Creative writing Books

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Book SynopsisFrom writing poems to writing birthday cards, and from the garrett to the classroom, the New Oxford Rhyming Dictionary has what every writer (or budding writer) needs. It contains rhymes for over 45,000 words, including proper names, place names, and foreign terms used in English. The organization and layout are remarkably clear, making it easy to find the rhymes you''re looking for. Words are grouped clearly by sound and there is also a complete A-Z index to help you quickly navigate to the relevant section. In-text notes offer tips on using rhymes effectively, make suggestions for expanding the rhyming lists included in the book, and give examples of how poets past and present have used rhyme. The fascinating introduction by Professor John Lennard offers a brief outline of rhyming in its literary and historical contexts, and gives further advice on creative writing. This new edition includes over 200 words added to the Oxford Dictionary of English since the publication of the last edition, including iPod, Americano, and vuvuzela. The New Oxford Rhyming Dictionary is a must-have tool for poets, lyricists, and writers of all kinds, as well as a delight for everyone who likes to play with words.Trade Reviewthis is a well-researched and comprehensive reference work, but something more besides; there is a remarkable textual richness here which can offer new, original and unexpected insights to the diligent researcher. * Refer *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; DICTIONARY; INDEX

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Book SynopsisAn accessible, contemporary guide to the art of dramatic writingDuring the ten years that Stuart Spencer has taught playwriting, he has struggled to find an effective playwriting handbook for his courses. Although most of the currently popular handbooks have good ideas in them, they all suffer from the same problems: they''re poorly organized; are composed mostly of quirky, idiosyncratic advice on how specific playwrights have gone about writing their own work; and are full of abstract theorizing on the nature of art. As a result, they fail to offer any concrete information on how to construct a well-written play or any useful guidelines and exercises. Moreover, few of these books are actually written by working playwrights. Out of frustration, Spencer wrote his own book. The result, The Playwright''s Guidebook, is a clear, concise, and engaging handbook. Spencer addresses the important principles of structure, includes insightful writing exercises that build u

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Book SynopsisThe Creative Writing Compass presents a dynamic navigational instrument for creative writers and those learning to be creative writers, providing a method for developing and advancing knowledge of creative writing. Award-winning novelist Graeme Harper explores the many fluid interactions of the imagination and the physical acts of writing. He includes observations and approaches that can be personalized to assist with writing decisions. This distinctive guide to the practice of creative writing and to its critical understanding is based in the actions of creation and in each individual writer's responses to those actions. The compass' refers to the range of outcomes produced in creative writing from finished works to the experiences creative writers have while writing as well as to the range of forces, influences, and meanings that any writer is likely to encounter along the way. The Creative Writing Compass is a guide to the consideration, progressio

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Book SynopsisGuiding readers through the unique challenges and choices presented by digital publication, this book provides a practical set of tools to help students, creatives, and content professionals craft emotionally engaging nonfiction stories for online readers and listeners.From considering what story to tell, to bringing narratives to life in practice, Anna Faherty explains what gives stories their unique power and demonstrates how to successfully combine techniques from short-stories and screenwriting with journalistic practices like fact checking and verification. Examples from corporate websites, personal blogs, podcasts, and social media set out how to attract and involve readers and listeners, and how to prompt them to take action. Readers will come away with a straightforward framework for planning and crafting storytelling projects and an understanding of text and script development, copyright, and editing. Each chapter includes summaries of key principles and practical wrTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsAbout this bookPart 1: Understanding audiences and storiesChapter 1: Understanding online readers and listenersChapter 2: How we respond to stories: The Story FunnelChapter 3: Six essential story ingredientsPart 2: Developing online and audio storiesChapter 4: Storytelling with purposeChapter 5: Constructing your storyChapter 6: Telling your storyChapter 7: Writing for listenersChapter 8: Reviewing, editing, and publishing your storyIndex

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Beyond the Book 3 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: the Abcs of Writing for Children 5 Chapter 1: Exploring the Basics of Writing Children’s Books 7 Knowing Your Format, Genre, and Audience 8 Getting into a Good Writing Zone 8 Transforming Yourself into a Storyteller 9 Polishing Your Gem and Getting It Ready to Send 10 Selling Your Story 11 Promoting Your Book 11 Improving Your Chances of Getting Published 12 Chapter 2: Delving into Children’s Book Formats 15 Dissecting the Anatomy of a Book 16 Grouping Types of Children’s Books 17 Illustrated Books for All Ages 18 Baby-friendly board books 19 Picture books for toddlers 20 Other books that have pictures 24 Working through Wordy Books 30 Early readers 30 First chapter books 32 Middle-grade books 34 Young adult books 36 Chapter 3: Exploring the Genres 39 Going Out of This World 40 Science fiction 40 Fantasy 40 Graphic novels and manga 42 Horror and ghost stories 42 Getting in on the Action (and History) 43 Action/adventure 43 True stories 44 Historical fiction 45 Mysteries 46 Writing About Real People 48 Biography/memoir 48 Lgbtqia 49 Gender-oriented series books 51 Friendship 53 School issues 54 Developmental milestones and first experiences 55 Prose poetry 56 Romance 57 Giving Stories a Message 57 Learning/educational 57 Religion 60 Aspirational and inspirational 60 Diversity 61 Family issues 62 Pets and animals 63 Cultural issues 64 Addiction, abuse, and mental illness 65 Keeping Them Laughing with Humor 67 Quirky characters 67 Parody, satire, and jokes 67 Slapstick and gross 68 Dark humor 68 Wordplay 68 Chapter 4: Understanding the Children’s Book Market 71 Getting Insight into Book Buyers’ Needs 74 For chain and big-box bookstores 74 For independent bookstores 76 Recognizing What Reviewers Offer 78 Discovering What Librarians Add to the Mix 79 Taking a Look at How Teachers Use Books in Their Classrooms 84 Considering Parents’ Perspectives 86 Thinking Like a Kid 86 Going after what kids like — regardless of Mom and Dad 87 Knowing what kids don’t like 88 Part 2: Immersing Yourself in The Writing Process 89 Chapter 5: Setting Up for Success: Finding the Time and Space to Write 91 Finding Time to Write 92 Figuring out when you’re most productive 92 Sticking to a writing schedule 93 Evaluating your commitment 93 Optimizing Your Writing Environment 94 Locating your special writing spot 94 Keeping helpful references handy 95 Cutting down on clutter and getting organized 96 Preventing and dealing with interruptions 98 Chapter 6: Starting with a Great Idea 101 Once Upon a Time: Coming Up with an Idea 101 Relying on specific ideas rather than big ones 102 Tapping into your own experiences 103 Digging through childhood mementos 105 Drawing from other children’s experiences 106 Pulling ideas from the world around you 106 Stumped? Break through with Brainstorming 107 Doing it all by yourself 108 Giving free association a whirl 109 Taking up journaling 109 Buddying up to the buddy system 111 Asking the advice of classmates and writing professionals 112 Seeking help from your audience 113 Going to the source 115 Checking the “best of” book lists 116 Fighting Writer’s Block 117 Chapter 7: Researching Your Audience and Subject 119 Hanging Out with Kids 120 Going back to school 120 Becoming a storyteller 122 Borrowing a friend’s child for a day 125 Dipping into Popular Culture 127 Watching kids’ TV shows and movies 127 Playing kid-focused digital games 128 Reading parenting and family magazines and blogs 129 Perusing pop culture magazines and blogs 130 Surfing the web 130 Browsing bookstores 131 Visiting children’s stores online or in person 132 Studying kids’ fashion trends 133 Eavesdropping where kids hang out 133 Researching Your Nonfiction Topic 134 Outlining the research process 134 Getting around locally 136 Going far afield 136 Visiting the web — a lot 137 Part 3: Creating a Spellbinding Story 139 Chapter 8: Creating Compelling Characters 141 The Secret Formula for an Exceptional Main Character 142 Defining your main character’s driving desire 142 Show, don’t tell: Fleshing out your main character 143 Getting to Know Your Characters through Dialogue 144 Compiling a Character Bible 147 Surveying a sample character bible 148 Creating consistency 150 Writing Stories with Two or More Main Characters 151 Choosing Supporting Characters 152 Calling All Character Arcs 154 Character Don’ts — and How to Avoid Them 157 Steer clear of stereotypes 157 Don’t tell us everything 158 Toss out passivity and indefinites 160 Don’t rely on backstory or flashbacks 161 Developing Characters through Writing Exercises 162 Describe your first best friend 162 Borrow your favorite children’s book characters 163 Revisit a painful or joyful experience from your childhood 163 Chapter 9: The Plot Thickens: Conflict, Climax, and Resolution 165 Plot: It’s All about Action 166 Centering on the Story 167 Giving Your Story a Beginning, Middle, and End 168 Propelling Your Story with Drama and Pacing 168 Drama: A reason to turn the page 169 Pacing: How you keep the pages turning 169 Outlining to Structure Your Plot 170 Creating a step sheet 171 Fleshing out your outline 172 Knowing when to circumvent an outline 175 Preventing Plot Problems 176 Writing Your First Draft 176 Chapter 10: Can We Talk? Writing Effective Dialogue 179 The Fundamentals of Good Dialogue 180 Dialogue has a function 180 Dialogue has drama 182 Listening to Real-World Dialogue 184 How kids talk 184 How grown-ups talk 185 Adding a Speech Section to Your Character Bible 186 Testing! Testing! Reading Dialogue Out Loud 187 Avoiding Common Dialogue Mistakes 188 Failing to have conflict or tension 188 Repeating information: Showing versus telling 189 Describing dialogue 189 Using too many speaker references and attributions 190 Creating heavy-handed and unrealistic dialogue 191 Filling space with unnecessary dialogue 191 Improving Dialogue by Using Writing Exercises 192 Talking on paper 193 Introducing your first best friend to the love of your life 193 Chapter 11: Setting the Scene 195 Giving Context to Your Story and Its Characters with Scenery 195 Creating a Context Bible 196 Knowing When to Include Scenery and Context 197 When place figures prominently 198 When place plays an important role 199 When description of place doesn’t interrupt flow of action 200 When you must mention an exotic locale 200 When you mention a specific place at the beginning 201 When you use place to transition to a new scene 201 Providing the Right Amount of Setting 202 Engaging Your Readers’ Senses 203 Knowing When Not to Make a Scene 204 Exercising Your Nose through Smellography 204 Chapter 12: Finding Your Voice: Point of View and Tone 207 Building a Solid Point of View 208 Reviewing POV options 208 Picking your POV 209 Matching tense with POV 211 Having Fun with Words through Wordplay, Rhyming, and Rhythm 212 Engaging in wordplay 212 Taking different approaches to rhyming 214 Keeping your story moving with rhythm 215 Using Humor to Your Advantage 216 Figuring out what kids consider funny 217 Turning to the outrageous and the gross 220 The Mojo of Good Writing: Exploring Voice, Style, and Tone 221 Finding your story’s voice 222 Writing with style 223 Taking the right tone 223 Knowing When You Need a Voice Makeover 224 Helping Your Voice Emerge by Playing Pretend 225 Pretend to be someone (or something) else 225 Chapter 13: Writing Creative Nonfiction Books 227 The Nonfiction Children’s Book World at a Glance 228 Writing Toward a Nonfiction Masterpiece 229 Choosing a Great Nonfiction Topic 231 Looking at topics that get kids’ attention 232 Finding topics that interest you 233 Branching out into the real world 233 Testing Your Topic 235 Outlining Your Creative Nonfiction 236 Starting simple 236 Fleshing out your ideas 237 Enhancing your outline by using visual aids 238 Common Creative Nonfiction Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) 239 Writing Exercises for Creative Nonfiction 240 Pretend you’re a newspaper reporter 240 Create a funny five-step procedure to wash a dog 241 More short exercises to get you writing 241 Part 4: Making Your Story Sparkle 245 Chapter 14: Editing, Revising, and Formatting Your Way to a Happy Ending 247 Your Revising Checklist: Getting Major Story Elements in Order 248 Theme 249 Characters 249 Plot 250 Pacing and drama 251 Setting and context 252 Point of view 252 Fine-Tuning Your Text: Editing Important Areas 253 Strengthening your opening 254 Keeping your dialogue tight and on target 254 Transitioning effectively 255 Trimming wordiness 256 Keeping your chronologies in order 257 Formatting Basics: First Impressions Matter 257 Including the proper information on the first page 258 Following other children’s book formatting conventions 258 Not to Put Too Fine a Point on It: Checking Basic Grammar and Style 261 Punctuation 261 Style 262 Miscellaneous 263 Hiring Help: Working with an Editor or Editorial Service 265 Finding a good editor or editorial service 266 Asking the right questions 268 Digital versus hard-copy editing 269 Chapter 15: Creating Pictures from Your Words: The World of Illustrations 271 To Illustrate or Not to Illustrate 272 Recognizing Why You Shouldn’t Hire an Illustrator 272 Following the Hand-Drawn Illustration Process with Artist Tim Bowers 274 Starting with black-and-white pencil sketches 275 Moving on to finished pencils 276 Creating color art 276 Capturing the right cover image 277 Exploring the Digital Art Process with Author/Illustrator Barney Saltzberg 279 Interior art 280 Cover art 281 Getting Your Art Seen by the Right Folks 283 Considering some solid options 283 Preparing a book dummy 285 Handling Art When You’re Self-Publishing (and Not an Artist) 286 Chapter 16: Finding and Incorporating Feedback 291 Deciding When to Seek Feedback 292 Getting Help from Friends and Relatives (or Not) 294 Delving into the pros and cons of friendly advice 295 Having a friend in the business 295 Calling on Topic Experts: Beta and Sensitivity Readers 296 Attending Conferences or Retreats 297 Exploring the conference scene 297 Getting away with retreats 300 Participating in a Workshop 301 Working with a Writing (or Illustrating) Group 302 Finding the right group 302 Starting your own group 304 Sifting through the feedback you receive 305 What Feedback Should You Expect During the Publishing Process? 309 Part 5: Getting Published and Promoting Your Book 311 Chapter 17: The Traditional Route: Signing with an Agent or Publisher 313 Identifying the Right Publisher 314 Gathering information from the marketplace 314 Perusing writer’s guides and directories 316 Drafting Query Letters and Proposals 316 Perfecting the query letter 317 Drafting a great book proposal 320 Joining Forces: Working with an Agent 322 Finding and approaching your ideal agent 322 Managing multiple agent submissions 323 Understanding typical agency agreements 324 Terminating your agency relationship 327 Copyright: Protecting Your Work 329 Success! Reviewing Your Publishing Contract 330 Surveying the two types of publishing agreements 330 Getting what you want in the contract 331 Dealing with Rejection 334 Chapter 18: Considering Hybrid Publishing 339 The Good and the Bad about Hybrid Publishing 340 The good about hybrid publishing 340 The bad about hybrid publishers 341 Vanity presses: Don’t say we didn’t warn you 342 Identifying the Right Hybrid Publisher for Your Book 344 Doing your research and asking around 344 Confirming some important criteria 345 Approaching a hybrid publisher 346 Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Hybrid Buck 346 Fees and payments 347 What about distribution and marketing? 347 Chapter 19: So You Want to Self-Publish? 351 Weighing the Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing 352 Exploring Your Self-Publishing Options 354 The print route 355 The digital route 358 Setting a Price for Your Publication 359 Distributing Your Self-Published Book 360 Getting in the door at traditional bookstores 360 Persuading online booksellers 361 Considering other places to sell your book 362 Chapter 20: Donning Your Publicity Cap 363 Understanding How Your Publisher Promotes Your Book 364 Publicizing Your Own Book 364 Focusing on the digital components 365 Touching on the traditional components 369 Promoting Your Work in Person 373 Planning a publicity tour 373 Joining the signing and reading circuit 373 Hiring a Publicist 374 Discovering what a publicist can do 374 Finding the right publicist 377 Getting the most for your money 378 Chapter 21: Getting Savvy with Social Media 379 Influencing the Influencers 380 The basics of influencing others 380 Understanding the different kinds of online influencers 381 Figuring out where online your influencers live 382 Knowing Where to Create a Social Media Presence 382 Blogs 383 Podcasts 383 Goodreads website 384 Facebook 384 Twitter 385 Instagram 385 YouTube 385 TikTok 385 #BookTok 386 Pinterest 386 Making a Splash: Launching a Social Media Campaign 389 Reviewing the ABCs of a social media campaign 389 Getting noticed on social media 390 Surveying the unwritten rules of social media marketing 391 Applying search engine optimization 392 Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Campaign 393 Part 6: the Part of Tens 395 Chapter 22: More Than Ten Great Sources for Timeless Storylines 397 Tales of Yore: Fairy and Folk Tales, Fables, and the Like 398 Mythology and Mythological Heroes 399 Nursery Rhymes 399 Bible and Religious Stories 399 Family Issues and Changes 400 Sibling Issues 400 First Experiences 400 Common Childhood Fantasies 400 Friendship and Social Issues 401 Growing Pains (Emotional and Behavioral) 401 Bodies and the Brain: Their Functions and Changes 401 History Makers and History in the Making 402 Nature, Science, Technology 402 Chapter 23: Ten Children’s-Author Recognitions to Dream About 403 Newbery Medal 403 Caldecott Medal 403 Coretta Scott King Book Award 404 Printz Award 404 Pura Belpré Award 404 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award 404 ALA Quick Pick & ALA Notable Books for Children 404 Stonewall Book Award 405 Robert F Sibert Informational Book Medal 405 State and Local Book Awards 405 Index 407

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Book SynopsisBronwen Tate is Assistant Professor of Teaching and Undergraduate Chair in School of Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia, Canada, where she teaches poetry, creative nonfiction, and creative writing pedagogy. She is the author of the poetry collection The Silk the Moths Ignore, and her essays have appeared in venues including Contemporary Literature and Journal of Modern Literature. Bronwen has taught courses in literature, composition, interdisciplinary critical thinking, and creative writing across genres at institutions ranging from community colleges and a scrappy liberal arts college to large private and public R1 universities. John Vigna is Associate Professor of Teaching and Teaching & Learning Chair in the School of Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia Creative Writing program, Canada, where he teaches fiction. His focus is on pedagogical and curricular strategies for 5000 Creative Writing students across the MFA, BFA Major, and Undergrad Minor programs, including online edX innovations. His first book of fiction, Bull Head, was received with critical acclaim in Canada and the US in 2012 and was also published in France in 2017. It was selected by Quill & Quire as an editor's pick of the year and was a finalist for the Danuta Gleed Literary Award. John was named one of 10 writers to watch by CBC Books. His novel, No Man's Land, was published in Fall 2021.

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Book SynopsisMuli Amaye is the Coordinator for the MFA in Creative Writing at The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobego. A novelist, short story writer and occasional poet, she gained her PhD in creative writing at Lancaster University, UK where she also taught for several years before developing the English programme at Soran University, Northern Iraq. Her novel A House With No Angels was published in 2019 and her short stories have been published in Midnight & Indigo Literary Journal and the anthology Glimpse.

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Book SynopsisAdventure, memoir, storytelling and celebration of all things maritime meet in Waypoints, a beautifully written account of sea journeys from Scotland's west coast. In the book Ian Stephen reveals a lifetime's love affair with sailing; each voyage honours a seagoing vessel, and each adventure is accompanied by a spell-binding retelling of a traditional tale about the sea. His writing is enchanting and lyrical, gentle but searching, and is accompanied by beautiful illustrations of each vessel, drawn by his wife, artist Christine Morrison.Ian Stephen is a Scottish writer, artist and storyteller from the remote and bewitching Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. He fell in love with boats and sailing as a boy, pairing this love affair with a passion for the beautiful but merciless Scottish coastline, an inspiration and motivating force behind his poems, stories, plays, radio broadcasts and visual arts projects for many years.This book will be a delightful and absorbing read for anyoTrade ReviewA really beautiful book ... movingly and saltily real * Adam Nicolson *Charming and engaging. Beautifully written, this is a book you'll find it hard to put down. * Lifeboat magazine (RNLI) *Former Isle of Lewis coastguard Ian Stephen has created a lyrical and gentle commentary on the nautical past and present. * Sailing Today *It is a dazzling book in that somehow, magically, you bring your experience as a sailor, wed to this the exquisite craftsmanship of those who make the boats, and then produce these exquisite thoughts on the art of storytelling as if all three are inextricable. That is a major feat. * Marius Kociejowski *

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Book SynopsisThe W&A Guide to How to Hook an Agent is the definitive guide to putting together a manuscript submission and attracting the attention of a literary agent. Structured around a series of real-life questions raised at Writers' & Artists' successful How to Hook an Agent' events, this lively and accessible Q&A guide provides everything an unpublished writer needs to know about seeking the representation of a literary agent. Full of practical detail and examples of good and bad practice, it covers: Responses to over 180 questions asked by writers about getting an agent How to research and approach an agent The key ingredients of a submission How to draft a successful covering letter What to expect when working with an agent The agent-publisher relationship Contracts, rights and royalties This unique guide is suitable for writers of fiction and non-fiction and writing across different genres and age ranges.Trade ReviewReplaced the intimidation and fear with hope and understanding. -- Susan C.Offered advice in a friendly, un-intimidating manner. -- Luna C.For the first time I understand exactly what needs to go in the submission letter and the synopsis. -- Geoffrey A. * Testimonials from W&A How to Hook an Agent events *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I: The role of the literary agent What Are Literary Agents and What Do They Do? Literary Agents and the Publishing Industry The Author–Agent Relationship: Finding A Literary Agent Part II: The submission process Is My Manuscript Ready? Submitting a Manuscript The Covering Letter The Synopsis The Opening Chapters Part III: Following submission In Between Submissions Dealing with Rejection and Starting Over Offers of Representation Working with a Literary Agent Contracts, Rights and Royalties Keep Going Glossary Question Index General Index

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Book SynopsisFor half a century, writers at every stage of their careers have turned to the literary nonprofit organization Poets & Writers for help with their professional development. In this book Poets & Writers provides the authoritative guide for writers that answers every imaginable question about craft and career. From kickstarting your creativity and developing your style to getting your work read and published, this is the bible for authors of all genres and forms.Written by Kevin Larimer and Mary Gannon, the two most recent editors of Poets & Writers Magazine, this book brings an unrivaled understanding of the areas in which writers seek guidance and support. Filled with insider information like sample query letters, pitch letters, lists of resources, and worksheets for calculating freelance rates, tracking submissions, and managing your taxes, the guide does more than demystify the writing life-it also provides an array of powerful tools for building a sustainable career as a writer. In addition to the wealth of insights into creativity, publishing, and promotion are first-person essays from bestselling authors, including George Saunders, Christina Baker Kline, and Ocean Vuong, as well as reading lists from award-winning writers such as Anthony Doerr, Cheryl Strayed, and Natalie Diaz. Here, at last, is the ultimate comprehensive resource that belongs on every writer's deskTrade ReviewA welcome vade mecum on the business and art of writing for publication . . . A book of benefit to well-practiced as well as novice writers, full of useful advice, pointers, and prompts.A lucid, lively, thorough, enormously helpful book that I'll be recommending to prospective authors for years to come.Publishing has always seemed mysterious to writers published and unpublished, to people new to the business and sometimes even to people who have worked within it for decades (me). So what a wonderful thing to have a resource like this. It clears the mist for emerging and established writers and provides a comprehensive answer to every question a writer might ask. It also makes me wonder if Kevin Larimer and Mary Gannon left a spy camera in my office.It's not every day the word complete strikes one as an understatement, but in the case of the title of this wonderful book, it is. What Kevin Larimer and Mary Gannon have created here is a teeming compendium. Larimer and Gannon's insights and suggestions are grounded in comprehensive research and common sense, further enriched with insights, inspiration, and reading lists from a wide spectrum of the country's most respected writers. You bring the talent, this book will do the rest!

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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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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book Synopsis ** An accompanying journal to the original & bestselling Almanacs by Lia Leendertz.**The Almanac Journal is a place for you to create your own personal almanac, starting and ending at any point in the year. This is a space to write down all of the things you notice about the year's turning, and your own reactions to it. There are pages where you can note all of the firsts: first swift, first rose, first frost; a place to squirrel away your favourite foraging locations - and to jot down the recipes you create from them. There are also pages for pressed flowers and seaweeds, sketches and pictures, feathers and drying leaves. Make it your own.Lia Leendertz is an award-winning garden and food writer, her reinvention of the traditional rural almanac has become an annual must-have for readers eager to connect with the seasons, appreciate the outdoors and discover ways to mark and celebrate each month.PRAISE FOR THE ALMANACS'Indispensable' - Sir Bob Geldof'The perfect companion to the seasons' - India Knight'This book is your bible' - the Independent 'An ideal stocking filler' - The English Garden 'I love this gem of a book' - Cerys Matthews

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Book Synopsis'I've always wanted to be an author'; 'People often ask me when I'm going to write my book'; 'I have a story to tell, but I never seem to make time to write' These are just a few of the messages Kelly Notaras hears every day from potential authors around the globe. Life coaches with new methods for living with purpose, healers who've learned how to prevent disease and increase life force, and everyday heroes and heroines who've made it through difficult circumstances and want to inspire others to do the same.This book will light the way, offering a simple, step-by-step path for turning your transformational idea or story into a finished book as quickly as possible. You'll discover how to:- Be clear on your motivation for writing a book- Craft a powerful, compelling hook and a strong internal structure- Handle resistance, writer's block and other obstacles that can keep you from sitting down to write- Take your finished manuscript to the next level, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing - so that you can share your message with the world!With humour, encouragement and common sense, book industry veteran Kelly Notaras demystifies the publishing process so you can get started, keep writing and successfully get your wisdom onto the page.

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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 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 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 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 Synopsis'Touching, tender . . . filled with wonderful humour' Sarah Haywood'A very special book' Katie FfordeThe Sunday Times bestselling novel, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Rosie Project.My name is Hope Nicely. Why am I writing this book? That's easy. This book is going to change my life.My boss, Karen, says a friend is a stranger you haven't met yet. I think that's right. Veronica Ptitsky and Danny Flynn are strangers, except I have met them now because they're in my writing class. Karen says friends always have your back. They don't mean your real back, of course. It's called an analogy. But I don't want any friends, actually (only dog ones). I have my mum, Jenny Nicely, who says adopting me was the best thing she ever did, even if my thoughts bounce a bit differently to other people's thoughts. She is proud of me for writing my book which will be a Big Achievement. I tell her that writing my story is going to change my life.Except when my life does change it isn't because of my writing but because something happens to my mum, Jenny Nicely, and she isn't here anymore. And, flip a pancake, this is not what I wanted. I'm not very good at being on my own and I wish she were here to tell me everything will be right as rain again soon. Maybe I do need some human friends after all . . . 'A gorgeous, funny, heartwarming read. Leaves you smiling' Ericka Walker, author of Dog DaysTrade ReviewHope Nicely's Lessons for Life is a sunburst of a story, full of love, kindness and one of the sweetest, most engaging central characters you're likely to meet. I was drawn in from the very first page by Caroline Day's sensitive portrayal of Hope Nicely's inner voice; as I followed Hope on her mission to make sense of the present, to uncover the past and to write her book, I found myself sharing in her triumphs and frustrations, her laughter and tears. It's a touching, tender story, but Hope Nicely's wonderful humour and delicious honesty mean that it's never sentimental. An absolute joy * Sarah Haywood bestselling author of The Cactus *I can't even find words to say how much I adore Hope Nicely's Lessons for Life! A heart-bursting book, full of tears, laughter and hope. Gorgeously written with an incredible protagonist and I cannot recommend it enough, it's FABULOUS * Jessica Ryn, author of The Extraordinary Hope of Dawn Brightside *How I wish Hope had been in my writing class. A gorgeous, funny, heartwarming read. Leaves you smiling * Ericka Waller, author of Dog Days *A very special book. Hope is extremely endearing and her rules for life relevant for us all. Really enjoyable * Katie Fforde *Hope is a bit different - she has Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and is on a mission to discover her birth Mum, who she hopes will answer the difficult questions of why she was abandoned as a baby. Her unique experience of the world will warm your heart with Hope's character and dialogue so well crafted by Day. A novel that reads as if Hope is sat with you. A book of acceptance, kindness and ultimately hope * My Weekly *I loved it! A sharply drawn character with beautiful soft edges who has lessons in her for all of us * Anstey Harris *A gorgeous, funny, heartwarming read. Leaves you smiling * Ericka Waller *This touching, uplifting debut novel oozes heart, and you'll fall in love with Hope, sharing in both her success and her sadness. * Daily Mirror *If you loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, this book is for you. * Sunday Mirror *Uplifting and touching, if you loved Eleanor Oliphant, this is for you. * Fabulous, The Sun on Sunday *This touching, big-hearted debut is funny, sensitive and has lessons for us all about optimism and perseverance * The Mail on Sunday *A gorgeous tale about love, acceptance, and living your best life no matter what * The Sun, PICK OF THE WEEK *A book full of hope, friendship and acceptance * Woman's Weekly *Captivated from the very first page! Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Hope's story will stay with you long after the final page * NFOP magazine *

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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 SynopsisClem Martini''s award-winning play, Cantata: Rumours of My Crazy, Useless Life provides a window into the experience of people going through the hidden, high-stakes struggles of elder care and mental illness. In Cantata, Martin Bussinger discovers his elderly mother''s health and mental acuity is deteriorating, facing him with emotional and medical problems that feel almost unsolvable. He realizes that negotiating the delicate network of caregiving, strung together with the further challenge of supporting a brother living with a mental illness, places him in a situation that is simultaneously heartrending and darkly comic.Cantata was named winner in the full-length category of Theatre BC''s 2021 Canadian Playwriting Competition and following the play''s premiere production with Sage Theatre on April 28, 2022. it was named Most Outstanding New Play in the Calgary Theatre Critics'' Awards. As Martini puts it, Some readers will recognize themselves in these characters. Some may even be going through these trials right now. The book will be of interest to theatre practitioners, students of acting and directing, social workers, therapists, nurses and others in the caregiving professions as well.

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Book Synopsis60 all-new writing topics to inspire your daily writing practice from bestselling author of Writing Down the Bones and acclaimed writing instructor Natalie Goldberg."This is my wish for you: that you take these cards, grab the topic on one side and write, write, write . . . Remember no good or bad. Just words on the page."With more than 1 million copies sold and translated into nineteen languages, Natalie Goldberg''s Writing Down the Bones has inspired countless writers around the world. Now, Natalie answers one of the most frequent questions from writers: how do I begin? Right here! No matter what level. Writing Down the Bones Deck offers 60 all-new topics to awaken the mind and explore writing from fresh perspectives. Many of the topics offer multiple angles, providing inspiration again and again. Working with this deck is like a personal course with beloved writing instructor Natalie Goldberg. Each card contains a writing topic on one side and a short lesson on the reverse, delivered in Natalie''s honest, heartfelt urgency. From classic prompts that Natalie Goldberg has used a thousand and ten times for her own writing, like "I''m looking at . . ." and "I''m thinking of . . ." to writing about memories of silence and things you forgot to say, the cards will spark you. Whether you are new to establishing a writing practice or you''ve been going strong for years, the Writing Down the Bones Deck will help you focus on the details and inspire you to develop discipline, gain confidence, and break free to tell your story. The 60 color cards come in a magnetic enclosure box with a short introductory booklet.

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Book SynopsisA fully updated comprehensive guide for improving and practicing your creative writing, including contributions from Ali Smith and Kit de Waal The Creative Writing Coursebook, edited by Julia Bell and Paul Magrs, takes aspiring writers through three stages of essential practice: Gathering – getting started, learning how to keep notes, making observations and using memory; Shaping – looking at structure, point of view, character and setting; and Finishing – being your own critic, joining workshops and finding publishers.Fully updated and including a foreword by Marina Warner and contributions from forty-four authors such as Kit de Waal and Amy Liptrot, this is the perfect book for people who are just starting to write as well as for those who want some help honing work already completed. Filled with a wealth of exercises and activities, it will inspire budding writers to develop and hone their skills. Whether writing for publication, in a group or just for pleasure this comprehensive guide is for anyone who is ready to put pen to paper.

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Book SynopsisA revised edition of the very successful fully illustrated guide to writing fantastical fiction, which provides instruction and motivation for aspiring authors from some of today’s bestselling fantasy authorsTrade Review“If worldbuilding gives you an S-class migraine, never fear. There's one book that every speculative fiction writer should read to learn about proper worldbuilding: Wonderbook by Jeff VanderMeer. This handy how-to guide deserves a spot on your writer's bookshelf…” Bustle “In the gorgeously illustrated Wonderbook, Vandermeer generously gives away some of his tricks. Your dad can finally start that novel he's been talking about.” Refinery29 "Even if you write stories already, there is a lot to be learnt here and it might also sort out any writer’s blocks you have when you think you’re written yourself into a corner. Reading how various authors get around this should at least prove no problem is insurmountable, even if you have to re-write your draft. Learn and digest." SFcrowsnest "Whether you’re a novice writer wanting to get that story out of your head onto paper, or a seasoned author, you’re going to find much to consider in this. Highly recommended. 10/10" SciFiBulletin “Wonderbook is one of the best books about writing I’ve ever read or experienced.” – Nnedi Okorafor, Author “Aspiring writers of "imaginative fiction" — whether science fiction, fantasy or other kinds — are in for a treat: a new update to the fiction-writing guide "Wonderbook," by Jeff VanderMeer... it's gorgeous to page through and substantial enough to last new (or medium) writers a good long time.” Space.com “VanderMeer ambitiously sets out to help readers get creative, and he does it with a rule-breaking book full of illustrations.” The Portalist “This newly revised and expanded edition of VanderMeer's essential guide to crafting fantastic stories includes a great section on writing environmentally themed fiction.” EcoWatch

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Book SynopsisLily Dunn, author of Sins of My Father, presents an essential guide to memoir writing. Demystifying the memoirist's art, she explores why our memories privilege some events over others and offers advice for navigating the challenge of writing truthfully without intruding on the lives of our loved ones. -- .

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Book SynopsisThis concise yet comprehensive study explores innovative practice in the novel and, from the perspective of creative writing, the astonishing resilience of the novel form. It offers a practical guide to the many possibilities available to the writer of the novel, with each chapter offering exercises to encourage innovation and to expand the creative writer's narrative skills. Beginning with early iterations of the novel in the 17th century, this book follows the evocation of innovation in the novel through Realism, Modernism, Postmodernism and into today's dizzying array of digital and interactive possibilities. While guiding the reader through the possibilities available (in both genre and literary fiction), this book encourages both aspiring and established writers to produce novels with imagination, playfulness and gravitas. Dynamic and interactive, this text is distinctive in offering a grounding in the literary history of the novel, while also equipping readers to write in the fTrade ReviewI highly recommend Novel Ideas for aspiring writers and creative writing tutors - the volume combines sound practical advice with detailed knowledge of wider literary and theoretical contexts. Beautifully written, informative and accessible, this is an essential text. * James Miller, Kingston University London, UK *With entertaining and provocative exercises, Paul Williams details the genesis and development of this essential art form, and includes a welcoming embrace of different voices and identities, as the novel arrives in the present moment. * Alan Michael Parker, Davidson College, USA *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Novel 1.Rise of the Novel: It was a Dark and Stormy Night 2.Realism: The Willing Suspension of Disbelief 3.Modernism: The Fragmentation of Reality 4.Minimalism: Le Mot Juste 5.Magical Realism: How Flying Carpets Really Fly 6.Postmodernism: Constructing ‘Reality’ 7.Metafiction: Writing About the Mirror 8.The Transgressive Novel: Writing with Dark Ink 9.Ecriture Feminine: Writing the Body 10.Postcolonialism: Writing Back to Empire 11. The Graphic Novel and Illustrated Books 12. Interactive Narrative and Digital Possibilities Conclusion: Writing Innovative Fiction

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Book SynopsisSandscapes: Writing the British Seaside reflects on the unique topography of sand, sandscapes, and the seaside in British culture and beyond. This book brings together creative and critical writings that explore the ways sand speaks to us of holidays and respite, but also of time and mortality, of plenitude and eternity. Drawing together writers from a range of backgrounds, the volume explores the environmental, social, personal, cultural, and political significance of sand and the seaside towns that have built up around it. The contributions take a variety of forms including fiction and nonfiction and cover topics ranging from sand dunes to sand mining, from seaside stories to shoreline architecture, from sand grains to global sand movements, from narratives of the setting up of bed and breakfasts to stories of seaside decline. Often a symbol of aridity, sand is revealed in this book to be an astonishingly fertile site for cultural meaning.Table of Contents1. Introduction: Sandscapes, Jo Carruthers and Nour Dakkak.- 2. Tide Wrack and Sand, Jenn Ashworth.- 3. An Eclectic A-Z of Sand: Removing, Treasuring, Recreating and Protecting, Peter Coates.- 4. An Englishwoman’s Home is her Castle: Social Morphologies and Coastal Formations, Sefryn Penrose.- 5. Sand, Good Sands, Excellent Sands: Writing and Ranking the British Coastline in the Middle of the Twentieth Century, Tim Cole.- 6. Queer Sands: Passion and Dynamic Sexualities in the Edwardian Sandscape, Nour Dakkak.- 7. On the Sound-Sea: Fifteen Ways of Thinking about Sand and Sound, Brian Baker.- 8. Rough and Smooth Sands: Social Thresholds and Seaside Style, Jo Carruthers.- 9. A Morecambe Mystery, Angela Piccini.- 10. Map of the Quick, Shona Legaspi.- 11. “Over Sands to the Lakes”: Journeys over Morecambe Bay before and after the Age of Steam, Christopher Donaldson.- 12. Sand’s Immense: A Fool’s Errand. Jean Sprackland.- 13 Confounding Cartography: The Sandscape Diminution of Hayling Island, David Cooper and Michelle Green.- 14. Drifting in a Cemetery of Sandscapes, Julian Brigstocke.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful guided journal designed to help authors take their story from concept to completed manuscript over the course of one year. The brainchild of experienced authors and entrepreneurs Mary Weber and C. J. Redwine, this step-by-step guide will help aspiring novelists grow their projects from the seed of an idea into a polished manuscript. It contains proven tools drawn from multiple schools of productivity and writing thought to help writers stay motivated through each phase of the writing process—even after that initial burst of excitement and momentum is replaced by the daunting reality of all the work that lies ahead. Weber and Redwine combine these tools with the holistic approach of a book coach to provide the structure writers need to successfully finish a project while producing their best work, in a healthy and sustainable fashion. Through the daily use of this journal, they'll learn how to turn the bigger picture into actionable milestones and deadlines, making a process that can often feel overwhelming more accessible and achievable. The journal is filled throughout with: Progress trackers Craft exercises on idea development, outlining, writing fundamentals, and self-editing Inspirational quotes Self-care suggestions In-depth training on creating queries, proposals, and pitch materials Pro tips and more The Storyteller’s Journal is everything writers love about bullet journals, daily planners, and writing craft books—all in one beautiful package. Whether you’re a seasoned writer looking for a NaNoWriMo journal (National Novel Writing Month is every November!), or a beginner in need of expert guidance, this journal is for you.

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Book SynopsisThe next installment in the bestselling series presents 642 writing prompts in an irresistible new format. Delightful and thought-provoking, this book is perfect for stumped writers, journalers, or any creative type needing a tiny flash of inspiration.

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Book SynopsisDavid Galef provides a guide to writing flash fiction, from tips on technique to samples by canonical and contemporary authors to provocative prompts that inspire powerful stories in a little space. Brevity is an indispensable resource for anyone working in this increasingly popular form.Trade ReviewIf I had to choose just one book for my class in writing flash fiction, it would be this one. Practical, direct, wonderful examples, fun to read-if this book doesn't energize your writing, nothing will. -- Robert Shapard, coeditor of Sudden Fiction: American Short-Short Stories Brevity represents a useful addition to the range of current creative writing texts, combining an anthology of flash fiction with an analysis of the subcategories within the form and writing exercises that will inspire students. Galef's witty, welcoming tone will appeal to beginning and intermediate writers. Often, I felt so inspired by the prompts that I wanted to sit down at my computer and try the exercises myself. -- Eileen Pollack, author of A Perfect Life: A Novel Brevity is a thorough introduction to the form, offering a variety of strategies for composition, as well as a wide-ranging, international anthology linked to each chapter's focus. A relentlessly generative, eclectic, instructive, entertaining, and motivational text. -- Michael Martone, author of The Flatness and Other Landscapes Galef is an excellent writer, and the book throughout is a delight-he makes the reader want to immediately start writing... He provides deft insights and suggestions on editing... and he suggests techniques that work well when applied to a small text. Best of all, each chapter provides examples of great flash fiction-from authors as different as Saki and Steve Martin-as well as ideas for readers to explore. Publishers WeeklyTable of ContentsAcknowledgments A Short Introduction Vignettes. Readings: Colette: "The Other Wife"; Isaac Babel: "An Incident on the Nevsky Prospekt" Character Sketches. Readings: L. E. Leone: "The Argument for a Shotgun"; Josefina Estrada: "The Extravagant Behavior of the Naked Woman" Letters. Readings: Yasunari Kawabata: "Canaries"; Phil Karasik: "Mickey the Dog Phones Home" Diary Entries. Readings: Will Stanton: "Barney"; Mark Budman: "The Diary of a Salaryman" Lists. Readings: Sei Shonagon: "Annoying Things"; Steve Martin: "Disgruntled Former Lexicographer" Fables. Readings: Anonymous: Untitled; Raphael Dagold: "The Two Rats and the BB Gun" Anecdotes. Reading: The peasant and the genie Prose Poems. Readings: Yusef Komunyakaa: "Nude Interrogation"; Len Kuntz: "Story Problems" Soliloquies, Rants, Riffs, and Themes. Readings: Christine Byl: "Hey, Jess McCafferty"; John Edgar Wideman: "Witness" Perfect Miniatures. Readings: John Collier: "The Chaser"; Jeffrey Whitmore: "Bedtime Story" Intermission: Cutting Down. Bruce Taylor: "Exercise" Surrealism. Readings: Richard Brautigan: "A Need for Gardens"; Donald Barthelme: "The Baby" What If? Readings: Wayland Hilton-Young: "The Choice"; Dicky Murphy: "The Magician's Umbrella" Genre. Readings: Roxane Gay: "The Mistress of Baby Breath"; Tara Orchard: "My Love" Setting. Readings: Bharati Mukherjee: "Courtly Vision"; Alice Walker: "The Flowers" Twists. Readings: Luisa Valenzuela: "Vision Out of the Corner of One Eye"; Saki: "The Open Window" Two Viewpoints. Readings: Robert Schipits: "Dialogue Between Two Teenagers, One Interested in Cars and One Not"; Ryan Ridge: "Shaky Hands & All" Mass Compression. Readings: Bruce Holland Rogers: "Dinosaur"; Susan O'Neill: "Memento Mori" Metafiction. Readings: Ptim Callan: "Story"; Jorge Luis Borges: "Borges and I" Vanishing Point. Readings: Merilee Faber: "We came around the corner"; Dean Clayton Edwards: "It was pretending"; Davian Aw: "She raised the glass"; Augusto Monterroso: "The Dinosaur" The Future Conclusion Bibliography Permissions Index

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Book SynopsisThe charming 160-page Mushroom Journal is perfect for recording your thoughts and creative ideas.

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Book SynopsisPoetry is increasingly democratic in its use of different formats, but it can be difficult to know how to navigate the range of options available. In a competitive field, this information is not always easy to access, and many poets make mistakes. This handbook is here to help.How do you make the finances work? Should you release a pamphlet or a full collection? Which promoters should you work with? How can you get your work reviewed? How do you maintain a public profile if performance isn't for you? What mentoring and publication options are open for mid-career poets? The Poetry Writers'' Handbook will answer all these questions and more. It provides: - practical advice on managing income and funding a career - detailed information on printing and distribution, marketing and publicity, and submission to editors, reviewers and prizes- up-to-date contacts for funding organisations, prizes, publishers and magazines for poets and their work.It gives a clear and up-to-date picture oTable of Contents1 Small Worlds: an introduction to the world of poetry 2 Getting published: magazines, prizes and pamphlets 3 Getting published: full poetry collections 4 To self-publish, or not? 5 Performance poetry: background and history 6 Performance poetry: owning the stage 7 The business of poetry 8 Marketing your book 9 A community of poets Bibliography Glossary Directory - who to contact Index

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Book SynopsisYour personal gateway to one of the most effective daily tools for cultivating creativity, personal growth and productivity.Morning pages are three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind, and are intended to provoke, clarify, comfort, cajole, prioritize and synchronize the day at hand. This daily writing, coupled with the 12-week programme outlined in The Artist's Way, will help you discover and recover your personal creativity, artistic confidence and productivity.The Artist's Way Morning Pages Journal includes an introduction by Julia Cameron with complete instructions on how to use the morning pages and benefit fully from their daily use. Its inspiring quotations will guide you through the process, and a final chapter shows how to start an Artist's Way study group.

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Book SynopsisIn her new collection, The Place I'm In, Miranda Keeling invites readers to observe the magic, humour, strangeness, and beauty found in ordinary moments. In her signature insightful and heartwarming voice, this collection reminds us that there's always time to stop and smell the flowers.

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Book SynopsisWrite Yourself is a complete introduction to facilitating creative writing for therapy or personal development, both with individuals and groups. Clear and practical, and with a strong theoretical base, it is also an essential handbook for individuals embarking on their own personal writing journeys. Topics covered include the nature, values and principles of therapeutic creative writing, how to begin - illuminated with a wealth of examples from the author's extensive and varied experience - and how to write with specific client groups, including children, the very sick, those with mental health or substance misuse problems, as well as those receiving psychotherapy or counselling, and for professional development. Also included are detailed instructions for running a writing group or a longer or residential writing programme, as well as 175 exercises for readers to use in their own personal writing practice, or with their groups or clients. This book will be an invaluable resource for creative arts therapists, professionals working in the caring professionals, and for everyone interested in the therapeutic potential of creative writing.Trade ReviewIn her latest book, Write Yourself, Bolton offers ways into expressive writing, information on writing with specific groups, and detailed advice on how to facilitate writing groups. It is a handbook for anyone interested in the field of creative writing and personal development, which Bolton believes should be an "open and less rule bound field". Nurses, doctors, therapists and social workers are named as potentially "excellent facilitators". It is this feeling of generosity and inclusiveness which infuses the book and Bolton's work. -- Lapidus JournalWriting becomes therapeutic to the extent that it is a way of communicating with the self, and this is where |I believe the book is of particular interest to the counselling profession. -- Therapy TodayPersuading your inner person to tell you your true name is the most intricate and fateful of all quests - but even to venture a little way on it can make your life richly creative. Gillie Bolton's Write Yourself is an essential field guide to all of the territory. -- Les Murray, PoetGillie Bolton's latest book is filled with wonderful and moving insights that speak to the value of creative writing. It is inspiring, challenging and also practical. All those who read it can learn from it how to help themselves and others - trust in the method and give it a try! -- Amanda Howe, FRCGP, Professor of Primary Care, University of East Anglia, Medical SchoolWrite Yourself is a powerful handbook that is the culmination of Gillie Bolton's sustained scholarship and wisdom focusing on therapeutic creative writing for reflective self-insight. Her ideas and practical knowledge provide uplifting support for writing group facilitators, as well as individuals, in exploring practical approaches to expressive writing. This work is an important and lasting contribution to the field. -- John D. Engel, Professor Emeritus of Behavioral Sciences, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of MedicineWrite Yourself is the ideal introduction to how to facilitate groups and individuals in finding inspiration for their creative personal writing voices. This book explains how and why writing is such an illuminative, healing, and cathartic process, and provides many practical exercises that encourage the exploration of emotions, memories and experiences... Clearly exemplified, engaging and accessible, the series is appropriate for therapeutic, healthcare, or creative writing practitioners and facilitators, and for individual writers or courses. -- Tilt MagazineTable of ContentsForeword by Nicholas F. Mazza, Ph.D. Acknowledgements. Preface. Part 1: Creative Personal Writing - What, Why, How, Who When, Where. 1. Becoming Our Own Shaman: Introduction to Therapeutic Creative Writing. 2. 'A Story of Gaining Understanding and Insight': How to Begin. 3. 'I Got in Touch with Myself': Values, Principles, Practice. Part 2:Writing with Specific Groups. 4. 'Secrets Kept Safe and Sound': Children Writing. 5. 'Writing is a Way of Saying Things I Can't Say': Writing with the Very Sick. 6. 'Keep Taking the Words': Writing to Help with Anxiety, Depression and Mental Health. 7. 'Follow the Wings of the Imagination': Writing and Therapy or Counselling. 8. 'Writing Gives us Wings so We Can Fly': Writing in Substance and Alcohol Abuse Treatment. 9. 'Ideas Hunt Me, Catch Me, Make Me Write': Writing for Victims of Torture and Asylum Seekers. 10. A Craft to Take You Through Storms, and Keep You Still': Writing in Prison. 11. Understanding Misunderstanding: Reflective Writing for Professional Development. Part 3: How to Run Groups; Conclusion. 12. Mystery and Mastery: Running Therapeutic Creative Writing Groups. 13. 'It Helped Me Get Involved with Myself': Running Residential Writing Groups. 14. 'Tread Softly Because You Tread on My Dreams': Conclusion, a Conversation Between Juhani Ihanus and Gillie Bolton. Appendix: Writing Exercises by Theme. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisPoetry and short stories can act as powerful springboards to growth, self-enhancement and healing. With the guidance of a facilitator, participants can engage with their own creative expression, and with that of others, and in doing so find opportunities to voice their truth, affirm their strengths, and find new ways of coping with challenges. This accessible book explores the therapeutic possibilities of poetry and stories, exploring ways of selecting appropriate works for discussion, and providing techniques for facilitating personally relevant and growth-enhancing sessions. The author provides ideas and suggestions for personal writing activities that emerge from or intertwine with this discussion, and explains how participants can create their own poetic and narrative pieces using other media, such as music, photographs, film, paintings, objects, and physical movement. The book references a wide variety of specific poems, short stories and films to use as prompts to creative writing, and contains a useful bibliography of poetry collections, story anthologies and film resources as well as a list of further resources and template feedback forms. Combining theory with a multitude of case examples and innovative ideas for practical, experiential activities, this book is a valuable introduction for creative arts therapy students and practitioners, mental health and medical professionals, and anyone else interested in the healing possibilities of creative expression.Trade ReviewGeri Chavis, long-time leader in the expressive art of poetry therapy, shares her collected wisdom and experience in Poetry and Story Therapy: The Healing Power of Creative Expression. This volume is a significant contribution to the growing literature about the expressive literary arts. A key feature of the book is the author's ability to discuss theory and research, historical antecedents for current poetry therapy, aid readers in exploration of the pros and cons of approaches and selections, and to describe examples and models for use by clinicians and other practitioners... Practitioners who use writing, literary sources, and metaphors in their therapeutic work have a new and wonderful volume to support and expand their efforts. Educators of and coaches for those wanting to learn about the expressive literary arts have a rich, stimulating resource for their efforts. Lovers of literature could pass over all the pages about poetry and story therapy and still get a book of value for the exceptional variety of quotes and references. -- Journal of Poetry TherapyThis is an excellent resource for anyone who is interested in using stories in a therapeutic context. The author's focus is on using a written text or reading aloud from a text rather than oral storytelling however there is still much that is useful for the storyteller.In reading I was reawakened to the potential that stories have to facilitate healing and change lives. Chavis uses stories and poems to work with clients and in the book she outlines how she chooses the texts and works with them. There is a short section on folk and fairy tales and I was interested to read that the author likes to work with client's most memorable story. The reason it is memorable is because it resonates strongly with the client's psyche and can help to reveal aspects that have been suppressed or hidden. -- StorylinesEnvisaged as a "primer of poetry therapy"(primarily for readers outside of the United States), this wonderful book thoroughly explores the therapeutic possibilities of poetry and story, as well as considering some wider aspects of creative writing practice. It will be of interest to both students and practitioners of creative arts therapies within the medical and health professions, as well to those working in other settings that use the healing possibilities of creative expression. -- Lapidus JournalTable of ContentsIntroduction: The Transformative Power of Word and Image. 1. Poems: Springboards to Growth and Healing. Poetry's Special Healing and Inspirational Role. Therapeutic Features of Poetry. Poetry Selection Process. Choosing Therapeutic Poems for Your Files. Selecting Poems for Specific Participants and Settings. Facilitating the Poetry Growth/Healing Experience. Steps in the Poetry Therapy Process. Setting the Tone/Warm Ups. Introducing the Poems. Beginning Discussion - Encouraging Personal Engagement with the Poem. Encouraging Exploration and Self-Application Through Discussion. Incorporating Writing Activities for Exploration and Self-Application. Providing Closure. Illustrating the Process - Two Vignettes. 3. Stories: Stimuli for Personal Development and Relationship Building. The Role and Personal Magic of Stories. Choosing Therapeutic Poems for Your Files. Basic Therapeutic Features of Stories. Fairy/Folk Tales, Fables, Myths and Childhood Storybook Tales. Literary Short Stories. Short-Short Stories or Sudden Fiction. Creative Non-Fiction Memoirs/Vignettes/Anecdotes. Selecting Stories for Specific Participants and Settings. Facilitating the Story Therapy/Growth Experience. Setting the Tone/Warm-Ups. Presenting the Story. Beginning Discussion/Encouraging Personal Engagement with the Story. Inviting Exploration and Application to Self. Creative Writing Techniques in Response to Stories. Providing Closure. 4. Creative Writing for Life Enhancement. The Power of Self-Expression. Setting the Atmosphere for Writing. The Therapeutic Process of Telling Our Stories. Developing Our Personal Waking and Dream Metaphors/Symbols. Word Play and Creating with Linguistic Structures. Creatively Working with Objects. Nature Writing and Healing. Writing to Visual Stimuli. Writing in Response to Film. Melding Art, Music and Movement with Creative Expression. The Power of the Group Poem. 5. Concluding Remarks. Appendix I: Selected Resources. Poetry Anthologies. Story Anthologies. Anthologies with Both Poems and Short Stories. Film Resources. Recommended Websites. Appendix II: Feedback and Report Forms.

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Book Synopsis''Lately, I am trying to provoke myself into art - into writing... I wasn''t exactly in despair - I was in cynicism, which is despair''s more torpid sister... Let me tell you how writing snuck back on me.''Whether you are starting from scratch or need a gentle nudge back in the right direction, The Sound of Paper is a wonderful creative companion. Through inspiring essays and practical tasks, it stimulates creativity so that the reader becomes more and more familiar with their own strengths. Including her own fascinating journey from writer''s block back to productive work, which takes the reader across America from New York to New Mexico, this is a story of inspiration infused with brilliantly practical suggestions, the perfect combination for anyone on the path to creativity.

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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 SynopsisLearn the craft of creating a page-turning romantasy novel in this easy-to-follow guide from writing expert and renowned author of The Savior’s Series, Jenna Moreci.In How to Write Romantasy, Moreci takes you from your first kernel of inspiration through the resolution of your novel, ensuring you hit all the key elements along the way. Chapters are organized around specific plot points, necessary skills, and common questions, covering topics such as building a fantasy framework, creating compelling characters, learning the art of the tease, and bringing home the happily ever after. Each chapter is followed by a summary that you can use for quick reference. You will learn:• How to marry the fantasy plot with the romantic storyline• How to write a marketable book that romantasy readers will love• How to create a shippable pairing that makes fans swoon• How to build romantic and physical chemistry• How to pace the story if you’re writing a seriesDelivered with a hefty dose of humor, Moreci’s clear and simple methods are accessible for writers of all experience levels. With How to Write Romantasy, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of the genre and plenty of inspiration to build your very own romantasy novel.

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Book SynopsisLajos Egri examines a play from the inside out, starting with the heart of any drama: its characters. For it is people - their private natures and their inter-relationships - that move a story and give it life. All good dramatic writing depends upon an understanding of human motives. Why do people act as they do? What forces transform a coward into a hero, a hero into a coward? What is it that Romeo does early in Shakespeare''s play that makes his later suicide seem inevitable? Why must Nora leave her husband at the end of A Doll''s House? These are a few of the fascinating problems which Egri analyzes. He shows how it is essential for the author to have a basic premise - a thesis, demonstrated in terms of human behaviour - and to develop his dramatic conflict on the basis of that behaviour. Premise, character, conflict: this is Egri''s ABC. His book is a direct, jargon-free approach to the problem of achieving truth in a literary creation.Trade ReviewMoss Hart I found Lajos Egri's book enormously interesting -- one of the best I have ever read.Table of ContentsCONTENTSINTRODUCTIONFOREWORDPREFACEI PREMISEII CHARACTER1. The Bone Structure2. Environment3. The Dialectical Approach4. Character Growth5. Strength of Will in a Character6. Plot or Character -- Which?7. Characters Plotting Their Own Play8. Pivotal Character9. The Antagonist10. Orchestration11. Unity of OppositesIII CONFLICT1. Origin of Action2. Cause and Effect3. Static4. Jumping5. Rising6. Movement7. Foreshadowing Conflict8. Point of Attack9. Transition10. Crisis, Climax, ResolutionIV GENERAL1. Obligatory Scene2. Exposition3. Dialogue4. Experimentation5. The Timeliness of a Play6. Entrances and Exits7. Why Are Some Bad Plays Successful?8. Melodrama9. On Genius10. What Is Art? -- A Dialogue11. When You Write a Play12. How to Get Ideas13. Writing for Television14. ConclusionAPPENDIX A. Plays AnalyzedAPPENDIX B. How to Market Your PlayAPPENDIX C. Long Runs on BroadwayINDEX

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Book SynopsisThis new, fully updated edition is the essential detective in your pocket - something to reach for when your writing needs that short, sharp shock of modern-day investigating. Written with answers to these questions in mind, this is the essential guide to police procedures and practice written specifically for writers.Trade ReviewThis is an easy, informative read that ...succeeds in its aim of helping writers negotiate the sometimes murky world of criminal investigations.' Crime Review 'If you are a budding Ian Rankin or Val McDermid but have never been in 'The Job', I advise you to read this book now and save your blushes when someone points out the glaring errors in your masterpiece. -- Police History Society reviewer * Police History Society Newsletter *

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