Download or read book The Lie That Tells a Truth A Guide to Writing Fiction written by John Dufresne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2004-08-17 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This is the most practical, hard-nosed, generous, direct, and useful guide to writing fiction." —Brad Watson Finally, a truly creative—and hilarious—guide to creative writing, full of encouragement and sound advice. Provocative and reassuring, nurturing and wise, The Lie That Tells a Truth is essential to writers in general, fiction writers in particular, beginning writers, serious writers, and anyone facing a blank page. John Dufresne, teacher and the acclaimed author of Love Warps the Mind a Little and Deep in the Shade of Paradise, demystifies the writing process. Drawing upon the wisdom of literature's great craftsmen, Dufresne's lucid essays and diverse exercises initiate the reader into the tools, processes, and techniques of writing: inventing compelling characters, developing a voice, creating a sense of place, editing your own words. Where do great ideas come from? How do we recognize them? How can language capture them? In his signature comic voice, Dufresne answers these questions and more in chapters such as "Writing Around the Block," "Plottery," and "The Art of Abbreviation." Dufresne demystifies the writing process, showing that while the idea of writing may be overwhelming, the act of writing is simplicity itself.
Download or read book Is Life Like This written by John Dufresne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2011-02-08 with total page 383 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author presents a six-month program, arranged by week, to complete a first draft of a novel.
Download or read book Storyville An Illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction written by John Dufresne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2020-04-07 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A smart and funny guide to writing fiction, with engaging infographics that bring storytelling techniques to life. Whether you are daunted by a blinking cursor or frustrated trying to get the people in your head onto the page, writing stories can be intimidating. It takes passion, tenacity, patience, and a knowledge of?and faith in?the often-digressive writing process. A do-it-yourself manual for the apprentice fiction writer, Storyville! demystifies that process; its bold graphics take you inside the writer’s comfortingly chaotic mind and show you how stories are made. In Storyville!, seasoned guide John Dufresne?whose approach “will anchor the newbie and entertain the veteran” (San Francisco Chronicle)?provides practical insight into the building blocks of fiction, including how to make the reader see your characters, create a suspenseful plot, and revise, revise, revise. Storyville! is a combination handbook and notebook, with original prompts and exercises crafted with Dufresne’s singular dry wit and Evan Wondolowski’s playful and illuminating graphics on every page.
Download or read book The Lie That Tells a Truth A Guide to Writing Fiction written by John Dufresne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2004-08-10 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This is an essential guide for writers in general, fiction writers in particular, beginning writers, serious writers, and anyone facing a blank page"--Page 4 of cover.
Download or read book The Magic Words Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults written by Cheryl Klein and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2016-09-06 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This master class in writing children’s and young adult novels will teach you everything you need to know to write and publish a great book. The best children’s and young adult novels take readers on wonderful outward adventures and stirring inward journeys. In The Magic Words, editor Cheryl B. Klein guides writers on an enjoyable and practical-minded voyage of their own, from developing a saleable premise for a novel to finding a dream agent. She delves deep into the major elements of fiction—intention, character, plot, and voice—while addressing important topics like diversity, world-building, and the differences between middle-grade and YA novels. In addition, the book’s exercises, questions, and straightforward rules of thumb help writers apply these insights to their own creative works. With its generous tone and useful tools for story analysis and revision, The Magic Words is an essential handbook for writers of children’s and young adult fiction.
Download or read book Revealing the Truth written by Zheng Hui Shi and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The narrations in this book are all true stories that the author, Zheng Hui Shi, saw, heard, experienced, and actually participated in during the twelve years spanning 2001 to 2013. Living inside the home base she was able to observe from a close distance, the Buddha and the True Buddha-dharma. At the same time, she encountered many people with the titles of venerable one, dharma king, rinpoche, and dharma master; to Zheng Hui, many of these people seemed unworthy of their titles. Reflecting deeply on her own doubts and falseness she was eventually able to discover her hidden obstructions. In 2013, she received an initiation of state practice and was transmitted the dharma of Xianliang Great Perfection. This edition is a translation from the original Chinese book published in Taipei, Taiwan October 2013
Download or read book Is Life Like This A Guide to Writing Your First Novel in Six Months written by John Dufresne and published by W. W. Norton & Company. This book was released on 2010-02-01 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “[Dufresne’s] generous, wise, cajoling, stern, and compassionate voice will get you working right away.”—Brad Watson “Writing a novel,” says John Dufresne, “is not as easy as you may have thought before you tried. But it’s also not as difficult as you imagined.” Dufresne’s smart, practical, hard-nosed guide is for the person who has always wanted to write a novel but has been daunted by the sometimes chaotic, always challenging writing process. A patient teacher and experienced writer, Dufresne focuses his expertise and good humor on helping aspiring novelists take their first tentative steps. His six-month program variously calls attention to the key elements of good fiction writing and offers exercises that are designed to sharpen writers’ command of novel-length storytelling. After six months of guided writing, the users of this book will finish what might have once seemed impossible—a rich and compelling first draft of a novel. Is Life Like This? may well be the most important addition to the aspiring writer’s library.
Download or read book The Lies About Truth written by Courtney Stevens and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2015-11-03 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the same vein as Jandy Nelson and Gayle Forman comes a novel from the gifted author of Faking Normal, Courtney C. Stevens, about hope and courage and the struggle to overcome the pain of loss. Sadie Kingston is living in the aftermath. A year after surviving a car accident that killed her friend Trent and left her body and face scarred, she can't move forward. The only person who seems to understand her is Trent's brother, Max. As Sadie begins to fall for Max, she's unsure if she is truly healed enough to be with him. But Max looks at her scars and doesn't shy away. And Max knows about the list she writes in the sand at the beach every night, the list of things that Sadie knows she must accomplish before she can move on from the accident. And while he can help her with number six (kiss someone without flinching), she knows she's on her own with number three (forgive Gina and Gray) and the rest of the seemingly impossible tasks that must be made possible before she can live in the now again.
Download or read book The Writer s Field Guide to the Craft of Fiction written by Michael Noll and published by Deep Vellum Publishing. This book was released on 2018-02-27 with total page 253 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Writers Field Guide to the Craft of Fiction offers a refreshing approach to the craft of fiction writing. It takes a single page from forty contemporary novels and short stories, identifies techniques used by the writers, and presents approachable exercises and prompts that allow anyone to put those techniques to immediate use in their own work. Encompassing everything from micro (how to "write pretty") to macro (how to "move through time space"), and even how to put all together on page one, this a field guide for anyone who wants to start writing now (or get some shiny new gear for their fiction toolbox.)
Download or read book How to Write a Novella in a Week written by HowExpert and published by HowExpert. This book was released on 2017-08-07 with total page 61 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If you want to learn how to write a novella quickly, then get this step by step guide. - This book is different. - This book is hard body. This particular how to is specifically designed to open up alternate paths of thinking in one's brain. In terms of writing a novella, as long as success is the end result, the methodologies utilized to reach fruition are not important. In other words, there is no strict set of guidelines mandatory for one to follow in order to wow the pundits. Traditional techniques are splendid. Unorthodox skills are fine, too. Sometimes, it serves a purpose to be a rebel (with a cause). You must stand out as an author. There has to be certain things that distinguish your work from every other writer far and wide whether they be well known or a completely random average Joe from who knows where, U.S.A. A surplus of originality spells good vibes to readers...literally...and figuratively! When it comes to writing a novella using a freelancing platform, the entire journey is your playground. Be honest. Be humble. Be concise. Be clear with your desires. As a freelance writer, you will be tasked with submitting proposal to clients for jobs you want to partake in. A quick response rate is important in helping to build rapport with prospective employers. Clean, crisp samples are also vital to the process. Relatability is one of those intangibles that should simply not be done without. If you're not then what are you? Read this guide to learn how to write a novella as a freelancer About the Expert Kristopher Trujillo has written countless novellas during his lifetime. They are his favorite form of writing aside from pure poetry. He writes novellas for leisure. He writes novellas to satisfy his hunger to become the greatest creator he can become. He writes novellas for money, sometimes. He writes novellas in his sleep. These short stories are just so satisfying to masterfully compose. This guide is written by someone with real life experience, genuine dedication, passion, and love for writing novellas. All of his creations are completely unique and authentic to his perspective on a countless bevy of different aspects pertaining to life. 100% real. 100% honest. 100% TRUE! HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.
Download or read book Lies My Teacher Told Me written by James W. Loewen and published by The New Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Criticizes the way history is presented in current textbooks, and suggests a more accurate approach to teaching American history.
Download or read book The African American Guide to Writing Publishing Non Fiction written by Jewell Parker Rhodes and published by Crown. This book was released on 2002-02-05 with total page 368 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In college and graduate school, Jewell Parker Rhodes never encountered a single reading assignment or exercise that featured a person of color. Now she has made it her mission to rectify the situation, gathering advice and inspiring tips tailored for African Americans seeking to express their life experiences. Comprehensive and totally energizing, the African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Nonfiction bursts with supportive topics such as: ·Finding your voice ·Getting to know your literary ancestors ·Overcoming a bruised ego and finding the determination to pursue your dreams ·Gathering material and conducting research ·Tapping sweet, bittersweet, and joyful memories ·Knowing when to keep revising, and when to let go The guide also features unforgettable excerpts from luminaries such as Maya Angelou, Brent Staples, Houston Baker, and pointers from bestselling African American authors Patrice Gaines, E. Lynn Harris, James McBride, John Hope Franklin, Pearl Cleage, Edwidge Danticat, and many others. It is a uniquely nurturing and informative touchstone for affirming, bearing witness, leaving a legacy, and celebrating the remarkable journey of the self.
Download or read book Why I Write written by George Orwell and published by Renard Press Ltd. This book was released on 2021-01-01 with total page 15 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Why I Write, the first in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell describes his journey to becoming a writer, and his movement from writing poems to short stories to the essays, fiction and non-fiction we remember him for. He also discusses what he sees as the ‘four great motives for writing’ – ‘sheer egoism’, ‘aesthetic enthusiasm’, ‘historical impulse’ and ‘political purpose’ – and considers the importance of keeping these in balance. Why I Write is a unique opportunity to look into Orwell’s mind, and it grants the reader an entirely different vantage point from which to consider the rest of the great writer’s oeuvre. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times
Download or read book Now Write Mysteries written by Sherry Ellis and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2011-12-29 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The essential handbook for writers of whodunits, techno- thrillers, cozies, and everything in between-featuring never-before- published personal writing exercises from some of today's bestselling and award-winning mystery writers. Now Write! Mysteries, the fourth volume in the acclaimed Now Write! writing guide series, brings together numerous bestselling authors-including winners of and nominees for the Edgar, Hugo, and Shamus awards,-for the definitive guide to writing mysteries, thrillers, and suspense stories. Now Write! Mysteries teaches you everything you've ever wanted to know about crafting a page-turning mystery-from creating a believable detective hero (or terrifying villain), to using real-life cutting-edge investigative techniques to bring your story to life-with practical exercises taken directly from the pros: Discover the best techniques for seamlessly integrating action into your story with John Lutz, New York Times-bestselling author of Urge to Kill, Night Kills, and Serial. Learn how to fine-tune your sense of place and setting with Louise Penny, New York Times-bestselling author of the Armand Gamache mysteries. Take advice from Lorenzo Carcaterra, author of Sleepers and writer/producer for Law & Order, on how to compose a scene that lives up to your character's backstory. Let Marcia Talley, Agatha- and Anthony-winning author of the Hannah Ives mysteries, show you how to build a memorable, engaging detective. (Hint: It's not about making him flawless.) Others included are: Simon Brett, Hallie Ephron, Meg Gardiner, Peter James, Christopher G. Moore, Michael Sears, and many others. No other mystery-writing guide offers the road tested wisdom of so many award-winners and bestselling authors in one place.
Download or read book Rewrite Your Life written by Jessica Lourey and published by Red Wheel/Weiser. This book was released on 2017-01-01 with total page 266 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "According to common wisdom, we all have a book inside of us. But how do you select and then write your most significant story--the one that helps you to evolve and invites pure creativity into your life, the one that people line up to read? In [this book], creative writing professor, sociologist, and popular fiction author Jessica Lourey guides you through the redemptive process of writing a healing novel that recycles and transforms your most precious resources--your own emotions and experiences"--Amazon.com.
Download or read book The Things They Carried written by Tim O'Brien and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2009-10-13 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A classic work of American literature that has not stopped changing minds and lives since it burst onto the literary scene, The Things They Carried is a ground-breaking meditation on war, memory, imagination, and the redemptive power of storytelling. The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and the character Tim O’Brien, who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three. Taught everywhere—from high school classrooms to graduate seminars in creative writing—it has become required reading for any American and continues to challenge readers in their perceptions of fact and fiction, war and peace, courage and fear and longing. The Things They Carried won France's prestigious Prix du Meilleur Livre Etranger and the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize; it was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award.
Download or read book The Making of a Story written by Alice LaPlante and published by National Geographic Books. This book was released on 2009-12-22 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Los Angeles Times bestseller: wonderfully lucid and illuminating, Alice LaPlante’s guide to writing fiction “recalls Francine Prose’s bestseller, Reading Like a Writer” (Library Journal). The Making of a Story is a fresh and inspiring guide to the basics of creative writing—both fiction and creative nonfiction. Its hands-on, completely accessible approach walks writers through each stage of the creative process, from the initial triggering idea to the revision of the final manuscript. It is unique in combing the three main aspects of creative writing instruction: process (finding inspiration, getting ideas on the page), craft (specific techniques like characterization), and anthology (learning by reading masters of the form). Succinct, clear definitions of basic terms of fiction are accompanied by examples, including excerpts from masterpieces of short fiction and essays as well as contemporary novels. A special highlight is Alice LaPlante's systematic debunking of many of the so-called rules of creative writing. This book is perfect for writers working alone as well as for creative writing classes, both introductory and advanced.
