English Composition

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.

Filled with practical tips and helpful advice, Dear Ally is a treasure for aspiring writers at any stage of their careers. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how books get made, from idea to publication, and gives you insight into the writing processes of some of the biggest and most talented YA authors writing today.

A collection of articles, notes, and commentaries about pianist Bill Evans (1929-1980), one of the preeminent Jazz pianists of the second half of the 20th century.

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!

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.

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.

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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.

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.

This Guide includes suggestions for writing a variety of essays--the Florida Standards Assessment English Language Arts Essay, the New SAT Essay (2016), the AP English Language and Composition Essays, the Evaluative Essay, the Narrative Essay/College Essay, and more. The Guide provides step-by-step writing instructions and rubrics, as well as strategies to become a more proficient reader. This book is helpful for both educators and students. James Mulhern has taught for thirty years in a variety of settings, including college, high school, middle school, and alternative environments. He is ...

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.

Introducing "Exploring Calligraphy," the ultimate guide that takes you on a journey through the captivating world of calligraphy. This eBook is a must-have for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike who are looking to master the art of beautiful writing. With 31 clear and concise chapters, you'll learn about the history of calligraphy as well as the modern calligrapher's toolkit and understanding different calligraphy styles. Whether you're drawn to the elegant Italic style, the playful Brush Script, or the intricate Blackletter designs, this eBook has got you covered. Each chapter is ...

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. ...

Discover a remarkable world where nature's delicate art merges with the legacy of generations in "Eternal Saplings." This transformative eBook unearths the profound connection between the ancient tradition of bonsai trees and the heartwarming notion of passing down these living treasures through your family lineage. Embark on a journey that begins with the Soul of Bonsai as Heirlooms, delving into the often-overlooked depth and timeless value they present beyond mere ornamentation. Explore the profound significance these miniature marvels hold as they grace family mantles and living spaces,...

Discover the transformative power of aroma with "Scents of Elegance," your guidebook to mastering the timeless craft of potpourri. This comprehensive eBook immerses you in the captivating world of potpourri, taking you on a journey from its historical roots to its place in contemporary design. With a treasure trove of creative insights and practical advice, this is your ultimate companion for infusing your life with the art of fragrance. Unlock the secrets of selecting the perfect drying agents and essential oils to craft aromatic masterpieces that tantalize the senses. Master color theory ...

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...

Lose yourself in "Scented Elegance," the definitive eBook for anyone passionate about elevating their living space through the timeless charm and refined luxury of potpourri. This comprehensive guide unlocks the secrets of creating bespoke scent compositions that do more than just please the senses—they transform homes into havens. Embark on a journey that begins with understanding the rich history and evolving role of potpourri in modern aesthetics. From the origins that rooted it in tradition to its contemporary renaissance, discover why potpourri has made a resurgent impact in stylish ...

Unleash the full potential of your teams with the groundbreaking book, "Dream Teams Unleashed"! Swinging open the doors to the fascinating world of destination imagination, this enthralling read is a masterclass in how to build, sustain, and lead your dream teams. Whether one is a first-time team leader or an old hand, this thought-provoking book is a must-have. "Dream Teams Unleashed" begins by painting an immersive landscape of destination imagination, unpacking its essence, purpose, and the exciting opportunities it offers. It further guides you through the adventure of team composition,...