English Composition

Of all the literary forms, the novel is arguably the most discussed . . . and fretted over. From Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote to the works of Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and today’s masters, the novel has grown with and adapted to changing societies and technologies, mixing tradition and innovation in every age throughout history. Thomas C. Foster—the sage and scholar who ingeniously led readers through the fascinating symbolic codes of great literature in his first book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor—now examines the grammar of the popular novel.

Ready to build a scary story? 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 sharing scares like a pro!

Introducing "The Foundation of Fertility," a comprehensive compendium of knowledge and techniques for maximizing the fertility and productivity of your soil! As you delve into the riveting chapters outlined in this remarkable guide, you'll embark on a path of discovery leading to a deeper understanding of soil composition, the role soil plays in plant growth, and the science of soil fertility. Become an expert in recognizing various soil types and their unique properties, as well as understanding your local soil type. The significance of testing soil fertility is powerfully emphasized, ...

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 ...

Step into a world where nature meets artistry and tradition blooms with every leaf and stone. "Living Sculptures" is an all-encompassing guide to the delicate and beautiful practices of Penjing, Saikei, and Bonsai. Discover the secrets of these ancient arts that teach us to see the majestic in the miniature, to find the universe in a single leaf, and to capture the essence of landscapes in the space within our own hands. Embark on a journey that begins with the essence of each art form – understanding not just the "how," but the "why" behind the transformative process of shaping nature. ...

Everyone has a story, and helping people tell their stories has been Nancy Slonim Aronie’s life mission. Building on her acclaimed Memoir as Medicine, this new guide tackles the short personal essay. With warmth and humor, Nancy provides prompts, inspiration, and hard-won wisdom to empower you to write an unforgettable narrative. You’ll learn to begin with an irresistible hook (“kill ’em with the first line”) and employ compelling direct quotes, drama, vulnerability, universal themes, and self-reflection to get readers into your corner.

Unearth the joys of lush vegetable patches and vibrant plant life right in the comfort of your own urban dwelling with "Urban Harvest," a comprehensive guide that turns even the humblest of balconies into a verdant paradise. Seize the opportunity to engage in the transformative practice of container gardening—a gateway to sustainable living and a step toward creating your very own food source, nestled amidst the concrete jungle of city life. Unlock the secrets of maximizing limited space with ingenuity as "Urban Harvest" leads you through the intricacies of crafting a thriving garden that...

Discover the power of your imagination and awaken your inner writer with "101 Writing Prompts for Teens." This dynamic book is filled with captivating prompts that will take you on emotional journeys and transport you to fantastical worlds.

Seven hundred years ago, Silverhart’s homeeworld was destroyed by the Void Goddess, Ianysis. Now, Silverhart finds himself cast into the Void. He needs to return home to save Tellis from suffering a similar fate. Silverhart’s only hope lies in the Winter Wyvern who can create Rifts to travel through the Void. The only problem is… each Rift’s destination is completely random.

Have you ever wanted to captivate readers with a great opening, create fantastical creatures, realize a dastardly villain, or make your characters leap off the page? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Gail Carson Levine can help you achieve your goals. This companion to the popular Writing Magic teaches you how to become a world-class author. Drawing from her popular blog, the Newbery Honor author answers readers' questions and dives into how to make a story come alive.

Prompted by a neverending stream of letters pleading for advice on how to be a better writer, successful children’s authors Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter put their heads together to create this useful guide. With dozens of books and decades of experience between them, the authors brought their distinct personal styles to the advice they had to offer. Now they have done the same for this audio version, with each author narrating her own sections.

It was not easy being a woman of ambition in early 20th-century England, much less one who wished to be a scientist. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin overcame prodigious obstacles to become a woman of many firsts: the first to receive a PhD in astronomy from Radcliffe College, the first promoted to full professor at Harvard, the first to head a department there. And, in what has been called "the most brilliant PhD thesis ever written in astronomy", she was the first to describe what stars are made of.

Discover the art and science of cultivating a flourishing herb haven in the smallest of spaces with "Vertical Gardening Mastery." This visionary guide unlocks the secrets to transforming your urban nook, balcony, or wall into a vibrant tapestry of aromatic herbs. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, this book is the perfect companion for anyone eager to delve into the world of vertical gardening. Embark on a journey through well-structured chapters that will guide you from embracing the essence of vertical herbs, exploring design principles, to building the very ...

Following in the grand tradition of such Irish memoirs as Angela’s Ashes and Are You Somebody?, Liam Clancy relates his life’s story in a raucously funny and star-studded account of moving from provincial Ireland to the bars and clubs of New York City, to the cusp of fame as a member of Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers.

Master biology essentials with "Conquer the CLEP Biology Exam." This comprehensive study guide ensures exam success with clear explanations and thorough topic coverage, making it perfect for students seeking college credit or anyone wanting to deepen their biology knowledge. I. Molecular and Cellular Biology Learn about the building blocks of life, cellular structures, enzyme functions, energy transformations, cell division, and genetic processes. Key topics include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, glycolysis, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis, meiosis, DNA ...

With the signature wit and humor that has garnered him legions of fans, Gantos instructs young writers on using their "writing radar" to find story ideas in their own lives. Incorporating his own misadventures as a developing writer, Gantos inspires listeners to build confidence and establish good writing habits as they create and revise their stories. More than just a how-to guide, Writing Radar is a celebration of the power of storytelling and an ode to the characters who - many unwittingly - inspired Gantos' own writing career.

Writing can feel like an endless series of decisions. How does one face the blank page? Move a character around a room? Deal with time? Undertake revision? The good and bad news is that in fiction writing, there are no definitive answers to such questions: writers must come up with their own. Elizabeth McCracken, author of bestselling novels, National Book Award long-listed story collections, and a highly praised memoir, has been teaching for more than thirty-five years, guiding her many students through their own answers. In A Long Game, she shares insights gleaned along the way.

In his debut full length collection, Junious ‘Jay’ Ward dives deep into the formation of self. Composition interrogates the historical perceptions of Blackness and biracial identity as documented through a Southern Lens. Utilizing a variety of poetic forms, Ward showcases to his audiences an innovative approach as he unflinchingly explores the way language, generational trauma, loss, and resilience shape us into who we are, the stories we carry, and what we will inevitably pass on.

For 50 years, writers at every stage of their careers have turned to the literary nonprofit organization Poets & Writers and its award-winning magazine for resources to foster their professional development, from writing prompts and tips on technique to informative interviews with published authors, literary agents, and editors. But never before has Poets & Writers marshalled its 50 years’ worth of knowledge to create an authoritative guide for writers that answers every imaginable question about craft and career - until now.

Edgar Allan Poe’s essay, "The Philosophy of Composition", sets forth a theory on good writing. It first appeared in the April 1846 issue of Graham's Magazine, and Poe illustrates his theory on the composition of his poem, "The Raven". The three main elements of his philosophy of composition are length, logical method, and "unity of effect". Poe believed that literary works should be short, claimed that writing is methodical, not spontaneous, and asserted that a work of fiction ought to be written only after the author has decided on the conclusion.