Download or read book The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes and how to Avoid Them written by Jack M. Bickham and published by Betterway Books. This book was released on 1992 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides suggestions for correcting common writing mistakes and offers advice on developing a fiction writer's attitude, refining ideas and language, and submitting manuscripts.
Download or read book The 29 Most Common Writing Mistakes and how to Avoid Them written by Judy Delton and published by Betterway Books. This book was released on 1991 with total page 96 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Twenty-nine tips for writers on how to avoid being their own worst enemy when it comes to writing and selling their work.
Download or read book Setting written by Jack M. Bickham and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Even if you have great characters, outstanding dialogue and a gripping plot, your story isn't complete without the appropriate setting. Setting is the unifying element in most fiction, working in concert with plot, characterization and point of view. Here you'll explore how to use setting as the basis for creating dramatic, engaging stories. Focusing on detail, language and observation, Jack Bickham's invaluable instruction will not only improve your ability to create a strong setting, but also enhance your writing skills as a whole. You'll learn:- the function of setting within the fiction writing process- how setting works with plot, characterization and point of view- the effect of setting on unity- ways to generate story ideas through setting- techniques for creating setting- how to use setting as a thematic device- methods for using setting to stimulate your reader's senses- how to incorporate factual information for texture and authenticity- exercises for improving your powers of observation- tips for recording ideas, events and descriptions using notebook entriesOver the course of his esteemed career, Jack Bickham published more than 80 novels and instructional books, including Writing Novels That Sell and the 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them). A former creative writing professor, he instructed thousands of writers through his classes, seminars and Writer's Digest magazine articles.
Download or read book How to Grow a Novel written by Sol Stein and published by St. Martin's Press. This book was released on 2014-02-11 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Each year thousands of fiction writers, from beginners to bestselling author, benefit from Sol Stein's sold-out workshops, featured appearances at writers' conferences, software for writers, on-line columns, and his popular first book for writers, Stein on Writing. Stein practices what he teaches: He is the author of nine novels, including the million-copy bestseller The Magician, as well as editor of such major writers as James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, Elia Kazan, Budd Schulberg, W. H. Auden, and Jacques Barzun, and the teacher and editor of several current bestselling authors. What sets Stein apart is his practical approach. He provides specific techniques that speed writers to successful publication. How to Grow a Novel is not just a book, but an invaluable workshop in print. It includes details and examples from Stein's editorial work with a #1 bestselling novelist as well as talented newcomers. Stein takes the reader backstage in the development of memorable characters and fascinating plots. The chapter on dialogue overflows with solutions for short-story writers, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights. Stein shows what readers are looking for-- and what they avoid-- in the experience of reading fiction. The book offers guidelines-- and warnings-- of special value for nonfiction writers who want to move into fiction. Stein points to the little, often overlooked things that damage the writer's authority without the writer knowing it. And this book, like no other writing book, takes the reader behind the scenes of the publishing business as it affects writers of every level of experience, revealing the hard truths that are kept behind shut doors.
Download or read book 27 FICTION WRITING BLUNDERS written by Candice Graham and published by . This book was released on 2023-12-23 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you a writer struggling to make your fiction stand out? Discover the essential guide to avoiding common writing mistakes and crafting stories that resonate with readers. Key Highlights: Conquer Common Flaws: Overcome 27 critical pitfalls in fiction writing. Transform Your Writing: From marshmallow dialogue to bland characters, learn how to add depth and complexity to your creations. Practical Tips & Techniques: Each chapter offers actionable advice to improve your writing skills. Key Topics: Avoiding Predictability: Keep readers on the edge with unexpected twists. Crafting Believable Villains: Move beyond the cliché of pure evil. Enhancing Dialogue: Make conversations realistic and engaging. Creating High Stakes: Ensure your story matters to the reader. Effective Flashbacks: Use the past to enhance, not hinder, your narrative. Character Development: Build deep connections between your characters and readers. Tackling Writer's Block: Practical strategies to keep the words flowing. Are you ready to elevate your writing and captivate your audience? This book is not just a guide; it's your roadmap to writing success. Transform your ideas into unforgettable stories. Grab your copy today and start writing the fiction you've always dreamed of!
Download or read book Elements of Fiction Writing Scene Structure written by Jack Bickham and published by Penguin. This book was released on 1999-03-15 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Craft your fiction with scene-by-scene flow, logic and readability. An imprisoned man receives an unexpected caller, after which "everything changed..." And the reader is hooked. But whether or not readers will stay on for the entire wild ride will depend on how well the writer structures the story, scene by scene. This book is your game plan for success. Using dozens of examples from his own work - including Dropshot,Tiebreaker and other popular novels - Jack M. Bickham will guide you in building a sturdy framework for your novel, whatever its form or length. You'll learn how to: • "worry" your readers into following your story to the end • prolong your main character's struggle while moving the story ahead • juggle cause and effect to serve your story action As you work on crafting compelling scenes that move the reader, moment by moment, toward the story's resolution, you'll see why... • believable fiction must make more sense than real life • every scene should end in disaster • some scenes should be condensed, and others built big Whatever your story, this book can help you arrive at a happy ending in the company of satisfied readers.
Download or read book How Not to Write a Novel written by Howard Mittelmark and published by Harper Collins. This book was released on 2009-03-17 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "What do you think of my fiction book writing?" the aspiring novelist extorted. "Darn," the editor hectored, in turn. "I can not publish your novel! It is full of what we in the business call 'really awful writing.'" "But how shall I absolve this dilemma? I have already read every tome available on how to write well and get published!" The writer tossed his head about, wildly. "It might help," opined the blonde editor, helpfully, "to ponder how NOT to write a novel, so you might avoid the very thing!" Many writing books offer sound advice on how to write well. This is not one of those books. On the contrary, this is a collection of terrible, awkward, and laughably unreadable excerpts that will teach you what to avoid—at all costs—if you ever want your novel published. In How Not to Write a Novel, authors Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman distill their 30 years combined experience in teaching, editing, writing, and reviewing fiction to bring you real advice from the other side of the query letter. Rather than telling you how or what to write, they identify the 200 most common mistakes unconsciously made by writers and teach you to recognize, avoid, and amend them. With hilarious "mis-examples" to demonstrate each manuscript-mangling error, they'll help you troubleshoot your beginnings and endings, bad guys, love interests, style, jokes, perspective, voice, and more. As funny as it is useful, this essential how-NOT-to guide will help you get your manuscript out of the slush pile and into the bookstore.
Download or read book Writing and Selling Your Novel written by Jack M. Bickham and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Writing and Selling Your Novel is a revision and an expansion, a new edition, but with the same mission: to help you write publishable fiction. In Bickham's book, marketing is twined into the writing. In yours, it will be, too. Follow this proven advice and you can make your work perform on the only two levels that count - as can't-put-it-down storytelling and as can't-turn-it-down manuscript. Here you'll find a mixture of fiction-writing fact and philosophy that will help you bring a professional's approach to your work; use stimulus and response believably, effectively; create excitement and evoke emotion with scene and sequel; build fascinating complexities into your characters; revise, to turn a rough draft into a polished novel; and all with salability in mind.
Download or read book The Twenty 20 Worst Fiction Writing Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Novel Writing Career written by Jim Driver and published by . This book was released on 2020-04-28 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Writing Fiction is Hard!But it doesn't have to be... If you are aware of the simple mistakes you are making, the craft of writing can be as easy as 1-2-3. What mistakes are you making that could be cheating you of success? Contains the answers to all these questions on writing and authorship: How can I get started? What simple tricks can I use to improve my dialogue 100%? Can't decide what to write? Is there a quick and easy way to outline? How do I know what my readers want to read? Why doesn't my fiction sell more? What's the problem with my novel's ending? What is the one big secret that can make a huge difference to my novel's sales? and much more... Jim Driver has been a writer, editor and publisher for almost forty years. He admits he's made all the mistakes it is possible to make, but he's learned from them and now he has written a 20,000-word ebook that will improve any author's chance of success. Scroll up, click the Buy Now button, and start reading your way to success!
Download or read book The Writer s I Ching written by Jessica Morrell and published by Running Press Adult. This book was released on 2007-08-17 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The writing life is solitary and challenging, and it takes far more than creativity to become a commercial success. The Writer's I Ching uses the ancient Chinese divination system to provide writers with help mastering the business of writing and choosing the most propitious times to take action. Because writing educators created the book, it also teaches the storyteller and non-fiction craft with lessons suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals. This unique presentation of the I Ching features a complete deck of 64 cards bound into the book itself. The writer poses a question about how to proceed on a specific fiction or non-fiction project, negotiation, or business matter. He draws an I Ching card and turns to the proper page for the interpretation of that card. Many cases of writer's block have been cured and flashes of insight gained through this simple technique. The I Ching dates back to before Christ and counts among its devotees Confucius, Albert Einstein, and Bob Dylan.
Download or read book The Complete Idiot s Guide to Comedy Writing written by James Mendrinos and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2004-07-06 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comedy is serious business—and serious money. In this guide, comedian, writer, and teacher James Mendrinos explains the principles of comedy and how to apply them to forms from stand-up to sitcoms- including fiction, film, speeches, articles, essays, and more. He also includes exercises designed to hone the craft, break through writer’s block, and tailor a piece to its intended audience. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Foolproof advice for writing scripts, feature films, plays, cartoons, stand-up jokes—even working humor into your presentation at work. • Terrific techniques for brainstorming, free associating, and drafting lists to make your writing better—and funnier. • Stand-up tips on identifying with and writing for your audience and genre. • Navigation tools for the inroads to marketing and selling your comedy.
Download or read book The Not So Lost Soul Companion written by Susan M. Brackney and published by Dell. This book was released on 2008-12-24 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Lost Soul Companion showed you how to survive…now learn how to thrive! A gift of wit, wisdom, and understanding for writers, musicians, freethinkers, and struggling artists of every stripe! Susan M. Brackney, author of The Lost Soul Companion, keeps the encouragement coming and offers smart solutions for artists, musicians, actors, and writers ready to share their creative talents with the rest of the world. Practical and irreverent, The Not-So-Lost Soul Companion is the wise, whimsical--and indispensable--next step in launching the creative life of your dreams. *How to keep your cool despite disastrous auditions, withering reviews, and well-meaning relatives *Finding your own place on the Wheel of Creative Will *How famous flounderers Ralph Waldo Emerson, Agatha Christie,and George Orwell found their true callings *Artist-friendly alternatives to New York and L.A. *What to do when you find your art hanging in a used-furniture store *How to survive as a free spirit in Corporate Captivity *Marketing tips, publicity pitfalls, and the magic word to open new doors *Getting the big deal: a peek at the wizard behind the curtain
Download or read book Book Writing Mistakes written by Jim Edwards and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-09-08 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Here's how to avoid the mistakes most new business book authors make that doom their results before they really even get started! In this breakthrough NEW book about writing your own business book, you'll discover how to avoid the mistakes that keep you from selling more books, getting more subscribers, and building up your own audience of loyal readers. Here's just a sample of the book writing pitfalls and landmines we'll help you avoid in this incredible book: Why not having a clear understanding of exactly who will buy your book and WHY may be the biggest mistake of all!... How trying to write an entire book without a strategy for getting started quickly every time you sit down to write dooms you before you even begin... Why thinking the only way to make money with a book is through Amazon sales will kill your results... How to sidestep boring chapter titles that make your book's contents read like a cheap restaurant menu (boring!)... Why you should never assume people are willing to do things the "traditional" way (and why they NEVER want to take notes while reading your book).... How following traditional advice about your book's title can really destroy your sales!... ... and much, MUCH More! Don't miss this ground-breaking book that will help you STOP worrying about putting a ton of work into writing a book that nobody buys and START using your own unique business book to get more customers, make more money, and skyrocket your credibility in the marketplace. Grab your copy right now!
Download or read book Whodunit A Mystery Writers Primer written by Billie Williams and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2011-03-24 with total page 222 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Mystery Writers Primer, for beginner or expert, a primer to help get to the next level
Download or read book How to Write Fiction written by Jaiden Pemton and published by Creative Writing. This book was released on 2023-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you ready to dive into the world of fiction writing, but don't know where to start? Do you feel unclear about how to distinguish and use the elements of fiction writing? Are you still on the search to unlock your personal writing voice, and write in a style that keeps your readers engaged? How to Write Fiction is the guide you need! We will teach you how to write fiction in 7 easy steps. This guide is designed to provide you with all the tools you need in a concise, easy to understand format that will answer all your burning questions and get you on your way to successful fiction writing. In order to have success in the fiction world, you must write in a way that keeps your audience engaged and helps them to establish a deeper connection to your works. How to Write Fiction will provide you with an in-depth look into each of the elements of fiction. This will help you develop a better understanding of the art of fiction writing as a whole, and help you develop a writing style that will draw your readers in and create pieces they will never forget! In a comprehensive step-by-step reference format, each chapter corresponds to a specific element of fiction writing. The clear-cut organization makes it simple to follow along and refer back to areas you still feel confused about as you go. This guide is complete with coherent examples to help you distinguish between each element and log them into your long-term memory. You will find a gold mine of exclusive tips, tricks, and writing exercises, which are designed to simplify your writing process, help you discover your fiction writing style, and learn how to make yourself and your works stand out. With this guide, you can move step-by-step, taking the fiction writing process at your own pace. The examples provided will help you to model your work and gain a more thorough understanding. The tips, tricks, and ideas will help you to avoid clichés and the most common mistakes among storytellers, as well as ways to keep your audience engaged from start to finish. YOU'LL LEARN: The logistics of each element of fiction writing (character development, plot development, setting, point of view, theme, style, and voice) Common fiction writing mistakes to avoid Writing exercises to help you get started and keep you on track Top tips to developing a writing style and voice that sets your work apart Exclusive secrets every fiction writer needs to know And so much more! Whether you're just starting out on the journey of fiction writing and need to develop a clearer understanding of the elements or have been at it for a while and are looking for fresh perspectives and tips for further develop your style, this guide is the companion you need. Let's get started!
Download or read book Captivate Your Readers written by Jodie Renner and published by Cobalt Books. This book was released on 2015-02-28 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are you looking for concrete, effective ways to bring your fiction to life for readers, so they feel they’re right there with the characters? And they stay up until the wee hours eagerly turning the pages? Then this book is for you. Today’s readers want to put aside their cares and chores and lose themselves in an absorbing story. This book shows you how to provide the emotional involvement and immediacy readers crave in fiction. This third editor’s guide to writing compelling fiction by multi-award-winning author Jodie Renner provides specific advice, with examples, for hooking readers on page one and immersing them in your story world. And like Renner’s other guides, it’s presented in a concise, reader-friendly format for busy writers, and you can pick and choose among the topics to suit your current questions and needs. It’s all about engaging readers through techniques such as using deep point of view, showing instead of telling, avoiding author intrusions, creating dialogue that’s real and riveting, and basically stepping back as the author and letting the characters tell the story.
Download or read book Thanks But This Isn t for Us written by Jessica Page Morrell and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009-08-20 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A fun, practical guide that reveals the essentials of good fiction and memoir writing by exposing the most common mistakes literary writers make. All great works of fiction and memoir are unique-but most bad novels, stories, and memoirs have a lot in common. From clunky dialogue to poorly sketchedout characters, sagging pacing to exaggerated prose, these beginners' mistakes drive any agent or editor to their stock rejection letter, telling the aspiring writer "Thanks, but this isn't for us," and leaving many to wonder what exactly it is that they're doing wrong. Veteran writing coach, developmental editor, and writing instructor Jessica Page Morrell will fill in the gaps in every rejection letter you've ever received. In Thanks, But This Isn't for Us, Morrell uses her years of experience to isolate the specific errors beginners make, including the pitfalls of unrealistic dialogue, failing to "show, not tell," and over-the-top plot twists. These are just a few of the problems that keep writers from breaking through with their work. Sympathetic and humane, but pulling no punches, Thanks, But This Isn't for Us shows writers precisely where they've gone wrong and how to get on the right track. In sixteen to-the-point chapters, with checklists, exercises, takeaway tips, and a glossary, Morrell helps readers transcend these mistakes so that they don't have to learn the hard way: with another rejection letter.
