Book picks similar to
The Giblin Guide to Writing Children's Books by James Cross Giblin


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The Prodigy


Alton Gansky - 2001
    A dying businessman is cured of cancer. Undeniable miracles are following a rusty station wagon on its journey west. But the person behind them is no charismatic religious figure. He’s the six-year-old son of a poor single mother and the possessor of a gift he can’t explain. To multitudes, however, Toby Matthews is about to become a New Age messiah--and to unscrupulous opportunists, a ticket to undreamed-of wealth. But one person besides his young mother will see Toby for who he really is. Thomas York, a gifted but searching divinity student, finds in Toby a kindred spirit--brilliant, intuitive, hungry for truth. And as an evil beyond their comprehension unfolds, Truth will become their only weapon against a terrifying enemy unseen by all except Toby.A taut supernatural thriller, The Prodigy probes the influence of the invisible realm on the world around us and the indomitable power of the Light that shines in the darkness.

Light the Dark: Writers on Creativity, Inspiration, and the Artistic Process


Joe Fassler - 2017
    Each writer begins with a favorite passage from a novel, a song, a poem—something that gets them started and keeps them going with the creative work they love. From there, incredible lessons and stories of life-changing encounters with art emerge, like how sneaking books into his job as a night security guard helped Khaled Hosseini learn that nothing he creates will ever be truly finished. Or how a college reading assignment taught Junot Díaz that great art can be a healing conversation, and an unexpected poet led Elizabeth Gilbert to embrace an unyielding optimism, even in the face of darkness. LIGHT THE DARK collects the best of The Atlantic‘s much-acclaimed “By Heart” series edited by Joe Fassler and adds brand new pieces, each one paired with a striking illustration. Here is a guide to creative living and writing in the vein of Daily Rituals, Bird by Bird, and Big Magic for anyone who wants to learn how great writers find inspiration—and how to find some of your own.CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS: Elizabeth Gilbert, Junot Díaz, Marilynne Robinson, Jonathan Lethem, Michael Chabon, Aimee Bender, Mary Gaitskill, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Roxane Gay, Angela Flournoy, Jonathan Franzen, Yiyun Li, Leslie Jamison, Claire Messud, Edwidge Danticat, David Mitchell, Khaled Hosseini, Ayana Mathis, Kathryn Harrison, Azar Nafisi, Hanya Yanagihara, Jane Smiley, Nell Zink, Emma Donoghue, Jeff Tweedy, Eileen Myles, Maggie Shipstead, Sherman Alexie, Andre Dubus III, Billy Collins, Lev Grossman, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Charles Simic, Jim Shepard, T.C. Boyle, Tom Perrotta, Viet Than Nguyen, William Gibson, Mark Haddon, Ethan Canin, Jessie Ball, Jim Crace, and Walter Mosley.“As [these authors] reveal what inspires them, they, in turn, inspire the reader, all while celebrating the beauty and purpose of art.” –Booklist

Writing the Fiction Series: The Complete Guide for Novels and Novellas


Karen S. Wiesner - 2013
    But if you're contemplating writing a series, there are plenty of considerations you'll need to make first. Writing the Fiction Series is the complete guide to ensuring your series stays hot after the first, fourth, or even fifteenth book.Inside, you'll learn how to: • Write a series that captures the hearts of readers and stands out in a sea of competition. • Find the focus of your series, develop your idea, and plan ahead. • Hone in on the two most important aspects of series writing: characters and consistency. • Utilize a variety of series organization techniques, complete with downloadable worksheets and checklists. • Market your series effectively and increase your sales.With insights from nearly 100 series authors and publishers, as well as Grow Your Series Muscles" exercises, Writing the Fiction Series is the only book you'll need to write a series that sizzles.Also available: the companion tutorial from Writer’s Digest Tutorials, Writing the Fiction Series:http://tutorials.writersdigest.com/

What I Know Now: Letters to My Younger Self


Ellyn Spragins - 2006
    "Your hair matters far, far less than you think," is the wry advice that begins the letter bestselling mystery writer Lisa Scottoline pens to her twenty-year old self. And Maya Angelou, leaving home at seventeen with a newborn baby in her arms, assures herself she will succeed on her own, even if she does return home every now and then.These remarkable women are joined by Madeleine Albright, Queen Noor of Jordan, Cokie Roberts, Naomi Wolf, Eileen Fisher, Jane Kaczmarek, Olympia Dukakis, Macy Gray, and many others. Their letters contain rare glimpses into the personal lives of extraordinary women and powerful wisdom that readers will treasure.Wisdom from What I Know Now"Don't let anybody raise you. You've been raised." -Maya Angelou"Try more things. Cross more lines." -Breena Clarke"Learn how to celebrate." -Olympia Dukakis"You don't have to be afraid of living alone." -Eileen Fisher"Please yourself first...everything else follows." -Macy Gray"Don't be so quick to dismiss another human being." -Barbara Boxer"Work should not be work." -Mary Matalin"You can leave the work world--and come back on your own terms." -Cokie Roberts"Laundry will wait very patiently." -Nora Roberts"Your hair matters far, far less than you think" -Lisa Scottoline"Speak the truth but ride a fast horse." -Kitty Kelley

Dinosaur and Monster and The Magic Carpet (Dinosaur and Monster stories Book 1)


Suzanne Pollen - 2015
     This time out the two lovable characters embark on a visit to the carpet shop as Monsters old carpet has a hole in it, unbeknown to them the new carpet that Monster has purchased is no ordinary rug. With the help of Magic Fairy to their delight they find out about it's magical capabilities and have great fun putting their amazing find through its paces.

How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author


Janet Evanovich - 2006
    It offers practical and inspiring advice on such subjects as structuring a plot and handling rejection. And it combines one of today's most successful fiction writers with a published non-fiction writer who teaches creative fiction. HOW I WRITE is the perfect reference for anyone looking to improve their writing, and for those fans who are hungry to find out more about just how Janet Evanovich ticks.

New Women's Devotional Bible


Anonymous - 2010
    It includes a fullyear of all-new devotions by women of God. Added features from its bestselling predecessor make this Bible more engaging, practical, and versatile.Features Include:* Complete text of the NIV---the most read, most trusted Bible translation* A full year of weekday and weekend devotions bring insight and inspiration. Also included are questions for reflection to help women apply God's Word to life.* Devotions by well-known---and not-so-well-known women of God, including Joni Eareckson Tada, Elisabeth Elliot, Lynne Hybels, Anne Graham Lotz,and Katie Brazelton* Multiple reading plans for year-after-year use* Introductions for each book of the Bible* 500 callouts spotlighting key verses of the Bible for memorization and contemplation* Author index with biographical information on each contributor* Subject index to help you locate topics easily* Presentation page* Double-column format

Faithful


Janet Fox - 2010
    Her mother has disappeared, and is presumed dead. The next thing she knows, her father has dragged Maggie away from their elegant Newport home, off on some mad excursion to Yellowstone in Montana. Torn from the only life she's ever known, away from her friends, from society, and verging on no prospects, Maggie is furious and devastated by her father's betrayal. But when she arrives, she finds herself drawn to the frustratingly stubborn, handsome Tom Rowland, the son of a park geologist, and to the wild romantic beauty of Yellowstone itself. And as Tom and the promise of freedom capture Maggie's heart, Maggie is forced to choose between who she is and who she wants to be.

Strange Sweet Song


Adi Rule - 2014
    And in the forest, they say, lives a great beast called the Felix. But Sing da Navelli never put much faith in the rumors and myths surrounding the school; music flows in her blood, and she is there to sing for real. This prestigious academy will finally give her the chance to prove her worth—not as the daughter of world-renowned musicians—but as an artist and leading lady in her own right.Yet despite her best efforts, there seems to be something missing from her voice. Her doubts about her own talent are underscored by the fact that she is cast as the understudy in the school's production of her favorite opera, Angelique. Angelique was written at Dunhammond, and the legend says that the composer was inspired by forest surrounding the school, a place steeped in history, magic, and danger. But was it all a figment of his imagination, or are the fantastic figures in the opera more than imaginary? Sing must work with the mysterious Apprentice Nathan Daysmoor as her vocal coach, who is both her harshest critic and staunchest advocate. But Nathan has secrets of his own, secrets that are entwined with the myths and legends surrounding Dunhammond, and the great creature they say lives there.Lyrical, gothic, and magical, Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule will captivate and enchant readers.

Double Exposure


Lisa Jackson - 1990
    Now, returning to Taylor's Crossing, he wanted only to forget her and the promises they'd forged in the heat of passion. Promises she'd inexplicably broken the moment he'd left to secure their future. To Melanie, seeing the infamous world-class skier was like lightning striking twice--thrilling but terrifying. Pent-up passion still blistered the air around them, but the bitterness in Gavin's eyes was glacial. He thought she'd betrayed him, but he hadn't known of her desperation without him, hadn't known of the child they'd conceived....Dare she bare herself to his accusations--twice?

The Ultimate Player's Guide to Minecraft


Stephen O'Brien - 2013
    Take an experienced guide who'll help you constantly... from living through your first night, to hosting your own Minecraft server! Stephen O'Brien has been obsessing over Minecraft since its earliest betas. He's seen it all! Now, he'll take you deep inside craft and mine, cave and menagerie, farm and village. He'll reveal combat traps and tricks you needto know... take you deep inside hidden temples... teach you enchantments of unimaginable power... help you survive where few dare to go... help you OWN the infinite worlds of Minecraft! Get registered and get started NOWCustomize your experience: monstrous, peaceful, and moreHarvest resources, craft tools and shelters--let there be lightGrab your pickaxe: mine iron, gold, diamonds, and redstoneEscape (or defeat!) 14 types of hostile mobsGet friendly mobs on your side and build automated farmsBrew potions to cure ills, gain superpowers, and throw at enemiesTransform your shelter into a palace (or a secret underwater base)Create new worlds and master the fine art of terraformingLearn the secrets of redstone devices, and build incredible rail systemsPlay safely through The Nether and The EndDiscover mods that will blow your mindRun your own LAN games, adventures, and worldsProvides complete coverage of the PC and Mac versionsTips for using Minecraft on Xbox, iOS and AndroidBonus downloadable crafting guide available from the publisher's web site

The Author Startup: A Radical Approach To Rapidly Writing and Self-Publishing Your Book On Amazon


Ray Brehm - 2017
     “What is the fastest way I can get my book done?” I pondered the question a minute. There is all this extravagant education out there on writing a book, filled with hundreds of things to do. But the truth is, you do 20% of the work for 80% of the result (The Pareto Principle). How does one accomplish this? By streamlining all the tasks down to the minimum requirements, and focusing on those. The Author Startup is a process to create a minimum viable product for your book. It is used to get your book out there and build momentum for you. In The Author Startup , you will: Learn the Boogie Board Approach for publishing Use concepts similar to The Lean Startup for your book Learn the exact tools I used to create and publish a book in 26 days Find out how to defeat the “Imposter Syndrome” Receive a complete Action Plan that will change your approach and attitude for publishing your book The book contains links to an entire action plan, including video demos. Don’t wait to start your book, learn the quickest way to get it published now!

Slow Your Prose


James W. Lewis - 2011
    They have the pedal pressed to the floor when they shouldn't have gotten in the ride at all, sort of speak. In "Slow Your Prose: 25 Tips On How New Authors Can Improve Their Craft," we go back to the basics.Showing vs. telling, passive/active voice, point-of-views ... many writers confuse these key elements for writing a good story. Before rushing a book to market, it's more important to write the best book possible first. But why do so many authors skip this step? As a bonus, you'll find three proven query letters that have led to deals with a literary agent, a magazine and popular anthology by a New York Times best-selling author.

Oyster Blues


Michael McClelland - 2002
    He has to get off a Caribbean island quick before someone nails him for a murder that may or may not be his doing. Desperate, he takes a job from two mob goons to sail their boat to Miami with a coffin -- the contents of which are dubious at best. Then he meets Jane Ellen Ashley, a blazing blue-eyed oyster shucker (who also might have accidentally killed somebody), and the trouble really rolls in. They've just stumbled onto a big-money scam involving some very dangerous people -- which puts them on the endangered species list.Now, they're both on the run from...well, pretty much everyone. And while Harry wants to make Jane his catch of the day, Jane wants to save her beloved Apalachicola Bay -- and both of them want to avoid a fatal case of the..."Oyster Blues

Dr. Seuss


Dana Meachen Rau - 2003
    Presents a brief overview of the life of the man who wrote "Green Eggs and Ham" and many other beloved children's books.