Download or read book Prose Fiction An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative written by Ignasi Ribó and published by Open Book Publishers. This book was released on 2019-12-13 with total page 119 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This concise and highly accessible textbook outlines the principles and techniques of storytelling. It is intended as a high-school and college-level introduction to the central concepts of narrative theory – concepts that will aid students in developing their competence not only in analysing and interpreting short stories and novels, but also in writing them. This textbook prioritises clarity over intricacy of theory, equipping its readers with the necessary tools to embark on further study of literature, literary theory and creative writing. Building on a ‘semiotic model of narrative,’ it is structured around the key elements of narratological theory, with chapters on plot, setting, characterisation, and narration, as well as on language and theme – elements which are underrepresented in existing textbooks on narrative theory. The chapter on language constitutes essential reading for those students unfamiliar with rhetoric, while the chapter on theme draws together significant perspectives from contemporary critical theory (including feminism and postcolonialism). This textbook is engaging and easily navigable, with key concepts highlighted and clearly explained, both in the text and in a full glossary located at the end of the book. Throughout the textbook the reader is aided by diagrams, images, quotes from prominent theorists, and instructive examples from classical and popular short stories and novels (such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Franz Kafka’s ‘The Metamorphosis,’ J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, or Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, amongst many others). Prose Fiction: An Introduction to the Semiotics of Narrative can either be incorporated as the main textbook into a wider syllabus on narrative theory and creative writing, or it can be used as a supplementary reference book for readers interested in narrative fiction. The textbook is a must-read for beginning students of narratology, especially those with no or limited prior experience in this area. It is of especial relevance to English and Humanities major students in Asia, for whom it was conceived and written.
Download or read book Reading Like a Writer written by Francine Prose and published by Union Books. This book was released on 2012-04-01 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In her entertaining and edifying New York Times bestseller, acclaimed author Francine Prose invites you to sit by her side and take a guided tour of the tools and tricks of the masters to discover why their work has endured. Written with passion, humour and wisdom, Reading Like a Writer will inspire readers to return to literature with a fresh eye and an eager heart – to take pleasure in the long and magnificent sentences of Philip Roth and the breathtaking paragraphs of Isaac Babel; to look to John le Carré for a lesson in how to advance plot through dialogue and to Flannery O’ Connor for the cunning use of the telling detail; to be inspired by Emily Brontë ’ s structural nuance and Charles Dickens’ s deceptively simple narrative techniques. Most importantly, Prose cautions readers to slow down and pay attention to words, the raw material out of which all literature is crafted, and reminds us that good writing comes out of good reading.
Download or read book The Art of Fiction written by John Gardner and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2010-08-18 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This classic guide, from the renowned novelist and professor, has helped transform generations of aspiring writers into masterful writers—and will continue to do so for many years to come. John Gardner was almost as famous as a teacher of creative writing as he was for his own works. In this practical, instructive handbook, based on the courses and seminars that he gave, he explains, simply and cogently, the principles and techniques of good writing. Gardner’s lessons, exemplified with detailed excerpts from classic works of literature, sweep across a complete range of topics—from the nature of aesthetics to the shape of a refined sentence. Written with passion, precision, and a deep respect for the art of writing, Gardner’s book serves by turns as a critic, mentor, and friend. Anyone who has ever thought of taking the step from reader to writer should begin here.
Download or read book Writing Prose written by Thomas Souder Kane and published by . This book was released on 1959 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book A Reader s Manifesto written by B. R. Myers and published by Melville House Publishing. This book was released on 2002 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Including: A response to critics, and: Ten rules for "serious" writers, the author continues his fight on behalf of the American reader, arguing against pretension in so-called "literary" fiction, naming names and exposing the literary status quo.
Download or read book Sin and Syntax written by Constance Hale and published by Crown. This book was released on 2013-08-13 with total page 322 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fully revised and updated edition with writing prompts and challenges in every chapter Today’s writers need more spunk than Strunk: whether it's the Great American e-mail, Madison Avenue advertising, or Grammy Award-winning rap lyrics, memorable writing must jump off the page. Copy veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative communication, both the lyrical and the unlawful, an option for everyone. With its crisp, witty tone, Sin and Syntax covers grammar’s ground rules while revealing countless unconventional syntax secrets (such as how to use—Gasp!—interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang) that make for sinfully good writing. Discover how to: *Distinguish between words that are “pearls” and words that are “potatoes” * Avoid “couch potato thinking” and “commitment phobia” when choosing verbs * Use literary devices such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, and metaphor (and understand what you're doing) Everyone needs to know how to write stylish prose—students, professionals, and seasoned writers alike. Whether you’re writing to sell, shock, or just sing, Sin and Syntax—now celebrating 20 years in print—is the guide you need to improve your command of the English language.
Download or read book Good Prose written by Tracy Kidder and published by Random House Incorporated. This book was released on 2013 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author of House and the editor of Atlantic Monthly share stories from their literary friendship and respective careers, offering insight into writing principles and mechanics that they have identified as elementary to quality prose.
Download or read book Write Tight written by William Brohaugh and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2007-09-01 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "These days, most creative-writing courses teach self-indulgence. Write Tight counsels discipline. It is worth more than a university education. Its advice is gold."—Dean Koontz, New York Times bestselling author Unlock the true potential of your writing! The go-to writing reference book for learning how to write in a concise, persuasive way. Whether you're a professional author, a student, a business communicator, or anyone seeking to elevate their writing skills, this book is your ultimate guide to crafting concise, impactful, and persuasive prose. In this comprehensive writing manual, William Brohaugh, former editor of Writer's Digest, shares invaluable techniques to sharpen your writing, enabling you to communicate with crystal-clear precision and harness the full power of your words. Through easy-to-follow lessons and practical exercises, you'll learn to eradicate wordiness, eliminate redundancies, and distill complex ideas into compelling, straightforward sentences. Precision is Key: Unleash the strength of succinct language to make your point with unwavering clarity, keeping readers engaged and informed. Power-Packed Prose: Transform your writing into a force to be reckoned with, as you master the art of impactful expression that leaves a lasting impression. Effective Editing: Learn step-by-step techniques for revising and polishing your work, ensuring every word serves a purpose and contributes to your overall message. Concise Communication: Craft persuasive emails, reports, essays, and stories that captivate your audience and drive your intended message home. With Write Tight, you'll elevate your writing skills to new heights, captivating readers and leaving them inspired by your powerful prose.
Download or read book Creative Writing In Prose written by Macgoye, Marjorie Oludhe and published by University of Nairobi Press. This book was released on 2015-03-16 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Creative Writing In Prose is centered on novel writing but touches on other prose forms. It covers the process from the germination of the story to the submission of the manuscript for publication. Plot, narrative methods, the recording of dialogue and the subtle relationship between story and theme are all examined.
Download or read book A Poetry Handbook written by Mary Oliver and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This book was released on 1994 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With passion, wit, and good common sense, the celebrated poet Mary Oliver tells of the basic ways a poem is built-meter and rhyme, form and diction, sound and sense. Drawing on poems from Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop, and others, Oliver imparts an extraordinary amount of information in a remarkably short space. "Stunning" (Los Angeles Times). Index.
Download or read book What to Read and Why written by Francine Prose and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2018-07-03 with total page 311 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this brilliant collection, the follow-up to her New York Times bestseller Reading Like a Writer, the distinguished novelist, literary critic, and essayist celebrates the pleasures of reading and pays homage to the works and writers she admires above all others, from Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to Jennifer Egan and Roberto Bolaño. In an age defined by hyper-connectivity and constant stimulation, Francine Prose makes a compelling case for the solitary act of reading and the great enjoyment it brings. Inspiring and illuminating, What to Read and Why includes selections culled from Prose’s previous essays, reviews, and introductions, combined with new, never-before-published pieces that focus on her favorite works of fiction and nonfiction, on works by masters of the short story, and even on books by photographers like Diane Arbus. Prose considers why the works of literary masters such as Mary Shelley, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Jane Austen have endured, and shares intriguing insights about modern authors whose words stimulate our minds and enlarge our lives, including Roberto Bolaño, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Jennifer Egan, and Mohsin Hamid. Prose implores us to read Mavis Gallant for her marvelously rich and compact sentences, and her meticulously rendered characters who reveal our flawed and complex human nature; Edward St. Aubyn for his elegance and sophisticated humor; and Mark Strand for his gift for depicting unlikely transformations. Here, too, are original pieces in which Prose explores the craft of writing: "On Clarity" and "What Makes a Short Story." Written with her sharp critical analysis, wit, and enthusiasm, What to Read and Why is a celebration of literature that will give readers a new appreciation for the power and beauty of the written word.
Download or read book The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Prose Poetry written by Gary L. McDowell and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Poetry. Literary Criticism. A wide-ranging gathering of 34 brief essays and 66 prose poems by distinguished practitioners, THE ROSE METAL PRESS FIELD GUIDE TO PROSE POETRY is as personal and provocative, accessible and idiosyncratic as the genre itself. The essayists discuss their craft, influences, and experiences, all while pondering larger questions: What is prose poetry? Why write prose poems? With its pioneering introduction, this collection provides a history of the development of the prose poem up to its current widespread appeal. Half critical study and half anthology, THE FIELD GUIDE TO PROSE POETRY is a not-to-be-missed companion for readers and writers of poetry, as well as students and teachers of creative writing.
Download or read book The Anatomy of Prose written by Sacha Black and published by Atlas Black Publishing. This book was released on 2020-05-29 with total page 263 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Do your sentences fail to sound the way you want? Are they lackluster, with flat characters and settings? Is your prose full of bad habits and crutches? In The Anatomy of Prose, you’ll discover: A step-by-step guide to creating descriptions that sing The key to crafting character emotions that will hook a reader How to harness all five senses to make your stories come alive, deepening your reader's experience Tips and tricks for balancing details at the sentence level Methods for strengthening each sentence through strategic word choice, rhythm and flow Dozens of literary devices, and how to utilize them to give your prose power Tactics for differentiating characters in dialogue as well as making it punchy and unforgettable A comprehensive prose-specific self-editing check list How to embody your character's personality at the sentence level The most common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid The Anatomy of Prose is a comprehensive writing guide that will help you create sensational sentences. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned writer, this book will power up your prose, eliminate line-level distractions and help you find the perfect balance of show and tell. By the end of this book, you'll know how to strengthen your sentences to give your story, prose and characters the extra sparkle they need to capture a reader's heart. If you like dark humor, learning through examples and want to create perfect prose, then you’ll love Sacha Black’s guide to crafting sensational sentences. Read The Anatomy of Prose today and start creating kick-ass stories.
Download or read book The Luminaries written by Eleanor Catton and published by Little, Brown. This book was released on 2013-10-15 with total page 860 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The winner of the Man Booker Prize, this "expertly written, perfectly constructed" bestseller (The Guardian) is now a Starz miniseries. It is 1866, and Walter Moody has come to stake his claim in New Zealand's booming gold rush. On the stormy night of his arrival, he stumbles across a tense gathering of 12 local men who have met in secret to discuss a series of unexplained events: a wealthy man has vanished, a prostitute has tried to end her life, and an enormous cache of gold has been discovered in the home of a luckless drunk. Moody is soon drawn into a network of fates and fortunes that is as complex and exquisitely ornate as the night sky. Richly evoking a mid-nineteenth-century world of shipping, banking, and gold rush boom and bust, The Luminaries is at once a fiendishly clever ghost story, a gripping page-turner, and a thrilling novelistic achievement. It richly confirms that Eleanor Catton is one of the brightest stars in the international literary firmament.
Download or read book Encyclopedia of the Essay written by Tracy Chevalier and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2012-10-12 with total page 1032 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This groundbreaking new source of international scope defines the essay as nonfictional prose texts of between one and 50 pages in length. The more than 500 entries by 275 contributors include entries on nationalities, various categories of essays such as generic (such as sermons, aphorisms), individual major works, notable writers, and periodicals that created a market for essays, and particularly famous or significant essays. The preface details the historical development of the essay, and the alphabetically arranged entries usually include biographical sketch, nationality, era, selected writings list, additional readings, and anthologies
Download or read book DIY MFA written by Gabriela Pereira and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2016-07-08 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Get the Knowledge Without the College! You are a writer. You dream of sharing your words with the world, and you're willing to put in the hard work to achieve success. You may have even considered earning your MFA, but for whatever reason--tuition costs, the time commitment, or other responsibilities--you've never been able to do it. Or maybe you've been looking for a self-guided approach so you don't have to go back to school. This book is for you. DIY MFA is the do-it-yourself alternative to a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. By combining the three main components of a traditional MFA--writing, reading, and community--it teaches you how to craft compelling stories, engage your readers, and publish your work. Inside you'll learn how to: • Set customized goals for writing and learning. • Generate ideas on demand. • Outline your book from beginning to end. • Breathe life into your characters. • Master point of view, voice, dialogue, and more. • Read with a "writer's eye" to emulate the techniques of others. • Network like a pro, get the most out of writing workshops, and submit your work successfully. Writing belongs to everyone--not only those who earn a degree. With DIY MFA, you can take charge of your writing, produce high-quality work, get published, and build a writing career.
Download or read book Solar Bones written by Mike McCormack and published by Canongate Books. This book was released on 2017-02-01 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD WINNER OF THE GOLDSMITHS PRIZE LONGLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE BGE IRISH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2016 Marcus Conway has come a long way to stand in the kitchen of his home and remember the rhythms and routines of his life. Considering with his engineer's mind how things are constructed - bridges, banking systems, marriages - and how they may come apart. Mike McCormack captures with tenderness and feeling, in continuous, flowing prose, a whole life, suspended in a single hour.
