Writing First

This booklet from Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a UCLA Extension Writers' Program instructor for nearly a decade, helps authors love the project they most love to hate - writing a book proposal. She has taken the guessing out of the book proposal process. Now, there is no need to take expensive, time-consuming classes or spend hours reading a tome to find the voice and format that will propel an author's idea from a dream to reality.

Do you have a dream you must pursue, but everyone says it's unrealistic? Or that you're not qualified? Too old, too out of shape? Or you don't have the "right experience?" Glenn Damato was a 41-year-old software instructor who sought to exceed the bounds of his comfortable but humdrum existence. He embarked on an adventure for which he was miserably unprepared. Why did he do this? How did he answer the ancient human question: how do we jump-start growth in our lives? We become something we were not.

In this book, experienced nonfiction writer Stephen Haunts shares his journey of writing his debut novel, Diary of a Martian, and offers essential insights into how to successfully plan, write, and prepare a novel for publication.

Forty years ago, Bruce and Liz MacDonald along with their young son, Jeff, set off in a 31-foot boat on what would become a three-year circumnavigation of the world. The idea for the voyage was born in 1971 when they had no jobs, very little money, and had never even sailed. Against all reason, they laid out a five-year plan that would, they hoped, put them in a position to make their dream a reality. Incredibly, it all worked out almost exactly as they'd scripted it.

Over the years, I’ve written multiple novels, and I have condensed my best tips and practices to bring you How to Write Your First Novel: A Guide for Aspiring Fiction Authors. No matter your plan for publishing your novel, you first need to write the book. I’ve broken down the critical elements of success in two parts: your writing habits and your writing craft.

Jim and Rita are off again, this time on a whirlwind weekend in the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Join them on self-guided walking tours of the city, an evening at a Tango Club, and even a brush with scammers. Learn about the strange journey of Evita Perón's corpse and more.

To write a successful book, you need to find and work with an editor who shares your passion for your work and your message and who will help you make your book sing. And sing a smash hit. A blockbuster of a message, clearly and carefully constructed so readers love you and your work and leave you five-star Amazon reviews only because they don’t have more stars to give.

Discover inside secrets to writing and publishing a book fast. It doesn't matter if you want to write a novel or a non-fiction book: Garrett Pierson's tools and strategies will guide you step by step. There are many mind-boggling and complicated ways of writing a book at our disposal. This is not one of those. In fact, this book is perfect for someone who wants a simple, flexible, and streamlined approach to start, write, and complete a book fast.

Whether you’re plotting your first whodunit or revising your tenth thriller, this comprehensive guide is your trusted partner in crime. Packed with practical advice, real examples from bestselling mystery novels, and a touch of wry humor, Writing Mysteries That Matter walks you step-by-step through the entire writing process—from crafting a gripping opening to planting clues, building suspense, and delivering a twisty, satisfying ending. You’ll learn how to: • Structure your story for maximum tension • Create complex, compelling protagonists • Plant clues (and red herrings) that...

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 ...

Starting in the 1600s, French settlers migrate to northeastern America, to a land called Acadia. They quickly become pawns, caught between two superpowers—the French and the English. After several generations in America, they evolve into Acadians and no longer consider themselves French. In 1755, their worst fears are realized. They are evicted from their beloved Acadia—a clear case of ethnic cleansing with all the brutality that term implies. Scattered to the four winds, they struggle to survive. A large group eventually settles in Louisiana and gives rise to the Cajuns. Others find ...

This book has been in my head for four years. It's great for students, teachers or anyone interested in writing and producing sketch comedy. Section One: The History of Comedy to Today's Sketch Comedy: Do you know the world's oldest joke? Section Two: Elements of Sketch Comedy Writing: Characters, Setting, Style, etc. Sections Three: Let's write your first/next sketch - Brainstorming, Improv, Outlines and Drafts Section Four: Producing your sketch on stage or video EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH started performing in Times Square since 2002, Now famous for its off-Broadway Improv comedy shows and ...

After a hiatus to allow his damaged shoulder to heal, Patrick Moses is put in charge of an investigation into the lynching murder of a young black boy. No one in the mostly-Irish section of town knows anything; Chicago's black community is horrified. The same day, Moses receives news from his former home at Holy Trinity Orphanage that a young female resident has disappeared. Fear is she has been abducted. The aldermen John Coughlin and Hinky Dink Kenna return to the precinct to complain about the murder of Albert Butross, the owner of Lustland, a prominent brothel. The alleged killer, a ...

Science Fiction Writing 101 is the ideal guide for budding authors aiming to craft captivating, futuristic tales. This zero-fluff guide offers beginner-oriented tips and resources. This quick listen will equip you with all of the knowledge required to craft an engaging science fiction novel that audiences will love.

This funny picture book is all about cartoon animals getting into trouble. Where are they going? What are they doing? Only you can guess. Each picture is a stand-alone funny scene with simple sentences mixed with silly humor. This book is for early readers through second grade.

TURN YOUR LIFE INTO A NOVEL is a motivational guide for establishing a writing routine. I know the method works. It worked for me and writers who are now published authors. Together we will turn your Imagination, Passion, Commitment, and Self-Disciple into a daily routine. All it takes is the belief that you are a writer. It's time for you to "get into character". The process works. Discover the fire and joy of a writing routine. Once you have published your first book, life will never be the same.

From the New York Times best-selling author of Walking the Bible and Abraham comes a revelatory journey across four continents and 4,000 years exploring how Adam and Eve introduced the idea of love into the world, and how they continue to shape our deepest feelings about relationships, family, and togetherness.

Self-Published Millionaire is a step-by-step breakdown of Joseph’s unbelievably effective writing and publishing process, and teaches you hundreds of skills, techniques, and secrets you can use to leverage your success on Amazon KDP, iBooks, Kobo, and beyond....You’ll master every stage of the writing process, from planning and writing, to publishing and marketing, to email automation and outsourcing. Every chapter is jam-packed meaningful insights that will help you dominate your writing niche.

A secret treasure hidden deep within exists inside of each one of us. Our painful experiences are meant to serve a purpose. In fact, you can bring healing to others simply by sharing your experiences. The good news is that you are the expert of your own experience. You are the superhero of your trial. The truth is, nobody else can tell the story you've been commissioned to write. Find purpose in your pain and help others in the process! Not a writer? That's ok! My proven method works for all levels of writers. Writing that book is easier than you think. Find out how to dig out the gold ...

John Muir’s “My First Summer in the Sierra” is a captivating narrative that chronicles Muir’s experiences during his first extended stay in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California in the summer of 1869. As an avid naturalist and conservationist, Muir vividly describes the awe-inspiring landscapes he encounters, from towering mountains and lush forests to sparkling streams and serene meadows. He shares intimate observations of the diverse plant and animal life inhabiting the Sierra.