The Creative Writer's Survival Guide


Book Description

"I write this blurb in distress because for years I've been stealing John McNally's sharp insights into writing and publishing and passing them off as my own. Now this generous so-and-so is sharing his vast experience as a writer and editor with everyone. Worse yet, this book, despite its instructional value, is irresistibly, un-put-downably readable."---Timothy Schaffert, author, Devils in the Sugar Shop --




The Writer's Survival Guide


Book Description

Simon explores the writerly journey with compassion, offering ways to stay productive and successful.




The Musical Theatre Writer's Survival Guide


Book Description

Award-winning musical dramatist and teacher David Spencer provides a guide-to-the-game that helps you negotiate aspects of the musical theatre business and more.




Writer Emergency Survival Guide


Book Description

When your story gets stuck, the Writer Emergency Survival Guide has the tools you need to get you out safely. Fix plot holes. Resuscitate characters. Rethink your themes.This guide contains:- 30 illustrated journal pages- 30 day writing log- Tons of helpful suggestions to try




Live to Write Another Day


Book Description

Not too long ago I decided to write a book about my creative writing process, and the many experiences that I've had throughout my career. The inspiration behind it was pretty straightforward. I simply wanted to share what I've learned over the past 25+ years with other writers. It didn't take me long to realize however, that the book I was writing would only partially be about process. The other part would be about psychological survival. Ironically, what I learned from this little adventure was that the two things are really one in the same. Having a process that you can rely on is your lifeblood as a writer, and if you are going to have any hope of surviving in this profession, that process needs to evolve and grow with you. When you buy this book you'll get a step-by-step walk thru of the process of creating original stories, both "on spec" and "for hire," as well as helpful hands-on checklists at the end of each chapter, all framed through the first hand experiences of a writer in the trenches. Written in a conversational style, Live To Write Another Day, A Survival Guide for Screenwriters and Creative Storytellers, is both a practical, tell-it-like-it-is approach to demystifying the nuts-and-bolts mechanics of storytelling, and an inspirational, heartfelt primer on what it truly takes to do this crazy job for a living.




Shooting Yourself in the Head for Fun and Profit


Book Description

WINNER Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Non-Fiction! "Lucy Snyder has seen some $@#&, brother. She's been through the trenches; she knows the way the world comes down. You can feel it in the work. This lady is not only courageous, she's fearless. We need more like her ...." - author Tom Piccirilli, from his introduction to Snyder's Chimeric Machines "Lucy Snyder is straight up gangsta." - Maurice Broaddus, author of The Knights of Breton Court "There is no other writer working today quite like Lucy A. Snyder." - Hellnotes Join award-winning author Lucy A. Snyder for this guide to working, surviving and thriving as a writer in a world that often doesn't properly value creative professionals. Snyder - who's authored ten books and over 200 stories, poems, and articles - shares her no-nonsense advice on: * Finding time to write * Surviving as a short fiction writer * Plotting * Setting and world building * Characterization * Binge writing * Collaborating on fiction * Conducting sharp interviews * Finding or creating a writers' group * Self-publishing * Finding and working with an agent * Using Kickstarter to fund your project * Networking at conventions * Getting your books into libraries * Promoting your book You'll also get her interviews with luminary authors such as Clive Barker, Chuck Palahniuk and Ursula K. Le Guin along with valuable information on the various subgenres of fantasy and horror.




Never Say You Can't Survive


Book Description

WINNER OF THE 2022 HUGO AWARD FOR BEST RELATED WORK From Charlie Jane Anders, the award-winning author of novels such as All the Birds in the Sky and The City in the Middle of the Night, this is one of the most practical guides to storytelling that you will ever read. The world is on fire. So tell your story. Things are scary right now. We’re all being swept along by a tidal wave of history, and it’s easy to feel helpless. But we’re not helpless: we have minds, and imaginations, and the ability to visualize other worlds and valiant struggles. And writing can be an act of resistance that reminds us that other futures and other ways of living are possible. Full of memoir, personal anecdote, and insight about how to flourish during the present emergency, Never Say You Can’t Survive is the perfect manual for creativity in unprecedented times. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.




DIY MFA


Book Description

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.




The NaNoWriMo Survival Guide


Book Description

National Novel Writing Month is a literary adventure like no other, but to conquer NaNoWriMo and emerge victorious on the other side, you need more than just a great story idea and 50,000 words; you need an expert companion to help you navigate the inevitable challenges the event brings. The NaNoWriMo Survival Guide is that companion. The NaNoWriMo Survival Guide is an essential guide to navigating the highs and lows of this celebrated writing event. Written by a long-time NaNoWriMo writer and winner, and professional author, this comprehensive guide is your roadmap to success, covering everything from mindset and preparation, to tools, tactics, and tips for tackling the month-long writing frenzy with a minimum of stress. With The NaNoWriMo Survival Guide you will learn: - The secrets to cultivating a successful NaNoWriMo mindset, your most important NaNoWriMo asset. - How to prepare for the month, on and off the page. - The best writing tools to propel you over the finish line. - A week by week guide on what to expect throughout the month—the highs and lows and everything in between. - How to get back on track and still win if you fall behind. - Tactics for boosting your word count without resorting to sneaky tricks - How to look after your most valuable writing tool, your body. - Strategies for managing time and stress - Ideas for boosting creativity - How to maintain your motivation, especially during the difficult times. - How to make the most of the NaNoWriMo community. - What to do with your NaNoWriMo draft after November. With The NaNoWriMo Survival Guide, you’ll not only conquer the challenge but emerge as a stronger, more accomplished writer. Get your copy now and give yourself your best chance to win, unleash your creativity and write the novel you’ve always dreamed of.




The Playwright's Survival Guide


Book Description

The Playwright's Survival Guide is written for both aspiring and established writers looking for an emotional, spiritual, or just plain practical connection back to what's important - the writing. It's a "how-to-be" book - with thoughts, stories of inspiration, a few tricks of the trade, a few outlets for venting frustrations, and a reassuring voice that speaks to all the doubts with an "I know. I've been there. This is what you do . . ." Gary Garrison demystifies the playwriting process, speaking honestly, poignantly, and with humor about the lessons he's learned along the way. He explores the issues playwrights face every day, including: inspiration criticism self-doubt relationships with teachers and mentors the art of self-promotion writer's block staying healthy in the art after your fingers are off the keyboard.