Creative Writing

The Story Grid is a tool developed by editor Shawn Coyne to analyze stories and provide helpful editorial comments. It's like a CT Scan that takes a photo of the global story and tells the editor or writer what is working, what is not, and what must be done to make what works better and fix what's not. The Story Grid breaks down the component parts of stories to identify the problems. And finding the problems in a story is almost as difficult as the writing of the story itself (maybe even more difficult).

In this engaging book, the internationally best-selling author and famously private writer Haruki Murakami shares with listeners his thoughts on the role of the novel in our society; his own origins as a writer; and his musings on the sparks of creativity that inspire other writers, artists, and musicians.

People of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear.

“Far From Mars” contains nine creative nonfiction articles about individuals who live and work in Champaign-Urbana, two adjoining towns in east central Illinois. The pieces range from dog walkers who adore their Greyhounds to a cassette collector who hosts a local radio show and plays on-air music via the tapes he buys. Readers will also meet an established chef who is now part owner of a new restaurant, a recovered alcoholic turned antique collector, and a musician who performs solo despite a lingering cold that will alter his performance. The book concludes with an award-winning ...

Bruce Cargo, a scientist at the British Geological Survey, is stunned when he discovers a journal purportedly written by Charles Darwin. But is the fantastical story it contains real, or is the journal just a hoax? Bruce and his girlfriend Luna set out to determine the journal's authenticity, but as soon as they begin, someone-or some thing-kills the Darwin expert they have just consulted and ransacks Luna's apartment. A witness claims a "flying monster" was responsible, but the police are incredulous. Meanwhile, Lily (Barnum's Angel) in flashbacks to 1882, searches for a series of journals...

The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop is a call to create healthy, sustainable, and empowering classroom communities. Award-winning educator Felicia Rose Chavez exposes the invisible politics of power and privilege that have silenced writers of color for far too long. It's more urgent than ever that we consciously work against traditions of dominance in the classroom, but what specific actions can we take to achieve authentically inclusive communities? The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop is a clear, compelling guidebook on a necessary step forward.

What If is an essay about the power of daydreaming, and why you should never, ever, ever, become a writer. James J. Caterino is the author of Jordan Rose and the Tomb of Resurrection, The Anti-Matter Girl, Dreams, True Stories, To Meghan, I Want to Believe, Ghost Stories, Pop Star, Time Travel Stories, The Girl from the Stars, and much more.

Publishing books isn’t your problem...selling them is. You’ve written your heart out, followed the steps, and hit publish. But instead of steady royalties, you’re stuck refreshing your KDP dashboard, hoping for a sale. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most self-publishers struggle because they focus only on the writing. The real success happens when you master the entire process of publishing books that actually sell. The $10,000 KDP Formula gives you the clear, actionable roadmap to grow your Amazon KDP business from uncertain launches to consistent royalties. Built on ...

Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the "creative types." But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. In an incredibly entertaining and inspiring narrative that draws on countless stories from their work at IDEO, the Stanford d.school, and with many of the world's top companies, David and Tom Kelley identify the principles and strategies that will allow us to tap into our creative potential.

Immerse yourself into the world of indie game development with our new eBook, "Indie Game Development"! Explore a complete universe brimming with potential, from the inception of ideas to the final satisfactory moment of launching your own game. In the insightful first chapter, learn about this exciting realm, where storytelling and design unite, flourishing into an immersive player experience. Discover the importance of indie games and the freedom they provide to their creators. Navigate through the endless possibilities and challenges that await in this artistic and innovative digital ...

The Mindful Creative Writing Teacher: A Toolkit for Creativity and Wellbeing is the essential companion for anyone teaching creative writing in today’s world. Francis Gilbert, bestselling author of I’m A Teacher, Get Me Out of Here! (Short Books), blends mindfulness, pedagogy, and social transformation in a pioneering approach to creative writing education. Inside, you’ll find: Research-informed strategies for building safe, inclusive, creative classrooms Mindful methods for feedback, assessment, and the art of redrafting Tools for decolonising the creative writing curriculum Ways to ...

You don't have to be an expert to write a novel—you just need imagination (and an AI assistant)! AI + Imagination is your step-by-step guide to turning story ideas into finished books, using the power of artificial intelligence as your writing sidekick. Learn how to brainstorm, outline, draft, and edit while keeping your story your own. Perfect for beginners and young writers, this guide shows you how to: Grow your story like a snowflake—one layer at a time Use AI for brainstorming, beats, and plot twists Create characters, worlds, and action-packed chapters Stay in control of your ...

THE ONLY WRITING PROMPT GUIDE YOU’LL EVER NEED! You’re stuck on what to write so check out some writing prompts to spur your creativity. But they don’t help you out of your writing rut…sure, there are some neat ideas but none of them actually lead to a story. That’s because writing prompts all too often miss a key element: conflict. Conflict is the heart of every story, and without it you’re just writing a journal entry. Storystarters presents more than 200 writing prompts centered on exciting and interesting conflicts for your protagonist to solve. The prompts are divided among...

Most writers struggle with creating a captivating story. The fastest way to improve your writing skills is by applying the Deep Point-of-View technique, which can transform any novel from mediocre storytelling into riveting prose. This fiction writing guide includes hundreds of amazing ways to use “show don’t tell” to submerge readers so deeply into a scene they will experience the story along with the characters. Plus, this useful author resource includes a thesaurus with inspiring word choices! Writers will learn to: Revise Shallow Writing Deepen Characterization Craft Realistic ...

Unlock the Secrets of Fear. Master the Mechanics of Dread. Whether you’re crafting a pulse-pounding thriller or slow-burning supernatural horror, Writing Suspense and Horror is your complete guide to gripping your reader—and never letting go. This comprehensive handbook takes you deep into the psychology of fear and the structure of tension. Learn how to create unforgettable characters, build dread scene by scene, and design plots that twist, tighten, and terrify. From atmospheric worldbuilding to heart-stopping finales, this book covers everything from genre history to hands-on craft. ...

Antonio Maranhao'sThe Notion Bible give a powerful and versatile productivity tool that can help you organize your life, streamline your work, and unleash your creativity. Whether you're a student, a professional, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who wants to get more done in less time, Notion has something to offer. With its intuitive interface, flexible structure, and endless possibilities, Notion is the ultimate Swiss Army Knife of productivity apps. But what makes Notion so special? Why are millions of people around the world using it every day? In this article, we'll take a closer ...

Writing copy that sells without seeming "salesy" can be tough, but is an essential business skill. How to Write Copy That Sells is a step-by-step guide to writing fast, easy-to-read, effective copy. It's for everyone who needs to write copy that brings in cash - including copywriters, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. In this audiobook, you'll find copywriting techniques for email marketing, web sites, social media, sales pages, ads, and direct mail.

No more excuses. "Let the lawn get shaggy and the paint peel from the walls," best-selling novelist Walter Mosley advises. Anyone can write a novel now, and in this essential book of tips, practical advice, and wisdom, Walter Mosley promises that the writer-in-waiting can finish it in one year. Mosley tells how to: create a daily writing regimen to fit any writer's needs - and how to stick to it, determine the narrative voice that's right for every writer's style, and get past those first challenging sentences and into the heart of a story.

Drawing from her twenty years of teaching experience and her bestselling Substack newsletter, For Dear Life, Maggie Smith breaks down creativity into ten essential elements: attention, wonder, vision, play, surprise, vulnerability, restlessness, tenacity, connection, and hope. Each element is explored through short, inspiring, and craft-focused essays, followed by generative writing prompts. Dear Writer provides tools that artists of all experience levels can apply to their own creative practices and carry with them into all genres and all areas of life.

"Every morning I jump out of bed and step on a land mine. The land mine is me. After the explosion, I spend the rest of the day putting the pieces back together. Now, it's your turn. Jump!" Zest. Gusto. Curiosity. These are the qualities every writer must have, as well as a spirit of adventure. In this exuberant book, the incomparable Ray Bradbury shares the wisdom, experience, and excitement of a lifetime of writing. Here are practical tips on the art of writing from a master of the craft - everything from finding original ideas to developing your own voice and style.