Creative Writing

Do you want to write a book but don’t think you have what it takes? Are you unsure about how to structure a good nonfiction book? Does the idea of self-publishing on Amazon overwhelm you? You are not alone. Many would-be authors have the same hesitations, which is why this book has been written.

Draft No. 4 is an elucidation of the writer's craft by a master practitioner. In a series of playful but expertly wrought essays, John McPhee shares insights he's gathered over his career and refined during his long-running course at Princeton University, where he has launched some of the most esteemed writers of several generations. McPhee offers a definitive guide to the crucial decisions regarding structure, diction, and tone that shape nonfiction pieces and presents extracts from some of his best-loved work, subjecting them to wry scrutiny.

Over a decade ago, when Writing Down the Bones first appeared, Natalie Goldberg started a revolution in the way we practice writing. Now, for the first time, Goldberg reads her classic work, while offering new commentary about the creative, spiritual, and practical dimensions of writing. This collector's edition also includes an exclusive interview with the author.

A selection of poems brought about by exposure to modern life. Cynical, quizzical, sometimes hopeful. Can we change the world or does it change us?These are 'Things I've Seen and Written Poems About'.

Are you an aspiring writer struggling to get published? Do you find the process of writing query letters daunting and confusing? If so, "Getting Published: How to Write Effective Query Letters" is the book for you. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn the essential components of a successful query letter, and how to craft a compelling pitch that will grab the attention of agents and editors. From formatting and personalizing your query to perfecting your opening and closing lines, every aspect of the query letter writing process is covered in detail. With the help of real-world ...

When Pauline Piper reads in the local paper that her old schoolmate Marjorie has published a book and is going to sign copies of it in the local library, she suddenly remembers that she has always wanted to write one. Despite her admission that she has never been able to express herself very well in words, she enlists the help of her patient husband John, a great reader, unlike herself, and begins to pen her very first novel.In her candid account of the ups and downs of authorship, Pauline steers us ably through the process of writing her first work, from its inception to publication day ...

Unlock the transformative power of poetry as both artistic expression and spiritual practice with this comprehensive guide to finding your authentic voice. "Rising Wings" takes you on a seven-step journey through the landscape of your emotions, memories, and observations, providing concrete techniques to transform raw experience into resonant verse. Written with lyrical wisdom and practical insight, this book combines inspirational guidance with actionable exercises designed to develop every aspect of your poetic craft—from awakening deep listening and embracing difficult emotions to ...

To market your business, reach new customers, and create long-lasting loyalty, you need one indispensable element: CONTENT. Whether it’s bite-sized tweets that allow you to forge relationships on Twitter, blog posts that give your readers must-have advice, ebooks or white papers that engage (and don’t bore), videos that share the human side of your company, interactive webinars that deliver a valuable learning experience, or podcasts that can be downloaded and listened to on the fly (and more!) . . .

Every story starts with a single idea, a spark that sets your imagination on fire. Sometimes you might yearn to tell a story but can't find that initial spark. Maybe you just need one fresh idea to coax that wimpy flicker into a roaring, magical blaze? To that end, I’ve created a list of silly, funny, interesting, and crazy prompts that you can use to get your imagination burning. All you need to do is take one prompt (or throw a dozen together) and write down your notes and ideas in the space provided. I hope you have a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to read your stories! 5-Star Review ...

How can we create and market creative works that achieve longevity? Holiday explores this mystery by drawing on his extensive experience working with businesses and creators such as Google, American Apparel, and the author John Grisham as well as his interviews with the minds behind some of the greatest perennial sellers of our time.

The Complete Art of World Building brings together volumes one through three in The Art of World Building series. This how-to guide will make listeners a master of inventing imaginary worlds and help a setting stand out from the multitude of fantasy and SF worlds audiences see.

Welcome to a world where your writing dreams come true! This book is your friendly companion on the journey to becoming a published author. It’s designed to make the writing process feel approachable and exciting, guiding you every step of the way. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of practical tips, motivational insights, and a step-by-step plan to help you craft your story. We’ll debunk common myths about self-publishing and provide you with a comprehensive writing guide that makes the process simple and enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be invited to a special writing retreat to spark ...

A guide should give clear directions and then get out of your way. In this unique collaboration that bridges two generations, best-selling author Dan Millman and his co-author (and daughter) Sierra Prasada help orient you as you make your own way through five universal stages of creativity: Dream, Draft, Develop, Refine, and Share.

Behind every acclaimed work of literature is a trove of heartfelt decisions. The best authors put painstaking - sometimes obsessive - effort into each element of their stories, from plot and character development to dialogue and point of view. Veteran editor and teacher Richard Cohen draws on his vast reservoir of a lifetime's reading and his insight into what makes good prose soar.

The traditional writing workshop was established with white male writers in mind; what we call craft is informed by their cultural values. In this bold and original examination of elements of writing - including plot, character, conflict, structure, and believability - and aspects of workshop - including the silenced writer and the imagined reader - Matthew Salesses asks questions to invigorate these familiar concepts. He upends Western notions of how a story must progress.

Prolific author and story coach Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story structure guide for anyone who wants to write a young adult novel by applying the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of YA fiction. Filled with practical advice, easy-to-follow templates, and "beat sheets" analyzing the structure of popular young adult novels such as Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows, John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, and Lois Lowry's The Giver, this book is the ultimate reference for anyone who's ever dreamed of writing their own young adult bestseller.

Through anecdote, classroom vignette, and his own experience as a writer and teacher, Barry encourages teachers of any grade level to start a writing program tomorrow and not wait until they have attained perfect understanding. Barry's motto: Let's learn along the way! For use with Grades K-12.

Robert Olen Butler, author of Perfume River, A Good Scent from a Strange Mountain, and A Small Hotel, 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 dream space necessary for composing honest, inspired fiction.

Wonderbook has become the definitive guide to writing science fiction and fantasy by offering an accessible, example-rich approach that emphasizes the importance of playfulness as well as pragmatism. The book features sidebars and essays from some of the biggest names working in the field today, including George R. R. Martin, Lev Grossman, Neil Gaiman, Michael Moorcock, and Karen Joy Fowler. For the fifth anniversary of the original publication, Jeff VanderMeer has added writing exercises, creating the ultimate volume of inspiring advice.

The Little Book of Muses invites the reader to embark on a fantastical journey to discover the beauty of the written word. Within its pages is a collection of poetic, whimsical sayings with words entwined to serenade the logophile, invoke a storyteller’s soul, and warm the writer’s spirit. From elegant phrases, humorous expressions to thought-provoking reflections, this is a delightful book to sip tea, ponder, and dip in and out of often for a generous dose of literary inspiration. The book is also available in Spanish and Italian