The Elements of Active Prose


Book Description

Anyone studying writing will have heard the advice to 'show, don't tell,' but what does that really mean? And how do you actually do it? Many books lay out the broad strokes of writing fiction--characters, plot, pacing, dialogue and so on--but they rarely get into the word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence explanations of how to write good prose. This book rectifies this imbalance. It examines how many writers use effective, striking words and phrases when constructing sentences, and offers pithy tips for making your prose as exciting and engaging as possible. It also includes great tips on how to self-edit, along with excellent advice on working with editors, applying 'rules' and dealing with criticism.Drawing on her considerable experience as a line editor and as a reviewer for the Awesome Indies, the author explains the influence various word usages have on the reader's experience and points out the traps to avoid if you want your writing to look professional.




Writing Public Prose


Book Description

Offering aspiring authors dependable skills beyond the high school classroom, this reference covers the essentials of composing superior prose. Clear instructions on all aspects are featured, including approaching a topic, penning a solid introduction, bringing a story together, and editing for precision. Guaranteed to make every word count and maintain an appropriate energy level, this expert handbook is also filled with real-world examples of published writing—both good and bad—providing quick and humorous advice for all writers looking to showcase their work in speeches, broadcasting, or on the internet.




The Art of Fiction


Book Description

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.




A Reader's Manifesto


Book Description

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.




The Elements of Style


Book Description

First published in 1918, William Strunk Jr.'s The Elements of Style is a guide to writing in American English. The boolk outlines eight "elementary rules of usage", ten "elementary principles of composition", "a few matters of form", a list of 49 "words and expressions commonly misused", and a list of 57 "words often misspelled". A later edition, enhanced by E B White, was named by Time magazine in 2011 as one of the 100 best and most influential books written in English since 1923.




The Elements of Style


Book Description

This is the book that generations of writers have relied upon for timeless advice on grammar, diction, syntax, and other essentials. In concise terms, it identifies the principal requirements of proper style and common errors.




Fallout


Book Description

Fallout is the story of a woman's journey from ignorance of the alleged abuse perpetrated by Sogyal Rinpoche, head of the Rigpa Tibetan Buddhist community, to the realisation of the extent of the abuse, the depth of the trauma suffered by survivors, and how certain beliefs and assumptions enabled the abuse. It's also the inspiring story of a Facebook support group for the survivors of spiritual abuse in Rigpa as they help each other to process the issues raised by the abuse and heal from their experiences.Tahlia Newland shares insights she gained during her role as facilitator of the What Now? Facebook group and blog, the challenges she and others faced, and the realisations they came to in light of their discoveries. The book is a testimony to the resilience, spiritual strength, compassion and wisdom of members of the What Now? group as they navigate unchartered waters together.




Write Tight


Book Description

"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.




The Sense of Style


Book Description

“Charming and erudite," from the author of Rationality and Enlightenment Now, "The wit and insight and clarity he brings . . . is what makes this book such a gem.” —Time.com Why is so much writing so bad, and how can we make it better? Is the English language being corrupted by texting and social media? Do the kids today even care about good writing—and why should we care? From the author of The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now. In this entertaining and eminently practical book, the cognitive scientist, dictionary consultant, and New York Times–bestselling author Steven Pinker rethinks the usage guide for the twenty-first century. Using examples of great and gruesome modern prose while avoiding the scolding tone and Spartan tastes of the classic manuals, he shows how the art of writing can be a form of pleasurable mastery and a fascinating intellectual topic in its own right. The Sense of Style is for writers of all kinds, and for readers who are interested in letters and literature and are curious about the ways in which the sciences of mind can illuminate how language works at its best.




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.