After all, you only have thirty-two pages to bring your story to life for readers ages two to eight, and the adults in their lives. Your text must be tightly focused yet leave room for illustrations to tell part of the story. And, of course, picture books should be a joy to read aloud. Award-winning author Ann Whitford Paul helps you develop the skills you need by walking you through techniques and exercises specifically for picture book writers. You'll find:Instruction on generating ideas, creating characters, point of view, beginnings and endings, plotting, word count, rhyme, and moreUnique methods for using poetic techniques to enrich your writing and make your manuscript singHands-on revision exercises (get out your scissors, tape, and highlighters) to help you identify problems and improve your picture book manuscriptsTips on researching the picture book market and approaching publishersWhether you're just starting out as a picture book writer or have tried unsuccessfully to get your work published, Writing Picture Books is just what you need to craft picture books that will appeal to young readers and parents, agents, and editors.

    Featuring timeless, innovative, and concise writing strategies and focused exercises, this book is the ultimate battle plan and more - it's Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" for novelists. Tactics and exercises are provided on idea generation and development, character building, plotting, drafting, querying and submitting, dealing with rejection, coping with envy and unrealistic expectations, and much more.

    Some are arcane, some simply hilarious—and one editor, Carol Fisher Saller, reads every single one of them. All too often she notes a classic author-editor standoff, wherein both parties refuse to compromise on the "rights" and "wrongs" of prose styling: "This author is giving me a fit." "I wish that I could just DEMAND the use of the serial comma at all times." "My author wants his preface to come at the end of the book. This just seems ridiculous to me. I mean, it’s not a post-face."In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller casts aside this adversarial view and suggests new strategies for keeping the peace. Emphasizing habits of carefulness, transparency, and flexibility, she shows copy editors how to build an environment of trust and cooperation. One chapter takes on the difficult author; another speaks to writers themselves. Throughout, the focus is on serving the reader, even if it means breaking "rules" along the way. Saller’s own foibles and misadventures provide ample material: "I mess up all the time," she confesses. "It’s how I know things."Writers, Saller acknowledges, are only half the challenge, as copy editors can also make trouble for themselves. (Does any other book have an index entry that says "terrorists. See copy editors"?) The book includes helpful sections on e-mail etiquette, work-flow management, prioritizing, and organizing computer files. One chapter even addresses the special concerns of freelance editors.Saller’s emphasis on negotiation and flexibility will surprise many copy editors who have absorbed, along with the dos and don’ts of their stylebooks, an attitude that their way is the right way. In encouraging copy editors to banish their ignorance and disorganization, insecurities and compulsions, the Chicago Q&A presents itself as a kind of alter ego to the comparatively staid Manual of Style. In The Subversive Copy Editor, Saller continues her mission with audacity and good humor.

    Drawing on a wide range of sources, both critical and literary, Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies is an engaging address to everyone concerned with preserving the vitality and precision of the spoken and written word.  “If every literate person in the United States read this book, the result could dramatically transform our society. . . . Written with modesty, keen insight, and grace, Marilyn McEntyre’s Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies proposes a revolution of human expression that would bring precision, honesty, and felicity to the spoken and written discourse of contemporary culture.

    Uninspired and lifeless, we wonder what happened. Was the author in a hurry? Did she have a bad year? Has he lost interest altogether?Something similar is true of a great many unpublished manuscripts. They are okay stories that never take flight. They don't grip the imagination, let alone the heart. They merit only a shrug and a polite dismissal by agents and editors.It doesn't have to be that way. In The Fire in Fiction, successful literary agent and author Donald Maass shows you not only how to infuse your story with deep conviction and fiery passion, but how to do it over and over again. The book features:Techniques for capturing a special time and place, creating characters whose lives matter, nailing multiple-impact plot turns, making the supernatural real, infusing issues into fiction, and more.Story-enriching exercises at the end of every chapter to show you how to apply the practical tools just covered to your own work.Rich examples drawn from contemporary novels as diverse as The Lake House, Water for Elephants, and Jennifer Government to illustrate how various techniques work in actual stories.Plus, Maass introduces an original technique that any novelist can use any time, in any scene, in any novel, even on the most uninspired day...to take the most powerful experiences from your personal life and turn those experiences directly into powerful fiction.Tap into The Fire in Fiction, and supercharge your story with originality and spark!

    Inspired by questions from his workshops, lectures, and emails, Blake listened and provides new tips, tactics, and techniques to solve your writing problems and create stories that resonate: - The 7 warning signs you might have a great idea ─ or not - The sure-fire template for can’t-miss loglines - The difference between structure and formula  - The Transformation Machine that allows you to track your hero’s growth step-by-step - The 5 questions to keep your story’s spine straight - The 5-Point Finale to finish any story - The Save the Cat!® Greenlight Checklist that gets to the heart of every development issue  - The right way to hear notes, deal with problematic producers, and dive into the rewrite with the right attitude - Why and when an agent will appear - How to discover the potential for greatness in any story - How to avoid panic, doubt, and self-recrimination… and what it takes to succeed and dare to achieve your dreams Get ready to face trouble like a pro… and strike back! ------------------------ In his 20-year career as a screenwriter and producer, Blake Snyder sold dozens of scripts, including co-writing Blank Check, which became a hit for Disney, and Nuclear Family for Steven Spielberg. His book, Save the Cat!® The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need, was published in May 2005, and is now in its twentieth printing. Blake conducted sold-out workshops and seminars around the globe and consulted for Disney and DreamWorks. Along with guiding screenwriters, novelists and other creative thinkers, Blake's method has become the "secret weapon" of many development executives, managers, and producers for its precise, easy, and honest appraisal of what it takes to write and develop stories in any media. Blake Snyder passed away in August, 2009, but he lives on in his films and his books, in the advice that will never grow old, with the spirit that will continue to thrive and inspire.

    Her first book, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing, hit the New York Times bestseller list, and her weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 20 million times and hailed by USA Today as authoritative but warm.Now, in tip-of-the-day form, Grammar Girl serves up 365 lessons on language that are sure to inspire. Filled with new, bite-size writing tips, fun quizzes and puzzles, and efficient memory tricks, The Grammar Devotional gives you a daily dose of knowledge to improve your writing and also serves as a lasting reference you'll use for years to come.

    So you want to write a novel? Great! That's a worthy goal, no matter what your reason. But don't settle for just writing a novel. Aim high. Write a novel that you intend to sell to a publisher. Writing Fiction for Dummies is a complete guide designed to coach you every step along the path from beginning writer to royalty-earning author. Here are some things you'll learn in "Writing Fiction for Dummies" * Strategic Planning: Pinpoint where you are on the roadmap to publication; discover what every reader desperately wants from a story; home in on a marketable category; choose from among the four most common creative styles; and learn the self-management methods of professional writers.* Writing Powerful Fiction: Construct a story world that rings true; create believable, unpredictable characters; build a strong plot with all six layers of complexity of a modern novel; and infuse it all with a strong theme.* Self-Editing Your Novel: Psychoanalyze your characters to bring them fully to life; edit your story structure from the top down; fix broken scenes; and polish your action and dialogue.* Finding An Agent and Getting Published: Write a query letter, a synopsis, and a proposal; pitch your work to agents and editors without fear.Writing Fiction For Dummies takes you from being a "writer" to being an "author." It can happen--if you have the talent and persistence to do what you need to do.

    Literary Criticism and History. Reference. With its unprecedented gathering of 25 brief essays by experts in the field, THE ROSE METAL PRESS FIELD GUIDE TO WRITING FLASH FICTION meets the growing need for a concise yet creative exploration of the re-emerging genre popularly known as flash fiction. The book's introduction provides, for the first time, a comprehensive history of the short short story, from its early roots and hitherto unknown early publications and appearances, to its current state and practice. This guide is a must for anyone in the field of short fiction who teaches, writes, and is interested in its genesis and practice.

    You know the soaring creativity of the Creator and the serious discipline of the artisan. And you feel the impulse to excel in each. So grab a steaming mug of your favorite hot drink and come learn the art and craft of Christian fiction from one of its master teachers. You'll learn: How to find your story amidst all your ideas How to bring your characters onstage the first time How to convert your telling into showing How to handle profane characters in Christian fiction How to use the dumb puppet trick How to write for the (approving) audience of One The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is the complete school of fiction from Jeff Gerke, popular writer's conference teacher, professional book doctor, and Christian novelist. It includes and expands upon his influential Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column at WhereTheMapEnds.com. ** Christy Award-winning editor Jeff Gerke entered the Christian fiction publishing industry as a novelist. Under the pen name Jefferson Scott, Jeff has had six of his Christian novels published. He has served on the editorial staff of Multnomah, Strang Communications, and NavPress. Novels that Jeff has edited or acquired have won multiple Book of the Year awards. He is the founder and publisher of Marcher Lord Press.

    In this entertaining and inspirational book you'll hear from 21 top humor writers as they discuss the comedy writing process, their influences, their likes and dislikes, and experiences in the industry. Funny and informative, And Here's the Kicker is a must have guide for aspiring humor writers and simply a great read for fans.

    "Not a means to an end, but an ongoing participation." A widely acclaimed poet and finalist for the National Book Award, Addonizio meditates on her own process as she encourages writers to explore both their personal and political worlds, to seek inspiration from poets new and old, and to discover the rich poetic resources of the Internet. Lively, accessible, and informative, Ordinary Genius?provides wisdom gleaned through personal experience and offers a heady variety of writing exercises. Chapters on gender, addiction, race and class, metaphor and line invite each individual writer to find and to hone his or her unique voice. This is the perfect book for both experienced writers and beginners eager to glimpse the angel of poetry.

    It can also be used by English speakers and is a practical, user-friendly book intended as a fast, do-it-yourself guide for those whose English language proficiency is above intermediate. The approach is based on material developed from teaching graduate students at Imperial College London and has been extensively piloted. The book guides the reader through the process of writing science research and will also help with writing a Master's or Doctoral thesis in English.Science writing is much easier than it looks because the structure and language are conventional. The aim of this book is to help the reader discover a template or model for science research writing and then to provide the grammar and vocabulary tools needed to operate that model. There are five units: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion/Conclusion and Abstract. The reader develops a model for each section of the research article through sample texts and exercises; this is followed by a Grammar and Writing Skills section designed to respond to frequently-asked questions as well as a Vocabulary list including examples of how the words and phrases are to be used.

    "If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash."You don't need an advanced degree to reap the rewards of a rich poetic life–writing poetry is within the reach of everyone. Poet Sage Cohen invites you to slow down to the rhythms of your creative process and savor poetry by:Offering explorations of the poetic life and craftInspiring a feeling of play instead of laborious studyWeaving together lessons in content, form, and process to provide a fun and engaging experienceInviting you to add poetry to your creative repertoireWriting the Life Poetic is the inspirational companion you've been looking for to help you build confidence in your poetic voice. It takes poetry from its academic pedestal and puts it back into the hands of the people.Join the conversation with other poets at: www.writingthelifepoetic.typepad.com.

    Wide-ranging yet compact,it is true to Dr Doumont's renowned style, proposing no-nonsense, down-to-earth, readily usable advice underpinned by a simple yet solid conceptual basis and presented in a highly modular visual structure.

    A personable and funny book on how to write about your life in essay and memoir, by Adair Lara, whom Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird) calls San Francisco's legendary writer and teacher

    These revealing, revelatory self-portraits have come to be recognized as themselves classic works of literature, and an essential and definitive record of the writing life. This beautiful slipcase edition brings together all four volumes of Picador's selected Paris Review Interviews, including Q&As with Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Kurt Vonnegut, Elizabeth Bishop, Richard Price, Joan Didion, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Philip Larkin, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Stephen King, Robert Lowell, Ralph Ellison, Joyce Carol Oates, Raymond Carver, Salman Rushdie, Martin Amis, Maya Angelou, Haruki Murakami, Paul Auster, Marilynne Robinson, and more.The Paris Review Interviews Box Set is an indispensable treasury of wisdom from the world's literary masters.

    Fearless Confessions is a guidebook for people who want to take possession of their lives by putting their experiences down on paper--or in a Web site or e-book. Enhanced with illustrative examples from many different writers as well as writing exercises, this guide helps writers navigate a range of issues from craft to ethics to marketing and will be useful to both beginners and more accomplished writers.The rise of interest in memoir recognizes the power of the genre to move and affect not just individual readers but society at large. Sue William Silverman covers traditional writing topics such as metaphor, theme, plot, and voice and also includes chapters on trusting memory and cultivating the courage to tell one's truth in the face of forces--from family members to the media--who would prefer that people with inconvenient pasts and views remain silent.Silverman, an award-winning memoirist, draws upon her own personal and professional experience to provide an essential resource for transforming life into words that matter. Fearless Confessions is an atlas that contains maps to the remarkable places in each person's life that have yet to be explored.

    Thus, the act of chronicling one’s journey has never been more popular, nor the urge stronger.Writing Away: A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Writing Traveler, will inspire budding memoirists and jetsetting scribes alike. But Writing Away doesn’t stop there—author Lavinia Spalding spins the romantic tradition of keeping a travelogue into a modern, witty adventure in awareness, introducing the traditional handwritten journal as a profoundly valuable tool for self-discovery, artistic expression, and spiritual growth.Writing Away teaches you to embrace mishaps in order to enrich your travel experience, recognize in advance what you want to remember, tap into all your senses, and connect with the physical world in an increasingly technological age. It helps you overcome writer’s block and procrastination; tackle the discipline, routine, structure, and momentum that are crucial to the creative process; and it demonstrates how traveling—while keeping a journal along the way—is the world’s most valuable writing exercise.

    These include contact information, submission preferences, insider tips on what specific editors want, and--when offered--payment information.In addition to the listings, Poet's Market offers articles on the Craft of Poetry, Business of Poetry, and Promotion of Poetry--not to mention new poems from today's best and brightest poets, including Beth Copeland, Joseph Mills, Judith Skillman, Laurie Kolp, Bernadette Geyer, and more. Learn the habits of highly productive poets, the usefulness of silence, revision tricks, poetic forms, ways to promote a new book, and more.You also gain access to:Lists of conferences, workshops, organizations, and grantsA free digital download of Writer's Yearbook featuring the 100 Best Markets*Includes access to the webinar "How to Build an Audience for Your Poetry" from Robert Lee Brewer, editor of Poet's Market*

    By going through these steps you'll learn how to choose the significant milestones and turning points that make up a coherent story leading to a life-changing epiphany.Help uncover the secret stories that are the keys to healing Explore the dynamics and roles of dysfunctional families Heal old wounds, creating a better present and brighter future Using many examples from her students and clients, the author shows how creative, well-planned, and carefully researched memoir writing can offer a process for sorting out the truth from lies and family myths.

    Crafted with that adage in mind, The Dramatic Writer’s Companion is designed to help writers explore their own ideas in order to develop the script in front of them. No ordinary guide to plotting, this handbook starts with the principle that character is key. “The character is not something added to the scene or to the story,” writes author Will Dunne. “Rather, the character is the scene. The character is the story.” Having spent decades working with dramatists to refine and expand their existing plays and screenplays, Dunne effortlessly blends condensed dramatic theory with specific action steps—over sixty workshop-tested exercises that can be adapted to virtually any individual writing process and dramatic script. Dunne’s in-depth method is both instinctual and intellectual, allowing writers to discover new actions for their characters and new directions for their stories. Dunne’s own experience is a crucial element of this guide. His plays have been selected by the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center for three U.S. National Playwrights Conferences and have earned numerous honors, including a Charles MacArthur Fellowship, four Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, and two Drama-Logue Playwriting Awards. Thousands of individuals have already benefited from his workshops, and The Dramatic Writer’s Companion promises to bring his remarkable creative method to an even wider audience.

    While it is useful to master such informative speech, other goals and strategies are essential for a politician: publicity, for one. To communicate optimism, to rely on material written by others, to speak repeatedly, day in and day out. Above all, politicians need to persuade their audiences. They can use facts or appeal to values, but in the end, they must urge action. Politicians are advocates.Robert Lehrman, former speechwriter for Vice President Al Gore, offers both speakers and writers the LAWS of political speech. He explains how speakers can deliver: - Language the audience will understand and remember, - Anecdotes that make listeners laugh and cry, - Wit that pokes fun at opponents but also shows their own lighter side, and - Support in the way of statistics, examples, and testimony.With how-to guidance in each chapter--including annotated speeches--Lehrman shows how to apply the LAWS at every step, even providing an entire chapter on delivery. Lehrman also opens up his Rolodex to readers, interviewing speechwriting luminaries who offer up their best advice in a Behind the Scenes feature. As Delivered boxes point to Web links for watching notable speeches, while a handy Speechwriter's Checklist concludes every chapter.

    And by using the extended metaphor of an Indiana Jones-type archeology professor on a quest for romance, he makes it fun.You follow the professor as he catches the eye of the object of his affections... figures out what to say and do to get her to fall in love with him... and, step by step, lays the groundwork for the establishment of a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship.In the process, you learn how to construct a powerful sales letter.

    Their innovative method shows writers how to create stories of depth, excitement, and emotion with:Easy-to-understand templates that guide the new writer through building a novel and show more experienced writers how to deepen a plot and take a first draft to the next level Reference examples from a strongly-plotted popular genre films like suspense, classics, children, and romance Simple worksheets to build a strong story one plot point at a time for any genre Troubleshooting tips that reveal how to find and fix holes that weaken the plot Insights from best-selling novelists representing a variety of fiction genres A bonus dialogue guide that reveals how to make a character come alive through conversation. Inspiring authors shall struggle no more with the help of this step-by-step guide!

    This book carries on his work and shows the evolution of his thinking by collecting his most influential pieces as well as unpublished essays, entries from his daybook, drawings, and numerous examples of his famous handouts.KEY WORKS ON WRITING IN ONE COLLECTIONWriting as Process: How Writing Finds Its Own Meaning The Listening Eye: Reflections on the Writing Conference Teaching the Other Self: The Writer's First Reader Write Before Writing Writing Badly to Write Well: Searching for the Instructive Line All Writing is Autobiography and more60 years of work and wisdom: THE ESSENTIAL DON MURRAYDon Murray on...teaching writing as process, not productInstead of teaching finished writing, we should teach unfinished writing, and glory in its unfinishedness. We work with language in action. We share with our students the continual excitement of choosing one word instead of another, of searching for the one true word. This is not a question of correct or incorrect, of etiquette or custom. This is a matter of far higher importance.understanding the writing processThe process of making meaning with written language can not be understood by looking backward from a finished page. Process can not be inferred from product any more than a pig can be inferred from a sausage. It is possible, however, for us to follow the process forward from blank page to final draft and learn something of what happens.knowing the writer withinThere is always magic in this for me, and wonder because I do not know what I am going to say until it is said. The writer within is always a stranger, with a grin, a top hat and long, quick fingers which produce what was not there before. I shall never know this magic man well, although he has been with me for sixty years. He entices me with his capacity for surprise.doing the work of writingWriting is primarily not a matter of talent, of dedication, of vision, of vocabulary, of style, but simply a matter of sitting. The writer is a person who writes.To request this title as a Desk/Exam copy, click here.

    Jim Shepard, Aimee Bender, Steve Almond, D. A. Powell, Chris Offutt, and others distill elements of writing and share insights into the joys and pains of their own work. They explore a wide range of topics, everything from writing dialogue to the do’s and don'ts of writing about sex. With how-tos, close readings, and personal anecdotes, The Writer's Notebook offers aspiring wordsmiths advice and inspiration to hone their own craft. Included is a CD of workshop discussions and panels

    A quick-reference guide for teachers and students to use during writing lessons and for independent work.

    A Novel Idea contains tips on brainstorming ideas and crafting and marketing a novel. It explains what makes a Christian novel Christian and offers tips on how to approach tough topics. Contributors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and many other beloved authors. All proceeds will benefit MAI, an organization that teaches writing internationally to help provide literature that is culturally relevant.

    Well-targeted copy and a strong brand voice are essential if you want to stand out from the competition.Copywriting shows how to write for all formats and contexts, from catalogs and products to advertising and websites. It explores the challenges of commercial writing, providing the tools to become a confident andversatile copywriter. Leading industry talents from both the US and UK are interviewed, major campaigns covering all areas of the industry are illustrated in color and examined in depth, and exercises and tips aid in developing writing, editing, and presentation skills.Revealing the secrets of this rapidly expanding profession, Copywriting provides the skills and techniques that will help you to thrive in the world of creative commercial writing.

    But it could also be of great use to the intelligent common reader, the man or woman who wonders why it’s impossible to finish reading certain stories and why others carry the reader in a vivid rush to the end.”—Pete Hamill, author of A Drinking Life In the spirit of Strunk and White’s classic The Elements of Style, comes The Elements of Story, by Francis Flaherty, longtime story editor at The New York Times. A brilliant blend of memoir and how-to, The Elements of Story offers more than 50 principles that emphasize storytelling aspects rather than simply the mechanics of writing—a relentlessly entertaining, totally accessible writing guide for the novice and the professional alike.

    With proven techniques, easy to understand explanations and practical steps, From The Inside...Out will teach you how a story is structured then take you through the process of creating and marketing your novel. Topics include: Character-driven plotting, How to HOOK your reader, The elements and flow of SCENES, How to build STORYWORLD, Secrets to Sizzling Dialogue, Proven Self-Editing techniques, Synopsis and Query letter writing, How to manage your writing career ...and everything in between!

    In this second edition, you’ll find more than sixty new and expanded entries in this much-used resource used by professional editors, novelists, students preparing for the ACT, and those who simply want to master grammar once and for all. The Word Nerd once again cuts through the convoluted terminology by explaining things in a way even the most frustrated writer can understand.

    From clunky dialogue to poorly sketchedout characters, sagging pacing to exaggerated prose, these beginners' mistakes drive any agent or editor to their stock rejection letter, telling the aspiring writer "Thanks, but this isn't for us," and leaving many to wonder what exactly it is that they're doing wrong. Veteran writing coach, developmental editor, and writing instructor Jessica Page Morrell will fill in the gaps in every rejection letter you've ever received. In Thanks, But This Isn't for Us, Morrell uses her years of experience to isolate the specific errors beginners make, including the pitfalls of unrealistic dialogue, failing to "show, not tell," and over-the-top plot twists. These are just a few of the problems that keep writers from breaking through with their work. Sympathetic and humane, but pulling no punches, Thanks, But This Isn't for Us shows writers precisely where they've gone wrong and how to get on the right track. In sixteen to-the-point chapters, with checklists, exercises, takeaway tips, and a glossary, Morrell helps readers transcend these mistakes so that they don't have to learn the hard way: with another rejection letter.

    It includes solid advice, from professionals of every publishing level, on how to improve one's writing skills. The volume edited by Michael Knost includes contributions by a dream-team of nationally known authors and storytellers, many Bram Stoker Award winners. Contributors to this work include#58; Clive Barker, Joe R. Lansdale, F. Paul Wilson, Ramsey Campbell, Thomas F. Monteleone, Deborah LeBlanc, Gary A. Braunbeck, Brian Keene, Elizabeth Massie, Tom Piccirilli, Jonathan Maberry, Tim Waggoner, Mort Castle, G. Cameron Fuller, Rick Hautala, Scott Nicholson, Michael A. Arnzen, J.F. Gonzalez, Michael Laimo, Lucy A. Snyder, Jeff Strand, Lisa Morton, Jack Haringa, Gary Frank, Jason Sizemore, Robert N. Lee, Tim Deal, Brian Yount, Brian J. Hatcher, and others. Here is what certain industry publications have already said about this exceptional project#58; "A veritable treasure trove of information for aspiring writers--straight from the mouths of today's top horror scribes!" --Rue Morgue Magazine. "Packing more knowledge and sound advice than four years' worth of college courses . . . It's focused on the root of your evil, the writing itself." --Fangoria Magazine.

    Writing terms and topics are explained using a two-tier format. C is for the Character, every story's star, the one for whom we cheer, we care, with whom we travel far. Specific genres, story elements (setting and plot), and the mechanics of how to write (including editing and revision) are covered, while quotes from famous authors provide examples of the writer's thought process. Budding writers of all ages will be inspired to put pen to paper (or fingers on keyboards)! Author, and writing coach, Esther Hershenhorn admits S is for Story is the book she wishes she'd owned as a little girl, dreaming of a writing career. She lives in Chicago, where she teaches Writing for Children at the University of Chicago's Writer's Studio and the Newberry Library. Zachary Pullen's character-oriented picture book illustrations have won awards and garnered starred reviews. He has been honored several times with acceptance into the prestigious Society of Illustrators' juried shows and Communication Arts Illustration Annual of the best in current illustration. Zak lives in Wyoming.

    These include not only famous and expected names (Harriet Beecher Stowe, Willa Cather, Dorothy Parker, Flannery O’Connor, Gwendolyn Brooks, Grace Paley, Toni Morrison, and Jodi Picoult among them), but also many who were once successful and acclaimed yet now are little known, from the early American best-selling novelist Catherine Sedgwick to the Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Susan Glaspell. Showalter shows how these writers—both the enduring stars and the ones left behind by the canon—were connected to one another and to their times. She believes it is high time to fully integrate the contributions of women into our American literary heritage, and she undertakes the task with brilliance and flair, making the case for the unfairly overlooked and putting the overrated firmly in their place.Whether or not readers agree with the book’s roster of writers, A Jury of Her Peers is an irresistible invitation to join the debate, to discover long-lost great writers, and to return to familiar titles with a deeper appreciation. It is a monumental work that will greatly enrich our understanding of American literary history and culture.

    It’s great to know that – but while you’re reading about it you’re not writing your book.And what these books don’t tell you is how to use this learning and get the job done.Nail Your Novel is a writing buddy – and mentor - in a book.In 10 easy steps it will tell you:*how to shape your big idea and make a novel out of it*how to do your research and how to use it*how to organise your time*how to plot and build characters*when you’re going to hit problems and what to do about them*how to write on the days you don’t feel inspired*how to reread what you’ve written and polish it.Along the way, Thumbnail Notes give tutorials about storytelling and storycraft – strictly when you need them. The author has written nearly a dozen novels that have made it into print – and this is how she did it.You don’t even need to read the whole book before you get started. You read a section, then do as it says. And, once you’re finally satisfied, Nail Your Novel will tell you how to sell it to publishers and agents.

    A ready-to-use inspiring pack of hardback book and 40 cards to encourage creative thought and writing.

    'The Crime Writer's Guide To Police Practice And Procedure' is the detective in your pocket - something you can reach for when you feel your writing needs that short sharp shock of real-life investigating.

    The result is lively, funny and moving, especially for anyone who cares about art and the business of writing well.”—Evan Thomas, Newsweek In Writing Places, William Zinsser—the author of On Writing Well, the bestseller that has inspired two generations of writers, journalists, and students—recalls the many colorful and instructive places where he has worked and taught. Gay Talese, author of A Writer’s Life, calls Writing Places, “Wonderful,” while the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette praises this unique memoir for possessing “all the qualities that Zinsser believes matter most in good writing—clarity, brevity, simplicity and humanity.”

    The result is a context-driven and mission-driven model for story sequencing, forever answering the question, "what do I write next, where do I put it, and why does it work there?"

    Behind the theory of exercises is an attitude of curiosity and expectancy, a desire to ask questions of yourself and of the world, to boldly—or not so boldly—stick a toe into the waters of something fresh, provocative, and exhilarating. To create fiction on the verge.In The 4 A.M. Breakthrough, companion to The 3 A.M. Epiphany, award-winning author and professor Brian Kiteley presents you with another 200 stimulating exercises, designed to help you expand your understanding of the problems and processes of more complex, satisfying fiction and to challenge you to produce works of which you never thought yourself capable.You'll learn how to:Train your writing instincts, so creation becomes a more organic, automatic processTackle challenging concepts and themes, such as Language Games, The Mind, Money & Class, and History, laying a foundation for larger, more significant writing projectsMake your writing process more fun and experimental, so you'll approach your fiction in the spirit of discovery, rather than with anxietyOpen the book. Choose an exercise. Surprise yourself.Anything can happen—even at 4 a.m.

    Conceived and compiled by the Department of English Language of the University of Glasgow, the Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary is a groundbreaking analysis of the historical inventory of English, allowing users to find words connected in meaning throughout the history of the language. The Historical Thesaurus of the Oxford English Dictionary is a unique resource for word-lovers of all types-linguists and language specialists, historians, literary commentators, among others-as well as being a fascinating resource for everyone with an interest in the English language and its historical development. It is a perfect complement to the OED itself, allowing the words in the OED to be cross-referenced and viewed in wholly new ways.

    

    Famous authors such as John Steinbeck and Stephen King have used the tarot deck to tap into deep wells of inspiration, and you can enliven your own writing the same way--whether you craft short stories, novels, poetry, nonfiction, or even business proposals.This book on reading tarot cards and applying them to your writing will guide you through each stage of the creative process, from fleshing out a premise to promoting a finished work. Enhance your storytelling technique through over 500 enjoyable writing prompts, exploratory games for groups and individuals, tarot journaling, and other idea-stimulating activities that call upon the archetypal imagery and multi-layered symbolism in the tarot. Infuse flair and originality into your work as you learn to:Interpret symbols, myths, and learn to read all seventy-eight cards in the tarot card deck Use classic tarot layouts and spreads to structure your story Brainstorm story ideas and develop dialogue and plot Create detailed settings, powerful scenes, and dynamic characters Overcome writer's block and breathe new life into existing projects As a writer, you hold the power of creation in your hands. By exploring the tarot and incorporating it into your writing practice, you will set your creative potential soaring to new heights.

    This text shows you how to reconnect with your spirit, how to hear your call and how to cross the threshold and start your hero's journey to self discovery and transformation.

    Drawing on advice from over twenty books and hundreds of other sources, this volume presents informative and often humorous tips for writing scientific journal articles, while also providing a peek behind the curtain into the operations of editorial boards and publishers of major journals. The volume focuses on writing, reviewing, and speaking and is aimed at the domain of the student or scientist at the start of her career. The volume offers tips on poster presentations, media communication, and advice for non-native speakers of English, as well as appendices on proper punctuation usage and commonly misunderstood meteorological concepts.  A further reading section at the end of each chapter suggests additional sources for the interested reader, and sidebars written by experts in the field offer diverse viewpoints on reference topics.

    in Writing Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts, including Mark Doty, Douglas Glover, Robin Hemley, Richard Jackson, Sydney Lea, Bret Lott, Sue William Silverman, David Wojahn, and Xu Xi, Words Overflown By Stars gives you unprecedented access to a top literary education.This comprehensive resource covers a wide variety of topics, including the creative process, titles, beginnings, voice and style, point of view, novel and short story structure, the role of dreams and fantasy in fiction, the often-blurry borderline between fiction and creative nonfiction, the subgenres of creative nonfiction, music and time in poetry, image patterning, saying the unsayable, multiculturalism, the art of revision, and much more.Both provocative and practical, the essays in Words Overflown by Stars distill many of the lessons that have made the graduates of Vermont College of Fine Arts so successful.

    This unique all-in-one handbook begins with a discussion of the basics of scientific writing style and composition and then applies these principles to writing research papers, review articles, grant proposals, research statements, and resum�s as well as to preparing academic presentations and posters.FEATURES:A practical presentation carefully introduces such basic writing mechanics as word choice and word location, sentence structure, and paragraph organization before moving into manuscript planning and organizational strategies. Extensive hands-on guidance for composing scientific documents and presentations then follows.Relevant and multi-disciplinary examples taken from real research papers and grant proposals by writers ranging from students to Nobel Laureates illustrate clear technical writing as well as common mistakes that one should avoid. Examples are drawn from a broad range of scientific disciplines including medicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, geology, chemistry, engineering, and physics.Extensive end-of-chapter exercise sets provide the opportunity to review style and composition principles and encourage readers to apply them to their own writing.Writing guidelines and revision checklists warn scientists against common pitfalls and equip them with the most successful techniques to revise a scientific paper, review article, or grant proposal.Annotated text passages bring the writing principles and guidelines to life by applying them to real-world, relevant, and multidisciplinary examples.Clear, easy-to-follow writing style is understandable to both native and non-native English speakers; special ESL features address problems faced by non-native English speakers.Eight chapters on grant writing demonstrate how to write successful grant applications and how to avoid the most common application mistakes.Covering all the facets of communication that scientists need to master, Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals, and Presentations is ideal for a wide range of readers--from upper-level undergraduates and graduate students to postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and professional researchers--in the life sciences, medicine, psychology, chemistry, and engineering.

    

    Single has written an amazing book for both advisors and students alike. I would recommend this book to anyone who works with any graduate students who are considering continuing their studies and those who are already in a doctoral program.--NACADA Journal "I was so impressed with this book that I offered to write the foreword for it."--Rick Reis, editor of the Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletterWhether you're inching towards a dissertation topic, choosing an adviser or already coping with the last stage of doctoral work, this book will be a life-saver.--JoAnn Moody, Faculty Development and Diversity SpecialistOur students and their advisers rave about Peg's seminar and her book.--Susan Hasazi, Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, University of VermontResearch shows that five strategies correlate with the successful completion of a dissertation: -Establishing a consistent writing routine-Working with a support group-Consulting your advisor-Understanding your committee's expectations-Setting a realistic and timely schedule Building on these insights, this book is for anyone who needs help in preparing for, organizing, planning, scheduling, and writing the longest sustained writing project they have encountered, particularly if he or she is not receiving sufficient guidance about the process; but also for anyone looking to boost his or her writing productivity. Few scholars, let alone graduate students, have been taught habits of writing fluency and productivity. The writing skills imparted by this book will not only help the reader through the dissertation writing process, but will serve her or him in whatever career she or he embarks on, given the paramount importance of written communication, especially in the academy.

    If you don't understand their needs, then you will never be able to meet their expectations.Second, you need the skills to provide these publishing professionals with what they need. Finally, you need to bring strong storytelling to your writing. These pages provide step-by-step guidance on each of these essentials.

    But finding your voice isn't easy, so where better to look than to the greatest writers of our time?"Write Like the Masters" analyzes the writing styles of twenty-one great novelists, including Charles Dickens, Edith Wharton, Franz Kafka, Flannery O'Connor, and Ray Bradbury. This fascinating and insightful guide shows you how to imitate the masters of literature and, in the process, learn advanced writing secrets to fire up your own work.You'll discover: Herman Melville's secrets for creating characters as memorable as Captain Ahab.How to master point of view with techniques from Fyodor Dostoevesky.Ways to pick up the pace by keeping your sentences lean like Ernest HemingwayThe importance of sensual details from James Bond creator Ian FlemingHow to add suspense to your story by following the lead of the master of horror, Stephen KingWhether you're working on a unique voice for your next novel or you're a composition student toying with different styles, this guide will help you gain insight into the work of the masters through the rhetorical technique of imitation. Filled with practical, easy-to-apply advice, "Write Like the Masters" is your key to understanding and using the proven techniques of history's greatest authors.

    In her essays and linguistic-sculptural interventions on what poetry makes possible, Moure reveals why she has placed her bets on poetry as a way of life. In these works, the richness of poetry is laid bare as Moure challenges us to think more deeply about who we are as speakers, readers, writers, and citizens of the world.

    It requires analytical flair and creative panache, the patience of a saint and the vision of a writer. Transforming a manuscript into a book that edifies, inspires, and sells? That’s the job of the developmental editor, whose desk is the first stop for many manuscripts on the road to bookdom—a route ably mapped out in the pages of Developmental Editing. Author Scott Norton has worked with a diverse range of authors, editors, and publishers, and his handbook provides an approach to developmental editing that is logical, collaborative, humorous, and realistic. He starts with the core tasks of shaping the proposal, finding the hook, and building the narrative or argument, and then turns to the hard work of executing the plan and establishing a style. Developmental Editing includes detailed case studies featuring a variety of nonfiction books—election-year polemic, popular science, memoir, travel guide—and authors ranging from first-timer to veteran, journalist to scholar. Handy sidebars offer advice on how to become a developmental editor, create effective illustration programs, and adapt sophisticated fiction techniques (such as point of view, suspense, plotting, character, and setting) to nonfiction writing.   Norton’s book also provides freelance copyeditors with a way to earn higher fees while introducing more creativity into their work lives. It gives acquisitions, marketing, and production staff a vocabulary for diagnosing a manuscript’s flaws and techniques for transforming it into a bestseller. And perhaps most importantly, Developmental Editing equips authors with the concrete tools they need to reach their audiences.

    Keel's Simple Diary helps us look inside even when we are overloaded outside. The book offers structure for those who don't have time to wonder, making it easy to record life's moments. It gives the pleasure of a quick response and the sense that no matter what's wrong, more is right. What is Simple Diary? An assistant for life, a book for any occasion, for any person at any age. On every page you will discover a taste of philosophy, a pinch of psychology, and a twist of insight.Here are three things Simple Diary can do for you:1. Entertain the mind.2. Help you focus.3. Keep you company.Simple Diary Volume One, The Cloverleaf Edition, comes in six colors: red, orange, yellow, brown, royal blue, and lime green.

    Now McDonald "a genuine expert on the history of crime fiction" (Eddie Mueller, San Francisco Chronicle) returns with Rogue Males, a collection of no-holds-barred interviews with 16 authors who have shaped and defined narrative fiction and songwriting.Rogue Males includes conversations with crime fiction legends Elmore Leonard and James Crumley (in one of his last interviews); premier stylists James Sallis and Daniel Woodrell; noir kingpins James Ellroy and Ken Bruen, and top thriller writers Lee Child and Randy Wayne White.Stephen J. Cannell and Max Allan Collins hold forth on the intersection of crime novels and the silver screen while Andrew Vachss, Pete Dexter, Craig Holden, Alistair MacLeod, Tom Russell and Kinky Friedman...

    At once informative and inspirational, the book reveals its wisdom in layers, inviting the reader to return to it again and again. Millin delivers the profound message that women have access to a feminine approach to writing, one that differs from what they have been taught. When employed, this approach frees them from the fears and "shoulds" that have restrained their creativity. Although written primarily about the feminine and a woman's journey, men and women alike will find the book a guide to writing as a journey of the soul.

    

    From identifying the essay type and planning a structure, to honing your research skills, managing your time, finding an essay voice, and referencing correctly, Writing Essays For Dummies shows you how to stay on top of each stage of the essay-writing process, to help you produce a well-crafted and confident final document. Writing Essays For Dummies covers:Part I: Navigating a World of Information Chapter 1: Mapping Your Way: Starting to Write Essays Chapter 2: Identifying the essay typePart II: Researching, Recording and ReformulatingChapter 3: Eyes Down: Academic reading Chapter 4: Researching Online Chapter 5: Note-taking and Organising your Material Chapter 6: Avoiding PlagiarismPart III: Putting Pen to Paper Chapter 7: Writing as a process Chapter 8: Getting Going and Keeping GoingPart IV: Mastering Language and Style Chapter 9: Writing with Confidence Chapter 10: Penning the Perfect Paragraph Chapter 11: Finding Your VoicePart V: Tightening Your Structure and Organisation Chapter 12: Preparing the Aperitif: The Introduction Chapter 13: Serving the Main Course: The Essay's Body Chapter 14: Dishing up Dessert: The Conclusion Chapter 15: Acknowledging Sources of InformationPart VI: Finishing with a Flourish: The Final Touches Chapter 16: It's all in the detail Chapter 17: Perfecting Your Presentation Chapter 18: The afterglowPart VII: Part of Tens Chapter 19: Ten Tips to Avoid Things Going Wrong Chapter 20: Ten Ways to Make Your Essay Stand Out

    That's 1,000 flash writing exercises to keep your pen moving!This exciting follow-up to author Bonnie Neubauer's best-selling Write-Brain Workbook offers even more original prompts to help you:Get into the habit of writing without the burden of weighty expectations--write for the pure fun of it.Write fast in ten-minute bursts without over-thinking or over-editing your work--no self-censoring allowed!Learn how to weave details into your writing to paint a more realistic, tactile picture with your words--be specific and write with intent.Celebrate your writing accomplishments without comparing your work to that of others--every piece you finish is an achievement to be acknowledged!Whether you're a fiction or nonfiction writer, poet, artist, teacher, student, scrapbooker, or lover of words, Take Ten for Writers can help unleash your own writing passion. With 1,000 exercises guaranteed to get the words flowing, you'll come back to the book again and again to stay motivated, get fresh ideas, and keep writer's block at bay for good!

    Written by a working screenwriter, this book gives real world, practical applications for using Dramatica to develop and write screenplays. Book topics include: What Dramatica offers the screenwriter, Dramatica in thirty seconds Characters: Beyond the archetypes, Character Relationships as subplots, Note and sketch story development, How to get a complete plot, Four Dramatica Acts, Three Classical Acts, Narrative flow & writing the screenplay and many more. This book is best suited for writers, particularly screenwriters, who use the Dramatica Pro software as part of their story development process.About the AuthorArmando Saldana Mora has been a professional writer since 1985. "The key to succeed in this profession," he says, "is being able to create top quality material for any genre, any format, any medium." Accordingly, his career has taken him from authoring and producing stage plays, to crafting and editing novels, to originating and redrafting screenplays, to scriptwriting and conducting writer's workshops for TV networks. "I couldn't have done all this without Dramatica," he says, "Really. What else can I say?"

    Through a variety of methods­–modeling, mid-process assessment, small-group conferring, grammar and editing mini-lessons, revision techniques, and identifying the many real-world purposes for writing–Kelly demonstrates how to teach writing so that adolescents internalize the habits and skills of good writers. Along the way they learn that writing is messy, hard work but well worth the struggle and effort. They become more than better writers; ultimately, they become better thinkers.  The DVD features three programs: The Importance of Modeling, Writing with Purpose, and Assessment That Drives Better Student Writing.

    Rich with advice and coaching from editor/author Ray Rhamey, Flogging the Quill’s primary focus is to lift a novel manuscript to a publishable, professional level. The book’s sections cover storytelling, determining what drives a plot, the six vital story ingredients, and tools for spotting shortcomings in a narrative. Writers also learn experiential description, how to handle the tricky character-description hurdle, staging, and overwriting. The ""when to tell, how to show"" lesson has been praised by literary agents and college teachers. ""I’ve read many submissions that were near-misses. If the writers had had the benefit of this book, they’d be published right now."" —Editor and publisher, Laura Abbott ""[I]t’s a must-have for any novelist."" —Bestselling author, Tess Gerritsen

    Based on a series of concepts and exercises Grapes has used in his writing workshops over the last 30 years, METHOD WRITING does more than describe techniques, it takes you step-by-step through a process that will empower your writing and make it unique.

    I knew about the struggle to create, all right. I had 5 children to support. I loved writing and the texture of a sentence.Yet I faced such doubts that at times I almost couldn’t carry on.It was easier at the start, when I could still believe in the possibility of success.I wrote seven novels before one was published. How to keep going? I still didn’t know. I was stuck halfway through yet another novel and nervous about taking on a project to write a mythology textbook.A writer friend, Bridget, and I came up with a plan ~ we would text each other two random words at night and in the morning, before dawn, we would make something out of them. In this way we would shortcut doubt and procrastination and begin each day already being writers.On the third day, I started to write what seemed like lectures from a guide I called Godfrey. I thought I would photocopy them for Bridget. On the day I wrote there were fifty more lectures to come, I realized it was a book length project. I wrote almost every dawn over a winter, in my house beside the sea. I wrote a book I didn’t set out to write and I did it without thinking, without stopping, for twenty minutes a day. That was the first thing I learnt ~ that by simply doing it, something would grow.I went on and wrote the myth book, finished the novel, published two more. The fear has mostly gone. Doubt still lives on and procrastination thrives in many guises. But after meeting Godfrey in these pages, I think I know enough now to carry on. Jillian SullivanPreviously published by Steele Roberts as Fishing From the Boat Ramp.

    Both beginning and advanced wordsmiths will benefit from this clear, straightforward look at the art of creating marketable fiction.

    Each practice page includes a memorable quote printed in DeNealian script and a lined guide for copying the quote. The bottom of the page is designed so that students can cut out and collect the favorite quotes they've copied to create a cursive quote mini-book. Includes famous words from historic figures like Ben Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr.

    It is about a fighting knife, how to carry it, how to draw it and how to engage it in a kill-or-be-killed situation." Bob Kasper left no doubt why he wrote this book. Many of you may already be familiar with Kasper from his writings in Tactical Knives magazine; his knife designs, especially the Scorpion; or his practical instruction in the tactics, techniques and procedures of edged-weapon combat. Those of you who never had the chance to train with, correspond with or read his writings are in for a treat.Paladin is honored to be able to offer Bob Kasper's Sting of the Scorpion to the public for the very first time. In it Kasper imparts his considerable knowledge about knife design, selection, carry and draw; but, most important, he reveals his time-tested principles for using the knife on the battlefield. In his exclusive foreword, training partner and friend Kelly McCann sums it up best: "Bob Kasper's Sting of the Scorpion was written by a guy who had both been stung and had stung - something too important to overlook against a backdrop of ever increasing skilled, but perhaps not experienced, instructors. We're all fortunate Bob wrote down his thoughts, beliefs and training methodology regarding edged weapons or his untimely passing would've left an even larger void than it did.

    government personnel traveling abroad to high-risk areas of operation. The philosophy of "less is more" results in a succinct system of self-defense that is drawn from the author's experiences as well as the collective experience of his students around the world.

    When she clucks buk, buk, buk at the library, the librarian knows exactly what to recommend. Then Henrietta decides to write a book. With the help of her three aunties, she hatches a plot. But when Henrietta publishes her story, the critics say she's laid an egg! Is this the end of Henrietta's career as an author?

    Open this title in the Writer's Toolbox series and discover plenty of tips and tools to get you started. Soon you'll be making readers giggle like a pro!

    But, how can you be sure you're getting an unbiased and objective opinion?A writing critique group may be the answer you're looking for, and this book arms you with everything you need to find a group that suits your specific writing needs. Whether you're looking to join an existing group or start one of your own, you'll learn how to:Find compatible critique partnersDevelop your editor's eye and analyze writing like a professionalConstruct organized and well thought-out critiquesGive and receive constructive feedbackRun efficient critique meetings and maintain a good group dynamicApply the feedback you receive to your own writing and make revisionsComplete with worksheets, sample critiques and examples, The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide gives you tools to hone your editing skills and deepen your understanding of how to revise your own work as well as someone else's. With the help of this guide your writing critique group can be a helpful resource for you and your writing partners for years to come.

    Using a single or small number of genre-specific works, this new series explores the tools all beginning writers need. Each title includes a review list of key concepts, at least four exercises for getting started, and numerous writing tips.

    Robyn Donald writes on Changing with the Times, while Helen Bianchin discusses Latin Lovers and Others. Meredith Webber talks about the modern medical genre, and Elizabeth Rolls explores the fun to be had in research, by way of Regency romances. Erotic romance, fantasy romance, and suspense are all covered; Jennie Adams shares her foolproof editing system; and Daphne Clair explains why writing romance is "a feminist act." The questions most asked of published authors are all answered here, such as How do I make my characters live? My dialogue feels flat—how can I fix it? How did you begin writing romance novels? How do I make sure my book hits the right emotional heights?  I don't have to edit my own work, do I? and Can I do anything to market my manuscript? Examples of writing to analyze with the help of the contributors are also provided, as well as lists of recommended reading and links to interesting and useful websites.

    Although this book was written for writers promoting their books, these promotional tips can be applied to any products you may wish to promote via the Internet. You will learn how to target your audience, create massive exposure, and drive traffic back to the site where your books or other products are sold.

    Full description

    A writer-killing myth is that you can t make any money at fiction. In a step-by-step discussion, bestselling fiction writer Dean Wesley Smith shows you how wrong that myth really is and how to get to your dream of writing fiction for a living.

    The film earned praise from critics worldwide and was honored with four Academy Awards(R), including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. In No Country for Old Men: From Novel to Film, scholars offer varied approaches to both the novel and the award-winning film. Beginning with several essays dedicated entirely to the novel and its place within the McCarthy canon, the anthology offers subsequent essays focusing on the film, the adaptation process, and the Coen Brothers more broadly. The book also features an interview with the Coen brothers' long-time cinematographer Roger Deakins. This entertaining and enriching book for readers interested in the Coen Brothers' films and in McCarthy's fiction is an important contribution to both literature and film studies.

    Sanders shares insiders tips and explains the secrets to landing a contract before you write one word of your manuscript -- even if youre an inexperienced or unpublished childrens writer. Whether youre just starting out or have numerous published credits to your name, Nancy teaches you how to manage your time and focus your energies so that you are writing each day with purpose in order to get published, earn an income, and satisfy your personal fulfillment as a writer. Follow Nancys step-by-step instructions, and you, too, can establish the foundation for building a successful career as a childrens writer. Yes! You can.

    Open this title in the Writer's Toolbox series and discover plenty of tips and tools to get you started. Soon you'll be collecting and organizing facts like a pro!

    Focusing on inspiration, the Ultimate Toolbox is 400 pages of the best charts, tables, and seeds of gaming adventure. From character backgrounds and world building to pirate lore and magical portals, every page is the key to adventure. Covering seven distinct and ever-important topics, the Ultimate Toolbox is a must for any GM. Whether your games take place in the city, dungeon, wilds, or even at sea, there's a chapter dedicated to it. Even PCs, NPCs, and magical creations get their fair share of attention, as well as advice and charts for building an adventure or campaign from scratch. Begin your journey now. This book can be used with any fantasy game system. There are no rules, no powers, no stats of any kind-merely page after page of charts, tables, advice and good solid gaming inspiration. With over 1,000 never-before-seen tables and a fully-loaded index, what else could you ever need?

    Grounded in adult learning theory, this volume:Offers a clear, easy-to-follow approach with concrete goals and workable methods Discusses how practitioner scholars can apply their work experience to the dissertation Includes organizational templates, detailed charts, checklists, a timeline, student examples, and rubrics Provides tips throughout to help students think through situations Covers both quantitative and qualitative research

    This edition has been completely updated and redesigned to help you broaden your vocabulary and find the words you need, for writing, puzzle solving, and general interest.

    The rapid growth of the Web has meant having to rely on style guides intended for print publishing, but these guides do not address the new challenges of communicating online. Enter The Yahoo! Style Guide. From Yahoo!, a leader in online content and one of the most visited Internet destinations in the world, comes the definitive reference on the essential elements of Web style for writers, editors, bloggers, and students. With topics that range from the basics of grammar and punctuation to Web-specific ways to improve your writing, this comprehensive resource will help you:- Shape your text for online reading- Construct clear and compelling copy- Write eye-catching and effective headings- Develop your site's unique voice- Streamline text for mobile users- Optimize webpages to boost your chances of appearing in search results- Create better blogs and newsletters- Learn easy fixes for your writing mistakes- Write clear user-interface textThis essential sourcebook--based on internal editorial practices that have helped Yahoo! writers and editors for the last fifteen years--is now at your fingertips.

    The title refers to the canary in the coal mine, who whiffs gas and dies to save miners; reviewers of fantastika can find themselves in a similar position, though words can only hurt us.This is the fourth such collection by John Clute. Several older pieces are included here, though the great bulk of the book - over 200,000 words - was first published between 2003 and 2008. Every review has been edited. Errors and incoherencies have been removed when possible. The original versions of some reviews - in particular those written in the past year or so - have been treated as first drafts, and have been brought into final form.One piece, on John B Watson and Behaviorism, is previously unpublished.

    Star Wars fans will love filling in the blanks in 21 stories about the new groundbreaking animated TV show. With this book, the galaxy rests in your __________________ [part of the body].

    The result is vibrant, messy, mysterious, and enduring.

    This quick, easy guide is packed with useful information on how to "Publish Your First Magazine," showing you all the steps I took to wind up with not one, not two, but three distribution deals on the table. I'll not only show you my process but also provide you with the documentation I created and used along the way.In this new, expanded edition you will learn:* Magazine business fundamentals* The necessary start-up costs* How to brand and design your publication* How to manage the editorial process* The different ways a magazine can be monetized* How to set your ad rates and sell ads* How to select and work with a printer* Great sources for content and photography* How to effectively use social media to connect with your audience* The legalities of publishingAnd much, much more!Learn in a weekend what took me years to research in this instructional guide that's created for anyone who's contemplating producing a print magazine in today's highly volatile and competitive marketplace.

    For writers hoping for publication, passive writing stings their chances. In How to Swat the KILLER BEs Out of Your Writing, author Nancy Owens Barnes presents a handy booklet designed to assist serious writers in turning their passive voice into active voice and allowing their writing to reach a new level. A great guide for beginning writers and a gentle reminder for established writers.

    These 37 very short stories provide a quick fiction fix for today's busy reader.

    Focusing on various epistemological, intellectual, and ethical conflicts in doing social analysis, this reader invites researchers-in-training to explore why, from what perspective, for whose benefit, and with what stakes are research questions being posed. Drawing from her wealth of expertise executing and teaching qualitative research methods, scholar Wendy Luttrell has selected essays that focus specifically on the challenges of qualitative inquiry as they pertain to the field of education. These essays present multiple paradigms and perspectives in qualitative inquiry, including interpretivism, critical theory, cultural studies, feminist theories, critical psychology, and critical race theory. Reflexive writing assignments at the end of the volume expand readers' understanding of the essays and guide students through developing their own research design.

     Featuring drafting exercises and examples, Thinking Like a Writer enables you to craft introductions that engage readers from the start; develop a credible, professional writing persona; write strong, streamlined sentences that bring subjects into clear focus; create logically-linked paragraphs that carry readers forward smoothly; break up information stylistically and graphically to enhance comprehension; use syntax, verbs, and varied sentence lengths to keep readers’ attention; instill writing with added grace and imagination; communicate with different audiences, including clients, associates, senior lawyers, and judges; and identify drafting problems, understand their causes, and find the right editorial solutions. Thinking Like a Writer shows you how to blend reason and emotion, detail and simplicity, concrete language and metaphors, to ensure that your legal writing does full justice to your legal thinking. Updated as needed, Thinking Like a Writer: A Lawyer’s Guide to Effective Writing and Editing is a vital working handbook for attorneys and a useful reference for judges and paralegals.  Founded in 1933, Practising Law Institute is the nation’s foremost provider of continuing legal education. PLI is a leading publisher of authoritative legal references and other information resources and offers more than 300 live and electronic programs nationally. About the Authors Stephen V. Armstrong has taught writing programs for judges and lawyers in the United States and Canada under the sponsorship of such groups as the Federal Judicial Center, the Practising Law Institute, ALI-ABA, and the American Bar Association. He has also taught writing in law firms and worked extensively with the writing of practicing lawyers, and has published widely on the topic of continuing professional development for lawyers. Timothy P. Terrell has been a member of the faculty of Emory University School of Law since 1976 and has been a visiting professor at the law schools at the University of Iowa, the University of San Diego, and the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in England. He has taught a wide range of courses but now focuses on legal theory, legal ethics, and property law. He has published extensively in all these areas.

    Selections encompass works by classical rhetoricians and modern compositionists alike addressing a range of issues that includes grammar in style, sentence-based pedagogies, imitation, and alternative rhetorics.

    The book also addresses assessment: How can teachers navigate the reductive definitions of writing in current national and statewide testing? What are teachers' goals for their students' learning--and how have they changed in the past 20 years? What is "the new writing"? How do digital writers revise and publish? What are the implications for the future of writing instruction?The contributing authors are teachers from public, independent, rural, urban, and suburban schools. Whether writing instructors embrace digital literacy now or see the inevitable future ahead, this groundbreaking book (appropriate for the elementary through college level) will both instruct and inspire.

    What's more, training a copywriter to write good copy was just as slow... often taking two to four years and generating lots of hurt feelings.Copy Logic! The New Science of Producing Breakthrough Copy (Without Criticism) eliminates both of these problems. It is far and away the best -- and fastest -- way to improve copy... and cut a copywriter's learning curve in half.In this book, direct-marketing expert Michael Masterson and master copywriter Mike Palmer reveal their methodical, step-by-step process for turning "B-level" copy into control beating "A-level" copy in just 24 hours.This is the exact process that was directly responsible for helping one company boost its revenues into the $300-million-a-year range (while creating six-figure incomes for many of its copywriters).Needless to say, Copy Logic! works.Simply follow Masterson and Palmer's clearly outlined steps and detailed examples, and you can't help bu come out with significantly stronger copy.Whether you're a business owner, marketing director, copy chief, or copywriter, Copy Logic! will help you produce bigger winners, more often.

    You must maintain suspense, portray your characters’ emotions, show events rather than tell about them, make effective use of comparisions, and achieve consistency of style and voice. You must avoid passive voice, information dumps, repeated information, digressions, clichés, and unnecessary words and phrases. Finally, you must mind the details of grammar, spelling, word usage, punctuation, and format. Whew!How do you catch it all? How do you know when you've got it right? How do you even know where to start? Revising Fiction will answer these questions and many, many more.If you’re tired of reading books, taking classes, and attending talks and conferences that don’t give you what you need, Revising Fiction is the book you’ve been searching for.Within these pages, you’ll find:A comprehensive treatment of the entire writing and revision process, from planning your novel, to first draft, through revision, to final product. A practical approach that makes the concepts fun to learn and easy to apply. Hundreds of examples. Over 150 passages of unpolished writing revised to correct problems. Two full chapters of case studies. Reading recommendations for those who desire a more intensive study of specific writing areas such as plot development, characterization, or scene structure. A self-editing checklistRevising Fiction will give you the tools you need to bang your manuscript into shape, once and for all.

    They're not our questions. They're the same questions editors ask every day. So, why doesn't every writer use these questions? Is it possible that some writers may not know the Nine Essential Questions . . . or how to answer them? The authors in Writing It Right! respond to their editors critiques and show you every trick in the book to get their stories accepted and published . . . and give you permission to use these techniques in your writing and revising. You'll see how to turn a short poem into a picture book (by cutting all but two lines of the first draft) and completely shifting the point of view . . . You'll watch a first draft go through three versions as the title changes and the author's best-loved section is cut to answer an essential question . . . You'll be astounded as you watch the author shift from third person past tense to first person present tense, while changing the main character . . . and many more feats of editorial skill. It's a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-go-to-work writer's manual that's guaranteed to change your perception of revision forever.