book SynopsisONE OF THE WATKINS TOP 100 MOST SPIRITUALLY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2023 From JULIA CAMERON, author of the multimillion bestselling THE ARTISTS WAY comes WRITE FOR LIFE. Legendary author of The Artist's Way Julia Cameron has pioneered the field of creative recovery, inspiring millions of people around the world to discover their true creative selves. Now in Write for Life, the 'Queen of Creativity' speaks directly to writers - it is an openhearted invitation to begin, stick with, and finish a project. Write for Life delivers a wonderful balance of firm and inspiring advice, shaped into a 6-week program for writers of all levels. From setting daily writing quotas to changing genres, fighting perfectionism to polishing a first draft, Julia Cameron provides holistic guidance and support every step of the way. Write for Life is written for every writer, and every writer should read it. It is Julia Cameron at her best, distilling decades of wisdom and experience in practical lessons on the craft and spiritual practice of writing. Itis an unmissable addition to Julia Cameron's creative canon, destined to sit in the pantheon of classic books on writing.Trade ReviewA boon to those struggling to get started ... aspiring writers will appreciate the solid advice. * Publishers Weekly *In this luminous new book, Julia Cameron whisks you so effortlessly along a six-week writing adventure that you will barely notice you have written the first draft of a book until she deposits you back on your doorstep. There is a book in you, a ripe fruit, ready to drop into your hand. Write for Life is the gust of wind you've been waiting for. -- Mirabai Starr * Author of Wild Mercy & Caravan of No Despair *PRAISE FOR JULIA CAMERON'S PREVIOUS WORK * : *The queen of change * The New York Times *Fascinating (and fun) ... Three times in the last decade I've committed to doing The Artist's Way's program, and each time I've learned something important and surprising about myself and my work ... Without The Artist's Way, there would have been no Eat, Pray, Love -- Elizabeth GilbertI absolutely love The Artist's Way ... It's a really good starting point to discover what lights you up -- Emma GannonCameron wants you to have a serious think about what you really want from your life * The Times *Julia Cameron invented the way people renovate the creative soul * The New York Times *The book that made a real impact on me is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. My friend [actress and comedian] Sophie Willan recommended it to me years ago, and I still have it on my desk. It enables anyone to tap into their creative self regardless of themselves - we often get in our own way when trying to achieve. Want to write that novel? That play? This is the book. -- Lemn SissayThe Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is my favourite book -- Precious Lee * Vogue *Cameron's morning pages have shaped the lives of millions of others -- Elle Hunt * The Guardian *Everything creative I've done has led from the freedom this book gave me. After I read The Artist's Way, I wrote a comedy show and took it to Edinburgh ... this book truly changed the path my life was taking [and] I still go back to it when I feel stuck. -- Cariad Lloyd, host of Griefcast and author of You Are Not Alone

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Book SynopsisIf you teach creative writing or facilitate a writing group, you will want to inspire, inform and encourage would-be writers. This book is a unique, practical resource offering guidance, ideas and exercises to help you do just that. It moves from planning and structuring courses to giving ideas and exercises on all the key aspects of creative writing, providing a wealth of really useful advice and tips. It will enable you to pass on your particular expertise and enthusiasm imaginatively and professionally to all your students.· Guidance on teaching all the skills of creative writing· Ideas on lesson content, example exercises and setting homework· Support on dealing with problems and adapting for different abilities· Tips on group management and feedback· A – Z of specific genres with examples of learning activities.This book will ensure that your teaching will be effective, fun and immensely rewarding.

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Book SynopsisThe Essential Pocket Guide.

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Book SynopsisJournaling as meditation: Not just for writers, but for anyone wanting to quiet their mind and connect more deeply to themselves and the worldUnlock your inner creativity: The prompts in these cards are all about the process, not the product, and will get your ideas flowingBring ease, structure and clarity to your life: Journal your way to calm and clarity as you connect with your writer within Do you want to feel connected, inspired, calm, free or creative? Pick a card from the ten categories and follow the journaling exercise to evoke that feeling for the day. Feel inspired by writing a letter to yourself now from yourself in 10 years' time. Set yourself free, by writing a confession to yourself, something you've never admitted to anyone before. Remember, you can tear up the paper afterwards, this is all about the journey, not the destination. We have 70,000 thoughts spinning through our heads each day: T

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Book SynopsisRupi Kaur's Writing Prompts Balance card deck is an invitation to discover what balance means to you.Rupi Kaur invites you to explore the concept of balance in your life with a thoughtfully curated deck of 70 writing prompts meant to encourage a deeper connection with yourself. While focusing on the theme of balance, use this card deck as a part of your daily ritual to inspire creativity and growth. Examples of the prompts include: What does a balanced life look like for the people closest to you? Has this affected your definition of balance? Do you make time for rest? Why or why not? Write a letter to yourself about what you’ve accomplished in your career, relationships, or social life. What steps can you take to reduce burnout? We hope it becomes a tool for you to continue discovering more about your inner and outer worlds, and a light to help navigate you through it all.

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Book SynopsisRobert McKee & Thomas Gerace's new book Storynomics translates the lessons of storytelling in business into economic and leadership success

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Book SynopsisIn this acrobatic and virtuosic collection, Paul Auster traces the compulsion to make literature. In a selection of interviews, as well as in the essay ''The Red Notebook'' itself, Auster reflects upon his own work, on the need to break down the boundary between living and writing, and on the use of certain genre conventions to penetrate matters of memory and identity. The Red Notebook both illuminates and undermines our accepted notions about literature, and guides us towards a finer understanding of the dangerously high stakes involved in writing. It also includes Paul Auster''s impassioned essay ''A Prayer for Salman Rushdie'', as well as a set of striking and bittersweet reminiscences collected under the apposite title, ''Why Write?''Trade Review'Bears testimony to Auster's sense of the metaphysical elegance of life and art.' Literary Review

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Book SynopsisIn this specially-commissioned anthology, sixty accomplished authors share secrets and insights into their writing lives: on their inspirations, methods, wild ideas and daily routines; on the pleasure and the pain in achieving their literary goals; on how they started out and how they hope to continue.

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Book SynopsisNamed by The Times as the all-time number one crime writer, Patricia Highsmith was an author who broke new ground and defied genre clichés with novels such as The Talented Mr Ripley and Strangers on a Train.In the classic creative writing guide Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction, Highsmith reveals her secrets for producing world-class crime and thrillers, from imaginative tips for generating ideas to useful ways of turning them into stunning stories.

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Book SynopsisA reissue of a classic work published in 1934 on writing and the creative process, Becoming a Writer recaptures the excitement of Dorothea Brande's creative writing classroom of the 1920s. Decades before brain research discovered the role of the right and left brain in all human endeavor, Dorothea Brande was teaching students how to see again, how to hold their minds still, and how to call forth the inner writer.

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Book SynopsisFilled with practical advice from an award-winning playwright, with a range of resources to guide you in the craft and business of theatre writing, The Art of Writing for the Theatre provides everything you need to write like a seasoned theatre professional, including: * how to analyze and break down a script * how to write a wide range of plays * how to critique a theatre production * how to construct and craft critical essays, cover letters, and theatrical resumes This thorough introduction is supplemented with exercises and new interviews with a host of internationally acclaimed playwrights, lyricists, and critics, including Marsha Norman, Beth Henley, Lyn Gardner, Octavio Solis, Ismail Khalidi, and David Zippel, among many others. Accompanying online resources include playwriting and script analysis worksheets and exercises, an example of a playwriting resume, and critical points to consider on playwriting, design, acting, directing and choreography.Trade ReviewEven after fifty years of creating musicals, I found The Art of Writing for the Theatre immensely helpful, especially as I undertake new projects. Luke Yankee's clear and concise analysis and advice, coupled with the insights of the writers he interviewed, seems to me invaluable and inspiring for anyone aspiring to write for the theatre, from beginner to long-time professional. * Stephen Schwartz, Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, & Godspell. *One can’t have a life in the theatre by taking shortcuts. One can’t enter this world with no regard for what has come before you. The elements needed toward becoming a true person of the theater are beautifully illuminated and enumerated in Luke Yankee’s book. He is a playwright and a director and his heart has been in the theater ever since he was a kid. Rightly so. Love and intelligence mix in this essential work. * Joanna Gleason, Tony winner for Into the Woods; three-time Drama Desk Award winner *I only wish when I was starting out that I had a book like this. It is filled with valuable and important information. Luke Yankee's insight and guidance is spot on! Anybody who is thinking about going into this profession should start by reading this book. * Scott Ellis, nine-time Tony nominee as Best Director; Olivier Award winner as Best Director for She Loves Me *This is a must-read for anyone in the arts, but particularly for young people with a hunger to immerse themselves in the nuts and bolts of the theatre, and the crucial importance of language. The accomplished director and playwright, Luke Yankee, leaves no stone unturned in this comprehensive work; he clearly has a great love and respect, not only for playwriting, but for all the essential elements that fill in the spaces. * Victor Garber, four-time Tony nominee for Lend Me A Tenor, Deathrap, Little Me, & Damn Yankees; six-time Emmy nominee *Luke Yankee offers insightful discussions on the development of character, dramatic structure, and script analysis—all amply supported by interviews with distinguished contemporary theatre artists. Calling on his extensive career as actor, director, and writer, Yankee’s practical approach is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to hone their skills in writing for the theatre. * Lucien Douglas, The University of Texas at Austin, USA *Having worked almost exclusively with new plays and emerging playwrights for over 30 years, it was fascinating to read the insights and wisdom Luke Yankee has managed to unlock from the best playwrights, lyricists and critics in our field today. This is essential reading for the next generation of playwrights. I finally have an answer when younger writers ask me what book to read about playwriting: this one! * Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director, Playwrights Arena, Los Angeles, USA *This book has it all! It contains a concrete approach to understanding what’s inside a scene, a terrific tutorial on putting thoughts onto paper, a look inside the nuances of criticism, and straightforward advice from professionals at the top of their game. If you are a theatre artist who plans to put words on a page, you need to read and study this book. * Professor Brian Kite, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, USA *You'll have to go far and wide to find a better introduction to script analysis, playwriting, and criticism than this. Every theatre teacher should use this in their classroom. Practical and informative! * Millicent Martin, BAFTA award winner and two-time Tony nominee *From the reader’s first encounter with the text and the writer’s confrontation with the empty page, Luke Yankee’s The Art of Writing for the Theatre offers clarifying definitions and helpful guidance for aspiring playwrights and theatre critics. Using excerpts from his own plays as subjects for analysis and enlightening interviews with working playwrights and critics, the book offers a wealth of information and inspiration for all who seek to better understand the inner workings of the writer’s art. * Evan Yionoulis, Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division, The Juilliard School, USA *First, let me thank Luke Yankee for this extraordinary book. It’s been a long while since I’ve read anything that so comprehensively addresses the subject as The Art of Writing for The Theatre. Not only is the book completely informative, it’s also a good read. The exploration of examples of playwriting, criticism, and analysis are invaluable. The interviews with some of the theatre's most distinct voices is like going to the ultimate master class. The inclusion of people of diverse backgrounds makes it all the more applicable to everyone in a personal manner. I am an actor, director, writer, teacher, and devout audience member. This book will be by my side as a guideline in the future in each of those endeavors. Any student or teacher, or for that matter, anyone interested in the theatre in its most elemental form will benefit from this book. Get it and keep it on your shelf. I would be willing to bet that you will refer to it many times in the future. * Ken Page, star of the original Broadway companies of Cats and Aint Misbehavin’ *This essential book sits squarely in the ‘required reading’ section for any university theatre course or for anyone who wants to understand the theatrical medium better. It begins with clear, inspiring lessons and tips that guide the writer from conception to fruition while including priceless wisdom from masters in our field. The text provides the reader with invaluable, user-friendly prompts that both allow the writer to be more understanding and critical of their own work, but also to view other’s works with a clearer eye. I simply found this book a pleasure to read and was enlightened and inspired about my own creative process as well as viewing all dramatic works with new insights. A must read! * John B. Benitz, Chair, Department of Theatre, Chapman University, USA *Table of ContentsNote on the Text Introduction 1. Script Analysis Why Do We Need Script Analysis? Definitions and Terms for Script Analysis Freytag’s Pyramid and the Dramatic Arc A Crash Course in Aristotle’s Poetics Script Analysis Exercises Exercises 2. Playwriting The Elements of Playwriting What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Mean? The Significance of Exposition The Good Title Test The Mechanics of Writing a Play How Do You Start? How To Write a Ten-Minute Play Other Play Formats Conclusion Exercises 3. Criticism The “Why” of Theatre Criticism “I Liked it” Doesn’t Matter Writing a Critique for a Play “Why Am I Bored? A Sample Critique Criticism as Entertainment Remember: Artists Have Feelings, Too When to Keep it to Yourself What to Look for When Writing a Critique Critiquing Other Forms Exercises 4. The Interviews: Conversations with Acclaimed Playwrights, Critics, Librettists, and Lyricists A Series of Master Classes On Starting Out “What Should I Write About?” On Structure A Writer’s Process Readings and Play Development On Taking Advice on your Script On Collaboration On Writing Musicals On the Writer as “The Outsider Looking In” On Critics and Theatre Criticism Advice for New Writers What Do You Love About the Theatre? 5. The Brass Tacks: Practical Tools of Writing for the Theatre The “How To” Of A Writer’s Life Read, See, and Hear Theatre Blogs Submission Opportunities for Playwrights Cover Letters for Writers…and Beyond Living Room Readings: The Value of Free Pizza Virtual Presentations A Map of Relationships Opening Night Cards and Gratitude Letters: A Lost Art Exercises Conclusion Further Reading Notes Biographies of Interviewees Special Thanks About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisThe A to Z of Creative Writing Methods is an alphabetical collection of essays to prompt consideration of method within creative writing research and practice.Almost sixty contributors from a range of writing traditions and across multiple forms and genre are represented in this volume: from poets, essayists, novelists and performance writers, to graphic novelists, illustrators, and those engaged in multi-media writing or writing-related arts activism. Contributors bring to this collection their distinct and diverse literary and cultural contexts, defining, expanding and enacting the methods they describe, and providing new possibilities for creative writing practice.Accessible and provocative, A to Z of Creative Writing Methods lays bare new developments and directions in the field, making it an invaluable resource for the teachers, research students and scholar-practitioners in the field of creative writing studies.Trade ReviewThe collection of essays is an invitation to write by engaging with a syncretic collection of tropes and methods ranging from the use of archives and folklore as launch pads to writing activities to the process of queering texts. It also promotes the unmooring of writing from defined spaces by using concepts such as erasure, nonhuman imaginaries, uncertainty, unknowing and many more. These are exciting approaches to writing, proving that the literary creative process has always been multifaceted and inclusive. The book is a nudge to every person who wants to write creatively. * Lily Rose Tope, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines *Table of ContentsList of contributors Acknowledgements Introduction, Deborah Wardle, Julienne van Loon, Stayci Taylor, Francesca Rendle-Short, Peta Murray, David Carlin (RMIT University, Australia) Archival-poetics, Natalie Harkin (Flinders University, Australia) Aswang, Allan Derain (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines) Atmospherics, Kathleen Stewart (University of Texas, USA) Braiding, Catherine McKinnon (University of Wollongong, Australia) Bricolage, Dominique Hecq (Swinburne University of Technology, Australia) Bung wantaim, Steven Winduo (Writer, Papua New Guinea) Camping, Soile Veijola (University of Lapland, Finland) Character, Lina María Ferreira Cabeza-Vanegas (University of Chicago, USA) Chorality, Martina Copley (artist, curator, educator and writer, Australia) Code, Benjamin Laird (RMIT University, Australia) Collaboration, Quinn Eades (La Trobe University, Australia) Collecting, Ander Monson (University of Arizona, USA) Communitas, Francesca Rendle-Short (RMIT University, Australia) Dialogue, Cath Moore (University of Melbourne, Australia) Drawing, Sarah Leavitt (University of British Columbia, Canada) Ekphrasis, Sarah Holland-Batt (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Ensemble, Shuchi Kothari (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Erasure, Nhã Thuyên (Writer, Vietnam) Experience, Kári Gíslason (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Experimentation, Collier Nogues (University of Hong Kong) Facilitator, Ali Cobby Eckermann (RMIT University, Australia) Fade out, Stayci Taylor (RMIT University, Australia) Feelings, Erik Knudsen (University of Central Lancashire, UK) Flow, Mary Cappello (University of Rhode Island, USA) Ghost Weaving, Paola Balla (Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Centre, at Victoria University, Australia) Hybrid, Marion May Campbell (Deakin University, Australia) Imagination, Paula Morris (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Iterative thinking, Ames Hawkins (Columbia College Chicago, USA) Juxtaposition, Wendy S. Walters (Columbia University, USA) Keepsake, Fiona Murphy (Poet and Essayist, Australia) Listening, Marjorie Evasco (De La Salle University, Philippines) Listing, David Carlin (RMIT University, Australia) Memory work, Maria Tumarkin (University of Melbourne, Australia) Metaphor me, Selina Tusitala Marsh (University of Auckland, New Zealand) Nonhuman imaginaries, Deborah Wardle (RMIT University, Australia) Not-knowing, Julienne van Loon (RMIT University, Australia) Notebooking, Safdar Ahmed (Guringai country, Australia) Observation, Stephen Carleton (University of Queensland, Australia) Paragraphing, Delia Falconer (University of Technology Sydney, Australia) Permission, Tina Makereti (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) Phototextuality, Karen Carr (Rhode Island School of Design, USA) Play, Nicole Walker (Northern Arizona University, USA) Preposition, Martin Villanueva (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines) Procrastination, Aritha van Herk (University of Calgary, Canada) Queering, Marion May Campbell (Deakin University, Australia), Lawrence Lacambra Ypil (Yale-NUS College, Singapore), Francesca Rendle-Short (RMIT University, Australia), Deborah Wardle (RMIT University), Ames Hawkins (Columbia College Chicago), Quinn Eades (La Trobe University), Stayci Taylor (RMIT University), Peta Murray (RMIT University), Natalie Harkin (Flinders University), Antonia Pont (Deakin University), Anonymous Radical effrontery, Jeanine Leane (University of Melbourne, Australia) Reading, Belinda Castles (University of Sydney, Australia) Resistance, James Byrne (Edge Hill University, UK) Rites, Manola-Gayatri Kumarswamy (Witwatersrand University, South Africa) Sensing, CM Burroughs (Columbia College Chicago, USA) Speculation, Robin Hemley (Long Island University, USA) Taxonomy, Lavanya Shanbhogue-Arvind (Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India) Translation, Rúnar Helgi Vignisson (University of Iceland) Uncertainty, Lawrence Lacambra Ypil (Yale-NUS College,Singapore) Vocabulary, Peta Murray (RMIT University, Australia) Writing-foreign-language, Fan Dai (Sun Yat-sen University, China) Xenos, Nike Sulway (Southern Queensland, Australia) Yoga, Antonia Pont (Deakin University, Australia) Zim, Alvin Pang (RMIT University, Australia) Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to the speculative sub-genre of alternate history fiction, this book maps the unique terrain of this vibrant mode of storytelling and then explains how to write it. First giving a concise conceptual overview and the critical tools to differentiate the different forms of counterfactual fiction, Jack Dann lays out the tricks of the trade' such Heinleining', how to create recognizable divergent points' and how to employ paratextual elements and layering' to overcome readers' unfamiliarity with invented counterfactual events and cultures. Alongside this, Dann takes you step-by-step through a complete short story to demonstrate, line-by-line, how alternative history fiction works. As well as Dann''s exacting methodology for writing professional quality alternate history stories, this book also features a live-on-the-page Q&A with some of the most esteemed alternate history writers working today, including Kim Stanley Robinson, John Birmingham and Lisa Goldstein among Trade ReviewA tour-de-force treasure trove ... Invaluable to authors at any stage in their careers. * Futurism *The Fiction Writer’s Guide to Alternate History is not only an incredibly readable and illuminating guide to the art of writing alternate history, it’s also a superb introduction to alternate history as a genre. This book will be of great interest to anyone involved in writing or teaching alternate history and related kinds of literature. * Dr Sean Seeger, Senior Lecturer in Literature, University of Essex, UK *Table of ContentsAbout the Author About the Contributors 1. A Few Introductory Notes and Thoughts About Alternate History and the Slippery Slope of Fiction 2. Let’s Examine What We’re Talking About - Definitions and Divergence Points - ‘Alternate History’ and Science Fiction: a Potted History - Model making… 3. Are we really Theorizing about History and Morality and Choice? - How To Bring Your Readers Up To Speed - Thinking About History…and Your Readers 4. Taking a Break From Me: “White City” by Lewis Shiner 5. Craft Problems and Solutions - Deconstructing Tesla and Assembling the Counterfactual Fiction Writer’s Toolbox - A Quick Inventory 6. The Tactics of Creating Counterfactual Texts: a Roundtable Q & A With Kim Stanley Robinson, William Gibson, Pamela Sargent, Harry Turtledove, John Crowley, Michael Bishop, , Lisa Goldstein, John Kessel, John Birmingham, Barry N. Malzberg, Janeen Webb, Bruce Sterling, Mark Shirrefs, Christopher Priest, Terry Bisson, Mary Rosenblum, Michael Swanwick, Paul Di Filippo, Richard Harland, Howard Waldrop, Lewis Shiner, and George Zebrowski 7. A Very Personal Meditation On Writing: Or How I Do It…and Think About It 8. A Very Few Last Words About…You Appendix Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisWhat is your best investment? Buying a copy of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook.' Kimberley ChambersThis bestselling Writers'' & Artists'' Yearbook contains a wealth of information on all aspects of writing and becoming a published author, plus a comprehensive directory of media contacts.Packed with practical tips, it includes expert advice from renowned authors and industry insiders on: - submitting to agents and publishers - writing non-fiction and fiction across different genres and formats - poetry, plays, broadcast media and illustration - marketing and self-publishing- legal and financial information - writing prizes and festivals.Revised and updated annually, the Yearbook includes thousands of industry contacts and over 80 articles from writers of all forms and genres, including award-winning novelists, poets and playwrights, scriptwriters for TV, radio and videogames.If you want to find a lit

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Book SynopsisProblem plot lines? Character chaos? Ask Ally! The definitive guide to writing from one of teen fiction''s best-loved authors.Writing finally has its own agony aunt in bestselling author, Ally Carter. Always wanted to write? Not sure how to begin, or what to do with tricky characters or pesky plotlines? Ask Ally! Ally Carter is the internationally bestselling author of Gallagher Girls, Embassy Row and Heist Society. Known for her gripping plots and adventures that combine danger and glamour in equal measure, Ally knows how to write brilliant books for teen and YA readers.Now Ally and her author friends want to help YOU write the book you''ve always dreamed of. Part agony aunt, part writing guru, this writing guide is thoughtful, witty and best of all, useful.With advice from some of children''s fiction''s brightest stars including Holly Black, Cassandra Clare and Kody Keplinger.

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Book SynopsisLEARN HOW TO WRITE WONDERFUL AND VARIED SHORT STORIES AND SHARE THEM WITH THE WORLD.Written by one of the country''s leading experts on the short story, this book is ideal if you want to write creatively in a genre that is increasingly attracting attention from publishers, and which offers plenty of competition and festival opportunities for you to showcase your work.This new edition includes uptodate material on web resources and outlets and provides new information on self-publishing. In addition it discusses genres such as micro-fiction, and throughout is fully updated with new resources, events, slams and competitions.It will help unlock your imagination and creativity, and to discover stories you didn''t know you had. It will help you to observe the world around you more sharply, as well as to structure, shape and polish your story. It is full of practical exercises that will both inspire imagination and refine skills, and confidence-building suggestTrade ReviewHer chapter by chapter approach to gradually developing your writing works well, with relevant anecdotes, references to short story collections and exercises in each section... If you've got some experience of writing, it's worth a look for the exercises - a good way to help you get your stories 'match fit', or moving again if you're stuck mid-draft. * Left Lion *Table of Contents : 1. Introduction : 2. Where do I start? : 3. What you need : 4. Before you go on : 5. Do you enjoy short stories? : 6. Size matters : 7. Getting in, getting through and getting out : 8. Plots and structures : 9. More on plots and structures : 10. Unreliable narrators : 11. Documentary stories : 12. Characterisation : 13. Dialogue : 14. Do not skip this chapter! : 15. Publishing your story : 16. Why?

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Book SynopsisLEARN HOW TO GET STARTED IN CREATIVE WRITING AND WRITE WITH CONFIDENCE AND FLAIR.Get Started in Creative Writing will help writers at the very beginning of their creative journey to gain confidence and find inspiration, and then support you in the completion of your first pieces of creative writing - a short story, a poem, a draft of a novel or screenplay. Each chapter includes a central writing exercise and four shorter ones, while key quotes, key ideas and focus points will be clearly signposted and will summarise important concepts and advice. At the heart of each chapter is a ''Workshop''. The Workshop is a key exercise, in which you will gain a deeper insight into the craft of writing. In addition to coverage of all the key genres and their conventions, this new edition includes an expanded section on self- and digital publishing, to reflect recent advances in technology and the wide variety of digital platforms now available for the distribution oTable of Contents : aaa : bbb : ccc

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Book SynopsisJohn le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is?As writers, we all have different experiences and skills to draw upon, and this book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your own crime novel.Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, you will need to consider the basic elements of a gripping narrative. Within these pages, you'll learn to master the art of storytelling, from creating a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to choosing the perfect point of view to bring your characters to life. Dive into the depths of suspense, mystery, and surprise, as you unravel the intricacies of crafting a crime novel that captivates and entertains.This guide will help any new or experienced writer to navigate the writing journey, uncovering the core principles that will make your crime fiction truly exceptional.Trade Review'Entertaining and valuable.'Mick Herron, author of Slow Horses'While many books on writing tend to be prescriptive, delivering “formulas,” Crafting crime fiction is the precise opposite. Both illuminating and encouraging, it provides aspiring writers seeking a jumpstart with an expansive tool kit, a rich history and a wealth of creative possibilities. Best of all, it sparks the imagination, lighting a fire in your belly, making you want to get writing, keep writing and then go back and write some more.'Megan Abbott, NYT best-selling author of The Turnout and Beware the Woman‘Sutton proves through examples, vignettes and a wide range of references that indeed, crime fiction is the most decolonized of genres. Written in accessible language that is the hallmark of his teaching style, this is a gift to be unwrapped carefully, reflected upon and most of all, to inspire us…’ Femi Kayode, author of Lightseekers ‘A forensic, deep dive into my favourite genre. An enjoyable, and informative guide that cracks crime fiction wide open. Henry Sutton's decades of reading and writing crime have been put to good use.’ Louise Welsh, author of ten crime novels including The Cutting Room and The Second Cut'Henry has written the definitive book on crime writing, drawing together his vast experience both as a teacher and a crime writer. The book is essential reading for every crime reader, aspiring crime writer and even those of us with somewhat more experience. I’m a busy creative writing teacher and author, but I still found plenty here to inspire me. It’s also a massively entertaining and erudite read.'Julia Crouch is the author of nine internationally published crime novels -- .Table of ContentsIntroduction: beginnings 1 Plot and point of view2 Character and purpose3 Imitation and limitation4 Setting and description5 Structure and development6 Pace and fluency7 Mystery and suspense8 Entertainment and engagement9 Craft and editingConclusion: endingsIndex

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Book Synopsis_________________________How to Write It: Tell Your StoryThis book is a masterclass in the craft of writing and poetry from one of Britain's most celebrated poets and educators, T.S. Eliot Prize nominee Anthony Anaxagorou. Taking readers on a personal journey through his early life and school years, through to his relationship with literature, education poetry and writing, this book is filled with tips, anecdotes and publishing advice for anyone interested in getting their work seen. From Anthony's first slam win to the evolving British poetry scene, this book will provoke readers into thinking about their writing more carefully - be it a poem, short story or novel - and help them finally get their book out into the world. This book is essential reading for taking your work to the next level, and is introduced with an inspirational foreword by Sunday Times bestselling author, Candice Carty-Williams. _________________________'This brilliant little book [...] a guide to writing pra

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Book SynopsisGive your story a solid foundation—a plot that engages readers from start to finish!The best stories linger in the hearts and minds of readers for decades. These tales gain their power through plots that connect with the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level.Inside Ronald B. Tobias details these 20 time-tested plots. Each is discussed and analyzed, illustrating how a successful plot integrates all the elements of a story. Tobias then shows you how to use these plots effectively in your own work.Tobias then goes to the next level, showing you how to choose and develop plot in fiction. He shows you how to craft plot for any subject matter, so that you develop your work evenly and effectively. As a result, your fiction will be more cohesive and convincing, making your story unforgettable for readers everywhere."Plot isn''t an accessory that conveniently organizes your material according to some ritualistic magic. You don''t just plug in plot like a household appliance and expect it to do its job. Plot is organic. It takes hold of the writer and the work from the beginning." —Ronald Tobias

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Book SynopsisThe art and craft of writing by one of the few grandmasters of American literature.

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Book SynopsisA guide from bestselling author Alice Kuipers on how to write for children and young adultsfrom igniting an initial idea to creating a finished draft

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Book Synopsis A journal of self-discovery. Be Honest journal is a self-enquiry tool for discovering the real you. It is a space in which to express your inner thoughts and feelings, which might feel uncomfortable, inappropriate or self-indulgent, but which are all opportunities for growth. What is it that you really want to say? What is it that you truly want to do? And who do you want to be? Through journaling, you can peel back the layers of the person you show to the world, drop the act and write a new story. Decisions become easier and swifter as you learn how to consult your inner guides and politely ignore your inner critics. You can practice expressing difficult emotions like anger within the safety of lines on a page before you try it out in the real world. You can be honest about your needs and your passions, what really bugs you and why you put up with that s**t. You will discover your gifts, expand your potential and challenge yourself to gro

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Book SynopsisPoetry is increasingly used in therapy, and it already occupies a central place in expressive arts therapies. This book is the first to explicitly combine theory and practice from the field of expressive arts with poetry and poetics.The book offers both a guide and poetic encouragement for using poetry in expressive arts work. Within this arts context, poetry is offered as a way to create hope and confidence, providing clients with a platform for healing, reconciliation, problem solving, and personal and professional development. Each chapter uses examples of poetry to illustrate the ideas of the chapter.With an outstanding contribution to the field of expressive arts theory and practice, this book is essential for people wanting to use an integrative arts-based approach to help their clients build resilience and foster sustainable, positive change in their lives.

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Book SynopsisA Spectator Best Book of the Year ‘This book is a wry, critical friend to both writer and reader. It is filled with cogent examples and provoking statements. You will agree or quarrel with each page, and be a sharper writer and reader by the end.’ Hilary Mantel ‘There are three rules for writing a novel,’ Somerset Maugham once said. ‘Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.’ So how to bring characters to life, find a voice, kill your darlings, avoid plagiarism (or choose not to), or run that most challenging of literary gauntlets—writing a good sex scene? Veteran editor and author Richard Cohen takes us on a fascinating excursion into the lives and minds of our greatest writers—from Balzac and Eliot to Woolf and Nabokov, through to Zadie Smith and Stephen King, with a few mischievous detours to Tolstoy along the way. In a glittering tour d’horizon, he lays bare their tricks, motivations, techniques, obsessions and flaws.Trade Review‘Provides amazing insight into the working methods, techniques, tricks and flaws of some of the greatest writers in literary history…An engrossing read for bibliophiles and lovers of literature as much as aspiring writers.’ * New European *‘This book is a wry, critical friend to both writer and reader. It is filled with cogent examples and provoking statements. You will agree or quarrel with each page, and be a sharper writer and reader by the end.’ -- Hilary Mantel‘A glorious patchwork of quotation and anecdote. It is a true commonplace book, the homage of a passionate reader to the writers who have provided his “main pastime”.’ * Sunday Times *‘Welcome, wise and witty…Aspiring writers will glean excellent advice here.’ * Literary Review *‘I very much enjoyed Richard Cohen’s How to Write Like Tolstoy’ -- Julie Burchill * Spectator, Books of the Year *‘An anecdotal, breezy and comprehensive approach…an entertainingly slick read.' * Herald *‘The highest compliment one can pay How to Write Like Tolstoy is that it provokes an overwhelming urge to read and write.’ * Wall Street Journal *‘A book for the general reader as much as the aspiring novelist.’ * Tablet *‘Interesting, charming, and engaging…Cohen reveals the possibilities that lie in wait when authors practice selection and intention, sparking the literary imagination.’ * Library Journal, starred review *‘An inspiring book! It makes one glad to be a writer.’ -- Fay Weldon‘Elegant... Cohen [tells] amusing, often discursive stories about great literature and authors, mixed with the writers’ own observations, which he hopes will further inspire readers and would-be writers. The advice is pleasant, and sometimes wise.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Insightful… [Cohen] escorts his readers to Iris Murdoch for sage counsel on launching a novel, to Salman Rushdie for shrewd guidance on developing an unreliable narrator, to Rudyard Kipling for a cagey hint on creating memorable minor characters, and to Leo Tolstoy for a master’s help in transforming personal experience into fictional art. Even readers with no intentions of writing a novel will relish the opportunity to join their favourite authors at the workbench.’ * Booklist *‘Cohen’s myriads of examples are lush and instructive... he is a generous tour guide through his literary world’ * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisLet best-selling novelist Sophie King guide you through the whole process of writing your first novel and getting it published.This revised edition takes aspiring novelists through the steps of writing a novel, from finding that initial idea, to keeping the plot going and crafting the perfect ending. With helpful exercises in each chapter you will learn how to:- Develop a brilliant idea for your first novel - Create characters that will make your novel come alive - Plot your novel so that your readers simply have to turn the page - Unravel the mysteries of viewpoint - Create realistic dialogue and settings so your readers feel they are there - Find your own voice. - Most importantly, the book includes tips and advice on how to get published. This new edition also includes a ten step guide to revision so that you can polish your novel to be the best it can be.Table of Contents 0: Preface 1: Are You Ready to Commit? 2: A Novel Idea? 3: Finding Your Own Voice 4: The Killer First Sentence 5: It's All in the Plot: Part One 6: It's All in the Plot: Part Two 7: Who Are You? How to Create Convincing Characters 8: Viewpoint 9: De-mystifying Dialogue 10: Setting 11: How to Show and Not Tell 12: Sense and Sensibility 13: Humour 14: Different Genres 15: How to Keep a Timeline 16: The Art of Revision 17: Synopsis 18: The Title 19: Revealing All! 20: How to Get Published 21: Writing the Next Novel 22: Don't Skip This! It Might Help ... 0: Index

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Book SynopsisWriting Well is a practical handbook of creative writing exercises which forms the basis of an indirect, nonconfrontational approach specifically intended for therapeutic use within the mental health field. Although people with emotional or psychological problems can find creative writing particularly difficult and unsettling, when writing courses are sensitively designed they are known to be of therapeutic benefit to people with mental health problems. The exercises are taken from the authors' successful practice with groups of people from a range of backgrounds in a variety of settings.The book is structured to be accessible and easy to use. The warm-ups and main exercises are organised by themes, such as positive memories, imagined worlds, changes and painful feelings. Guidelines are given for developing and adapting the exercises and practical suggestions for materials are included in the appendix. This volume will be an invaluable practical resource and imaginative inspiration for creative writing tutors and mental health professionals.Trade Review...a valuable resource for those wanting to use creative writing in groupwork. Every chapter provides a wealth of different exercises. Each exercise lists the materials needed and gives a recommended warm-up exercise as well as possible prompt questions to ease discussion following the period of writing. The book therefore provides a clear framework for running creative writing groups. The exercises provide a useful primer and can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs. The appendices are equally useful with one on how to devise your own exercises, another providing a list and outline of useful books, and a third giving a comprehensive list of useful organisations. The book offers a practical resource and many of the exercises contained in this slim, well-organised volume appear to be original and are likely to prompt many creative activities. -- British Journal of Occupational TherapyThere are several good creative writing handbooks on the market at the moment but, as any therapist running groups on the subject in mental health settings will know, they generally just miss the mark, being too skill-based on the one hand or too process orientated on the other. This slim new volume goes some way to closing the gap. What the busy therapist might most appreciate is the resource aspect of the book. It is full of ideas - recommended warm-up activities for each writing session, along with useful commentaries on how to take creative ideas further. Writing Well clearly meets a need and will prove a welcome addition to every therapy department bookshelf. -- Therapy WeeklyTable of ContentsForeword. 1. Introduction. 2. Warm-Up Exercises. 3. Beginnings. 4. Introductory Work. 5. Memories. 6. Empathy. 7. Changes and Endings. 8. Imagined Worlds. 9. Opening Up. 10. General Themes. 11. Exploring Literary Form. Appendix 1. Guidelines for Developing and Adapting your own Exercises. Appendix 2. Creative Writing Books (or Why This Book is Necessary). Appendix 3. Useful Organisations. The Authors. References.

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Book SynopsisThe Escape or a Leap for Freedom is a captivating novel written by William Wells Brown, a former slave who escaped to freedom in 1834. The novel follows the journey of a slave named Cato who escapes from his master in Kentucky and embarks on a perilous journey to freedom in Canada. The book offers a vivid portrayal of the horrors of slavery, the dangers faced by escaped slaves, and the courage and determination required to achieve freedom. Do you want to read an amazing thriller horror story? Throughout the novel, Brown also explores themes of identity, race, and freedom, offering a powerful critique of the racialized society of his time. His writing style is gripping and powerful, drawing readers in with his vivid descriptions and vivid portrayal of the characters' emotions and experiences. Overall, The Escape or a Leap for Freedom is an important work in the history of African American literature and a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the experiences of slaves and the fight for freedom during the 19th century.

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Book SynopsisA writer will change and grow many times in their writing life. This Journal Workbook aims to champion this journey. It answers those tricky questions writers long to ask, shares secret practices to inspire their writing confidence, and free their unique gifts from common obstacles and writing worries. In this Journal Workbook you will discover surprising new techniques from acting, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and spirituality to re-wild your creativity and empower your writing craft. Writing can seem overwhelming. You long to be a writer, but where do you start?And how do you bridge the gap between where you are right now and where you want to go? How do you discover your voice? What does that even mean? And what can you do to improve your writing? Or discover what you want to write about? This is not a book about getting published or finding an agent. This is a book about finding you. Finding your voice. Trusting your talent. Your creativity. It is about puttiTrade ReviewA wonderful warm hug of a book, packed with practical help and inspiring goodness. Just the tonic to boost the morale of any writer. -- Chris Callaghan * Goodreads *Full of nuggets of wisdom from beginning to end. Packed full of goodies, gems and guidance. -- Emma Perry * Waterstones review *This book is like an invisible hand on one's shoulder supporting and empowering the writer as one takes the first tentative step on their writing path ... I felt [Lucy] wrote it, especially for me. * Amazon review *Table of ContentsIntroduction - Your secret power: what A Writer's Journal Workbook can do for you Part I - Surprising solutions to common questions: Tips, tricks and writing prompts Part II - Practice: The secret habits of a happy writer Resources

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Book SynopsisTwentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen King - with a new foreword, ON JOY, by Stephen King. Part memoir, part masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer''s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King''s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 - and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King''s critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it - faTrade ReviewPart biography, part collection of tips for the aspiring writer . . . one of the great storytellers of our time * Guardian *Absolutely fascinating . . . basic instructions . . . sensible advice * The Sunday Times *The childhood memoir is a triumphant display of wit, story-telling and guts. His advice to writers is hard-nosed, practical and level-headed in the classic journalistic Orwell-Hemingway tradition * Evening Standard *This is the written equivalent of Delia Smith's How To Cook. And, like British home cooking, the world of popular fiction will be better off for it * The Times *Stephen King is a genius . . . In this book he tells us what first made him a horror writer . . . I find King fascinating because he writes in the least florid way possible, yet his very direct approach to getting his awesome imagination onto a blank page works. * Jeremy Vine in We Love This Book *

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Book SynopsisRupi Kaur's Writing Prompts Relationships card deck is an invitation to dive deeper into the core of your most cherished relationships.Rupi Kaur encourages you to build more honest and fulfilling relationships with help from this thoughtfully curated deck of 70 writing prompts. While focusing on the theme of relationships, use this card deck as a part of your daily ritual to inspire connection and creativity. Examples of the prompts include: How do you want to receive and give love in a romantic relationship? Describe a time you let jealousy get the best of you. How did your family influence your definition of love? How would you end a toxic friendship? We hope it becomes a tool for you to continue discovering more about your inner and outer worlds, and a light to help navigate you through it all.

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Book SynopsisJane Davenport's stunning journal will send women on a satisfying journey of self-discovery. Bombarded by constant demands from work, home, family, friends, and social media, women crave the opportunity to slow down and reflect on what is truly important. Journaling is a proven therapeutic process that promotes well-being and sparks creativity, but newcomers can feel intimidated the first time they face a blank page. Where should they begin? Imagine Out Loud combines famed artist Jane Davenport's inspirational artwork, trademark "Jane-isms," and quotations with compelling journaling prompts. Readers will be moved to write, make lists, doodle, and draw. Designed to encourage introspection and self-discovery, Imagine Out Loud will be a constant companion in the search for creative and personal fulfillment.

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Book SynopsisThis invaluable fiction writer’s guide is the resource you need to start - and, more importantly, finish - that novel that you’ve been itching to write! Using her tried-and-true methods, writing coach Char arms you with all the knowledge you need to jump feet first into putting your story to paper. Through her engaging instruction, you’ll learn how to craft interesting, complex characters that your readers will root for (or against!), avoid plot holes, pacing issues and other common pitfalls that can trip up new writers, write effective dialogue and so much more! Whether you’re writing a contemporary thriller, a historical romance or anything in-between, Char’s instruction and hands-on exercises will jumpstart your creative juices and help you fight through writer’s block, nail your character’s voice and write effective dialogue and finally finish the novel you’ve been dreaming of.

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Book SynopsisInspired by Jami Attenberg's wildly popular literary movement #1000WordsofSummer, this encouraging handbook (Publishers Weekly) features essays on creativity, productivity, and writing from acclaimed authors including Roxane Gay, Lauren Groff, Celeste Ng, Meg Wolitzer, and Carmen Maria Machado. In 2018, novelist Jami Attenberg, faced with a looming deadline, needed writing inspiration. Using a bootcamp model, she and a friend set out to write one thousand words daily for two weeks straight. They opened this practice to Attenberg's online community and soon hundreds then thousands of people started using the #1000WordsofSummer hashtag to track their work and support one another. What began as a simple challenge between two friends has become a literary movementwrite 1,000 words per day without judgement, or bias, or concerns about writer's block, and see what comes of it. 1000 Words is the book-length extension of this movement. It is about becomingand stayingmotivated, discovering

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Book SynopsisNew title in the Flame Tree Blank Notebook collection, combining beautiful art with high-quality production, and featuring blank pages, a pocket at the back and two ribbon bookmarks. Perfect as a gift, or an essential personal choice for writers, note takers, travellers, students, and poets.A FLAME TREE NOTEBOOK. Beautiful and luxurious the journals combine high-quality production with magnificent art. Perfect as a gift, and an essential personal choice for writers, notetakers, travellers, students, poets and diarists. Features a wide range of well-known and modern artists, with new artworks published throughout the year. BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED. The highly crafted covers are embossed and foil stamped, complemented by the luxury binding and rose red end-papers. The covers are created by our artists and designers who spend many hours transforming original artwork into gorgeous 3d masterpieces that feel good in the hand, and look wonderful on a desk or table.P

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Book SynopsisIn her entertaining and edifying New York Times bestseller, acclaimed author Francine Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and tricks of the masters to discover why their work has endured. Written with passion, humour and wisdom, Reading Like a Writer will inspire readers to return to literature with a fresh eye and an eager heart - to take pleasure in the long and magnificent sentences of Philip Roth and the breathtaking paragraphs of Isaac Babel; to look to John le Carre for a lesson in how to advance plot through dialogue and to Flannery O'Connor for the cunning use of the telling detail; to be inspired by Emily Bronte's structural nuance and Charles Dickens's deceptively simple narrative techniques. Most importantly, Prose cautions readers to slow down and pay attention to words, the raw material out of which all literature is crafted, and reminds us that good writing comes out of good reading.Trade Review"For everyone studying English literature this book should be required reading; it is a wonderful explanation of how writers build their books from the words upwards." -- Daisy Goodwin The Sunday Times "a clarion call for aspiring writers to do that most simple, time-consuming but enjoyable thing: their homework ...Prose's forthright, waspish and often very funny book is a plea to all writers for vigour and clarity, one which encourages them to tend to the details of technique, and the mastery of language, as closely as they tend to their own ambition." -- Louise Doughty The Observer 'astute and enthusiastic commentary for writers and readers' Times Literary Supplement 'a volume that shows how to judge a book not by its cover, or even by its subject matter, but by the quality of its writing' Culture, The Sunday Times 'an essential book for any writer...who purports to take his or herself remotely seriously' The New Review, Observer 'Delightful and edifying...a fabulous book I intend to keep permanently to hand' Bookseller 'informative and inspiring' Good Book Guide

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Book SynopsisBestselling author and teacher Natalie Goldberg shares her inspiring personal journey out of a devastating period of writer's block and back into a life of growth, creativity, and healing.Natalie Goldberg has been writing for the past fifty years. But at the beginning of the pandemic, she suddenly wasn't able to write anymore. Her imaginative wellspring had dried up, and she was forced to ask herself: what do I do when what has always worked for me doesn't work anymore?In this beautifully written, inspiring personal account, Natalie shares her harrowing journey out of creative paralysis and back onto the page. When all of her tried and true methods meditation, sitting still, writing practice stopped working, she had to take drastic action. She got into her car and left New Mexico in search of a new inventive source. In her journey through the western states, she visited famous literary sites, searching for the spark that would reignite her ability to write.<

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