Return to home
page Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / Writing & Publishing / The Writer's Bookshelf Writing-Z

Midwest Book Review
*Home
Online Book Reviews
*The Bookwatch
*California Bookwatch
*Children's Bookwatch
*Internet Bookwatch
*Library Bookwatch
*MBR Bookwatch
*Reviewer's Bookwatch
*Small Press Bookwatch
*Wisconsin Bookwatch
*Publisher's Bookshelf
*Writer's Bookshelf
Book Reviewing
*Become a Reviewer!
*Get a Book Reviewed
Writing & Publishing
*Advice for Writers/Publishers
*Beth Cox Reports
*Book Publicity & Marketing
*Bookseller Associations
*Copyright Resources
*Distributors & Wholesalers
*Interviews & Testimonials
*Jim Cox Reports
*Publisher Associations
*Publisher Resources
*URL Submission List
*Web Search Engines
*Writer Resources
Reader Resources
*Authors & Poets
*Book Banning
*Book Blogs
*Book Lover Resources
*Book Search
*Bookstores
*Ebooks
*Kids' Books
*Libraries & Universities
*Miscellaneous Websites
*Other Reviewers
*Periodicals
*Publishers
Search This Web Site

powered by FreeFind
*How Do I Find a Review?
*Site Map
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com

http://www.midwestbookreview.com


Copyright ©2001

Site design by Williams Writing, Editing & Design

The Writer's Bookshelf Writing-Z

A-E F-H I-O P-V W-Writes Writing-Z

Writing a Great Movie
Jeff Kitchen
Loan Eagle
c/o Watson-Guptill Publishing
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0823067988, $19.95 www.watsonguptill.com

Theory blends with applied instruction in WRITING A GREAT MOVIE, which offers a manual of tools for aspiring screenwriters. From learning how to set theme and understanding basic dramatic situations to working up demo plots and understanding when to stop, WRITING A GREAT MOVIE moves from basics to advanced techniques and will find a home on the shelf of any serious 'how to' library.

Writing a Research Paper: Quick and Easy Guide, third edition
Anna Georgantonis Keah
The Educational Publisher
1313 Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
www.edupublisher.com
9781622490196, $8.95, 94pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a fully updated and expanded third edition, "Writing a Research Paper: Quick and Easy Guide" by Anna Georgantonis Keah continues to be an excellent and affordable resource to use in teaching the research process. Professor Keah has taught at the college level for 21 years and clearly knows how to reach students. She writes a sample research paper in the latest MLA and APA styles taking students through the entire process in ten simple steps, from choosing a topic to the final edit. From a teacher's perspective, this instruction guide for students will save on a teacher's grading time because the students will have less stylistic errors. In addition, "Writing a Research Paper: Quick and Easy Guide" offers an organized approach to presenting the research process to students and is a good back-up to lectures. Professor Keah emphasizes form, grammar and thorough editing fostering quality work from students. Sample research topics are thought-provoking, which makes grading interesting, and the MLA and APA formats are well-presented. From the student's view, "by Anna Georgantonis Keah" presents a step-by-step process that will guide him or her to completion as Professor Keah goes through the process with them. The mind map hones critical thinking skills in their chosen topics, the outline organizes them and makes them accountable for their subject matter, and the sample research papers give students a pattern to follow. Finally, Professor Keah's motivational approach encourages students along the way to write a successful research paper. With this concise guide, students will write well-organized and thorough research papers, which, for the teacher, are fun to grade and exciting to read! Spiral bound and also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99), "Writing a Research Paper: Quick and Easy Guide" is an ideal instruction guide and highly recommended for classroom students and non-specialist readers who aspire to write (and have published) research papers regardless of the subject matter their research involves.

Writing About Dance
Wendy R. Oliver
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
www.HumanKinetics.com
9780736076104, $29.95, www.amazon.com

From classical ballet to street corner brake dancing, the art of the dance comes in a seemingly endless variety with new forms being invented (or rediscovered) by each new generation. Writing about dance is a specialized field with its own particular demands. That's why "Writing About Dance" by Wendy Oliver (Professor of Dance and Women's Studies at Providence College) is such an invaluable instructional guide and reference, especially for the novice in the field. Professor Oliver draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to offer practical strategies for developing critical thinking skills when it comes to assessing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating about any form, type, or category of dance. Providing fourteen writing assignments; approaches to creating effective dance critiques, essays, and research papers, "Writing About Dance" is an ideal textbook for formal academic curriculums, as well as a thoroughly 'user friendly' guide for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in writing coherently with respect to dance appreciation. Of special note are the many checklists that will aid in writers organizing their writings on and about dance. Enhanced with an appendix that will provide 'real world' assistance with crafting dance critiques, "Writing About Dance" is a very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library collections.

Writing About Nature
John A. Murray
University of New Mexico Press
1720 Lomas Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1591
www.unmpress.com
0826330851 $17.95 1-800-249-7737

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, Writing About Nature: A Creative Guide by John A. Murray deftly teaches aspiring nature writers diverse exercises and examples with which to hone the communication skills of anyone who has experienced nature and the outdoors and yearns to share what they have seen. Covering a broad range of genres, and conveying a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, as well as surveying publication issues, and enhanced with a new chapter about nature writing and environmental activism, Writing About Nature is an original, superbly organized and presented resource. Writing About Nature is an excellent skill improvement guide which is a highly recommended addition to any nature writer's instructional reference shelf or reading list.

Writing Across Distances & Disciplines
Joyce Magnotto Neff & Carl Whithuas
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
0805858571, $30.00 www.routledge.com

The collaborative work of Joyce Magnotto Neff and Carl Whithuas, "Writing Across Distances & Disciplines: Research And Pedagogy In Distributed Learning" addresses questions that arise from the onsite, hybrid, and distributed learning environments, including places of higher education and the workplace; and between 'distance education' and 'composition pedagogy'. A slender (186-page) volume, "Writing Across Distances & Disciplines" informatively raises critical issues, clarifies key terms, reviews relevant history and theory, analyzes current research, reconsiders pedagogy, explores specific applications of WAC and WID in distributed environments, and considers what business and education might teach one another about writing and learning. "Writing Across Distances & Disciplines" is a seminal work that, while especially recommended to educators and administrators with respect to written communications, will prove of interest to non-specialist general readers, scholars, students, and professional writers with an interest in the technological future of writing and learning in higher education.

Writing And Developing College Textbook Supplements
Mary Ellen Lepionka
Atlantic Path Publishing
Box 1556, Gloucester, MA 01931-1556
www.atlanticpathpublishing.com
0972816410 $19.95

Veteran development editor in higher education publishing Mary Ellen Lepionka presents Writing And Developing College Textbook Supplements, a practical guide for anyone involved in developing, creating, or editing a print or electronic supplement, whether it is an instructor's manual, annotated edition, test bank, study guide, student reader, lab manual, transparency set, multimedia CD-ROM, video or audiotape, PowerPoint presentation, e-text, website, or other format for study material enhancement. Chapters discuss manuscript development and preparation, guidelines for creating sample tests, tips unique to multimedia or online course materials, and much more. Written in plain terms with an eye toward practical usage, Writing And Developing College Textbook Supplements is a "must-have" for academic writers charged with expanding upon standard textbooks to facilitate student learning.

Writing and Developing Your College Textbook
Mary Ellen Lepionka
Atlantic Path Publishing
PO Box 1556, Gloucester, MA 01931-1556
9780972816472, $37.95, www.atlanticpathpublishing.com

Textbook publishing for technical schools, colleges, and universities, is a very specialized and potentially lucrative section of the publishing industry and one that has both state and institutional compliance requirements and standards that must be adhered to by authors who aspire to have their books adopted for curriculums, library collections, and student reading list. Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded second edition, "Writing And Developing Your college Textbook: A Comprehensive Guide To Textbook Authorship And Higher Education Publishing" by Mary Ellen Lepionka continues to be the premier introduction and instruction reference guide manual for college instructors, academic authors, textbook editors, and publishers of education materials. Beginning with informed and informative chapters on the college textbook publishing industry, "Writing and Developing Your College Textbook" continues with superbly organized and presented chapters on what authors must do to interest a publisher in their manuscript, publishing contracts, textbook development, identifying the intended readership and their needs with regarding the textbook's subject matter, writing with authority, the role of 'Learning Objectives', 'Heading Structure', pedagogy, chapter organization, 'Feature Strands', drafts and revisions, issues of length and management schedules, permissions, and visual elements for text enhancement. Of special note is the up-to-date advice with respect to pricing issues, academic self-publishing, open access, digitization, 'wiki-textbooks'. Simply stated, any author aspiring to write and have published a textbook, regardless of its subject matter, should begin by giving a careful reading to what Mary Ellen Lepionka has laid out in the pages of "Writing and Developing Your College Textbook".

Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel
Daniel Cooney
Barron's
250 Wireless, Hauppauge, NY 11788
9780764146299, $23.99, www.barronseduc.com

Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel: All New Edition provides a fine survey sharing the secrets of creating character, plotlines, and how to bring drama to a graphic novel story. The basics of drawing are covered, including digital rendering, in a fully illustrated step-by-step presentation of both black and white and color sketches.

Writing And Publishing Personal Essays
Sheila Bender
Silver Threads
3738 Carmel View Road, San Diego, CA 92130
www.silver-threads.org
189306705X $19.95 1-858-794-1597

The essay and the memoir are forms of self-expression and often intended as a kind of literary legacy by their authors. Occasionally an obscure essayist will become widely known and find their writings among the ranks of recognized literature for subsequent generations of readers. Or to put it another way, the personal essay is a serious form of literature, collections of which achieve a lasting presence, and even influence, from one generation of readers to another. In Writing And Publishing Personal Essays, by poet, essayist, author, teacher, and publisher Sheila Bender shares a practical wealth of "tips and techniques" that she has used to help provide her students with the skills and confidence to become published writers. Among the benefits provided aspiring writers is a powerfully encouraging inducement to begin writing down their thoughts and observations using the essay as their vehicle; specifically useful, step-by-step instructions for writing eight different categories of personal essays; workable techniques for receiving and utilizing critical feedback; proven tips for getting essays published; as well as an extensive listing of additional resources for the dedicated essayist. There is even a roster of contributors that have helped Sheila Bender to make Writing And Publishing Personal Essays an invaluable and instructive resource for novice essayists, and offer even more experienced writers an extensive refresher along with a few ideas that might be new to them. Highly recommended reading for all aspiring authors regardless of their chosen formats for literary expression.

Writing And Publishing: The Librarians' Handbook
Carol Smallwood, editor
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9780838909966, $65.00, www.amazon.com

Most community libraries have some form of newsletter designed to provide information to their patrons. Often these newsletters are the responsibility of an associated 'Friends of the Library' group. Along with such information as operating hours, book sales, special events like summer reading programs, and introductory bios of library staff members, are lists of books newly arrived. One of the most useful things such newsletters can afford the public is the inclusion of reviews for these new arrivals. That's why "Writing And Publishing: The Librarians' Handbook" by professional author and editor Carol Smallwood will prove to be such an invaluable instructional reference and resource with its succinct and thoroughly 'user friendly' information on how to write book reviews for not only library newsletters, but library websites, librarian and personal blogs, online book review columns, and more. Whether writing formal or informal book reviews, from getting started to writing with others as a joint project, to compiling bibliographies to creating news releases to writing on specific subjects, "Writing And Publishing" is an ideal 224-page compendium of practical information that will prove indispensable for the novice and provide a great deal of value for seasoned professionals as well.

Writing And Selling
Marcia Muth
Sunstone Press
PO Box 2321, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2321
086534048X $8.95 1-800-243-5644

Writing And Selling: Poetry, Fiction, Articles, Plays And Local History by freelance writer Marcia Muth is a thoroughly "user friendly" guide written especially for novice writers trying to cope with the necessities of marketing, as well as writer's block, handling the soul-crushing rejections, scrutinizing one's contract, and more. Writing And Selling is recommended as a brief, simply presented instructional reference offering meticulous step-by-step directions, and as an effective starting primer for aspiring writers seeking remunerative publication of their work.

Writing And Selling Articles For Profit
L. Perry Wilbur
Piccadilly Books, Ltd.
PO Box 25203, Colorado Springs, CO 80936
www.piccadillybooks.com
9780941599917, $15.95, www.amazon.com

In "Writing And Selling Articles For Profit", L. Perry Wilbur draws upon his years of experience and expertise as the author of 31 books and the sale of more than 5,000 freelanced articles (resulting his winning five George Washington Honor Awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge) to develop a compact 175-page compendium of tips, tricks and techniques for making money by writing and selling articles on any subject. Included are informed and informative instructions on picking marketable topics, turning ideas into saleable articles, writing effective query letters to prospective publishers, working with editors, getting paid, acquiring the rights to photos, marketing articles abroad, and so much more! Of special note is the instructive advice on avoiding common pitfalls as a writer of articles for publication. Covering all aspects from initial research to the finished copy, "Writing And Selling Articles For Profit" will prove an invaluable and thoroughly 'user friendly' addition to aspiring and practicing writers seeking to earn a living by and from their written work.

Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays
Windy Lynn Harris
Writer's Digest Books
c/o F+W Media
10151 Carver Road, Suite 200, Blue Ash, OH 45242
www.writersdigest.com
9781440350832, $17.99, PB, 246pp, www.amazon.com

The ability to write marketable short stories and personal essays can be significantly important in the creation of a successful writing career. Earning bylines in magazines and literary journals is an excellent and profitable way to get noticed and earn future opportunities in both short- and long-form writing. "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays: The Essential Guide to Getting Your Work Published" by Windy Lynn Harris (herself a prolific writer, a trusted mentor, and a frequent speaker at literary events) capitalizes on the popularity of these genres by instructing on the two key steps to publishing short works: crafting excellent pieces and successfully submitting them. Aspiring writers will learn how to: Develop different craft elements--including point of view, character, dialogue, scene writing, and more -- specifically for short stories and essays; Recognize the qualities of excellent short works, using examples from recently published stories and essays in major journals; Understand the business of writing short, from categorizing your work and meeting submission guidelines to networking and submitting to writing contests; Master the five-step process for submitting and selling like a pro. "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays" features practical advice and 'real world' examples drawn from a multitude of published authors. An ideal and indispensable instructional reference for anyone seeking to publish short stories and essays, "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays" will prove to be an enduringly valued and often referred to addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing collections. It should be noted that "Writing & Selling Short Stories & Personal Essays" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Writing As A Small Business
Nash Black
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 South Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
9781432716257, $19.95 www.outskirtspress.com 1-888-672-6657

Earning a living as a professional writer is a business. Writing freelance is the equivalent of being a self-employed small business owner and operator. As such, meticulous attention must be made to how that business is structured, operated, and kept track of. Failure to keep aware of the proverbial 'bottom line' can lead to financial and professional disaster. Enter Nash Black's 196-page instructional guide and reference "Writing As A Small Business" covers what every aspiring (and practicing) professional author needs to know about the financial side of their work including whether or not to incorporate or operate as a sole proprietorship, the keeping and storage of financial records, filling out state and federal tax forms, avoiding audits, handling advances with respect to royalties, grants and gratuities; safeguarding the computer from hackers and online viruses, and generally protecting the financial rights and aspects of a written work -- before and after publication. Enhanced with bibliographies of thematically appropriate informational resources on the subject of the economics of professional writing, a glossary of terms, and an index, "Writing As A Small Business" is a critically important, thoroughly 'user friendly', instructional guide that should be on the personal reference shelf of every aspiring writer seeking to financially support themselves and their loved ones through their writing regardless of the genre, category, or discipline they are writing in and for.

Writing Begins With The Breath
Laraine Herring
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590304730, $12.95 www.shambhala.com 1-800-733-3000

In "Writing Begins With The Breath: Embodying Your Authentic Voice" academician, creative writing instructor, and award winning fiction author Laraine Herring provides aspiring writers with a unique approach and distinctive guide to the craft of writing. The focus and message is how authors can tune into their bodies and connect with their emotions so that what they write becomes an expression of their whole being -- and not just an intellectual exercise. In "Writing Begins With The Breath" Laraine Herring has clearly practices what she's preached. The result is a text that is not only informed and informative, but inspired and inspiring. If you seek to write the next Great American Novel, then begin by reading what Laraine Herring has to say in "Writing Begins With The Breath"!

Writing Beyond Writing
Tim Brookes
Percentage Possibility Publications
9780990442813, $49.95, HC, 172pp

https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Beyond-Tim-Brookes/dp/0990442888

Synopsis: The outcome of a life's work as a successful writer and a dozen years of researching the world's indigenous and minority writing systems, "Writing Beyond Writing: Lessons from Endangered Alphabets" by Tim Brookes is an entirely original exploration of writing itself.

As the world's leading investigator of rare alphabets, Brookes examines the world's fascinating and often stunning disappearing minority scripts and shows that writing can and often does have qualities we have forgotten -- iconic qualities, community values, spiritual qualities, even magical qualities.

Brookes considers the ways in which we in the West have increasingly defined writing as something abstract, purely symbolic, merely a mechanical tool for representing the sounds of speech, and asks what is lost when writing is reduced to such a narrow and colorless definition.

Brookes also shows that just as many cultures around the world are reviving their embattled traditional alphabets, even in the West the old division between writing and art is being healed in surprising ways -- and right under our noses!

Critique: A fascinating, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking study that will have a particular and special value for readers with an interest in the history and evolution of the alphabet and written languages, as well as the cultural implications of diverse writing styles from antiquity down to the present day. A bibliographer's delight and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university History of Writing collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, this large format hardcover edition of Tim Brookes seminal and ground-breaking work, "Writing Beyond Writing: Lessons from Endangered Alphabets" from Percentage Possibility Publications is also readily available for students academia, and non-specialist general readers in a paperback edition (9780990442882, $32.50).

Editorial Note: Tim Brookes (https://www.timbrookesinc.com) has acted as a publisher or publishing consultant for more than 75 books. Offering editing and publishing services, he is also the creator of endangered alphabet games.

Writing Blockbuster Plots
Martha Alderson
Writer's Digest Press
c/o F+W Media
10151 Carver Road, Suite 200, Blue Ash, OH 45242
www.writersdigest.com
9781599639796, $16.99, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com

"Writing Blockbuster Plots: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Plot, Structure, and Scene" by Martha Alderson is specifically designed o demystify how story writing works. It shows aspiring writers how to track the seven most important elements of a scene on a Scene Tracker, and how to use her Plot Planner to develop a multi-layered plotline for each individual project. "Writing Blockbuster Plots" also provides useful analysis of scenes written by classic and contemporary writers such as Twain, McCarthy, London, Fitch, Chopin, and Letts, all of which will help show writers how to: Pre-plot Link scenes through cause and effect; Determine which scenes are flat and why; Set up tension, conflict and suspense; Develop complex characters; Establish compelling action; Re-vision rewrites; Clarify themes; Deepen and expand narratives. Detailed, comprehensive, insightful, instructive, and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Writing Blockbuster Plots" is exceptional and very highly recommended for aspiring writers. It should be noted that "Writing Blockbuster Plots" is also available in a Kindle edition ($11.94).

Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune
Rik Feeney
Richardson Publishing
PO Box 162115
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
www.PublishingSuccessOnline.com
9781935683155, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Never before in the history of publishing has it been easier for aspiring authors to turn their manuscripts into finished books. Never before in the history of publishing has it been more difficult for authors to compete for attention in the ever volatile and changing marketplace for their books. That's why Rik Feeney's "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" will be especially welcome reading for aspiring authors regardless of whether they intend to produce fiction or non-fiction. "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" is a concise, succinct, practical, 'real world', 144-page compendium with chapters dedicated writing a nonfiction book; dealing with chapter summaries and introductions; creating book summaries and introductions; 'front matter' and 'back matter'; alternative ways in which to write a book; editing; the critical importance of book titles with respect to marketing successfully; tracking a book's development, and more! Enhanced with a list of publishing options; a glossary; resources and resource links (including Online Publishing), "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" is informed, informative, thoroughly 'user friendly', and highly recommended to the attention of anyone seeking to launch their career as an author of books whether for a general or a specialized readership.

Writing Broadcast News
Merv Block
Bonus Books, Inc.
160 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
1566250846 $29.95 1-312-467-0580

Writing Broadcast News, now in a thoroughly revised and greatly expanded (40% more material) edition is designed specifically for working newspeople and is justifiably considered to be a standard reference work for the field. This classic text reads smoothly and enjoyably for any student or practiced composer of news for the broadcast news media. It also offers a wealth of expert tips and techniques that will prove invaluable for the news writers of print and Internet forums as well. Writing Broadcast News is the consummate, professional, "how-to" handbook to writing news that will be shorter, sharper, and stronger.

Writing Children's Books
Anthony D. Fredericks
Blue River Press
http://brpressbooks.com
9781681570815, $14.99, PB, 306pp, www.amazon.com

It is all too common for authors wanting to write a book for children to get stuck on the fundamental (and universal) question of all writers -- Where do I start? That's simply because they're unsure about the nature of the children's book market and the skills necessary for literary success. "Writing Children's Books: Everything You Need to Know from Story Creation to Getting Published" by Anthony D. Fredericks answers the plight of these writers by providing proven strategies and insider information. A fully comprehensive, step-by-step, how-to guide "Writing Children's Books" shows, in eye-opening detail, exactly how children's authors, both beginning and novice, can have a productive and successful writing career. As the only writer's instruction manual to deal exclusively with all the concerns, issues, and questions of prospective children's authors, Writing Children's Books" features simplicity, step-by-step directions; and offers strategies and data that guarantee literary success. "Writing Children's Books" includes a plethora of techniques, strategies, and information to guide any potential children's author from blank sheet of paper (or computer screen) to viable, publishable manuscript. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Writing Children's Books" is a complete course of instruction and will prove to be an enduringly valued reference and resource in the field of writing books for preschoolers, K-12, and the Young Adult market in fiction and non-fiction alike. While very highly recommended for community library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing Children's Books" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Writing Children's Fiction
Yvonne Coppard and Linda Newbery
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781408156872 $24.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Featuring tips directly from successful children's authors including Malorie Blackman, Anne Cassidy, Michael Morpurgo, Celia Rees, and more, Writing Children's Fiction: A Writers' & Artists' Companion lives up to its title as a first-rate guide, reference, and resource to the art of writing novels for young adults. Part one analyzes the history of children's literature and the modern-day diversity of its genres; part two is packed with tips, tricks, and techniques from professionals in the field; and part 3 includes broad-minded guidance such as how to shape a solid plot, create well-rounded characters, handle tricky subjects, and even finding a capable agent or publisher when ready for print. Writing Children's Fiction is an absolute "must-have" for any nascent writer trying to create a middle grade or YA novel; published children's authors will very likely discover beneficial suggestions and ideas as well!

Writing Content
Roger W. Nielsen
R. W. Nielsen Company
1974 Alan Street, Idaho Falls, ID, 83404
9780982035542, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Specially written as a do-it-yourself instruction manual for aspiring writers seeking to create articles and stories for magazine publication, and for anyone wanting to write persuasively and credibly in an online forum or format, Roger W. Nielsen has compiled a thoroughly 'user friendly' series of chapters identifying and teaching the techniques required for writing clear, concise, commercially viable, and reader engaging content. From coming up with an idea, to information gathering, to organizing the material, to the final step of writing it all down, "Writing Content" will prove to be an invaluable informational resource for the novice, and have a great deal of practical value for even the experienced author as a continuing reference and guide. Of special note and value are the chapters dedicated to writing queries, the use of anecdotes, and writer etiquette. Enhanced with a list of 'Works Cited' and a comprehensive index, "Writing Content" is a very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Writing/Publishing reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Writing Conversations
Cherie K. Miller
Wisdom Creek Press
5814 Sailboat Pointe NW, Acworth, GA 30101
9780981875613, $14.95, www.wisdomcreekpress.com

The career of writing can be quite daunting to get in to. "Writing Conversations: Spend 365 Days with Your Favorite Authors, Learning the Craft of Writing" is a writing advisory guide from Cherie K. Miller who seeks to give aspiring writers tips and tricks, as well as wisdom and advice for picking up their craft and sticking with it, and getting your work to the next level through an agent or publisher. "Writing Conversations" is a thoughtful and useful guide for those who want to keep themselves on task.

Writing Cookbooks
Judith Comfort
Self-Counsel Press
1704 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
1551801159 $15.95 1-800-663-3007

Examining every type of cookbook, from a glossy bestselling hardcover to a photocopied paperback fund-raiser, Writing Cookbooks covers all the basics of writing a cookbook. The subjects covered include developing a concept for a cookbook; determining the latest food fashion; collecting recipes; setting up a testing kitchen; writing and editing recipes; how to go about self-publishing a cookbook; approaching a book publisher with a cookbook manuscript; publishing community cookbooks for fund-raising; and promoting your cookbook. An imminently practical guide, Writing Cookbooks provides twelve handy worksheets to help refine a book concept. It also contains lists of cooking terms for reference, along with metric and imperial conversion charts, and liquid/dry volume equivalents. Writing Cookbooks is an essential reference for anyone contemplating writing and/or publishing a cookbook in this highly competitive and specialized section of the publishing industry.

Writing Creative Nonfiction
Carolyn Forche & Philip Gerard, eds.
Storey Books
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
1884910505 $18.99 1-800-827-7444

In Writing Creative Nonfiction: Instruction And Insights From The Teachers Of The Associated Writing Programs, the editorial team of Carolyn Forche and Philip Gerard present essays by more than thirty contributors focusing on all aspects and elements of the creative writing craft as it applies to nonfiction. This outstanding compendium of presentations ranges from researching ideas and structuring a story to reportage and personal reflection. Along with insightful prompts and exercises, Writing Creative Nonfiction covers every type and category from biography and true-life adventure, to memoir and narrative history. Here is an invaluable reference whose reading will enrich and enable any aspiring writer to significantly advance their skills and expertise at writing nonfiction whatever the extent of their previous experience or training.

Writing Dramatic Nonfiction
William Noble
Paul Eriksson
Box 125, Forest Dale, VT 06745
083978645X $22.95

Writing Dramatic Nonfiction isn't just another guide to producing nonfiction; it overs a particular style of dramatic nonfiction which uses fictional drama to spice and enhance nonfiction accounts. From using anecdotes and character development to handling dialogue, this covers all the basics of enlivening nonfiction efforts.

Writing Fiction
James Essinger
The Conrad Press
http://theconradpress.com
9781911546542, $13.00, 185pp

Synopsis: In "Writing Fiction: A User-Friendly Guide", author James Essenger draws on the his more than thirty years of experience as a professional writer, as well as on the work and ideas of writers including (in alphabetically order): Anthony Burgess; Joseph Conrad; George Eliot; Ken Follett; Frederick Forsyth; Dan Harmon; Ernest Hemingway; David Lodge; Norman Mailer; John Milton; Ben Parker; J.K. Rowling; William Shakespeare; Martin Cruz Smith; J.R.R. Tolkien.

The twenty-four chapters comprising "Writing Fiction: A User-Friendly Guide" by James Essinger cover every important matter an aspiring author need to know about including: devising a compelling story, creating and developing characters, plotting, 'plants', backstory, suspense, dialogue, 'show' and 'tell', and how to make a novel more real than reality.

Also featuring special guest advice from legendary screenwriter Bob Gale, who wrote the three immortal 'Back to the Future' movies (1985, 1989 and 1990), and novelist and screenwriter William Osborne, whose many screen credits include the co-writing of the blockbuster 'Twins' (1988), "Writing Fiction" is highly entertaining book provides all the advice and practical guidance needed to make the dream of becoming a published fiction writer come true.

Critique: "Writing Fiction: A User-Friendly Guide" draws on James Essinger's more than thirty years of experience as a professional writer, and on the work and ideas of writers including: Anthony Burgess; Joseph Conrad; George Eliot; Ken Follett; Frederick Forsyth; Dan Harmon; Ernest Hemingway; David Lodge; Norman Mailer; John Milton; Ben Parker; J.K. Rowling; William Shakespeare; Martin Cruz Smith; and J.R.R. Tolkien. Itself exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Writing Fiction" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of any and all aspiring authors that "Writing Fiction" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99, Amazon.com).

Editorial Note: James Essinger has been a professional writer since 1988. his non-fiction books include Jacquard's Web (2004), Ada's Algorithm (2013), which is to be filmed by Monumental Pictures, and Charles and Ada: The Computer's Most Passionate Partnership (2019). His novels include The Mating Game (2016) and The Ada Lovelace Project (2019).

Writing Flash
Fred D. White
Quill Driver Books
9781610353175, $14.95, www.quilldriverbooks.com

Writing Flash: How to Craft & Publish Flash Fiction for a Booming Market is specifically for writers who want to excel in flash fiction, which is typically less than 1,000 words. There's a real trick to condensing both plot and word choice for an exceptionally short work. The effort can produce especially lively, evocative writing when done right, and this provides a modern course in all the techniques of notable flash stories to provide writers with all the basics they need to build a reputation on flash fiction. Master the art of flash writing and writers who would produce any manner of written art will find their skillsets vastly expanded, which is why Writing Flash should be the first step key to success not only with this medium, but as a creative writer.

Writing for Bliss: A Journal
Diana Raab
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615993246, $34.95, HC, 238pp, www.amazon.com

Diana Raab is a memoirist, poet, blogger, workshop facilitator, thought provoker, and an award-winning author of seven books and over a thousand articles and poems, as well as the editor of two anthologies. In "Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to provide fundamental commentaries about reflection, truth, and freedom. With techniques and prompts for both the seasoned and novice writer, Writing for Bliss" will help them to tap into their creativity through storytelling and poetry, examine how life-changing experiences can inspire writing, pursue self-examination and self-discovery through the written word, and utlimately understand how published writers have been transformed by the act and consequences of writing. While very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life" is also available in a paperback edition (978-1615993239, $21.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.95). Also of immense value and now available in Diana Raab's "Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal" (9781615994274, $19.95, PB, 184pp) which was developed for the seasoned storyteller as well as the emerging author as an interactive journal is designed to be used alone as a self-discovery workbook, or in conjunction with "Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life".

Writing for College: A No-B.S. Guide
Robert Rubin
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476673660, $29.95, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com

Robert Rubin has taught college writing at The George Washington University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Meredith College. He is the author of six books of nonfiction, and presently works as a freelance editor. In the pages of "Writing for College: A No-B.S. Guide" he draws upon his years of experience and expertise to guide first-year students through the do's and don'ts of composition, from such basic questions as "Can I use 'I' in a college essay?" to more advanced points about structure and style. Emphasizing the importance of writing in all majors, "Writing for College: A No-B.S. Guide" encourages students to find their own voice and to express themselves without jargon or "academese". Tips are provided on concision, use of supporting claims, marshaling arguments, researching topics, documenting sources, and revision. Simply stated, "Writing for College: A No-B.S. Guide" should be considered required reading by all college freshmen and a core addition to college and university library collections.

Writing for Design Professionals, 2nd Edition
Stephen A. Kliment
W.W. Norton
500 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0393731855 $39.95 www.wwnorton.com

Whether you're a student or a design professional, good writing is the key to advancing your career: a key too often missed in design schools which don't inform students how to improve writing skills. Enter the second, updated edition of Writing for Design Professionals, a survey expanded to consider internet marketing, communication and job hunting and which fills the gap in blending a focus on design professionals with instructionals and methods of clarifying and improving writing. From producing brochures and marketing through proposals and portfolio development to writing for school or media and producing appropriate public speeches, Writing for Design Professionals is one of the most comprehensive, specific guides you could want.

Writing For Bliss
Diana Raab
www.dianaraab.com
Loving Healing Press
5145 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
www.lovinghealing.com
9781615993239, $21.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com

Diana Raab is an award-winning memoirist, poet, blogger, workshop leader and speaker. In "Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to provide aspiring writers with techniques and prompts for that will lead even the most novice writers to tap into their creativity through storytelling and poetry. "Writing for Bliss" also examines how life-changing experiences can inspire writing, pursue self-examination and self-discovery through the written word, and, understand how published writers have been transformed by writing. Featuring an appendix (A List of Writing Prompts); an eight page list of References; an eight page bibliography of Further Reading; a seven page listing of Recommended Memoirs; and a three page Index, "Writing for Bliss" is exceptionally well written, organized and presented, making it an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing instructional collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing for Bliss" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.95).

Writing For Life
John D. Bessler
Bottlecap Books
514 North Third Street, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780979271809, $24.95 www.bottlecapbooks.com

In "Writing For Life: The Craft Of Writing for Everyday Living", two-time Minnesota Book Award finalist John D. Bessler succinctly demystifies the writing process by breaking down and illustrating each step of the process from pre-writing preparation to final publication. "Writing For Life" is a thoroughly 'user friendly' instruction guide covering all of the tools and expertise needed to improve anyone's writing skills and abilities. Informed and informative, "Writing For Life" is also engaging and even inspiring. With extensive notes and a helpful bibliography, "Writing For Life" is skillfully written, comprehensive, practical, and especially recommended for anyone who has an aversion to writing, as well as those seeking to improve the quality of their own written work.

Writing For Publication
Erik Bean
Deadline Communications
PO Box 765, Walled Lake, MI 48390
0966516524 $15.99 1-248-624-5183 http://www.FreelanceWorkshop.com

Erik Bean's Writing For Publication will provide invaluable and practical guidance to those seeking to have their articles and essays published in magazines, journals, newspapers, periodicals, and online. Writing for Publication is a video transcript of the "Online Magazine Article Writing Workshop" and is a companion to the 115-minute video on feature and magazine writing (0-9665165-0-8 $29.95). From "Why Get Started?" to "Magazine Market Analysis" to "Art and Photography", Writing For Publication is a comprehensive, succinct, and complete "how to" workshop in a single volume.

Writing For Quick Cash
Loriann Hoff Oberlin
Amacom Books
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.amacombooks.org
0814471994 $14.95 1-800-250-5308

Writing For Quick Cash is a straightforward business guide by Loriann Hoff Oberlin to making money from by writing for periodicals, websites, newsletters, greeting cards, puzzle companies, as well as books. From sizing up potential markets, to pitching one's ideas, to professional rules of interaction with editors and clients, to advice for negotiating pay rates, to regulations specific to copyright and tax matters, and more, Writing For Quick Cash packs all the basics into one handy and practical 226-page guide. Very highly recommended, Writing For Quick Cash is a "must-read" for anyone pursuing a career as a professional freelance writer.

Writing For Self-Discovery
Myra Schneider & John Killick
Element Books
160 Washington Street, Boston MA 02114
1862042055 $14.95 1-617-915-9400

The key to creative writing is to attune yourself to your feelings. Putting your innermost thoughts and desires on paper makes you vulnerable to the criticism of others, but it also results in your most pure and honest work as a writer. Writing For Self-Discovery: A Personal Approach To Creative Writing contains one hundred exercises that will encourage you to incorporate the real you into your work, and reach your true potential as a creative writer. Writing for Self-Discovery is a total guidebook for enhancing creative writing ability and is features a section of the authors' favorite pieces of creative writing. Writing For Self-Discovery has much to offer by way of tips and insights to both novice beginners and experienced writers.

Writing for the Cut
Greg Loftin
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615933006, $26.95, PB, 190pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: Editing is what makes a movie a movie. Consulting with master film editors including Walter Murch, Juliette Welfling, Eddie Hamilton, and Anne V. Coates (whose insights and wisdom anchor the book), script writer and author Greg Loftin engagingly, smartly details the storytelling nuances and tricks screenwriters can learn from their film-editor peers in "Writing for the Cut: Shaping Your Script for Cinema".

Cutting-room veterans have long maintained that visual juxtaposition fuels film storytelling. Over-lapped images spark fresh ideas in the minds of viewers, encouraging them to become active partners in your storytelling and discover your story for themselves.

In later chapters, "Writing for the Cut" shows how we can bring our stories closer to the screen by writing not only with text, but with images and sounds. The screenwriter is taken deep into the edit suite to learn the secrets of the sizzle reel.

Critique: A complete course of instruction under one cover, "Writing for the Cut: Shaping Your Script for Cinema" should be considers essential reading for all aspiring script writers. Comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Writing for the Cut" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing collections in general, and Screen/Script Writing supplemental studies lists in particular. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing for the Cut" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.60).

Editorial Note: Greg Loftin wrote and directed his first feature film in 2007 -- the award-winning urban western Saxon. He is also course leader of the very first undergraduate program in film editing and postproduction in the UK. His world-class program of master classes has attracted visiting master editors such as Walter Murch (Apocalypse Now, The Godfather), Paul Machliss (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Baby Driver), Tom Rolf (Taxi Driver, Heat), Mick Audsley (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Murder on the Orient Express), and Lisa Gunning (Nowhere Boy, Seven Psychopaths). "Writing for the Cut" is the result of a practice-based PhD that the University of Exeter awarded Loftin in 2016.

Writing for the Green Light
Scott Kirkpatrick
Focal Press
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
8th Floor, 711 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA
www.focalpress.com
9781138016460, $29.95, 202pp, www.amazon.com

Scott Kirkpatrick is the Director of Distribution for MarVista Entertainment, a Los Angeles based production and distribution company that produces original Lifetime and SyFy channel films, co-produces TV movies with Disney and Nickelodeon, and has managed international TV deals on major franchises including Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Digimon, and Julius Jr. Scott has also produced and directed TV series and feature films including Eye for an Eye, Muslims in America, and Roadside Massacre. In "Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices" Kirkpatrick shows the novice playwright just how to craft their screenplay so that it will sell. Aspiring playwrights will find out what Hollywood script readers, producers, and studio executives want in a screenplay (and why) from someone who's been there, as well as discover what it takes to begin a lasting career as a screenwriter. Peppered with interviews from established professionals, "Writing for the Green Light: How to Make Your Script the One Hollywood Notices" will provide playwrights a sharp competitive edge by showcasing dozens of everyday events that go on at the studios but are rarely if ever discussed in most screen writing books. With his behind-the-scenes perspective, Scott Kirkpatrick shows you why the system works the way it does and how you can use its unwritten rules to your advantage. He answers such questions as: Who actually reads your script?; How do you pique the interest of studios and decision makers?; What do agents, producers, and production companies need in a script?; How much is a script worth?; What are the best genres for new writers and why?; What are real steps you can take to 'break in' to television writing?; How do you best present or pitch a project without looking desperate?; How do you negotiate a contract without an agent?; How do you exude confidence and seal your first deal?. Simply stated, "Writing for the Green Light" is a "must read" and a "must have" addition to all personal, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Writing for the Green Light" is also available in a Kindle edition ($28.45).

Writing For The Internet
Craig Baehr & Bob Schaller
Greenwood Press
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313376948, $55.00, www.amazon.com

From the earliest era of writing when the technology was making stylistic marks upon wet clay shards, through the invention of papyri scrolls and quill pens, to typewriters, to computer keyboards, to held-hand blackberries and the most recent mechanical advance in writing -- twittering, technology has impacted in how we communicate through the written word. That evolution, interestingly enough, has gone from the simple to the complex and now back to simple. Each technological development had its own demands imposed upon those who would write -- and the Internet is no exception. That's why "Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space", the collaborative work of Craig Baehr and Bob Schaller, is so timely and highly recommended. Spanning a wide range of relevant issues, this thoroughly 'user friendly' introduction and instruction guide ranges from online publishing to blogging and everything in-between. Identifying and addressing the factors that make for good, effective, professional quality writing in a cyberspace medium, "Writing for the Internet" is an ideal classroom textbook, self-instruction manual, and a solid reference work for personal, academic, and community library Writing/Publishing reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Writing For The Web
Lynda Felder
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
978032179443, $24.99, www.mcp.com

With the coming of internet communication that ranges from email, to web sites, to the creation of documents and files, a new form of literacy has become essential to success -- writing for and in a medium that includes pictures and sounds integrated with the written word. "Writing for the Web: Creating Compelling Web Content Using Words, Pictures, and Sound" by Lynda Felder is a 192-page compendium of instruction and explanation that will enable the reader to create focused, effective, competent web site copy fully integrated with visuals and sound. Providing a wealth of instructive exercises that include working with images, adding motion and sound, as well as creating interactive and non-linear stories, "Writing For The Web" is an ideal and thoroughly 'user friendly' instruction manual, highly recommended for personal, professional, corporate, community, and academic library instructional resource collections.

Writing For The Web: Geeks' Edition
Crawford Kilian
Self-Counsel Press Inc.
1704 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
1551803038 $21.95 1-800-663-3007

Writing for the Web: Geeks' Edition is specifically designed for those who aspire to utilize the Internet as an outlet for their writing. Internet veteran Crawford Kilian draws upon his years of experience and expertise to provide the reader with a convenient, easy-to-use Webwriter's style guide that will prove invaluable for dealing with the rules governing abbreviations, biased terms, capitalization, compound words, and cliches. The proffered exercises will develop webwriting techniques and a wealth of practical advice will enable the aspiring webwriter to adapt content from print to Webtext; avoid common grammar and usage errors; develop content for corporate websites; even edit material for an international audience. Whether writing for a personal or corporate website, or writing for an on-line publication, Writing For The Web will enable anyone to be an effective Internet wordsmith.

Writing For Trade Magazines
Kendall Hanson
Dixon-Price Publishing
618 West Spacerama, Murray, UT 84123
1929516053 $19.99 dixonprice.com

In Writing For Trade Magazines: How To Boost Your Income By $200 To $500 Per Week, veteran trade editor and professional writer Kendall Hanson provides detailed information on how to research, query, and write articles that will sell to the trade magazine industry. Hanson's advice is practical, thorough, and "writer friendly". Writing For Trade Magazines emphasizes that good trade writers don't need to be trained in journalism or hold English Lit degrees, what they do need is to make effective contacts with potential publication clients and write interesting pieces for trade magazines. Writing For Trade Magazines is "must" reading for any aspiring author seeking to make sales to magazines, periodicals and journals, and holds a great deal of sound and valued information for even experienced professionals on enhancing and maximizing their sales and cash flow.

Writing Freelance
Christine Adamec
Self-Counsel Press Inc.
1704 North State Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
1551802899 $19.95 1-800-663-3007

Drawing upon her extensive and varied experience writing for more 800 magazine features, authoring 14 books, and ghostwriting articles and books for physicians, attorneys, and public relations firms, Christine Adamec's Writing Freelance covers all of the basic essentials of successful freelance writing. Aspiring freelance writers will learn what it takes to become successful, who hires writers and how to find them, what to charge, how to set up interviews and what questions to ask, how to write a book proposal that will be attractive to prospective publishers, and the role of the Internet in a freelance writer's career. If you are considering trying your hand at selling what you write, regardless of the subject matter or market niche, begin with a thorough, cover-to-cover reading of Writing Freelance.

Writing From Within
Bernard Selling
Hunter House Publishers
PO Box 2914, Alameda, CA 94501
089793217X $14.95 1-800-266-5592

Now its third edition, Writing From Within: A Guide To Creativity And Life Story Writing features a larger format, with a new design and more sample stories throughout, including a new section on creativity; exploring ways to positively utilize self-criticism; suggesting ways to maintain a balance between the creative process and the demands of daily life; a discussion of the relationship between creativity and depression; and the provision of guidelines for expanding into fiction writing. Writing From Within is designed to help new and/or experienced writers get in touch with their inner voice and better express their feelings in writing. It is especially created for those who wish to inform their children and grandchildren about the life path that they, the writers, have followed. Writing From Within is a valuable tool for anyone considering an autobiography and has much to offer any serious aspirant wanting to gain the skills and confidence needed to writer their own life stories.

The Writing Game
Rosemary Friedman
Empiricus Books/Paul & Company
PO Box 442, Concord, MA 01742
1902835018 $24.95 1-978-369-3049

The Writing Game is a complete single volume course on creative writing. Successful award winning author Rosemary Friedman explains how to get a first novel published, whether a bestseller can be created without trade publicity, what can be done about writer's block, and a great deal more. Of special interest to American writers is her background information on the British publishing and book retailing industry. Friedman's literary reminiscences reveal insider information that ranges from the importance of a well-honed sentence to the benefits of choosing and using a suitable agent. Aspiring writers will enjoy and find profitable her frank views about authors, publishers, booksellers, and critics, the world of literary prizes and the lecture circuit, the importance of book tiles and jackets, the secrets of writing for television, film and the stage, plus comments of famous writers down the ages. The Writing Game is a thoroughly informative, enjoyable, profitable and inspiring read for anyone who has ever put pen to paper (or hand to wordprocessor) in hopes of creating a successful book.

The Writing Game
W. A. Harbinson
BookSurge Publishing
1419644378 $19.99 www.waharbinson.eu.com www.booksurge.com 1-886-308-6235

W. A. Harbinson's "The Writing Game: Recollections Of An Occasional Bestselling Author" isn't simply another instruction manual on how to write better or how to get published. It is instead, a candid autobiographical account of being a professional writer with more than thirty years of experience at making a living in the highly competitive and volatile publishing industry. That experience includes the writing of more than fifty novels, as well as a wealth of short stories, magazine articles, screenplay adaptations, and radio plays. This is a graphic and detailed account of living a life and pursuing a career fraught with the possibilities of artistic and financial failure. Enhanced with superbly articulated accounts of his dealings with editors, other authors, and showbusiness celebrities, "The Writing Game" is as entertaining as it is engaging, and a 'must read' memoir for anyone who contemplates embarking upon a professional writing career for themselves.

Writing Great Books for Young Adults, revised edition
Regina L. Brooks
Sourcebooks Inc.
1935 Brookdale Road, #139, Naperville, IL 60563
www.sourcebooks.com
9781402293528, $14.99, 224pp, www.amazon.com

"Writing Great Books for Young Adults" is a complete insider instructional resource on how to succeed in the flourishing world of YA fiction and nonfiction. In this updated and revised edition, veteran literary agent Regina L. Brooks offers invaluable advice for YA writers on everything from shaping a YA novel to crafting the perfect pitch for your book. Aspiring authors will learn how to: Develop an authentic, engaging voice and writing style; Construct dynamic plots that will resonate with YA readers; Avoid common pitfalls related to tone and point of view; Navigate the emerging genres of YA nonfiction and New Adult literature; Create an exceptional query letter and proposal that will grab the attention of agents and publishers. Filled from cover to cover with invaluable tips and practical advice from agents, editors, and popular YA authors, "Writing Great Books for Young Adults" is thoroughly 'user friendly' from beginning to end and should be considered mandatory reading for anyone seeking to write and market for a young adult readership. It should be noted that "Writing Great Books for Young Adults" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.18).

Writing Hard Stories
Melanie Brooks
Beacon Press
24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.beacon.org
9780807078815, $16.00, PB, 248pp, www.amazon.com

Write an honest memoir is one of the most difficult tasks any writer can undertake. The more complex and multilayered the life, the more difficult it is to candidly and uncompromisingly record it for other people to read. In determining and illustrating what happens to autobiographers when the embark on that specific task, writer and teacher Melanie Brooks sought guidance from the memorists who most moved her to answer these questions. An essentially informed and informative read for creative writers "Writing Hard Stories: Celebrated Memoirists Who Shaped Art from Trauma" is a unique compilation of authentic stories about the death of a partner, parent, or child; about violence and shunning; and about the process of writing. It will serve as a tool for teachers of writing and give readers an intimate look into the lives of the authors they love. The authors profiled in "Writing Hard Stories" include: Andre Dubus III, Sue William Silverman, Michael Patrick MacDonald, Joan Wickersham, Kyoko Mori, Richard Hoffman, Suzanne Strempek Shea, Abigail Thomas, Monica Wood, Mark Doty, Edwidge Dantict, Marianne Leone, Jerald Walker, Kate Bornstein, Jessica Handler, Richard Blanco, Alysia Abbott, and Kim Stafford. An extraordinary and instructive read from cover to cover, "Writing Hard Stories" is a very highly recommended addition to community and academic library Writing/Publishing collections in general, and the supplemental studies reading lists for any and all aspiring writers of memoirs and autobiographies in particular. It should be noted that "Writing Hard Stories" is also available in a Kindle format ($15.99).

Writing Historical Fiction
Celia Brayfield and Duncan Sprott
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781780937854 $24.95 www.bloomsbury.com

Writing Historical Fiction: A Writers' & Artists' Companion is an in-depth companion, guide, and resource for anyone working on a great period piece novel of any era in human history. Part one offers reflections, an overview, and a history of the historical fiction genre; part two consists of tips, tricks, and techniques from literally dozens of accomplished authors and guest contributors; and part three offers focused advice on everything from research methods to the writing process to getting published in the increasingly competitive modern era. "Remember that info can be shunted sideways. We don't know what Alexander the Great ate for breakfast. But we do know that the ancient Greeks in general ate hot dough dipped in honey, or in neat wine, for breakfast. It's not unreasonable to assume that Alexander ate hot dough for breakfast too. If you proceed according to this slightly wacky logic, you are writing what is essentially the truth. It's as true as it can be." A bibliography and an index round out this absolute "must-have" for aspiring and practicing authors in the genre!

Writing in Community
Lucy Adkins and Becky Breed
WriteLife Publishing
2323 S. 171 St., Suite 202
Omaha, NE 68130
9781608080786 $11.95 pbk.
9781608080823 $5.99 ebook www.WriteLife.com

Writing in Community: Say Goodbye to Writer's Block and Transform Your Life is a reference and resource for writers and poets of all backgrounds, skill, and experience levels. Authors Lucy Adkins and Becky Breed have over thirty-five years of experience working with writing groups; they share their tips, tricks, and techniques for overcoming writer's block and improving one's creativity. Suggested exercises, a wealth of insights, and inspirational anecdotes pepper this excellent motivational resource!

Writing in English for the Medical Sciences: A Practical Guide
Steve Hart
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781498742368, $33.95, www.crcpress.com

Writing in English for the Medical Sciences: A Practical Guide has been designed to help medical students and professors in medicine and surgery schools to make best use of English in the course of their work, and teaches how to produce professional results in medical writing. The profession has many common requirements for such writing, but writing errors typically occur during the process. This book identifies these common mistakes, shows how to correct them, and includes errors by international students and ESL students and professors. Exercises encourage self-testing and real understanding of the underlying principles of English, making this a top recommendation for college-level medical and English language reference collections alike.

Writing In The Real World
Anne Beaufort
Teachers College Press
1234 Amsterdam Ave., NY, NY 10027
0807739006 $27.95 1-212-678-3963

In Writing In The Real World: Making The Transition From School To Work, Anne Beaufort (assistant professor and director of the College Writing Program in the Department of Literature at American University) draws upon the findings of a longitudinal study of four women to render a richly drawn ethnographical account of how writers are socialized into ways of communicating according to the conventions of the workplace. Writing In The Real World offers an insightful perspective on the developmental process entailed in attaining writing fluency in school and beyond, including the conditions that contribute to acquiring such expertises. Highly recommended reading for aspiring novelists, non-fiction authors, essayists, magazine or journal article writers, and anyone whose day job entails the necessity for crafting effective written communications, Writing In The Real World illuminates what it takes to foster the flexibility and versatility writers must posses in today's contemporary workplace.

Writing Local History Today
Thomas A. Mason & J. Kent Calder
AltaMira Press
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rlpgbooks.com
9780759119024, $70.00, www.amazon.com

The collaborative work of Thomas A. Mason and J. Kent Calder, "Writing Local History Today: A Guide to Researching, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book" is a 148 page instruction manual specifically designed to assist the novice writer seeking to produce saleable work in the field of writing local community histories. Deftly organized into four chapters (The Consumer: Who Is Your Audience?; Evidence: Where Do You Find It? How Do You Use It?; Communication: How Do You Shape a Specialized Subject for a Nonspecialist Audience?; Economics, Design, and Production: How Do You Produce and Market A Book That People Will Pay For?). Succinctly comprehensive, immanently practical, thoroughly 'user friendly', and enhanced with the inclusion of eight appendices ranging from 'Sample Author's Guideline' to 'Why Books Cost: A quick Lesson in Finance for Publishers', a four page Bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "Writing Local History Today: A Guide to Researching, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book" will prove to be an invaluable addition to any aspiring writer's reference shelf in general, and a "must" for anyone wanting to enter the specialized field of local history writing in particular. It should be noted that "Writing Local History Today: A Guide to Researching, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book" is also available in a paperback edition (9780759123953, $27.95) and a Kindle edition ($23.44).

Writing Matters
Andrea A. Lunsford
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive, Athens, GA 30602-4901
0820329312, $24.94 www.ugapress.org

Writing would seem to be changing its forms thanks to Internet and blog requirements – but in fact rhetoric hasn't really changed all that much, as professor Andrea Lunsford maintains in WRITING MATTERS: RHETORIC IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIVES. Her study is suitable for college-level English class discussions and libraries catering to this audience: it surveys the underlying meanings and practices of writing and rhetoric and follows its translation to the digital world. Excellent for rhetoric courses and their debates.

Writing Metrical Poetry
William Baer
Writer's Digest Books
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1582974152 $16.99 www.fwpublications.com

If you wish to learn the rules and methods of mastering metrical poetry, look no further than Writing Metrical Poetry: Contemporary Lessons for Mastering Traditional Forms. It's a rarity in the world of the poetic free verse of modern times, and provides all the details needed to work with poetry in the major forms, from quatrains to sonnets and beyond. Step-by-step directions offer easy instructions and plenty of examples and exercises to reinforce focused assignments.

Writing Nonfiction
Dan Poynter
Para Publishing
PO Box 8206-244
Santa Barbara, CA 93118-8206
http://ParaPublishing.com
1568601107, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, "Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books" is a 144 page instruction manual by Dan Poynter -- aptly called the guru of self-publishing and a man who has been promoting and mentoring aspiring writers for more than three decades. Poynter teaches authors of non-fiction to 'build' their books utilizing free resources available on whatever their subject matter might be through accessing the internet for free research materials, quotations, art works, and stories. Of special note are the invaluable tips about finding editors, proof readers, and others to help polish an author's writing. "Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books" teaches aspiring authors how to repurpose the core content of their work into downloadable books, CDs, ebooks, audiobooks, reports, articles, seminars, and consulting gigs. The information about handling interviews, autograph signing, and fans is rarely (if ever) found elsewhere. Himself the author of more than one hundred books, Poynter draws upon his many years of experience to write one of the most 'user friendly' how-to manuals on the subject of writing and promoting self-published non-fiction to create an instructional reference work that, simply stated, is an essential addition to the personal reference collections of anyone who aspires to becoming a professional author. It should be noted that "Writing Nonfiction: Turning Thoughts into Books" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.97).

Writing Non-Fiction & Getting Published
Janet MacDonald
NTC Publishing Group
4255 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago IL 60646
0844201804 $12.95

One of the NTC Publishing Group's acclaimed "Teach Yourself" series, Janet MacDonald's Writing Non-Fiction & Getting Published is a practical guide to the business of writing non-fiction and the subsequent process of getting it published. From concept to bookshop, Writing Non-Fiction & Getting Published covers the whole range of non-fiction writing from popular "how-to" instructional books to academic texts and reference books. Filled with tips by a seasoned, experienced and successful nonfiction writer, and designed for both novice and experienced writers, Writing Non-Fiction & Getting Published explains how to find and develop ideas, turn research into articles, get what you write published and paid for.

Writing Open The Mind
Andy Couturier
Ulysses Press
P.O. Box 3440, Berkeley, CA 94703
www.ulyssespress.com
1569754764 $13.95 1-800-377-2542

Writing Open The Mind: Writing Open The Mind: Tapping The Subconscious To Free The Writing And The Writer is a 241 page idea book full of creative approaches to the process of writing. For both the serious professional writer and the creative personal journalist, Writing Open The Mind could be just what the writing workshop doctor ordered. Quirky, humorous, irreverent, yet filled with practical tips and exercises to jog loose the cobwebs and stopping places of the mind, Writing Open The Mind delivers more valuable writing gold for the miner than many a heftier, loftier tome. Perhaps what works best in Writing Open The Mind is in fact its underlying sense of playfulness. For example, who would you respond to the idea of triggering new 'mindstates' with use of hypnotic scents, lights, and sounds? If this intrigues the writer in you, read chapter four, 'Sway'. How about the notion of resequencing the mind, shuffling the nuggets, splicing things differently? Read chapter three, 'Shatter/Scramble. 'Other mind unblocking approaches include dropping into the deep subconscious, pushing against the boundaries of your work, architectures, prismatics, writing from the kindetic body (or 'Shaking Up the Curmudgeon'), and re-visions, a way to work on writing using the improvisational mind. Author Couturier also suggest working with a writing group, and inventing your own experiments. Couturier deftly quotes a gaggle of creative writing bylines in such a way as to highlight the energy unblocking magic implicit in each one. In the last chapter subsection titled 'The Secret Order of Hermeneutics and the Text of the World' he openly advocates his major agenda: "We write to understand. Thus we should write. But we can never fully understand...Thus we should keep writing (p.234)." He goes on to explain the hermeneutic circle, which is what writers do when they write, attempt to understand and interpret the world. He writes: "When we ask questions in our writing in a way that replicates the complexity of the world, the questions are better questions. That's why the writing experiments here try to replicate the complexity of this very world (p. 235)." Writing Open The Mind is a most enjoyable magician's toolbox of techniques to help the writer improve his/her writing. It deserves to be read at least twice, once for entertainment and once for understanding.

Writing Reminders
Jim Burke
Heinemann Publishing
PO Box 6826, Portsouth, NH 03802-6926
www.heinemann.com
0867095210 $29.00 1-800-225-5800

Designed to be absorbed and assimilated" on the go", Writing Reminders: Tools, Tips, And Techniques by Jim Burke is a collection of over sixty brief yet useful self-teaching lessons to improving personal and professional writing skills resulting in an increased productively by operating at a higher level of performance, skill, and test-taking abilities. Especially intended for writing students, but also of immense value for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in pursing a passion for writing, Writing Reminders deftly addresses everything from using graphic organizers; to facilitate one's writing; to the formalities to be observed when writing everything from letters to creative fiction. Writing Reminders is a very highly recommended manual that can aptly serve as a classroom text, as well as an independent study instructional reference.

Writing Reviews For Readers' Advisory
Brad Hooper
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9780838910177, $45.00, www.amazon.com

Book reviews are the primary source of information librarians utilize in their acquisition decision making process. They are also a major marketing tool employed by publishers with respect to both the bookseller and the general reading public. In "Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory", book reviewer Brad Hooper addresses several relevant issues with respect to the reviewing of books. These issues range from the differences and distinctions between reviews and literary criticism; pre-publication and post-publication reviews; what constitutes a book review; what defines a good reviewer. Of special note is the chapter devoted to reviewing audio books by Joyce Saricks. Enhanced with information on review writing workshops, a bibliography, an index, an appendices of writing annotations and Hooper's favorite reviewers, "Writing Reviews for Readers' Advisory" will prove informatively illuminating to authors with respect to the book reviewing process, as well as being a highly recommended addition to library reference collections and the supplemental reading lists of aspiring and practicing book reviewers.

Writing Romance
Vanessa Grant
Self-Counsel Press
1704 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
1551800969 $15.95 http://www.self-counsel.com/

Half of all paperback books sold in the United States and Canada are romance novels (generating over 885 million dollars per year in sales). Vanessa Grant's Writing Romance covers every aspect of creating a successful romance novel including the development of believable characters; overcoming writer's block; writing romantic scenes, setting up a suspenseful story; researching plot details; using the computer to write efficiently; working with an agent, finding a publisher; and (once published) selling the book in a very competitive marketplace. Grant is, herself, the successful author of twenty-five Harlequin romance novels, as well as numerous articles on a variety of topics who has given workshops on many aspects of the romance and fiction writing process. Writing Romance is a kind of how-to-do-it-yourself romance writer's workshop under one cover and will reward the serious reader by helpful, practical advice so necessary to successfully break into print in the romance field. Highly recommended!

Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Crawford Kilian
Self-Counsel Press
1704 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
http://www.self-counsel.com
1551801892 $14.95 1-360-676-4530

Written by the successful author of more than ten science fiction and fantasy novels, Writing Science Fiction And Fantasy takes an in-depth and instructive look at these two best-selling genres. Discussing the elements of a successful story, Kilian delves into the conventions of science fiction and fantasy: the hero's quest; and subgenres, including nanotechnology and sword & sorcery. He also offers expert advice on how to prepare your manuscript for publishers and market it to editors. With Writing Science Fiction And Fantasy as a guide, both novice and experienced writers can learn how to get the science and magic right to make their stories both a literary and a financial success. Highly recommended.

Writing Screenplays
Jessie Coleman & Paul Peditto
Self-Counsel Press
4152 Meridian Street, Suite 105-471
Bellingham, WA 98226
9781770401044, $19.95, www.self-counsel.com

Movies are becoming the medium of choice for sharing stories. "Writing Screenplays" is a guide to those who want to learn screenwriting as a new avenue for their stories, such as prevalently, turning one's memoir into play and promoting it to make it more than words on paper, but into a living breathing film. "Writing Screenplays" is a must for those who want to adapt their life's work into more mediums and take it further, recommended.

Writing Short Stories
Courttia Newland & Tania Hershman
Bloomsbury Methuen Drama
c/o Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781408130803, $19.95, www.amazon.com

A short story is a brief work of literature, usually written in narrative prose. Emerging from earlier oral storytelling traditions in the 17th century, the short story has grown to encompass a body of work so diverse as to defy easy characterization. At its most prototypical the short story features a small cast of named characters, and focuses on a self-contained incident with the intent of evoking a "single effect" or mood. In doing so, short stories make use of plot, resonance, and other dynamic components to a far greater degree than is typical of an anecdote, yet to a far lesser degree than a novel. While the short story is largely distinct from the novel, authors of both generally draw from a common pool of literary techniques. In "Writing Short Stories", Courttia Newland and Tania Hershman draw upon their many years of experience and success as short story writers to produce a 304 page instruction manual and guide that will prove to be an informative and invaluable read for any writer seeking to master the short story format. "Writing Short Stories" is deftly organized into three major sections. The first part explores the nature and history of the short story form, includes personal reflections by the Newland and Hershman, and helps novice writers in getting started with ideas, planning and research. The second part features tips by an impressive number of successful and experienced short story writers. The third part focuses upon practical advise on shaping plots, exploring characters, dealing with 'writer's block', rewriting, and getting published. An invaluable 'how to' reference, "Writing Short Stories" is strongly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic Writing & Publishing reference collections.

Writing Skills for Public Relations, fifth edition
John Foster
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749465438 $37.50 www.koganpageusa.com

Writing Skills for Public Relations: Style and Technique for Mainstream and Social Media is a practical-minded guide to effective communication for PR students, professionals, and anyone else who needs to represent themselves or their business. Chapters cover how to avoid boring cliches and jargon that will fly over the heads of lay readers, style and content crafting of press releases, how to use social media to maximum advantage, public speaking and speech writing, legal issues that challenge writers, and much more. "Although copyright is automatically acquired immediately a work is written (or recorded in some other form such as on tape or computer disk) and there is no formal registration as such, it is advisable to establish evidence of the completion of the work, says the Society of Authors. One way of doing this is to deposit a copy of the script with a bank and get a dated receipt for it." Writing Skils for Public Relations is an absolute "must-have" not only for those in the PR field, but also for any small business owner responsible for getting the word out on their enterprise - especially in the modern age when social media has become an inexpensive and invaluable publicity tool!

Writing Stories
Carolyn Coman
Stenhouse Publishers
477 Congress Street, Suite 4B
Portland, ME 04101-3451
9781571108715, $17.50, www.stenhouse.com

Writing Stories: Ideas, Exercises, and Encouragement for Teachers and Writers of All Ages comes from an award-winning author who has written stories for children and young adults and taught writing to all ages. She believes that good writing lies in the ability to build a good story, and her book provides basic strategies and inspiration for developing character, plot and dialogue. This could have been featured in our 'Education' shelf, but is reviewed here for its fine guidelines for aspiring writers of all ages.

Writing Subtext, revised edition
Dr. Linda Seger
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615932580 $18.95 pbk / $10.99 Kindle amazon.com

Now in a revised and expanded edition for both screenwriters and novel writers, Writing Subtext: What Lies Beneath is a guide to the intricate yet ultimately rewarding art of crafting works with rich subtext. Case studies from popular media including "The Big Short" and the "Abnormal Psychology" episode of "Cheers" help illustrate concepts such as playing with analogies, showing evidence of human love beneath the literal text, how to smoothly incorporate gestures and action, and much more. Writing Subtext is a superb resource for authors, especially professionals in the field seeking to refine their narrative polish! Highly recommended.

Writing Successful Self-Help and How-To Books
Jean Marie Stine
John Wiley & Sons
605 Third Avenue, NY, NY 10158
0471037397 $14.95 1-800-225-5945

Aspiring self-help and how-to books can master this specialized craft and understand the mechanics of the specific form of writing so that publishers, and ultimately, the intended readership will take notice. An experienced and successful editor of over fifty self-help and how-to titles, Jean Stine offers an insider's view of this growing genre within the publishing industry. Here easy-to-follow program takes the reader step-by-step through the complete writing process including structure and style; exercises; titles, subtitles, and chapter headings; the use of lists, charts, and graphs; employing checklists and other interactive elements; writing a proposal that sells; negotiating permissions for quotations, photos, and illustrations; and preparing the manuscript for presentation to a publisher. Writing Successful Self-Help And How-To Books is essential reading for anyone seeking to break into a very competitive publishing field.

Writing That Gets Noticed
Estelle Erasmus
New World Library
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608688364, $19.95, PB, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Writing-That-Gets-Noticed-Storyteller/dp/1608688364

Synopsis: With the publication of "Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published" by successful essayist, columnist, published author, writing instructor, and magazine editor Estelle Erasmus will show you how to find your voice, how to write stellar pieces, and how to get them published.

In 'real-world practical' and experience based chapters, "Writing That Gets Noticed" covers: Mining your life for ideas and incubating those ideas; Choose the perfect format (essay, op-ed, feature article, and more); Research publications and following editor etiquette; Crafting a perfect pitch; Protecting your psyche from inevitable rejections; Revising your work for maximum impact; Delivering what you promise, protecting your work, and get paid!!

Critique: An ideal and comprehensive DIY instructional guide and manual, "Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published" is informatively enhanced for the aspiring writer with the inclusion of a three page listing of Resources for Writers, a three page Glossary of Publishing Terms, fifteen pages of Notes, and a twenty-two page Index. Throughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published" is an invaluable and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing collections. It should be oted that "Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).

Editorial Note: Estelle Erasmus (EstelleSErasmus.com) is an award-winning journalist, a writing coach, and an in-demand speaker who has written for more than 150 publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, HuffPost Personal, Good Housekeeping, and Writer's Digest. She has been the editor-in-chief of five national magazines and hosts the Freelance Writing Direct podcast. She is also an adjunct instructor at NYU and frequent panelist for professional writing organizations.

Writing the 10-Minute Play
Glenn Alterman
Limelight Editions
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201
New York, NY 10010
9781557838483, $19.99, www.halleonard.com

A short episode can tell quite the story. "Writing the 10-Minute Play" is a guide for those who want to produce these short episodes of fiction to be acted quickly and efficiently, and tell the story they seek. With plenty of examples and solid advice for general success in theatrical production... "Writing the 10-Minute Play" is a strong addition to any collection for writing collections focusing on stage acting, highly recommended.

Writing the Blockbuster Novel
Albert Zuckerman
Forge
c/o Tor/Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
9780765382467. $28.99, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com

Albert Zuckerman, legendary literary agent, has worked with many bestselling authors, including Ken Follett, Olivia Goldsmith, Antoinette Van Heugten, Michael Lewis, and F. Paul Wilson. Zuckerman is a master at teaching writers the skills necessary to crack the bestseller list. In a newly revised edition of "Writing the Blockbuster Novel" Zuckerman has added an analysis of Nora Roberts's "The Witness", which he uses along with classic books like "Gone With the Wind" and "The Godfather", to illustrate his points. Zuckerman's commentary on Ken Follett's working outlines for "The Man From St. Petersburg" provide a blueprint for building links between plot and character. A new introduction discusses social media and self-publishing. "Writing the Blockbuster Novel" is an essential instruction for any aspiring author seeking to become a successful novelist. Of special note is the first chapter on "Getting Started", and the concluding chapter devoted to "Getting It Published and onto the Bestseller Lists". Simply stated, "Writing the Blockbuster Novel" should be considered a 'must read' for all beginning writers -- and offers a wealth of thoughtful and thought-provoking information for even the more experienced novelist. While very highly recommended for both community, college, and university library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing the Blockbuster Novel" is also available in a paperback edition (9780765382474, $15.99) and in a Kindle format ($8.99).

Writing The Fiction Synopsis
Pam McCutcheon
Gryphon Books for Writers
PO Box 172342, Memphis, TN 38187
0965437116 $18.95 1-901-762-0162

In Writing The Fiction Synopsis: A Step By Step Approach, Pam McCutcheon offers the aspiring author a complete workshop in book form with exercises and worksheets. She covers what a synopsis is and why editors want one, what to put into a synopsis as well as what to leave out and why; how to include plot and character development (including resolution) into a synopsis; and the critical key to a good synopsis. By filling out the worksheets the writer will create a synopsis of his or her book. There are many fundamental aspects of becoming a writer. But to graduate to the status of published author requires achieving the ability to successful market the manuscript to a publisher, and for that, learning how to craft and present a synopsis is as vital a skill as character design or plot development and Writing The Fiction Synopsis is an ideal "how to" guide.

Writing The News
Walter Fox
Iowa State University Press
2121 South State Ave., Ames, IA 50010
0813822483 $26.95 1-800-862-6657

Now in an updated and expanded third edition, Writing The News: A Guide For Print Journalists, Walter Fox continues to draw upon his more than forty years of experience as a professional journalist, editor, communications specialists, and journalism educator to provide aspiring journalists and news writers with an introductory primer for their trade. Among the issues covered are writing the lead; story development, handling quotes, varieties of the basic structure of writing, examples for the contemporary press, feature narratives, and an enhanced chapter on news style. Writing The News is very highly recommended for students of print and media journalism, as well as article and reportage writing for magazines and periodicals.

Writing The Nonfiction Book
Eva Shaw
Rodgers & Nelsen Publishing Company
PO Box 7001, Loveland, CO 80537-0001
0966269624 $18.95 1-970-593-9557

Eva Shaw's Writing The Nonfiction Book is a compendium of practical tips and anecdotal information on the art and science of writing, producing, and marketing nonfiction books. Whether an aspiring author seeking to be published, or an experienced professional, Writing The Nonfiction Book has something to commend it, from determining the marketability of a book concept to creating the manuscript, to finding an agent, to securing a publisher. Easy-to-follow steps explain how to format, complete, and market any kind of nonfiction book regardless of subject matter. Writing The Nonfiction Book is highly recommended reading and will prove an invaluable asset to the entire process from assessing an original idea for a book to marketing and promotion the finished tome.

Writing the Novella
Sharon Oard Warner
University of New Mexico Press
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131-0001
www.unmpress.com
9780826362551, $19.95, PB, 248pp

https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Novella-Sharon-Oard-Warner/dp/0826362559

Synopsis: A novella is a short novel, that is, a narrative prose fiction whose length is shorter than that of most novels, but longer than most short stories. No official definition exists regarding the number of pages or words necessary for a story to be considered a novella or a novel. US-based Writers of America defines novella's word count to be between 17,500 and 40,000 words. (Wikipedia)

While the novella has existed as a distinct literary form for over four hundred years, "Writing the Novella" by Sharon Oard Warner is the first craft book dedicated to creating this intermediate-length fiction. Innovative, integrated journal prompts inspire and sustain the creative process, and classic novellas serve as examples throughout.

Part 1 defines the novella form and steers early decision-making on situation, character, plot, and point of view. Part 2 provides detailed directions for writing the scenic plot points that support a strong but flexible narrative arc. Appendix materials include a list of recommended novellas, publishing opportunities, and blank templates for the story map, graphs, and charts used throughout the book.

By turns instructive and inspirational, "Writing the Novella" will be a welcome resource for new and experienced writers alike.

Critique: A complete and comprehensive course of instruction under one cover, "Writing the Novella" must be considered essential reading for any aspiring or experience author wanting to explore and practice this very special form of fictional literature. Especially well organized and presented, "Writing the Novella" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college and university library Fiction Writing instructional reference collection. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Writing the Novella" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Sharon Oard Warner is a professor emerita of English and creative writing at the University of New Mexico. She is the author of several books, including Sophie's House of Cards: A Novel (UNM Press).

Writing the Paranormal Novel
Steven Harper
Writer's Digest Books
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1599631342, $17.99, www.writersdigest.com

Writing the Paranormal Novel: Techniques and Exercises for Weaving Supernatural Elements Into Your Story provides writers with a fine reference on how to build successful supernatural elements into any story line. Whether handling magic and vampires or creating a twist of plot and a believable subplot, this covers writers' techniques and tells how to research a novel and get it published. An outstanding survey results!

Writing The Right Word
Dave Dowling
Writers Club Press
c/o iUniverse, Inc.
5220 S. 16th St., #200, Lincoln, NE 68512
0595208304 $16.95 www.iuniverse.com

Writing The Right Word by writer, editor, and educator Dave Dowling (President of Write On Course, LLC, a company specializing in business and technical writing seminars -- www.writeoncourse.com) is an excellent practical resource for writers of all skill and experience levels and backgrounds. Featuring entries in a lexicographic order, Writing The Right Word teaches aspiring writers the proper definitions of easily misused or confused words, such as levee versus levy, lightening versus lightning, spoor versus spore, and much, much more. A useful 235-page reference tool for avoiding common errors that computerized spelling-checkers will not detect, Writing The Right Word is a highly recommended and much appreciated addition to any personal or professional writing reference collection.

Writing the Science Fiction Film
Robert Grant
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111
Studio City, CA 91604
9781615931361, $26.95, www.mwp.com

Any collection strong in screenwriting, performing arts and film will find this a solid addition, offering insights into how to write science fiction for the genre. Classic and cult science fiction films from Star Wars to Aliens are used to show how the genre has changed, what makes it compelling to modern viewers, and how writers can adjust their science fiction writing to lend to a film production. From changing a cliche plot to turn it into something fresh and different to handling new technology and its jargon in the film environment, Writing the Science Fiction Film is packed with insights perfect for aspiring genre writers and film producers alike, and is a pick for film and literary collections.

Writing The Second Act
Michael Halperin
Michael Wiese Productions
11288 Ventura Blvd., Suite 821, Studio City, CA 91604
0941188299 $19.95 www.mwp.com

Writing The Second Act: Building Conflict and Tension In Your Film Script focuses on the need for something truly effective between an attention-grabbing beginning and a satisfying ending. The middle section of any story represents the most critical and difficult section of a scripted story. That's where Michael Halperin's expertise, experience, and advice will prove indispensable for the novice writer of plays or film scripts. His particular focus on how structure and plot push the action forward and support the evolution of the characters, all while keeping the audience engaged and involved with the presented story. Writing the Second Act is a highly recommended, invaluable addition to professional reference screen writing "how to" reference collections.

Writing the Story Within
Chip Richards
Blue Angel Publishing
80 Glen Tower Drive, Glen Waverley, VIC, Australia 3150
97800738743158, $19.95, www.blueangelonline.com

Any aspiring writer who wants to use their experience to produce engaging stories in any format, whether they be a novel, children's book, travel blog or short saga, will find Writing the Story Within an important key to tapping the untold riches of one's life and creating characters and descriptions that nearly write themselves. From expanding connections to stories that reflect one's life and beliefs to creatively honing a structure that moves beyond written word to bring these tales to screen, this is an outstanding writer's guide that gets to the point of exactly how to make the leap between experience and written word, and is highly recommended for any would-be writer who has a story to tell.

Writing The Thriller Film
Neill D. Hicks
Michael Wiese Productions
11288 Ventura Blvd., Suite 621, Studio City, CA 91604
0941188469 $14.95 www.mwp.com

Writing The Thriller Film: The Terror Within by professional screenwriter Neill D. Hicks ("Rumble in the Bronx", "First Strike") is a practical guide to creating a professional quality, tension-inducing, commercially viable movie script. Intended for authors who are already familiar with the basics of screenwriting, Writing The Thriller Film concentrates on what the movie genre of the "thriller" expects from a good script, how to make the narrative credible and engrossing, the qualities and actions needed for an engaging conflict between protagonist and antagonist, dramatic action as hard choices forced upon the characters, and more. Writing The Thriller Film explores the much-beloved genre in-depth and is an excellent and recommended primer for aspiring thriller and action movie screenwriters. Also highly recommended are Neill Hicks two other outstanding "how to" screenwriting instructionals: Writing the Action-Adventure Film: The Moment Of Truth (0941188396; $14.95), and Screenwriting 101: The Essential Craft Of Feature Film Writing (0941188728; $16.95).

Writing the TV Drama Series, fourth edition
Pamela Douglas
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615932931, $29.95, PB, 310pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly revised, expanded, and updated fourth edition "Writing the TV Drama Series: How to Succeed as a Professional Writer in TV" features the very latest information, insights, and advice on writing for television drams drawn from major writers and producers. A complete instructional resource and reference for anyone who wants to write and produce for a television drama series or create an original series of their own, as well as a curriculum textbook for teachers in screenwriting classes and workshops, "Writing the TV Drama Series" offers practical industry information and artistic encouragement. Both a nuts-and-bolts instructional and an example illustrated inspiration, "Writing the TV Drama Series" leads readers presents provocatively thoughtful and thought-provoking issues and possibilities about the interface between traditional TV and the emerging streaming technologies. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Writing the TV Drama Series" will prove to be a critically important addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing collections in general, and television screenwriting supplemental studies reading lists in particular.

Writing To Make a Difference
Dalya F. Massachi
Writing for Community Success
PO Box 5607, Berkeley, CA 94705
9780978883607, $29.95, www.dfmassachi.net

The pen is very mighty indeed if applied right. "Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact" is a guide to writing to make a difference, giving readers a thoughtful and concise guide to make the most out of their writing. With advice on keeping your message clear, concise, and powerful, Dalya F. Massachi gives readers a solid and educational read with plenty of real world examples on the power of the writer in making a difference. "Writing to Make a Difference" is an excellent read and a top pick for the concerned person with a way with the pen.

Writing to Wake the Soul
Karen Hering
Beyond Words Publishing
20827 NW Cornell Road, Suite 500
Hillsboro, OR 97124
9781582704128, $24.00, www.beyondword.com

Writing to Wake the Soul: Opening the Sacred Conversation Within is a book about words and spiritual links, and offers insights that address memory and imagination, literary writings, world mythology and more. It includes prompts and meditations, stories, and encouragements for readers to connect language with spiritual reflection, and it considers such diverse topics as using prayer to listen, writing about love and hope, and considering the issues in redemption. While spirituality shelves will be the most likely patrons of this book, any collection strong in writer's guides shouldn't leave it out: it's an inspirational winner.

Writing Travel Books and Articles
Richard Cropp, et al.
Self-Counsel Press
1704 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225
1551801043 $15.95 1-800-663-3007

In Writing Travel Books And Articles, Richard Cropp, Barbara Braidwood, and Susan Boyce show aspiring travel writers , step-by-step, how to get those important, essential free trips, and how to get their travel writing published. Whether its just an article or two each year, or a full-time career as a travel writer, Writing Travel Books And Articles is a compendium of "tips, tricks and techniques" of the travel writing trade. This is a career demanding persistence and hard work and Writing Travel Books And Articles will prove invaluable to getting started as it surveys such topics as finding a sponsor to pay for the travel, what editors look for in travel articles, how to get an article published, how to find a publisher for a travel book, the pros and cons of starting up a travel publication, and the common writing mistakes new travel writers often make. Any aspiring travel writer must begin with a thorough and careful reading of Writing Travel Books And Articles -- don't leave home without it!

Writing White Papers
Michael Steizner
WhitePaperSource Publishing
13025 Danielson Street, Suite 10-8, Poway, Ca 92064
0977716937, $34.95 www.WritingWhitePapers.com

A 'White Papers' is a written presentation of information that combines aspects, formats and purposes of magazine articles and brochures. They are a standard communication form for government agencies, business organizations, academic institutions, and political group position statements. A master of the white paper format, Michael A. Stelzner draws upon his practical experience and expertise as the author of some 100 white papers for companies such as Microsoft, HP, Motorola, FedEx and others, to provide a complete and comprehensive instructional guide to creating technical and business white papers in "Writing White Papers: How To Capture Readers And Keep Them Engaged". Aspiring writers will learn how to craft white papers so as to generate their sustained and long-term sales, engage a reader's total and immediate attention, create outlines using effective and tested formulas, master techniques for interviewing and data collection, write persuasively and create compelling white paper titles. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Writing White Papers" should be considered 'must reading' for any writer seeking to master the art, craft and science of writing effective white papers regardless of the subject matter or intended audience.

Writing Whizardry
Maity Schrecengost
Maupin House Publishing
Box 90148, Gainesville, FL 32607-0148
0929895452 $19.95 1-800-524-0634

In Writing Whizardry: 60 Mini-Lessons To Teach Elaboration & Writer's Craft, Maity Schrecengost provides classroom teachers with sixty self-contained "mini-lessons" targeting a specific writer's techniques or elaboration skills, as well as teaching the tips, tricks and techniques for successful writing. Illuminated with examples of polished writing and writing that needs revision, Writing Whizardry enables students to practice the skills they need to write clear and well-elaborated narrative and expository writing. Writing Whizardry is an ideal for classroom curriculum supplement and is highly recommended for home schooling studies as well.

Writing Wide
Billie H. Williams
Filbert Publishing
PO Box 326, Kandiyohi, MN 56251
www.FilbertPublishing.com
0971079633 $9.95 1-320-212-4457

Writing Wide: Exercises by Wisconsin author and writing expert Billie A. Williams is an instructional guidebook to successful writing techniques with exercises to practice for the improvement of one's skills. A practical instructional to avoiding common pitfalls; broadening word choice; promoting the effortless flow of narration, and so much more, Writing Wide is a superb self-improvement guide and highly recommended for writers of all skill and experience levels.

Writing Wild
Tina Welling
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608682867, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Creative writing is any writing that goes outside the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature, typically identified by an emphasis on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes or with various traditions of poetry and poetics. Due to the looseness of the definition, it is possible for writing such as feature stories to be considered creative writing, even though they fall under journalism, because the content of features is specifically focused on narrative and character development. "Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature" by published author Tina Welling is a 248 page instruction guide on how to tap into the natural world (including ourselves to create memorable and engaging stories while exploring ourselves and our surroundings. Of special note is the chapter on the 'Care and Feeding of a Writer'. As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and highly recommended to all aspiring authors, as well as community and academic library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Writing Wild: Forming a Creative Partnership with Nature" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Writing With Cats
Gerald J. Schiffhorst, Ph.D.
Privately Published
2444 Forfarshire, Winter Park, FL 32792
0974553107 $18.00 writingcats.com

Gerald J. Schiffhorst is a university professor of English who has taught writing and literature for 40 years. In Writing With Cats: An Inspirational And Practical Guide For Writers, Professor Schiffhorst has written a light-hearted guide to the benefits that caring for a feline companion can bring to a writer's body, soul, and literary creativity. From the relaxation and stress relief that a cat's affection brings, to direct feline inspiration, Writing With Cats offers a unique motivational bond that can aid any aspiring or practicing author in getting past writer's block.

Writing Without a Parachute
Barbara Turner Vesselago
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781785921711, $18.95, www.jkp.com

Writing Without a Parachute: The Art of Freefall comes from a writing teacher who shares the method she's used for almost 30 years to help hundreds of writers publish their works. If this sounds daunting, it should be advised that only five simple ideas are involved for the success of this process, called Freefall - the art of writing without logic parachutes couching or limiting words. Chapters discuss specific detail, the overriding fear of work being 'publishable' or not, the challenge of moving from fact to fiction, the importance of perseverance in the writing process, and much more. No aspiring writer should be without these words and this process.

Writing Wrongs: Common Errors in English
Robert M. Martin
Broadview Press
c/o FedEx Trade Networks
555 Riverwalk Parkway, Tonawanda, NY 14150
www.broadviewpress.com
9781554813919, $19.95, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com

"Writing Wrongs: Common Errors in English" by Robert M. Martin (who after many years retired as a Professor of Philosophy at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada) is a concise and thoughtful guide to common errors in English. "Writing Wrongs" covers frequently confused and misused words along with problems of grammar, punctuation, and style, and offers a brief and up-to-date guide to major citation styles. Though it provides guidelines and recommendations for usage, "Writing Wrongs" acknowledges the evolution of language over time and the fact that different contexts have different rules -- it is not narrowly prescriptive. A friendly, flexible, and easy-to-read reference, "Writing Wrongs" will be useful to students and general readers alike, making it unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists of aspiring writers, as well as community and academic library English language and writing instructional reference collections.

Writing Yoga
Bruce Black
Rodmell Press
2147 Blake Street, Berkeley, CA 94704-2715
9781930485280, $14.95, www.rodmellpress.com

Yoga is something that cannot simply be done once and forgotten about. "Writing Yoga: A Guide to Keeping a Practice Journal" is a guide for those who want to record their experiences with Yoga to track their growth and success along the way. Bruce Black draws on his own experiences and offers much wisdom and advice for those settling into Yoga in their own way. "Writing Yoga" is a must for any practitioner who wants a record of their ritual.

Writing Your Bestseller
L. Perry Wilbury
Piccadilly Books, Ltd.
PO Box 25203, Colorado Springs, CO 80936
www.piccadillybooks.com
9780941599818, $14.95, www.amazon.com

In "Writing Your Bestseller: Everything You Need to Know to Become A Successful Author", L. Perry Wilbur draws upon his personal experience and considerable expertise as the published author of 31 books to date -- especially the highly recommended and instructive titles "How To Write Articles That Sell" (Allworth Press, 9781581150148, $19.95) and "Money In Your Mailbox" (Wiley, 9780471573302, $16.95) which should be standard reference titles for all aspiring authors seeking to establish themselves in successful professional writing careers and including self-publishing -- for his latest instructional reference work "Writing Your Bestseller: Everything You Need to Know to Become A Successful Author". This 163-page compendium is packed cover to cover with cogent addresses to a whole series of germane issues including how to make money writing books, finding ideas to write about, dealing with writer's block, writing resources, improving what you write, the role of a literary agent, evaluating potential publishers, payment arrangements for published works, and the all important topic of marketing your published titles. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Writing Your Bestseller: Everything You Need to Know to Become A Successful Author" is an invaluable and recommended read for the novice, as well as having a great deal to offer by way of a refresher course for even the more experienced author.

Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks, second edition
Wendy Laura Belcher
University of Chicago Press
1427 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
www.press.uchicago.edu
9780226499918, $60.00, PB, 442pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success", by Professor Wendy Belcher takes the seemingly overwhelming task of writing an article for a peer-reviewed scholarly or scientific journal and breaks it down into small, manageable steps.

With this new edition, Professor Belcher expands her advice to reach beginning scholars in even more disciplines. She builds on feedback from professors and graduate students who have successfully used the workbook to complete their articles. A new chapter addresses scholars who are writing from scratch. This new edition of "Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks" also includes more targeted exercises and checklists, as well as the latest research on productivity and scholarly writing.

"Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks" is the only reference to combine expert guidance with a step-by-step workbook. Each week, readers learn a feature of strong articles and work on revising theirs accordingly. Every day is mapped out, taking the guesswork and worry out of writing. There are tasks, templates, and reminders. At the end of twelve weeks, graduate students, recent PhDs, postdoctoral fellows, adjunct instructors, junior faculty, and international faculty will feel confident they know that the rules of academic publishing and have the tools they need to succeed.

Critique: Academia is known as a 'publish or perish' environment for anyone seeking to advance their career, establish tenure, or otherwise share their discoveries and insights with their fellow academicians, researchers, and scientists. It is no overstatement to say that it being thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional manual and guide that is also available in a digital book format (eTextbook, $48.00), "Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success" is the key to successfully be published in a peer-reviewed publication.

Editorial Note: Wendy Laura Belcher is Professor of African literature at Princeton University with a joint appointment in the Department of Comparative Literature and the Department for African American Studies. She wrote (and updated in this second edition) "Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks " based on her experiences as an author, a managing editor of a peer-reviewed journal, and the designer of academic writing workshops that have helped hundreds of students, scholars and academicians from around the world to publish their work.

Writing Yourself
John Killick & Myra Schneider
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9781847062529, $21.95, www.continuumbooks.com

A little piece of you is in everything you write, so you may as well relish it. "Writing Yourself: Transforming Personal Material" is a guide and discussion to transforming one's own personal writing into useful subject matter for multiple uses to the more obvious application of memoir to the more creative applications in mediums such as poetry and novels. "Writing Yourself" is filled with creative ideas and thoughts, making for a thoughtful resource for many writers.

Writing.com
Moira Anderson Allen
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York NY 10010
1581150296 $16.95

Writing.com packs in tips on online research and e-mail communications, telling writers how to utilize the Internet to enhance online learning and communications. All writers trying to develop or enhance their careers will appreciate the specialized focus of Writing.com.

A Year of Writing Dangerously
Barbara Abercrombie
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781608680511, $16.95, www.newworldlibrary.com

Writing is something that must be committed to. "A Year of Writing Dangerously: 365 Days of Inspiration & Encouragement" is a collection of inspirational writings from Barbara Abercrombie who explores the nature of writing and shares her experiences and insights for those who want to embrace their creative side and with insights from writers of all levels, from the novice to the Nobel prize winners. "A Year of Writing Dangerously" is a strong pick for writing inspiration and motivational collections.

Yes! You Can
Nancy I. Sanders
E & E Publishing
1001 Bridgeway, #227, Sausalito, CA 94965
www.EandEgroup.com/Publishing
9780979160660, $19.95, www.amazon.com

It is every writer's dream to have their book sold to a publisher before it is even written. But that's no pipe dream! Not with "Yes! You Can: Learn How To Write Children's Books, Get Them Published, And Build A Successful Writing Career". This is a 366-page compendium of insider information, tips, tricks, techniques, tactics and strategies that can be readily adopted by anyone seeking to establish themselves as professional authors and earn their living by writing books for young readers. "Yes! You Can" is more than just a 'how to' instruction manual for beginning children's books authors, it is a combination workshop, seminar, tutorial, professional reference, career guide, and inspiring motivational. Replete with practical, real-world, insights into how publishing works and how writer's can best advantage themselves within the industry, "Yes! You Can" also delves into writing as a business, including such aspects as publicity and marketing. Of special note is the bibliography of recommended professional books for children's writers and a glossary of specialized terms. "Yes! You Can" is especially recommended for anyone aspiring to successfully write and have published books for young readers, and has a great deal of background value for writers in other fields seeking successful publication for their work.

You Are Next In Line
Armiger Jagoe
Capital Books, Inc.
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781933102603, $12.95 www.capital-books.com 1-800-758-3756

Writing one's life story in the form of a personal memoir or an autobiography can have immense value for benefiting posterity. It can also help the author appreciate or otherwise come to terms with their own life experiences, their choices, their successes and failures, their aspirations and achievements, the people they've known, the places they seen, the events they've experienced. Written especially for those who have no special skills or experience in writing, "You Are Next In Line: Everyone's Guide For Writing Your Autobiography" by Armiger Jagoe is the perfect 'how to' instruction guide and manual for recording a life story that will prove worthwhile reading for friends, for family, and for the generations to come. There is also a genealogical value to writing an autobiography with pertinent dates, descriptive relationships, and the ephemeral minutia that will prove of immense interest to future readers and scholars about us in terms of how we lived, and the kind of world we lived in. "Your Are Next In Line" is especially recommended to the attention of anyone who has ever contemplated leaving a written record of their life story as a memorial testament to their own life and times and memories.

You Can Get Published
Peggy Teeters
Writer's Digest Books
1507 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207
0898798280 $12.99 1-800-289-0963

In You Can Get Published, author and teacher Peggy Teeters combines clear, informative writing guidelines with seasoned advice, providing the knowledge necessary to begin composing and publishing everything from articles to children's stories to novels. Her reader-friendly format makes it easy for even the most novice and inexperienced writer to explore unique ways to find story ideas, begin writing fillers, create an effective writing style by learning the fundamentals of composition, capitalize on personal experiences and interests, learn the keys to successful children's publishing (including length requirements, age groups and submission formats, master the elements of absorbing adult fiction, and follow clear-cut guidelines to make publisher queries and submissions on target and mistake free.

You Can Make It Big Writing Books
Jeff Herman, et al.
Prima Communications, Inc.
3875 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765
0761513620 $15.95 1-916-632-4400

Literary agents and published authors Jeff Herman, Deborah Herman, and Julia DeVillers collaborate on You Can Make It Big Writing Books to relate the success stories (in their own words) of sixty writers who made it big. The aspiring writer will learn how to create a product people will buy; the insider story behind publishing's greatest success; how to promote a book to the big time; how to avoid sabotaging chances of publishing success; and the "Seven Secret Ingredients" to making it big as an author of books. You Can Make It Big Writing Books is highly recommended, informative, and inspiring reading for anyone seeking to write marketable fiction or non-fiction.

You Can Write A Cookbook
J. Kevin Wolfe
Writer's Digest Press
1507 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207-1005
0898799236 $12.99 1-800-289-0963

One of the most popular categories of nonfiction is that of the cookbook. In You Can Write A Cookbook, Kevin Wolfe draws upon his own expertise having written four successful cookbooks to show aspiring cookbook writers how to craft a unique cookbook based on their own favorite recipes; write with a flair and flavor that will prove compelling to cookbook buyers; craft foolproof directions suitable for cooks from the novice beginner to the seasoned and experienced chef; lace each chapter with a tips, advice and anecdotes to give them a personalized feeling; effectively submitting a cookbook proposal to a publisher, how to self-publish a cookbook profitably, including all aspects of a coherent business plan. You Can Write A Cookbook is an impressive, invaluable, practical, step-by-step format, and is a totally user friendly "how to" guide for anyone aspiring to create their own cookbook.

You Can't Make This Stuff Up
Lee Gutkind
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738215549, $16.00, www.dacapopress.com

You Can't Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction - from memoir to Literary Journalism and Everything Between provides a comprehensive guide to creative nonfiction and pairs writing exercises and analysis of techniques used by the best writers with excerpt examples from a range of works, tips for getting published, and more. It's a top pick for writers seeking inspiring, practical accounts of how prose can be created, marketed, and more. From ethical questions on turning nonfiction into creative writing to handling the fine line between fact and fiction, this covers common pitfalls and provides concrete approaches to success.

You Should Be Writing
Brenda Knight, author
Nita Sweeney, author
Mango Publishing
https://mango.bz
9781642502558, $15.95, PB, 180pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: From famous all-time-great poets like T.S. Eliot to modern creatives like Roxane Gay, the selected writing quotes comprising "You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving" aim to instruct and inspire novice and experienced writers alike to become a better writer.

Featuring a writing practice on every page. This is a DIY journal that will prove to be invaluable aspiring and practicing writers everywhere. With quotes from a diverse group of historical and modern authors to use as creative prompts on every page, writers will be able to bring their writing inspiration with them wherever they are.

Additionally, "You Should Be Writing" features plenty of great advice, such as Toni Morrison's encouragement, "As a writer, a failure is just information. It's something that I've done wrong in writing, or is inaccurate or unclear. I recognize failure - which is important; some people don't - and fix it."

Critique: A DIY consumable that makes it unadvisable for community and academic library Writing/Publishing collections, "You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving" is ideal as a curriculum text for creative writing classes and is especially recommended for any writer struggling with writer's block. It should be noted that "You Should Be Writing: A Journal of Inspiration & Instruction to Keep Your Pen Moving" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.92).

Editorial Note: Brenda Knight began her career at HarperCollins, working with luminaries Paolo Coelho, Marianne Williamson, and Huston Smith. Knight was awarded IndieFab's Publisher of the Year in 2014 at the American Library Association. Knight is a successful poet, writer, and editor who also serves as President of the Women's National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter, and is an instructor at the annual San Francisco Writers Conference, Central Coast Writers Conference.

Nita Sweeney's articles, essays, and poems have appeared in Buddhist America, Dog World, Dog Fancy, Writer's Journal, Country Living, Pitkin Review, Spring Street, WNBA-SF blog, and in several newspapers and newsletters. She writes the blog, BumGlue and publishes the monthly email, Write Now Newsletter.

You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue
Linda Seger & John Ralney
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615933136, $19.95, PB, 260pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: Unlike the chitchat of everyday life, dialogue in stories must express character, advance the story, suggest a theme, and include a few memorable lines that audiences will be quoting for decades to come.

The best stories have dialogue that sparkles, but it's easy for inexperienced writers to fall into common pitfalls like creating dialogue that's wooden or too on the nose. Other writers end up with exposition awkwardly inserted into conversations, actors tripping over unnatural phrases, or characters who all speak exactly the same way.

In "You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue", professional screen writers Linda Seger and John Winston Rainey have written a complete course of instruction that deal with all the dialogue problems that aspiring writers commonly encounter. In each chapter, "You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue" explores dialogue from a different angle and discuss examples of great dialogue from films and novels. To cap it all off, each chapter ends with examples of poor dialogue, which are annotated by Linda and then rewritten by John, so readers don't just learn how to recognize when it's done well -- they also learn how to make dialogue better.

Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, for the screen or for the page, "You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue" show aspiring screen writers how to get their characters talking -- and their audiences fully engaged in listening to what's being said.

Critique: Simply stated, "You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue" should be considered mandatory reading for any author involved with screen writing and considered an essential, core addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Performing Arts, Film & Video, and Screen Writing instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "You Talkin' to Me?: How to Write Great Dialogue" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.71).

Editorial Note: Linda Seger created and defined the career of script consultant in 1981. She is the most prolific author in the area of screen writing. Two of her nine screen writing books, "Making a Good Script Great", and "Creating Unforgettable Characters" remain staples for writers and many universities use them as textbooks in screen writing classes. She has consulted on over 2,000 scripts including over 50 produced feature films and over 35 produced television projects. She has given seminars in over 30 countries around the world. Linda has earned 3 MA degrees and a ThD including one in drama and one in Religion and the Arts.

John Rainey has been involved in the dramatic arts since 1975 and has been a script consultant since 1989. He has a B.A. and an M.F.A. in acting and directing. He acted and directed professionally for a decade before turning his attention to screenwriting in 1987. He has written 10 scripts for production companies located in Japan, Morocco, India, Russia, Colombia, Canada, and the United States, three of which have been produced and three more currently in some phase of production. He has also written 15 spec scripts, many of which have been optioned several times, and innumerable shorts. He has directed one short that is in post-production. Currently, he is developing a dramatic webisode series.

The Young Adult's Guide to Flawless Writing
Lindsey Carman
Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
1405 S.W. 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
www.atlantic-pub.com
9781601389817, $14.95, PB, 383pp, www.amazon.com

One of the most important communication skills that anyone can have is the ability to express themselves with eloquence and confidence in writing. "The Young Adult's Guide to Flawless Writing" is an instructional guide for taking the writing skills that the reader currently has and learn how to apply them to real world tasks through the use of essential explanations, examples, and writing exercises. Deftly organized and presented in three major sections (Grammar Basics; Writing Mechanics; The Writing Process), "The Young Adult's Guide to Flawless Writing" is enhanced with the inclusion of a six page Glossary of Terms; an eight page Vocabulary Terms; a two page listing of Additional Resources; a two page Bibliography; and a three page Index. Very highly recommended for personal, school, and community library collections, "The Young Adult's Guide to Flawless Writing" is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, making it an ideal instructional reference for any and all aspiring writers seeking to perfect their craft and communication skills.

The Young Writer's Guide To Getting Published
Kathy Henderson
Writers Digest Books/F&W Pub.
1507 Dana Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45207
1582970572 $18.99 1-800-289-0963

Kathy Henderson's The Young Writer's Guide To Getting Published is an ideal and highly recommended introduction to the process of how to get a manuscript professionally published. Using Stephen King as an illustrative example, Henderson provides a "nuts and bolts" explanation of the publishing process and provides updated market and contest listings; profiles of professional editors and young writers; offers thorough directions for formatting plays and scripts; answers the most commonly asked questions; details information about local and regional places to submit manuscripts; gives invaluable advice about markets (including contests to avoid); offers a wealth of helpful hinds for developing marketing ability; and offers practical author-based tips, advice, warnings, and resource alerts. If you are a young writer from 8 to 18 who aspires to have your writing published, then give a careful reading to Kathy Henderson's The Young Writer's Guide To Getting Published!

Your Mindful Journal and Memoir
Jenny Davidow
Independently Published
9798218213466, $19.99, PB, 261pp

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Mindful-Journal-Memoir-Floodgates/dp/B0CGKV54RH

Synopsis: Ride the invisible currents of your imagination, heart, and creativity as you are guided step by step through dozens of journal experiments, memoir weaves, and mindful meditations with the insights and information comprising "Your Mindful Journal and Memoir: Open the Floodgates to Your Creativity" by Jenny Davidow and her breakthrough approach to creative journaling and memoir based on her fifty years of dedicated journaling and inner exploration.

With skill and sensitivity, Jenny Davidow helps you to tame your inner critic and transform it into warm and generous self-acceptance. Which is directly germane to any aspiring writer who has struggled to: Keep a journal and/or write a personal memoir; Get past their inner critic to express an authentic point of view and emotions; Be more fully present in each moment of their life; Give caring and compassion to themselves and others.

"Your Mindful Journal and Memoir: Open the Floodgates to Your Creativity" will take you far beyond conventional journaling and memoir as it: Resonate with your senses, the doorway to mindful attention; Transform your inner critic into gentle self-acceptance; Enjoy mindful meditations to meet your creativity, inner child, heroes, and more; Give kindness and healing to your emotions and memories; Learn the art and power of metaphor to paint a self-portrait with words; Create an evocative mindful memoir, one page at a time.

Critique: Although principally a self-help/self-improvement book (and a good one for that readership), "Your Mindful Journal and Memoir: Open the Floodgates to Your Creativity" is an unexpected treasure trove of insights and information dealing with aspiring authors who want to set about writing their own memoir, whether it be for the benefit of their posterity, or as a form of catharsis for themselves, or simply to leave a literary mark to note and document the life they have lived. "Your Mindful Journal and Memoir: Open the Floodgates to Your Creativity" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Self-Help/Self-Improvement and Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections and personal reading lists.

Editorial Note: Jenny Davidow (www.JennyDavidow.com) is a lifelong and enthusiastic journaler, communication coach, clinical hypnotherapist, and workshop leader. She holds a Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Hypnotherapy. Jenny's first book, "Embracing Your subconscious: Bringing All Parts of You into Creative Partnership" was translated and published in Spain and Central America. Her writing appears in three anthologies: The Spirit of Writing: Classic and Contemporary Essays Celebrating the Writing Life; Dreamscaping: New and Creative Ways to Work with Your Dreams; and Love Games. Jenny is also the creator and presenter of the Mp3 series, Mindful Meditations.

Your Novel: Day By Day
Mary Anna Evans
Joyeuse Press
c/o MM Book Publicity
2817 West End Avenue, Suite #126274
Nashville, TN 37203
www.createspace.com
9781468191691, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Mary Anna Evans has authored and published archaeological mysteries, an environmental thriller, short stories, anthologies, and even two non-fiction education studies. Now she draws upon her years of practical experience and expertise to pen "Your Novel, Day by Day: A Fiction Writer's Companion", a 294-page compendium of instruction, advice, examples, and commentaries on every aspect of writing a novel. From plot crafting, character creation, organizing the novel's 'time-line', realistic character motivations and plot point, to manuscript editing, publishing options, as well as dealing with agents, publishers, and readers, "Your Novel, Day by Day: A Fiction Writer's Companion" will prove to be an indispensable, 'user friendly', and enduringly valuable instruction guide. Informed and informative, "Your Novel, Day by Day: A Fiction Writer's Companion" will prove to be very worthwhile reading for any aspiring author seeking to pen the next 'Great American Novel'!

Your Story, Well Told
Corey Rosen
Mango Publishing
https://mangopublishinggroup.com
9781642504651, $16.95, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Story-Well-Told-Strategies/dp/1642504653

Synopsis: Telling stories well is a skill we all aspiring authors and actors need if they are to succeed. We've all got stories to tell -- but how do you make your story the best?

In the pages of "Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience" Emmy-award winning writer, actor, and storytelling teacher Corey Rosen inspires authors and actors tell their story using the best storytelling techniques derived from improvisational theatre.

"Your Story, Well Told" is accessible guide for all ages and skill levels. Crafted to help ordinary people tell extraordinary stories, this laugh out loud handbook covers everything from how to tell a good story to going off script.

"Your Story, Well Told" reveals how to sell yourself through the art of telling stories either in person or on paper. The best story telling uses improvisation to enthrall, entertain, and keep audiences on edge. Laugh along with tales of performance triumphs (and disasters) and explore ways to tell your story with confidence and spontaneity.

From brainstorming and development to performance and memorization techniques, "Your Story, Well Told" shows how to tell a good story with: A variety of structures and editing approaches to bring out your best story; Improv exercises to stimulate creativity without feeling foolish; Quick and easy lessons on building stories; Resources for putting on a showcase to tell your story.

Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in commentary style, organization and presentation, "Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience" is primarily intended for performing entertainers, but also has great relevance for writers as well. While highly recommended for community library Theatre/Cinema/TV and Writing/Publishing DIY instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling
Tyra Manning
www.tyramanning.com
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781631524561, $16.95, PB, 168pp

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Turn-Celebrate-Through-Storytelling/dp/1631524569

Synopsis: Creative expression through writing helps us uncover gems of hope and serenity, enabling us to navigate difficult times. Sharing stories with one another fills the space between us, inspires us, helps us forge stronger relationships, and teaches us that we're more alike than different.

In "Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling", writer and educator Tyra Manning offers examples of stories from her own life, followed by an invitation for readers to delve onto their own emotional histories, with plenty of room to explore on the page with writing prompts and tools.

Basically, "Your Turn" is an instructional guidebook and DIY manual for transformation through self-expression, sparking the reader's creative thought and offers a space to document their own self-reflection -- helping them overcome challenges and move forward.

Critique: Expertly written, organized and presented, "Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling" is an ideal choice for any DIY 'how to' guide for aspiring writers wanting to utilize the power of the written word to analyze themselves or take advantage of the cathartic effects of a personalized memoir or autobiography. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Writing/Publishing collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Your Turn: Ways to Celebrate Life Through Storytelling" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note; Dr. Tyra Manning overcame personal struggles with substance abuse and mental illness and went on to become one of America's top educators. As Superintendent of River Forest District 90 in Illinois, she presided for twelve years over high-performing public-school districts, where her students often reached the highest levels of academic achievement. Her debut book, "Where the Water Meets the Sand", was awarded the Independent Book Publisher's (IBPA) 2017 Benjamin Franklin Gold Award for Best Memoir and the Texas Association of Authors Award for Best Autobiography. She blogs twice per week at her website: www.tyramanning.com

You've Got the Time
Ken Wachsberger
Azenphony Press
http://azenphonypress.com
9780945531135, $15.00, PB, 279pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: Ken Wachsberger is an award-winning author/editor/book coach. He is an educator, member of National Speakers Association and National Writers Union, and renowned expert on negotiating book contracts.

Whether writing a book for credibility and back-of-the-room sales, to transform your life, or to simply prove to yourself that you can do it, in his DIY instructional guide and reference manual Ken's "You've Got the Time: How to Write and Publish That Book in You" guides the aspiring writer through a step by step process that will result in a complete book success.

With chapters on how to prepare your writing "space"; finding time in a busy lifestyle; labeling and organizing your digital files; freewriting your way to a table of contents; turning your prose into poetry; choosing your platforms; getting the word out; negotiating your contract; and more.

Critique: One of the most 'user friendly' and comprehensive how-to manuals for writer's seeking publication of their work, "You've Got the Time: How to Write and Publish That Book in You" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to both community and academic library Writing/Publishing collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "You've Got the Time: How to Write and Publish That Book in You" is also readily available in an inexpensive digital book format (Kindle, $3.99). Simply stated, if it is your ambition to create the next great American novel and secure your place in literary history (or just to have your own work published and secure as wide a readership as possible for it), then "You've Got the Time: How to Write and Publish That Book in You" should be a part of your personal and professional reference shelf.