Creative Writing

In this modern classic, Annette Simmons reminds us that the oldest tool of influence is also the most powerful. Fully revised and updated to account for new technology and social media, along with two new chapters on the role of stories in the development of civilization and how to adjust your story to your specific goal, Simmons showcases over 100 examples of effective storytelling drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world.

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.

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.

What if, instead of hitting the snooze button, you started your day with energy, vision, success, and the Spirit? Do you feel stuck in life? Do you wake up in the morning and wish that you didn't have to do anything? Or, do you hit the snooze button time and time again? Every day about 38% of all people hit the snooze button, and every day about 80% of smartphone users hop on social media within 15 minutes of waking up. Are your mornings like this? Instead of snoozing or wasting your life thinking about other peoples' lives and problems, what if you devoted that time to growing yourself and...

Ready to build a poem? First, you’ll need the right tools. Open this title in the Writer’s Toolbox series and discover plenty of tips and tools to get you started. Soon you’ll be writing rhythms and rhymes like a pro!

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 ...

CREATIVE CAREERS There are many talented artists (of all kinds) out there, but few who are able to turn that talent into tangible income. This book helps creative people find the path to prosperity through using their creativity to come up with ways to earn a living doing what they love. Whether you are an actor, artist, musician, magician, chef, designer, photographer—or any other creative type—this book provides the blueprint to building a solid career out of your passion. You will discover how to get from where you are (student, struggling, deciding to change careers, dealing with ...

Every writer knows that as rewarding as the creative process is, it can often be a bumpy road. Have hope and keep at it! Designed to kick-start creativity, this audio handbook from the executive director of National Novel Writing Month gathers a wide range of insights and advice for writers at any stage of their career. From tips about how to finally start that story, to helpful ideas about what to do when the words just aren't quite coming out right, Pep Talks for Writers provides motivation, encouragement, and helpful exercises for writers of all stripes.

"Come along on the trail with Jerry Ellis. You'll love every step of it."—Tony Hillerman (Tony Hillerman) "Jerry Ellis is an ideal companion for a long ramble along the back roads of America. . . . He introduces us to a collection of characters—some of them welcoming, some of them weird—that are too vivid for mere fiction."—Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles Times) "Ellis, like his Cherokee ancestors, treasures a good story. He writes lucidly, simply, about the people he met and the stories he was told. . . . He walked to discover himself and his ancestors; he came back with stories and...

Created by Board-Certified Positive Psychology & Mindfulness Coach Danielle Palli, this book is a guide filled with weekly exercises and journaling prompts designed to help people tap into their inner strength. Using her training and studies in emotional intelligence, personality types, and cognitive behavior theory, Palli invites participants to complete one assignment per week centered on building personal power, finding purpose, discovering strengths, and living within one’s values to create a life of joy and fulfillment. Note: This is the abridged, e-book version of the full-length ...

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.

A fast-paced supernatural thrill ride filled with demonic villains set in the heart of South Florida! My name is Patrick Bannon, and I'm a demonologist. Unfortunately, when you mingle with the demonic, you’re bound to make some mistakes along the way. Now I’m paying for my sins. Jenaveve, the Veelah succubus who also happens to be my ex-girlfriend, has me investigating a series of murders. Looks like there’s a new player in town, and they’ve chosen Miami for their home. To make matters worse, Tiberius, the demon responsible for my brother’s suicide, is riding shotgun in my body, ...

There are times when our inspiration needs a boost and all it takes to rev it up is something basic or obvious that we haven't thought of for a while. A simple idea can spark a story or poem, a song, sculpture, painting or design, a recipe, podcast and more. Inside this book you'll find topics and examples to help ignite your creativity. Also included are writing prompts to get the gears turning. While they may appear customized for writers and poets, they're for everyone with an artistic flare. Behind every work of art (written or otherwise) is a story. Use these prompts yourself. Share ...

Compelling characters are what keeps readers turning pages and buying books—from fantasies to mysteries to the great literary novel. But how to do you create characters that feel three-dimensional and real on the page? Counsellor and author Eileen Cook shares common psychological techniques to help you build your characters and take your story to the next level. This book covers understanding your character's backstory and how it impacts their choices in your book by doing a structured counselling interview, personality structure, and the Stages of Change.

Want to self-publish your book but don't know where to start? Worried it's too complex or you don't have the right skills? This updated and expanded Fourth edition of Successful Self-Publishing provides everything you need to successfully self-publish your book in ebook, print, and audio formats, plus proven marketing strategies to reach more readers/listeners. Written by award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanna (J.F.) Penn, this practical guide shares the exact methods used to publish more than forty books and build a multi-six-figure author business.

CONGRATULATIONS , you are finally going to write your book! You have moved from planning to write a book, to actually writing one. It’s your goal to write a short book with clear benefits to the reader. But this isn’t your first attempt, is it? Maybe you have written your book a hundred times before and never finished because somewhere along the way, you end up stuck or hating your work. In other words, you lose the initial momentum and excitement you had for writing the thing. How to author and self-publish a book are questions that burn in your soul. Burn, baby burn. People who know ...

You can tell listeners how much an elephant eats. You can reveal key moments in Babe Ruth’s life. You can list facts about Mars, airplanes, or Halloween. You can write excellent reports!

You’ve always wanted to write your life story—but something keeps getting in the way. Maybe the memories feel too painful. Maybe the words don’t come. Maybe you’re afraid of what you’ll uncover—or what you won’t be able to let go. You've thought about trying EMDR therapy—but you can't find a therapist, you feel intimidated or skeptical, or you simply can't afford to pay for sessions right now.

Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer remains evergreen decades after it was first written. Brande believed passionately that although people have varying amounts of talent, anyone can write. She also insists that writing can be both taught and learned. This is Dorothea Brande's legacy to all those who have ever wanted to express their ideas in written form. A sound, practical, inspirational, and charming approach to writing, it fulfills on finding the writer's magic.

If you're writing a memoir, you're likely hoping to share your story with the world. But getting published can feel like a daunting task. That's where "Getting Published: How to Write & Publish Your Memoir" comes in. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of writing and publishing a memoir, from start to finish. You'll learn how to craft a compelling narrative, create memorable characters, and write realistic dialogue. You'll also get advice on dealing with sensitive topics, editing your work, and marketing your book. But that's not all. "Getting Published" also provides ...