Creative writing Books

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 SynopsisCraft an Engaging PlotHow does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course?With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including:   • Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and ends   • Easy-to-understand plotting diagrams and charts   • Brainstorming techniques for original plot ideas   • Thought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapter   • Story structure models and methods for all genres   • Tips and tools for correcting common plot problemsFilled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.

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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 SynopsisA world of dewAnd within every dewdropA world of struggle The iconic three-line haiku form is increasingly popular today as people embrace its simplicity and grace—and its connections to the Japanese ethos of mindfulness and minimalism. Say more with fewer words.This practical guide by poet and teacher Bruce Ross shows you how to capture a fleeting moment, like painting a picture with words, and how to give voice to your innermost thoughts, feelings, and observations. You don't have to be a practiced poet or writer to write your own haiku, and this book shows you how.In this book, aspiring poets will find: Accessible, easy-to-replicate examples and writing prompts A foreword that looks at the state of haiku today as the form continues to expand worldwide An introduction to related Japanese haiku forms such as tanka, haiga, renga, haibun, and senryu A listing of international journals and online resources Do you want to tell a story? Give haibun a try. Maybe you want to express a fleeting feeling? A tanka is the perfect vehicle. Are you more visual than verbal? Then a haiga, or illustrated haiku, is the ideal match. Finally, a renga is perfect as a group project or to create with friends, passing a poem around, adding line after line, and seeing what your group effort amounts to.Ross walks readers through the history and form of haiku, before laying out what sets each Japanese poetic form apart. Then it's time to turn to your notebook and start drafting some verse of your own!

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Book SynopsisWhether you are a beginner or an accomplished professional, whether your field is fiction, nonfiction or journalism, Sol Stein's Solutions for Writers is an indispensable guide to enhancing your work. In Stein's own words, 'This is not a book of theory': just practical, immediately useful solutions to help with every type of writing problem. From shaping an opening sentence that hooks the reader to the secret of successful revision, deft character development to pumping up pacing, Solutions for Writers contains a wealth of wisdom from one of publishing's most storied editors. Packed with ideas, examples of techniques in practice, and advice that shines a new light on craft, Sol Stein's writing guide is a timeless classic - a book for writers to mark up, dog-ear, and cherish.Trade ReviewThis book can jump-start anyone's creativity. Highly recommended for all writing collections * Library Journal *The best book on writing that I have read ... cannot fail to help every writer, no matter at what stage he finds himself -- Barnaby Conrad, New York Times bestselling author of MatadorOffers a banquet of savvy advice * Publishers Weekly *With Stein's assistance, you can grab your reader on page one and not let go until "The End"... [Stein] offers "usable solutions" for any writing problem you might encounter ... he challenges you to write the sentence you want the world to remember you by -- Jane Steinberg

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Book SynopsisThis book will help you plot like a pro, master the art of suspense like Poe, craft captivating dialogue like Twain and - most crucially - get your short stories published.How to Write Short Stories and Get Them Published is the essential guide to writing short fiction. It takes the aspiring writer from their initial idea through to potential outlets for publication and pitching proposals to publishers. Along the journey this guide considers the most important aspects of creative writing, such as character, plot, point of view, description and dialogue. All of these areas are illustrated with examples of classic fiction, and accompanied by exercises that will help every writer hone their natural skill and talent into the ability to craft compelling short stories.Trade ReviewDoes what it so clearly says on the tin . . . This 'how to' book is proof of [Lister's] skills and experience. . . A perfect addition to any writer's desk -- Matthew Tett * Writing in Education *

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'Like a best friend giving you essential advice. I can’t wait to give this to every writer I know.' - Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie.Why do stories matter? I tell stories to make sense of the world as I see it. The world I have lived and experienced, read about and heard about, and what I want it to be. I tell stories to make sense of myself.Nikesh Shukla, author, writing mentor and bestselling editor of The Good Immigrant, knows better than most the power that every unique voice has to create change. Whether it's a novel, personal essay, non-fiction work or short story – or even just the formless desire to write something – Your Story Matters will hone your skill and help you along the way.This book includes exercises and prompts that will develop your idea, no matter what genre you're writing in. It is practical, to the point and focused on letting you figure out what you want to write, how you want to write and why this is the best use of your voice. Accessible and thought-provoking, Your Story Matters will inspire you to keep thinking about writing, even when you don't have the time to put pen to paper.

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Book SynopsisConnect with all of the joys in your life in The Book of Things That Make Me Happy, full of journal space and fun prompts to help you appreciate the good stuff.

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Book SynopsisWhat makes a character interesting? How do you build a convincing character arc? Does every story have a hero? How many shades of villain are there? How does a writer bring their characters alive? In this timeless little book, teacher Amy Jones describes the secret techniques that writers use to create their characters, along with their archetypes, backstories, motivations, modes of dialogue, habits, hopes, fears, flaws, frustrations ... and eventual resolutions and redemptions.Trade ReviewWooden Books are: "Fascinating" FINANCIAL TIMES. "Beautiful" LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS. "Rich and Artful" THE LANCET. "Genuinely mind-expanding" FORTEAN TIMES. "Excellent" NEW SCIENTIST. "Stunning" NEW YORK TIMES. Small books, big ideas.

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Book SynopsisPublishing online can be a daunting prospect for any writer. This book equips aspiring writers with a range of practical skills and tactics for entering the online publishing world. It will guide readers on where and how to publish online, whether writing for magazines, journals, blogs, or podcasts. The textbook includes practical exercises for developing skills such as producing an e-book, creating an e-book marketing strategy, and building an online writer’s presence.It also features step-by-step guides, examples and checklists that help readers research and find appropriate sites to submit work to, and show how to take a completed manuscript through to publication. This textbook will appeal to students, freelance writers, creative writers, poets, novelists and anyone interested in publishing content online to promote and sell their work more effectively.Table of ContentsPART I: Publishing Online CHAPTER 1: Introduction to Publishing Online for Writers CHAPTER 2: Publishing Online - Getting Started CHAPTER 3: Publishing in Online Magazines CHAPTER 4: Publishing with Online Journals CHAPTER 5: Publishing via Blogs CHAPTER 6: Publishing a Podcast PART II: Publishing e-books CHAPTER 7: The e-book Publishing Process CHAPTER 8: Designing an e-book CHAPTER 9: Producing an e-book CHAPTER 10: Your e-book marketing strategy CHAPTER 11: Promoting your e-book PART III: Publishing Online - making it a success CHAPTER 12: An online writer's website CHAPTER 13: Managing Online Writing Projects CHAPTER 14: Long term success for a writer online

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Book Synopsis'Utterly fascinating' Daisy Goodwin, Sunday TimesBenjamin Franklin took daily naked air baths and Toulouse-Lautrec painted in brothels. Edith Sitwell worked in bed, and George Gershwin composed at the piano in pyjamas. Freud worked sixteen hours a day, but Gertrude Stein could never write for more than thirty minutes, and F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in gin-fuelled bursts - he believed alcohol was essential to his creative process. From Marx to Murakami and Beethoven to Bacon, Daily Rituals by Mason Currey presents the working routines of more than a hundred and sixty of the greatest philosophers, writers, composers and artists ever to have lived. Whether by amphetamines or alcohol, headstand or boxing, these people made time and got to work.Featuring photographs of writers and artists at work, and filled with fascinating insights on the mechanics of genius and entertaining stories of the personalities behind it, Daily Rituals is irresistibly addictive, and utterly inspiring.Trade ReviewI just can't recommend this book enough -- Lena DunhamA trove of entertaining anecdote and thought-provoking comparison -- Toby Lichtig * Daily Telegraph *A chance to see what great lives look like when the triumphs, dramas, disruptions and divorces have been all but boiled away. It will fascinate anyone who wonders how a day might best be spent, especially those who have wondered of their artistic heroes, as a baffled Colette once did of George Sand: how the devil did they manage? * Guardian *Utterly fascinating -- Daisy Goodwin * Sunday Times *Mason Currey has carefully compiled the daily habits and personal foibles of 161 great writers, artists, scientists and thinkers, including one who stood on his head to cure creative block. By the end of this book, our carpet-glue habit looks normal -- DBC Pierre * Guardian *A fascinating little book * Financial Times *An utterly fascinating compendium . . . This book is the ultimate retort to the flaneurs who dream about the novel/screenplay/painting they would create if only they had the time. Its message is that serious artists make the time, and most of them make it at the same time every day -- Daisy Goodwin * Sunday Times *A thoroughly researched, minutely annotated and delightful book, full of the quirks and oddities of thehuman comedy . . . Its main lesson can be summed up simply enough: get up, have a cup of coffee, sit at your desk and begin * Literary Review *Some of the world's greatest minds had routines they stuck to to produce their works of genius. In DailyRituals, Mason Currey reveals their more bizarre habits * Daily Mirror *Fascinating . . . it also interestingly reveals that there is no universal formula to greatness, so in essence, it's a celebration of individuality and quirkiness * Huffington Post *

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Book SynopsisI can tell the difference between who I am and a side effect.The Effect is a clinical romance. Two young volunteers, Tristan and Connie, agree to take part in a clinical drug trial. Succumbing to the gravitational pull of attraction and love, however, Tristan and Connie manage to throw the trial off-course, much to the frustration of the clinicians involved. This funny, moving and perhaps surprisingly human play explores questions of sanity, neurology and the limits of medicine, alongside ideas of fate, loyalty and the inevitability of physical attraction.Following on from the critical and commercial success of Enron, The Effect offers a vibrant theatrical exploration into the human brain via the heart. It received its world premiere at the National Theatre''s Cottesloe Theatre in November 2012, starring Billie Piper and Jonjo O''Neill. It is published here in the Modern Classics series alongside an introduction by Miriam Gillinson.Trade ReviewLucy Prebble is a playwright blessed with an exceptionally fine mind . . . the play struck me as being both wise and sane, raising more questions than it answers, to be sure, but that seems a sign of integrity in a work dealing with such a complex subject. But what makes The Effect so special, is that as well as being a play of ideas, it is also deeply moving, both in its depiction of the giddy wonder of love, and also in its account of the terrifying wasteland of depression itself . . . The Effect is an astonishingly rich and rewarding play, as intelligent as it is deeply felt. * Daily Telegraph *Lucy Prebble’s follow-up to Enron is a scintillating exploration of the clash between scientific advance and human impulse … it demonstrates the same vivid, provocative intelligence * Financial Times *This four-hander brings the author's agile wit, intellectual penetration and a fresh, deeply affecting empathy to bear on a fundamentally much more complex topic than finance: brain chemistry and what it can – and cannot – tell us about the causes of severe depression and the experience of being in love … This is a provocative and challenging play … it ends in edgy gesture of good sense that made me feel like cheering. * Independent *After her hit with Enron, Lucy Prebble turns to medicine and the mind - to great effect ... The Effect is a four-hander that hopscotches confidently across themes of neurology, psychopharmacology, depression, love and guilt . . . The Effect moves you to thought, sometimes to strong feeling. * Sunday Times *Prebble has written a profound and stirring play. The material is complex but always accessible, the drama serious and informative yet deeply human, with the odd jolt of piercing humour. The Effect confirms her as one of the most intelligent voices in British theatre. * Evening Standard *Incisive dialogue . . . Prebble really researches and the range of her subjects suggests she will have a long theatrical life * Observer *The Effect is a headlong delve into the mysteries of the human brain. And Prebble pulls it off with assurance, tickling our cerebellums in the first half, before tugging on our heartstrings in the second . . . heartbreaking . . . [it has] a heart as well as a brain. * Time Out *Lucy Prebble's absorbing drama, a hit . . . Taut, intelligent * The Times *This is a knotty drama, dealing with scientific objectivity, guilt, the mysteries of the human heart and brain and what makes us who we are, wrapped up in a deceptively simple and constantly entertaining package. * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisFEATURING BRAND NEW UPDATED CONTENT EXCLUSIVE TO THIS EDITION 'Inspiring' - Cathy Rentzenbrink'Fascinating' - Joe Moran'A very lovely book' - Kate MosseBestselling and award-winning authors share the secrets to their success, and the hard lessons they have learnt along the way.Where do the best ideas come from? How do you stay motivated? What does it take to become a published author? And how do you actually make money from your writing? For over five years the hosts of Always Take Notes podcast have posed their nosiest questions to some of the world's greatest writers. The result is a compendium of frank and frequently entertaining guidance for living a creative life. FEATURING Alexander McCall Smith, Anne Enright, Candice Carty-Williams, Christina Lamb, Colin Thubron, Colum McCann, David Mitchell, Elif Shafak, George Packer, Hadley Freeman, Hollie McNish, Ian McEwan, Ian Rankin,

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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 SynopsisFrom the birth of crime writing with Wilkie Collins and Dostoevsky, through Conan Doyle to the golden age of crime, with the rise of Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh and Margery Allingham, P. D. James brings a lifetime of reading and writing crime fiction to bear on this personal history of the genre. There are chapters on great American crime writers - the likes of Patricia Highsmith, Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammett. James also discusses many of her favourite famous detectives, from Sherlock Holmes to Philip Marlowe. P.D. James, the bestselling author of Death Comes to Pemberley, Children of Men and The Murder Room, presents a brief history of detective fiction and explores the literary techniques behind history''s best crime writing.

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Book SynopsisTHE ENDURING MYTH THAT MAKES US HUMANWhat makes a hero? Who better to answer that question than Lee ChildIt's Lee Child.Why would younotread it?' Karin SlaughterI don''t know another author soskilledat making me turn the page' The TimesIn his first work of nonfiction, the creator of the multimillion-selling Jack Reacher series explores the endurance of heroes from Achilles to Bond, showing us how this age-old myth is a fundamental part of what makes us human. He demonstrates how hero stories continue to shape our world arguing that we need them now more than ever.From the Stone Age to the Greek Tragedies, from Shakespeare to Robin Hood, we have always had our heroes. The hero is at the centre of formative myths in every culture and persists to this day in world-conquering books, films and TV shows. But why do these characters continue to inspire us, and why are they so central to storytelling?Scalpel-sharp on the roots of storytelling and enlightening on the history and science of mytTrade Review‘It’s Lee Child. Why would you not read it?’ Karin Slaughter ‘I don't know another author so skilled at making me turn the page’ The Times ‘It's said that a Jack Reacher novel is bought every four seconds somewhere in the world. He is to crime fiction what Clint Eastwood's 'man with no name' was to the western. Lee Child's genius has been to create a tough guy hero that men will envy and women will adore’ Daily Express

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Book SynopsisAn inspiring guide to the practices of contemporary experimental creative writing, this book explores experimentation within both traditional writing genres and ''post-genre'' modes such as hybrid texts, Non-creative writing, textual materiality, creative re-purposing, performance and new media technologies. Combining the practices, history, social context, and philosophical backgrounds of experimental work with a broad anthology of models in-book and online, Experimental Writing gives you the toolkit of techniques and skills to confidently engage with forms previously perceived as intimidating so that you can reinvigorate your craft. In addition, the book includes sections on new approaches to the workshop model, emphasis on community and collaboration, and institutional critique. These chapters will provide you with a big picture perspective and the motivation to question the templates you work within, giving you the where-with-all to shape your own ideals for writing, no m

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Book SynopsisUsing side-by-side pairings of first drafts and final versions, including full-page reproductions from the poets' personal notebooks, as well as an insightful essay on each poem's journey from start to finish, The Art of Revising Poetry tracks the creative process of twenty-one of the United States' most influential poets as they struggle over a single word, line break, or thought. This behind-the-scenes look into the creative minds of working poets, including African American, Latino, Asian American, and Native poets from across the US, is an essential resource for students practicing poetry, and for instructors looking to enliven the classroom with real world examples. Students learn first-hand from the deft revisions working poets make, while poetry teachers can show in detail how experienced poets self-edit, tinker, cut, rearrange, and craft a poem. The Art of Revising Poetry is a must-have for aspiring poets and poetry teachers at all levels.Trade ReviewThe Art of Revising Poetry is excellent, rigorous, useful, diverse, and entertaining by turns. Content and style are of the highest caliber. There is no question that this book is a compelling addition to anthologies of writing in contemporary US poetry and poetics, demystifying and diversifying ideas about the all-too-important process and method of revision. This is a wonderful companion and ally for engaged writers and readers in the academy and beyond. * Dr Heather Yeung, Lecturer in English Literature and Creative Writing, University of Dundee, UK *Table of ContentsPoet Biographies Introduction: Charles Finn & Kim Stafford. SECTION I: "I riffed, following the language where it led" Chapter 1: Bedtime Story, Joe Wilkins, Linfield University, USA. First Draft: "My Son Asks for the Story About When We Were Birds" Final Draft: "My Son Asks for the Story About When We Were Birds" Essay: Finding the Language, Finding Story: Revising "My Son Asks for the Story About When We Were Birds" Chapter 2: When Thought's Slope Steepens, Jane Hirshfield, Author and Poet. First Draft: "Counting, New Year's Morning, What Powers Yet Remain to Me" Final Draft: "Counting, This New Year's Morning, What Powers Yet Remain to Me" Essay: Stepladder, Vinegar, Persimmons: Revising "Counting, This New Year's Morning, What Powers Yet Remain to Me" Chapter 3: Increasing The Stakes, CMarie Fuhrman, Western Colorado University, USA. First Draft: "Land Acknowledgment, Valley County, Idaho" Final Draft: "Land Acknowledgment, Valley County, Idaho" Essay: Rhythm, Repetition, and the Drumbeat of Poetry: Revising "Land Acknowledgment, Valley County, Idaho" Chapter 4: Researching The Mystery, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Author and Poet. Passage from First Draft: "River Run" Passage from Third Draft: "River Run" Essay: What it Took to Get Here: Revising "River Run" Chapter 5: Creating a More Beautiful Story, Sean Prentiss, Norwich University, USA. Intermediated Draft: "The Constellations of Slate Belt, Pennsylvania" (with notes) Final Draft: "The Constellations of Slate Belt, Pennsylvania" Essay: Without Myths or Constellations: Revising "The Constellations of Slate Belt, Pennsylvania" Section II: "My first draft was a word tornado" Chapter 6: Inheritance, Frank X Walker, University of Kentucky, USA. First Draft: "InHerit" Final Draft: "InHerit" Essay: Revisions in Life and Poetry, Revising "InHerit" Chapter 7: A Matter of Inquiry, Rose McLarney, Auburn University, USA. First Draft: "The Collectors of Local Minerals Are Likelier to Find What They Seek" Final Draft: "The Collectors of Local Minerals Are Likelier to Find What They Seek" Essay: Identifying Gems: Revising "The Collectors of Local Minerals Are Likelier to Find What They Seek" Chapter 8: Gift From an Older Self, Naomi Shihab Nye, Texas State University, USA. Final Draft: "Tears, Appropriate" Essay: Gravity Changes: Revising "Tears, Appropriate" Chapter 9: A Poem's Truest Expression, Yona Harvey, University of Pittsburgh, USA. First Draft: "Hickory Street, New Orleans" Final Draft: "Hickory Street, New Orleans" Essay: True Expression as the Last Trolley Stop: Revising "Hickory Street, New Orleans" Chapter 10: An Inward Dissection, Terry Tempest Williams, Harvard Divinity School, USA. Original Prose Paragraph: "When Women Were Birds" Revision Into Poetry: "When Women Were Birds" Essay: Once Upon A Time: Revising "When Women Were Birds" SECTION III: "It felt clunky, false, but I knew I was close" Chapter 11: To See Again, Paulann Petersen, Stanford University, USA. Intermediate Draft: "A Furrier's Grandchild" Final Draft: "A Furrier's Grandchild" Essay: I Hear the Poem Speak For Itself: Revising "A Furrier's Grandchild" Chapter 12: Radiant Associations, Philip Metres, John Carroll University, USA. First Draft: "Ashberries: Letters" Final Draft: "Ashberries: Letters" Essay: Letters I Must Wait to Open: Revising "Ashberries: Letters" Chapter 13: An Act of Faith, Abayomi Animashaun, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USA. First Draft: "Exodus" Final Draft: "Exodus" Essay: Discipline and Unknowing: Revising "Exodus" Chapter 14: Removing Details, Tami Haaland, Montana State University Billings, USA. First Draft: "Deer on Crazy Creek" Final Draft "Deer on Crazy Creek" Essay: Making the Local Exact: Revising "Deer on Crazy Creek" Chapter 15: Forging Something New, Charles Finn, Author and Poet. First Draft: "Memory's Anvil" Final Draft: "Memory's Anvil" Essay: The Winch of Imagination: Revising "Memory's Anvil" Chapter 16: Maintaining Fidelity, Shin Yu Pai, Author and Poet. First Draft: "Empty Zendo" Final Draft: "Empty Zendo" Essay: Emptying the Zendo: Revising "Empty Zendo" SECTION IV: "I asked my dreams." Chapter 17: What's at Stake, Kim Stafford, Lewis & Clark College, USA. Final Draft: "Lost in Snow" Essay: Getting More Intimate with Pain: Revising "Lost in Snow" Chapter 18: Zeroing in on Intent, Prageeta Sharma, Pomona College, USA. First Draft: "The Witness" Final Draft: "The Witness" Essay: The Poem's Psychic Center: Revising "The Witness" Chapter 19: In Thick Darkness we Listen, Shann Ray, Gonzaga University, USA. First Draft: "God of my abandonment" Final Draft: "God of my abandonment" Essay: Obscuring a Formidable Power: Revising "God of my abandonment" Chapter 20: The Serpentine Path, Todd Davis, Pennsylvania State University, USA. First Draft: "Tributary" Final Draft: "Tributary" Essay: Following a Tributary to Find a Poem: Revising "Tributary" Chapter 21: Dreaming Poetry, Beth Piatote, University of California, Berkeley, USA. First Draft: "Because our Roots are in Rivers, Not Latin" Final Draft: "Because our Roots are in Rivers, Not Latin" Essay: How Not to Write A Sonnet: Revising "Because our Roots are in Rivers, Not Latin" Index

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Book SynopsisLEARN HOW TO WRITE AND PERFORM STAND UP COMEDY.A new edition of Be A Great Stand-Up, now fully revised and updated with new material on setting up and running a comedy night and mining almost any subject for jokes.Logan Murray has successfully taught the techniques of stand-up comedy to thousands, and in this book he distills his years of experience into the essential skills for a great and enjoyable performance. He will help you find your creative streak and your funny side, build the confidence to deliver, and explain the finer details of stagecraft, from dealing with hecklers to coping with props. There is a full guide to the practicalities, from finding gigs to securing an agent, with plenty of valuable hints, tips and advice. Drawing on Logan''s years of teaching and his own successful stand-up career, with top tips from some of the most well-known people in the business, it is guaranteed to bring a smile to both your face and that of your future audience

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Book SynopsisNothing is unreal as long as you can imagine like a crow. --Munia KhanConventional wisdom says that a crow can not be tamed. These intelligent creatures are often understood as harbingers of doubt and uncertainty, whose high nesting grant them an unusually elevated perspective. For the writer, the crows of doubt circle over every project. This book shows they can be tamed. Writing is a magical hobby and form of expression but getting words on the page is not the same as finalizing material which you are happy to send out and share. This book is a complete toolkit which will help you to tame doubts and insecurities and engage with your internal critic in order to assert control over your manuscript and elevate your writing.Written by the team behind one of the world''s most successful literary consultancies, Taming the Crows will show you how to master the art of self-editing--perhaps the least understood but

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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 SynopsisWriting for yourself is a wonderful way to explore personal creativity – each of these 100 prompts will enhance your skill and confidence and get you closer to being the writer you want to become.Write Now is a brilliantly accessible book that demystifies the process and will help you see new ways to put pen to paper and discover your own unique writing style. Divided into 12 sections that range across voice, narrative, plot, structure, point of view, characterisation, dialogue, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, prose and memoir, Harriet Griffey shows you how to let go of any inhibitions, overcome writer's block and expand your writing potential. Featuring creative writing tasks to develop ideas and skills, quick and simple word play tasks, as well as practical exercises, Write Now is an exciting way to unleash your inner wordsmith, kick-start your imagination and get you writing.

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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 SynopsisExplore what makes you unique and brilliant in The Great Big Book of Amazing Me, full of journal space and prompts to help you feel self-love and see how truly amazing you are!

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Book SynopsisThe authoritative, practical guide to screenwriting, laying out everything you need to be a successful screenwriter for film and television. Written by one of the UK's leading script editors, consultants and producers.

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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 SynopsisHow to be a Poet is the brainchild of poet Jo Bell and editor Jane Commane. As a natural follow-on to the 52 Project of 2014, this book aims to help poets taking the next step in developing, working and participating in the wider creative community as a writer.How to be a Poet combines practical advice and topical mini-essays that examine both the technical and creative dimensions of being a poet. It’s a no-nonsense manual where we’ve replaced the spanners with lots of ink, elbow grease and edits. At each step, we ask plenty of questions: what makes a poem tick over perfectly, how do we get it started when it stalls, and which warning lights should you never ignore?

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Book SynopsisA unique collection of interviews with contemporary poets at the height of their craft. How does a subconscious thought become an award-winning poem? Journalist, Rosanna McGlone, speaks to some of the country's leading poets to find out. Don Paterson, Sean O'Brien, Gillian Clarke, and many more, explore the development of a single poem from rough notes to a final version to provide invaluable insights for writers and poetry enthusiasts alike.Trade Review* "The Process of Poetry is a fantastic idea. Beautifully executed, this book will prove invaluable to poets, creative writing students, and anyone interested in the creative process." - Malika Booker

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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 SynopsisTrade Review(I)ntriguingly eclectic. It is fascinating to see this formidable, malleable intellect applied to such a wide range of topics, and with more spontaneity than is evident in most of Barthes' publications. The Prague Post The Prague Post The Preparation of the Novel will generate some jouissance indeed. -- Spencer Dew Rain Taxi The reader is afforded a genuine look behind the enigmatic curtain of Barthes' writings; here the physical, spacial, vocal Roland Barthes is arrested - captured - for all to experience. -- Nicholas P. Greco, Providence University College, Otterburne Philosophy In Review

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Book SynopsisLearn the craft of effective storytelling with the Writers'' & Artists'' Guide to How to Write. Novelist William Ryan introduces the techniques needed to construct, craft and draft a novel. He provides tried-and-tested examples and details on what to consider when writing for any audience, across any genre. Each chapter tackles a key aspect of the writing process, including how to: structure a novel, develop central and subsidiary characters, create atmosphere and tension, write punchy dialogue and pacey scenes. This is the perfect guide for any writer looking for clear and informed advice on getting their ideas on to the page from the bestselling and trusted creative writing brand.Trade ReviewFor anyone who's ever had a hankering to write a novel, William Ryan has brought you the perfect guide. Including key advice on aspects of the writing process, developing characters and even how to write a great covering letter once you've finished, this special tome has it all covered. * Woman’s Own magazine *Table of ContentsThe book is divided into nine chapters, each of which tackles a key aspect of the writing process: 1. Getting started 2. The basics 3. Research, atmosphere and setting 4. Central characters 5. Subsidiary characters 6. Plot 7. Writing scenes 8. Dialogue 9. You've finished your novel: what do you do now?

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Book SynopsisElizabeth George is one of the most successful writers of crime fiction in the world. Her twelve novels have appeared on bestseller lists in the UK, USA and Australia, and several of them have been dramatised by BBC Television as the Inspector Lynley Mysteries. She has also written a collection of short stories and edited a crime anthology.Now she shares this wealth of experience with would-be novelists, and with crime fiction fans. Drawing extensively on her own work, and that of other bestselling writers including Stephen King, Harper Lee, Dennis Lehane and many others, she illustrates her points about plotting, characterisation and technique with great clarity. She also includes extracts from her own Journals - the diaries she keeps as she writes each of her novels - and these give us an unprecedented insight into the creative mind, with all its highs and lows.Trade ReviewAn impressively thorough and down-to-earth guide . . . a perfect DIY guide for the determined new novelist . . . deserves to be in print for many years to come. * Terence Blacker, Sunday Times *Indispensable * Mariella Frostrup *'It all adds up to a hugely instructive and practical book' * Writing Magazine *

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Book Synopsis''You are a writer. Your act of power is the book or the story that you are creating. It is now time for you to bloom'' In WRITING SPIRIT, Lynn Andrews discusses her own path to becoming a writer, complete with all the struggles she has faced along the way. By giving examples from her life and examining specific pieces of her own work, she explores the process of writing from beginning to end and imparts her knowledge to novice and experienced writers alike. WRITING SPIRIT addresses particular issues such as: Why are you writing?Who are you writing for?How can you be true to yourself as an artist?What are some of the causes of and solutions to writer''s block? Not straying from her spiritual roots, Andrews explains how being true to your spirit is the key to fulfilment in your work. She leads us on a journey to finding the truth within ourselves and teaches us what it really means to be a writer.

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Book SynopsisAdvanced Creative Nonfiction: A Writers' Guide and Anthology offers expert instruction on writing creative nonfiction in any formincluding memoir, lyric essay, travel writing, and morewhile taking an expansive approach to fit a rapidly evolving literary art form. From a history of creative nonfiction, related ethical concerns, and new approaches to revision and publishing, this book offers innovative strategies and ideas beyond what's traditionally covered. Advanced Creative Nonfiction: A Writers' Guide and Anthology also includes: An anthology of contemporary creative nonfiction by some of today's most inventive and celebrated writers Advanced explorations into the craft of creative nonfiction across forms In-depth discussion of truth, ethics, and memory Practical advice on revision, editing, research, and publishing Writing prompts and exercises throughout the textbook A companion website is also available for the book at http://www.blooTrade ReviewAdvanced Creative Nonfiction: A Writer’s Guide and Anthology sets a new standard for teaching creative nonfiction by covering a wide range of craft topics, explicating old and emergent forms, and including a unique anthology ... Each chapter reads as an engaging lecture, a lesson on how to process, and more importantly, how to be a human who writes. * Technical Communication *I’ve searched long and hard for a creative nonfiction text that not only reflects the traditions of nonfiction but likewise its myriad and protean forms. At last, I have it in this smart and clear-headed look at a genre that prizes uncertainty and seeking. Prentiss and Nelson undo traditional and unhelpful definitions of the forms and argue for a more malleable approach, eschewing the narrow rut of truth versus fiction. The vignettes that introduce each chapter are themselves lovely reflections that marry form and experience by these two talented writers. The choices for the anthology reflect the breadth, diversity, and brilliance of many of the most inventive and exciting writers of creative nonfiction today. And as guides, Nelson and Prentiss prove themselves to be the most trustworthy of pathfinders through a heretofore confusing landscape in a practice that is still trying to define itself. I expect this will be my teaching text of choice for years to come. * Robin Hemley, Author of Borderline Citizen: Dispatches from the Outskirts of Nationhood, Founder of NonfictioNOW and Co-editor and founder, Speculative Nonfiction *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part 1: Foundations 1. The History of Creative Nonfiction 2. Veracity and Genre 3. Forms and Modes of Creative Nonfiction 4. Interplay of Genres, Forms, and Modes 5. Elements of Creative Nonfiction Part 2: Evolutions 6. The Central Question 7. Image and Metaphor 8. Exploding Scene 9. Chronology 10. Dialectical Movement 11. Setting As Character 12. Writer, Narrator, Character 13. Lenses 14. Reflection, Introspection, and Speculation 15. Beginnings and Endings 16. Music of Prose Part 3: Integrities 17. Truth, Fact, and Memory 18. Authority and Credibility Part 4: Renovations 19. Workshops, Peer Reviews, and Writing Groups 20. Revision 21. Publishing Part 5: Anthology 1. Austin Bunn, “Basement Story” 2. Amy Butcher, “Women These Days” 3. Seo-Young Chu, “A Refuge for Jae-in Doe: Fugues in the Key of English Major” 4. Melissa Febos, “Leave Marks” 5. Kathy Fish, “Collective Nouns for Humans in the Wild” 6. Harrison Candelaria Fletcher, “Open Season” 7. Ross Gay, “Loitering” 8. Och Gonzalez, “What I Do on My Terrace is None of Your Business” 9. Peter Grandbois, “Loyalty” 10. Major Jackson, “Mighty Pawns” 11. Sarah Minor, “A Log Cabin Square” 12. Jessica Hendry Nelson, “When You Were a Boy in Maine” 13. Sean Prentiss, “Buying a House” 14. Jonathan Rovner, “The Funambulists” 15. Vijay Seshadri, “Memoir” 16. Vivek Shraya, “Trisha” 17. Margot Singer, “Call it Rape” 18. Ira Sukrungruang, “Invisible Partners” 19. Jill Talbot, “The Professor of Longing” 20. Abigail Thomas, “Nostalgia” 21. Ryan Van Meter, “First” 22. Elissa Washuta, “Incompressible Flow” 23. Christian Wiman, “The Limit” 24. Brooke Juliet Wonders, “Self Erasure” 25. Xu Xi, “Godspeed” 26. Kristen Millares Young, “A Few Thoughts While Shaving” Index

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Book SynopsisStories are everywhere...Exploring the great plots from Plato to The Matrix and from Tolstoy to Toy Story, this is a book for anyone who wants to unlock any narrative and learn to create their own. With startling and original insights into how we construct stories, this is a creative writing book like no other. It will show you how to read and write better.Trade ReviewThomas has the mesmerising power of a great storyteller. * * Financial Times * *Ingenious and original . . . A cracking good yarn, fizzing with intelligence. * * Philip Pullman on THE END OF MR Y * *This book might just change your life. * * Independent on Sunday, on PopCo * *A sprawling ode to curiosity and the life of the mind. * * Daily Telegraph, on The End of Mr Y * *Whether you want to write or not, Monkeys with Typewriters is the kind of book that renews your enthusiasm for reading in general, a book that believes - and encourages its readers to believe - that great fiction matters * * Follow the Thread * *Thomas. . . eschews the self-flagellating ethic of some courses by preaching tolerance for fancy prose style, and exhorts her readers to be ambitious and "ask important questions" with their fiction, an admirable stand -- Leo Benedictus * * Observer * *

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Book SynopsisProvides an entertaining blueprint to all the elements of characterization - from initial inspiration to realization - with special insights into the power of secrets and contradictions, the embodiment of roles, managing the "tyranny of motive," and mastering crucial techniques required for memorable dialogue and unforgettable scenes.Trade ReviewPraise for The Art of Character"David Corbett has written a wise, inspiring love letter to all the imaginary creatures inside our minds—so we might conjure them whole on the page. I predict that massively underscored copies of The Art of Character will rest close at hand on writers’ desks for many years to come."—Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and Torch“David Corbett has combined his unique talents as a gifted writer and an extraordinary teacher to create a superb resource on character development. Deftly crafted and impeccably researched, The Art of Character is a thoughtful and insightful book that is immensely readable and practical. Suitable for beginners to best-selling authors, The Art of Character should be on every serious writer's shelf next to Strunk and White's The Elements of Style, Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, and Stephen King's On Writing. Highly recommended.”—Sheldon Siegel, New York Times Best Selling Author of Perfect Alibi and Incriminating Evidence“I once made the mistake of writing a story with David Corbett. The man smoked me. He can delineate the character and personality of an accordion on three strokes. I didn't even know accordions had character. Imagine what he can do with people. This act of generosity and wisdom from a very good writer will help anyone who is staring at a blank page, any day, any time. Highly recommended.”—Luis Alberto Urrea, author of Queen of America and The Hummingbird’s Daughter“Corbett’s The Art of Character is no "how to" book or "writing by numbers" manual. It is an artful testament to the writers’ credo – that a story is only as affecting and meaningful as the characters who tell it – that writing, essentially, is character. The Art of Character is a writer’s bible that will lead to your character’s soul. Corbett writes with the grace and authority of a seasoned professional, but offers much more than the usual inventory of method and strategy. With clarity and compassion, he gets to the very thing that lies deep within us, that longing we share to discover that one distinct and authentic voice. The Art of Character is itself a work of art, an indispensable resource for writers of any genre, and a pedagogical tool for teachers of writing at any level.”—Elizabeth Brundage, author of A Stranger Like You and The Doctor’s Wife."Well-delivered character development - an issue that can so easily intimidate a writer - is crucial to the richness of the narrative, because characters are not simply at the heart of the story - they are the story. David Corbett's The Art of Character offers a deep inquiry into the creation of character for the novice writer, with valuable nuggets of wisdom for the seasoned storyteller. If you are a writer, it should be on your desk."—Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times Bestselling Author of Elegy for Eddie and Maisie Dobbs"Corbett shares his secrets for making characters come to life on the page, from presenting their back stories and motivations to crafting memorable dialogue and great scenes that flesh out characters and move the plot forward at a compelling, tension-fueled pace. Corbett has a clear and elegant style that’s easy for would-be writers to absorb..”—The Writer Magazine, selected as one of the Top 13 Writing Guides of 2013 “Both inspiring and practical, The Art of Character belongs on every writer’s shelf. David Corbett brilliantly illustrates those elusive tools writers need to breathe life into their characters with greater confidence and deeper insight.”—Cara Black, bestselling author of Murder at the Lanterne Rouge"David Corbett's The Art of Character belongs on every writer's shelf beside Elizabeth George's Write Away and Stephen King's On Writing. An invaluable resource for both the novice and the experienced novelist, it's as much fun to read as a great novel."—Deborah Crombie, author of No Mark Upon Her"David Corbett is a guy who knows his business. Reading this book, I learned things I didn't know and was reminded of ones I did. I recommend The Art of Character to every writer, at any level."—S. J. Rozan, award-winning author of Ghost Hero“Indispensable. Few are the writer’s guides that are written as beautifully, cogently, and intelligently as a well-wrought novel (or a well-rendered character) itself. This is one of those books.”—Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-Winning author of The End of Everything and Dare Me "The topic of character development begins and ends with David Corbett’s The Art of Character. This is the book on the subject, destined to stand among the writings of John Gardner, Joseph Campbell, and the others of that select few whose work is fundamental to understanding the craft of storytelling."—Craig Clevenger, author of The Contortionist’s Handbook"It is rare to find the deep philosophical questions of literature (and life) met with such straight-forward and inspiring instruction. But David Corbett is that writer, and The Art of Character is that book."—Robert Mailer Anderson, author Boonville “David Corbett, himself a master crafter of riveting and remarkable narratives, delivers up in this highly readable guide, a smorgasbord of smart examples of memorable characters from literature and popular culture, to create an addictive and helpful primer on this most central of narrative ingredients. Clear-headed and confident, Corbett takes us through the steps in a manner that resists formula while at the same time demystifying a process that has likely daunted every writer since Homer.”—Robin Hemley, author of Turning Life into Fiction “This fine book is about as thorough an examination of character and what it means in all sorts of imaginative writing as you're likely to find anywhere. A terrific starting place for those who wish to sharpen or enhance their skill at making sharp, believable, meaningful characters, it also has practical uses that go far beyond the ordinary creative writing text. This is an exploration of the phenomenon of character -- in as wide a variety of fiction and drama as there is. It will help any writer create and sustain human beings who make you forget you're reading, who are alive, who are worthy of our attention and sympathy.”—Robert Bausch, author of Out of Season “Writers—pay attention! The Art of Character is a tremendously useful and important book. David Corbett delivers in-depth analysis and practical wisdom on every page.”—Sam Barry, author of Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now “Character is the beating heart of fiction and with The Art of Character novelist David Corbett has written a clear, in-depth, and highly entertaining exploration of how to create remarkable characters. This an essential guide to students of the writer’s craft at all levels.”—Mark Haskell Smith, author of Baked

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