Gotham Writers' Workshop : writing fiction : the practical guide from New York's acclaimed creative writing school

Adèle Ramet

"This book is a first-rate guide for writers who are looking for ways to improve their output. It focuses on: fiction writing and the world of genre fiction - science, romance, horror and crime ways of drawing on personal experience in order to write non-fiction articles on a wide variety of topics in a number of different styles and, writing for children which requires specialist skills that, once mastered, bring enormous satisfaction to both the writer and the reader. Crucially, there is also a chapter on presenting your work to a publisher and getting it into print"--Publisher's description. Lire plus…

James V. Smith Jr.

I am the publisher of Flying Pen Press. One of my responsibilities is that I have the final say on which novels we publish. I picked this book up in hopes it might give me some tidbits of information for our writer's guidelines. Instead, this was a book that astounded me in its ability to teach what it has taken me more than 20 years to learn as a writer. Make no mistake, this is a book for the advanced writer. You won't find grammar rules or a punctuation guide in this book. What you will find is a book that explains clearly what makes a novel appealing to readers, and how to start from the blank page and with a minimum of time, complete a novel that has that appeal from page one. The book is organized into three parts: Part One is a collection of exercises for creativity, to help brainstorm ideas, words, and titles. These exercises are not like any writing exercises you may have seen, but they do invigorate the creativity process like no other exercises I have ever seen, except maybe in the book, Thinkertoys Thinkertoys: A Handbook of Creative-Thinking Techniques (2nd Edition). Part Two is the meat of the book, and walks a novelist through some of the most difficult parts of writing a novel, from how to evaluate an idea and establish the tension of each scene, to characterization, word choice, and the greatest secret of all, that writing short words in short sentences is more important than all the other qualities of a novel combined. Part Three is a collection of... Lire plus…

Rober Olen Butler, Ed. Janet Burroway

Robert Olen Butler, winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, teaches graduate fiction at Florida State University — his version of literary boot camp. In __From Where You Dream,__ Butler reimagines the process of writing as emotional rather than intellectual, and tells writers how to achieve the dreamspace necessary for composing honest, inspired fiction. Proposing that fiction is the exploration of the human condition with yearning as its compass, Butler reinterprets the traditional tools of the craft using the dynamics of desire. Offering a direct view into the mind and craft of a literary master, __From Where You Dream__ is an invaluable tool for the novice and experienced writer alike. Lire plus…

Ray Bradbury

This is a delightful, inspiring and extremely useful book on writing. Bradbury talks his evolution as a writer -- what he discovered writing 2000 words every day from the age of 12 to 22, publishing short stories every week in his twenties, and eventually creating novels such as Farenheit 451, Dandelion Wine and the Martian Chronicles. Here is Bradbury's writing routine: "All during my early twenties I had the following schedule. On Monday morning I wrote the first draft of my new story. On Tuesday I did a second draft. On Wednesday a third. On Thursday a fourth. On Friday a fifth. And on Saturday at noon, I mailed out the sixth and final draft to New York. Sunday? I thought about all the wild ideas scrambling for my attention, waiting under the attic lid, confident at last that, because of "The Lake," I would soon let them out. If all of this sounds mechanical, it wasn't. My ideas drove me to it, you see. The more I did, the more I wanted to do. You grow ravenous. You run fevers. You know exhilaration. You can't sleep at night, because your beast-creature ideas want out and turn you in your bed. It's a grand way to live" (62-63). He offers lots of suggestions for how to develop your writing, particularly on his chapter entitled, "How to Keep and Feed a Muse." Here's a sample: Write about what you love and also about what you hate: "What do you love most in the world? The Big and the little Things I mean. What do you want more than anything else in the world? What... Lire plus…

Morley, David

I'm skeptical of this book's claims that it's meant to accompany a course in creative writing - it's not practical enough. Then again, as an academic approach to the topic, why shouldn't we expect it to be found in a classroom? Flipping through this book, I always expect to get more out of it than I actually end up gleaning from its pages. The organization is not particularly helpful; the ten chapters are as follows: 1: Introducing creative writing 2: Creative writing in the world 3: Challenges of creative writing 4: Composition and creative writing 5: Processes of creative writing 5: The practice of fiction 7: Creative nonfiction 8: Writing poetry 9: Performing writing 10: Writing in the community and academy These categories give little indication of where to find what, and the index is not particularly helpful in finding information, either. For instance, why is the section "On Titles" buried in the "Processes" chapter? It's useful; Morley writes: "Like it or not, [the title] may tip the balance between your work being read or not, and it might form part of what is graded within a writing course. You must make your title work as hard as all the words in your piece - harder, in fact, for the title is a door for the reader to open, or a little window through which they peep at the interior, an intrigue making them question whether they should enter or take part. A lazy or imprecise title can damn an entire book" (132). This quote exemplifies the book's value... Lire plus…

By Ansen Dibell

"There are ways to create, fix, steer and discover plots--ways which, over a writing life, you'd eventually puzzle out for yourself," writes Ansen Dibell. "They aren't laws. They're an array of choices, things to try, once you've put a name to the particular problem you're facing now."That's what this book is about: identifying those choices (whose viewpoint? stop and explain now, or wait? how can this lead to that?), then learning what narrative problems they are apt to create and how to choose an effective strategy for solving them. The result? Strong, solid stories and novels that move.Inside you'll discover how to:test a story idea (using four simple questions) to see if it worksconvince your reader that not only is something happening, but that something's going to happen and it all matters intenselyhandle viewpoint shifts, flashbacks, and other radical jumps in your storyline weave plots with subplotsget ready for and write your Big Scenesbalance scene and summary narration to produce good pacinghandle the extremes of melodrama by "faking out" your readers--making them watch your right hand while your left hand is doing something sneakyform subtle patterns with mirror characters and echoing incidentschoose the best type of ending--linear or circular, happy or downbeat, or (with caution!) a trick endingWhether your fiction is short or long, subtle or direct, you'll learn to build strong plots that drive compelling, unforgettable stories your readers will love.This is... Lire plus…

Edited By Scott Barry Kaufman, James C. Kaufman

The Psychology of Creative Writing takes a scholarly, psychological look at multiple aspects of creative writing, including the creative writer as a person, the text itself, the creative process, the writer's development, the link between creative writing and mental illness, the personality traits of comedy and screen writers, and how to teach creative writing. This book will appeal to psychologists interested in creativity, writers who want to understand more about the magic behind their talents, and educated laypeople who enjoy reading, writing, or both. From scholars to bloggers to artists, The Psychology of Creative Writing has something for everyone. Lire plus…

Paul Mills

This step-by-step, practical guide to the process of creative writing provides readers with a comprehensive course in its art and skill. With genre-based chapters, such as life writing, novels and short stories, poetry, fiction for children and screenwriting, it is an indispensable guide to writing successfully. The Routledge Creative Writing Coursebook: \*shows new writers how to get started and suggests useful writing habits\*encourages experimentation and creativity\*stimulates critical awareness through discussion of literary theory and a wide range of illustrative texts\*approaches writing as a skill, as well as an art form\*is packed with individual and group exercises\*offers invaluable tips on the revision and editing processes. Featuring practical suggestions for developing and improving your writing, The Routledge Creative Writing Coursebook is an ideal course text for students and an invaluable guide to self-study. Lire plus…

Bill Greenwell, Linda Anderson

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Hazel Smith

this Demystifying Guide To Creative Writing Shows That Successful Work Arises Not From Talent Or Inspiration Alone But From Several Stages Of Development Within A Systematic Strategy. Recommending An Exploratory Approach To Writing, This Book Offers Practical Exercises That Bring Exceptional Creative Writing Within Reach. Each Chapter Is Illustrated With Extensive Examples Of Student Work And Published Writing Including Fiction, Poetry, Plays, Performance, And New Media. Lire plus…

Stephanie Dowrick

Winner of the COVR Award for Book of the Year (2007) From the #1 creativity publisher in the country comes our latest creativity bestseller—Creative Journal Writing—the ultimate book for those who are looking to use this powerful tool to heal, expand, and transform their lives. In this exceptionally positive and encouraging book, Stephanie Dowrick frees the journal writer she believes is in virtually everyone, showing through stories and examples that a genuine sense of possibility can be revived on every page. Creative journal writing goes way beyond just recording events on paper. It can be the companion that supports but doesn?t judge, a place of unparalleled discovery, and a creative playground where the everyday rules no longer count. Proven benefits of journal writing include reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, sharpened mental skills, genuine psychological insight, creative inspiration and motivation, strengthened ability to cope during difficult times, and overall physical and emotional well-being. Combining a rich choice of ideas with wonderful stories, quotes, and her refreshingly intimate thoughts gained through a lifetime of writing, Dowrick?s insights and confidence make journal writing irresistible?and your own life more enchanting. Included in Creative Journal Writing are: u stories of how people have used journal writing to transform their lives; · inspirational instructions, guidelines, and quotes; · key principles, practical... Lire plus…

Theodore Albert Rees Cheney

Do you want to write a non-fiction book but don't know where to start? Or perhaps you worry that you're not ‘the expert' or have enough authority in your niche to write a book on it? Are you ready to help other people and change your own life with your words?The first non-fiction book I wrote changed my life. Sure, it helped other people, but mostly it altered the course of my life – so much so that 10 years later, I make a living with my writing. In this book, I'll share everything I've learned along the way and save you time, effort and frustration on your author journey.PART 1. Before You MindsetPART 2. Before You BusinessPART 3. Writing and EditingPART 4. Publishing and Product CreationPART 5. Marketing Non-FictionConclusion and your next steps. It's time to (finally) write your non-fiction book. Lire plus…

Kendall F. Haven

haven's Breakthrough Approach To Creative Writing Uses Storytelling Techniques To Enhance The Creative Writing Process. This Practical Guide Offers Directions For 38 Writing Exercises That Will Show Students How To Create Powerful And Dynamic Fiction. All The Steps Are Included, From Finding Inspiration And Creating Believable Characters To The Final Edit. Activities Are Coded By Levels, But Most Can Be Adapted To Various Grades. voya language Arts Teachers Understand, And Try To Convey To Their Students, That Writing Is An Evolving Task. They Know That It Is Up To Them To Provide The Strategies To Ignite Their Students' Efforts. Based On This Premise, Haven's Text Succeeds As A Clear, Practical, And Comprehensive Resource For The Labor And Adventure Of Writing Short Stories In The Classroom. In A Methodical, Systematic Approach To Crafting A Believable Short Story, The Book Is Divided Into Five Parts. Beginning With A Brief Introduction About The Myths And Difficulties Of Writing A Story, The Author Moves To A Thorough Explanation Of Character Development, Dialogue, Point Of View, And Descriptionfundamental Elements Of Storytelling. Word Choice, Evaluation, And Editing Are Highlighted As Well. There Are Activities Designed To Complement The Terminology Throughout The Text And A Glossary Of Writing Terms. Other Helpful Features To Note Are The Elaborately Described Writeright Exercises, Including Guided Visioning And The Sceneandsequel Game, As Well As A List Of... Lire plus…

Adele Ramet; Netlibrary, Inc

Whether writing to inform others on a particular area of expertise or looking upon writing as an enjoyable way to escape into a fictional world, this practical book aims to help readers improve their writing skills. Each chapter provides a guide through a variety of writing techniques with exercises aimed at helping readers to become more effective writers. It examines how to appoach work from different angles, how to bring a fresh slant to non-fiction pieces and how to involve yourself in the lives of your fictional characters. The book also explores the specialized techniques involved in writing for children. Lire plus…

Novakovich, Josip

Product DescriptionWith more than 120 writing exercises, this l earn-by-doing guide is designed to help students improve and expand their fiction according to individual needs and sche dules. ' About the AuthorJosip Novakovich is the author of a novel (April Fool's Day, HarperCollins), three story collections (Infidelities: Stories of War and Lust, Yolk and Salvation and Other Disasters), two collections of narrative essays (Plum Brandy: Croatian Journeys and Apricots from Chernobyl), and was anthologized in Best American Poetry, Pushcart Prize, and O. Henry Prize Stories. He has received the Whiting Writer?s Award, Guggenheim Fellowship, and two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. Lire plus…

Editors Of New York Writers Workshop

Get the core knowledge of a prestigious MFA education without the tuition. Have you always wanted to get an MFA, but couldn't because of the cost, time commitment, or admission requirements? Well now you can fulfill that dream without having to devote tons of money or time. The Portable MFA gives you all of the essential information you would learn in the MFA program in one book. Covering fiction, memoirs, personal essays, magazine articles, poetry, and playwriting, this book provides you with:    • Inspiration and tips on revision, stamina, and productivity    • Clear instruction on the craft behind the art    • Detailed reading lists to expand your literary horizons    • Exercises to improve your writing endeavors By heeding the advice in The Portable MFA, you will gain the wisdom and experience of some of today's greatest teachers, all for just the price of a book. Lire plus…

John Gardner, John Maier, With The Assistance Of Richard A. Henshaw

A guide to creative writing examines diverse facets of writing technique, and contains analyses of works by writers from Homer to Mark Twain. This classic guide, from the renowned novelist and professor, has helped transform generations of aspiring writers into masterful writers-and will continue to do so for many years to come. John Gardner was almost as famous as a teacher of creative writing as he was for his own works. In this practical, instructive handbook, based on the courses and seminars that he gave, he explains, simply and cogently, the principles and techniques of good writing. Gardner's lessons, exemplified with detailed excerpts from classic works of literature, sweep across a complete range of topics-from the nature of aesthetics to the shape of a refined sentence. Written with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the art of writing, Gardner's book serves by turns as a critic, mentor, and friend. Anyone who has ever thought of taking the step from reader to writer should begin here Lire plus…