Creative Writing

Conflict is essential to story - regardless of genre. The friction between what a character wants and the lengths they will go to reach that goal is what pulls readers through your book. Great conflict is what leaves readers cheering (or crying) at the end of a story. Using humour and her deep knowledge of human behaviour, counsellor and award-winning author Eileen Cook will guide you through the causes of conflict, the differences between internal and external conflict, and show you how conflict resolution techniques can be turned upside down to ramp up the tension in your book.

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.

In The Geography of Genius, acclaimed travel writer Weiner sets out to examine the connection between our surroundings and our most innovative ideas. He explores the history of places, like Vienna of 1900, Renaissance Florence, ancient Athens, Song Dynasty Hangzhou, and Silicon Valley, to show how certain urban settings are conducive to ingenuity.

An action-packed urban fantasy adventure set on the islands of Hawaii! I'm Marcus Aries, and as the duly-appointed guardian of the Hawaiian Islands, I’ve had my share of bad run-ins with the world of the supernatural. I’ve taken on demonic frogs, island witches, lightning wolves, and even battled before the famed night marchers. But not every run-in is a life-and-death struggle that threatens to leave the island in ruins. Step back into the world of Hawaiian urban fantasy with this collection of short stories from author Justin Herzog, starring fan-favorite hero Marcus Aries as he and ...

Award-winning author Alex Temblador discusses one of the most contentious topics in creative writing: crafting a character whose identity is historically marginalized. What is “identity,” and how do unconscious biases and bias blocks impact and influence what we write? What is intersectionality? You’ll learn about identity terms, stereotypes, and tropes, and receive genre-specific advice related to various identities to consider when writing different races and ethnicities, sexual and romantic orientations, gender identities, disabilities, nationalities, and more.

Creating a unique, immersive setting one life form at a time. This book is a detailed how-to guide on inventing the heart of every imaginary world - life. With chapters on creating gods, species/races, plants, animals, monsters, heroes, villains, and even undead, it draws on the author's quarter century of world building experience. Pointed questions, and an examination of answers and their repercussions, will help readers decide on goals, how to reach them, and whether they are even worth pursuing.

Award-winning author and teacher Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew invites writers to lift their heads out of the product-oriented sandbox and find an alternative way to play. By returning writers to their original delight and guiding them in an ongoing creative practice, Andrew helps form habits of mind, heart, and body to support a project’s final flourishing, free from the burdens of seeking validation and measuring worth.

Have you written a book, or intend to? - Are you aiming for mainstream publication? - Do you intend to self-publish? Are you overwhelmed by the sheer overload of helpful information available on the internet? Are you thinking of taking a course in writing? - Are you struggling with self-doubt or lack of confidence? If so, this book is for you. In plain English, the author, who has been there, done it, demystifies the whole publishing circus. For the prospective author, there's a mass of good information available on the internet - the key is in knowing what to look for in the first place. ...

If words describe a feeling or some words rhyme, you're listening to a poem. How else do you know? Quick, fun examples help you understand the beauty of poetry.

Sabrina Bell wants two things in life: to find true love, and to get published. Unfortunately, she is drawn to old-fashioned items whose beauty is equalled only by their impracticality, including large hats, fountain pens, and handsome men with commitment issues. Will she find a way to exit her stressful magazine job and write The Novel? Is her true love out there, or should she stick with Mr So-So? When she starts attending Writers’ Circle meetings at the Guru’s country house, and meets arrogant wine farmer Robert le Roux at her first tango milonga, the plot gets a whole lot stickier. ...

A Clear And Fun Guide To Writing A First Novel For 6th - 8th Grade Students How To Write A Novel guides sixth to eighth grade students through the novel-writing process. The book covers five simple steps. Using them, your child or student can develop a story idea, create key characters and plot turns, and finish a well-written novel. Examples from the award-winning novel The Giver and the film Toy Story illustrate each step. The book also uses specific prompts and questions to help the writer build conflict and keep readers engaged. At the same time, the structure is open enough to keep the...

Curso de escritura creativa convierte en libro las clases que Brandon Sanderson lleva 16 años impartiendo anualmente en la Universidad Brigham Young, donde estudió. Él mismo dice que nunca ha dejado de darlas porque es un recurso que necesita para seguir creciendo como escritor. El curso se centra en los engranajes de la escritura y tiene un enfoque muy práctico; en él nos habla de la trama, la ambientación y los personajes, pero también de la parte empresarial.

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.

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. Most people would agree that the study of demons isn’t a practical area of research. Lucky for me, Miami has never been a practical kind of city. With more reported cases of demonic possession than any other two cities combined, the jewel of South Florida can be a dangerous place for those who don’t respect it, and when trouble strikes, it falls to me to set it right. Now a renowned Catholic reverend is dead, and the church wants to ...

Even the youngest listeners and writers need to learn about plagiarism. Give listeners and writers the tools they need to evaluate and understand ownership of work.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys is known for creating vivid characters and harrowing plots. After five award-winning works of historical fiction and countless hours of meticulous research, she can affirm that the secret to strong writing is embedded within your life experience. You: The Story is a powerful how-to book for aspiring writers that encourages you to look inward and excavate your own memories in order to discover the authentic voices and compelling details that are waiting to be put on the page.

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 ...

Power Tips for Authors By Dr. Monique Rodgers Unlock the secrets to writing, publishing, and promoting your book with Power Tips for Authors. In this practical guide, Dr. Monique Rodgers, a seasoned author, coach, and expert in the literary world, shares invaluable insights and actionable strategies for aspiring and seasoned writers alike. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or looking to level up your author game, this book is packed with powerful tips to help you navigate every step of the process. From overcoming writer’s block to mastering the art of storytelling, ...

What keeps a reader curious? It’s the story. You might have a dazzling prose voice and plausible characters, but if nothing happens, the reader is likely to lose interest. So where do you find story ideas? How do you make them into a captivating read? What’s your personal vision? Do you know what genre you are best suited to write? What is literary fiction and how do you write that? How will you give your book depth without seeming preachy or bringing the plot to a standstill? What are the hidden structural patterns that ply the reader’s emotions, regardless of your genre or style? ...

If the book tells a true story, you're listening to nonfiction. How else do you know? Quick, fun examples help you get the facts on nonfiction.