Inspiring stories and practical advice from Americaas most respected journalists

The countryas most prominent journalists and nonfiction authors gather each year at Harvardas Nieman Conference on Narrative Journalism. "Telling True Stories" presents their best adviceacovering everything from finding a good topic, to structuring narrative stories, to writing and selling your first book. More than fifty well-known writers offer their most powerful tips, including:
a[ Tom Wolfe on the emotional core of the story
a[ Gay Talese on writing about private lives
a[ Malcolm Gladwell on the limits of profiles
a[ Nora Ephron on narrative writing and screenwriters
a[ Alma Guillermoprieto on telling the story and telling the truth
a[ Dozens of Pulitzer Prizeawinning journalists from the "Atlantic Monthly, New Yorker, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post" and more . . .

The essays contain important counsel for new and career journalists, as well as for freelance writers, radio producers, and memoirists. Packed with refreshingly candid and insightful recommendations, "Telling True Stories" will show anyone fascinated by the art of writing nonfiction how to bring people, scenes, and ideas to life on the page.

William F. Nolan, using the knowledge acquired by writing more than 90 works of fiction, analyzes some of his and others' best work to help the reader with construction of characters, dramatic development, and dialogue. The writer will learn how to hook the reader on the first page, how to develop conflict, the craft of revision, and more.

This pioneering book introduces students to the practice and art of creative writing and creative reading. It offers a fresh, distinctive and beautifully written synthesis of the discipline. David Morley discusses where creative writing comes from, the various forms and camouflages it has taken, and why we teach and learn the arts of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction. He looks at creative writing in performance; as public art, as visual art, as e-literature and as an act of community. As a leading poet, critic and award-winning teacher of the subject, Morley finds new engagements for creative writing in the creative academy and within science. Accessible, entertaining and groundbreaking, The Cambridge Introduction to Creative Writing is not only a useful textbook for students and teachers of writing, but also an inspiring read in its own right. Aspiring authors and teachers of writing will find much to discover and enjoy.

Artist and Craftsman As a Christian novelist, you're both. You know the soaring creativity of the Creator and the serious discipline of the artisan. And you feel the impulse to excel in each. So grab a steaming mug of your favorite hot drink and come learn the art and craft of Christian fiction from one of its master teachers. You'll learn: -- How to find your story amidst all your ideas -- How to bring your characters onstage the first time -- How to convert your telling into showing -- How to handle profane characters in Christian fiction -- How to use the dumb puppet trick -- How to write for the (approving) audience of One The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction is the complete school of fiction from Jeff Gerke, popular writer's conference teacher, professional book doctor, and Christian novelist. It includes and expands upon his influential Fiction Writing Tip of the Week column at WhereTheMapEnds.com. ** Christy Award-winning editor Jeff Gerke entered the Christian fiction publishing industry as a novelist. Under the pen name Jefferson Scott, Jeff has had six of his Christian novels published. He has served on the editorial staff of Multnomah, Strang Communications, and NavPress. Novels that Jeff has edited or acquired have won multiple Book of the Year awards. He is the founder and publisher of Marcher Lord Press.

Jim Denney is a veteran of both traditional and indie publishing. He has more than 100 published books to his credit, including the Timebenders science-fantasy series for young readers. In WRITING IN OVERDRIVE, he shows you how to: Write so fast you'll have no time for self-doubt. Organize your time and workspace to be more productive. Set ambitious yet attainable productivity goals. Overcome self-defeating habits and inner resistance to writing daily. Tap into the power of writing "in the zone" whenever you choose. Use powerful "writing rituals" to prepare yourself to write. Be aware and focused yet relaxed as you write. Become undistractible-even when surrounded by distractions. Leverage the motivational energy of NaNoWriMo. Eliminate writer's block. and much MORE. You'll acquire skills you can road-test immediately on your current work-in-progress. Each principle is powerfully illustrated by stories from the author's own experience and from the lives of such prolific, successful writers as Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Agatha Christie, Michael Moorcock, Ed McBain, Jack Kerouac, Raymond Chandler, and many more. You'll see how to apply these life-changing principles in real-life writing situations, and learn to write with phenomenal speed, confidence, and mastery, whether in traditional publishing or the indie publishing world. Praise for Jim Denney's previous books: QUIT YOUR DAY JOB Sleep Late, Do What You Enjoy, and Make a Ton of Money as a Writer (A Writer's Digest Book Club Selection) - "Follow Jim Denney's suggestions and you will be well on your way to making the dream a reality." -Novelist JAMES SCOTT BELL (author, The Art of War for Writers). "Jim Denney has written a book that every writer and every aspiring writer should own." -Novelist DEBORAH RANEY (author, The Face of the Earth). "Read Jim Denney's book and save yourself much anguish." -Novelist JIM FREY (author, How to Write a Damn Good Novel). "If you think the writer's life is for you, you must read this book." -Novelist ANGELA HUNT, (author, The Offering). ANSWERS TO SATISFY THE SOUL by Jim Denney was hailed by Nebula-winning science fiction writer ROBERT J. SAWYER as a "brisk and enjoyable" book that "challenges, informs, enlightens, and yes, satisfies;" by leadership guru JOHN C. MAXWELL ("if you are on a quest for success, happiness, love, meaning, or God, this book is for you"); by psychologist and author Muriel James ("wisdom clothed in a lively, contemporary, conversational writing style ... thought-provoking concepts"). THE MAGIC OF TEAMWORK by Pat Williams with Jim Denney garnered praise from novelist JAMES A. MICHENER ("a wise and needed book"), L.A. Lakers head coach PHIL JACKSON ("an outline for success in any business"), and television host LARRY KING ("a classic, one-of-a-kind ... four stars ").

Ramp up the tension and keep your readers hooked! Inside you'll find everything you need to know to spice up your story, move your plot forward, and keep your readers turning pages.

Expert thriller author and writing instructor James Scott Bell shows you how to craft scenes, create characters, and develop storylines that harness conflict and suspense to carry your story from the first word to the last.

• Learn from examples of successful novels and movies as you transform your work from ho-hum to high-tension.
• Pack the beginning, middle, and end of your book with the right amount of conflict.
• Tap into the suspenseful power of each character's inner conflict.
• Build conflict into your story's point of view.
• Balance subplots, flashbacks, and backstory to keep your story moving forward.
• Maximize the tension in your characters' dialogue.
• Amp up the suspense when you revise.

Conflict & Suspense offers proven techniques that help you craft fiction your readers won't be able to put down.

This concise guide offers Wolf's writing techniques from his Free River Press workshops across the country. Rooted in the oral tradition, Wolf's methods include storytelling, visualization, spontaneous prose composition, and sketching. Besides strategies for individual writers, the book will include group activities, exercises and samples by workshop participants.

Short Circuit fills a real gap in the text book market. Written by 24 prizewinning writers and teachers of writing, this book is intensely practical. Each expert discusses necessary craft issues: their own writing processes, sharing tried and tested writing exercises and lists of published work they find inspirational. Endorsed by The National Association of Writers in Education, it became recommended or required reading for Creative Writing courses in the UK and beyond, including Goldsmiths, The University of Kent at Canterbury, Glasgow University, John Cabot University in Rome, Stockholm University in Sweden, Sussex University, Brighton University, Edge Hill University, Chichester University, The National University of Ireland in Galway, and University Campus Suffolk, at Ipswich.

Crafting likable, interesting characters is a balancing act, and finding that perfect mix of strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. But the task has become easier thanks to The Negative Trait Thesaurus. Through its flaw-centric exploration of character arc, motivation, emotional wounds, and basic needs, writers will learn which flaws make the most sense for their heroes, villains, and other members of the story's cast. This book's vast collection of flaws will help writers to explore the possible causes, attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, and related emotions behind their characters' weaknesses so they can be written effectively and realistically. Common characterization pitfalls and methods to avoid them are also included, along with invaluable downloadable tools to aid in character creation. Written in list format and fully indexed, this brainstorming resource is perfect for creating deep, flawed characters that readers will relate to.

There are over 1,094 books on Amazon that show you how to write a screenplay but next-to-nothing on how to break into Hollywood, sell your script, and build a successful writing career. Until now. As a producer, Gary W. Goldstein s movies have generated well over $1B in global box office receipts. His portfolio includes Pretty Woman, Under Siege, and The Mothman Prophecies.

But more importantly over the last two decades Gary has nurtured, mentored and launched some of Hollywood s most successful screenwriters. In his book, Conquering Hollywood, he reveals proven career-making strategies, planning and advice for aspiring (and established) screenplay writers.

The strategies in this book will help you whether you re looking to sell a spec script, option your screenplay, land a writing assignment and get hired, attract an agent or manager of your dreams or get a producer to take a meeting with you.

If you select the ebook, we hope you enjoy this enhanced version containing 49 HD videos that expand upon and compliment the book's content and your experience as a reader."

Give your story a solid foundation--a plot that engages readers from start to finish

The best stories linger in the hearts and minds of readers for decades. These tales gain their power through plots that connect with the audience on both an emotional and intellectual level.

Inside Ronald B. Tobias details these 20 time-tested plots. Each is discussed and analyzed, illustrating how a successful plot integrates all the elements of a story. Tobias then shows you how to use these plots effectively in your own work.

Tobias then goes to the next level, showing you how to choose and develop plot in fiction. He shows you how to craft plot for any subject matter, so that you develop your work evenly and effectively. As a result, your fiction will be more cohesive and convincing, making your story unforgettable for readers everywhere.

"Plot isn't an accessory that conveniently organizes your material according to some ritualistic magic. You don't just plug in plot like a household appliance and expect it to do its job. Plot is organic. It takes hold of the writer and the work from the beginning." --Ronald Tobias

Curious, ruminative, and wry, this literary autobiography tours what Rachel Kushner called "the strange remove that is the life of the writer." Frank's essays cover a vast spectrum--from handling dismissive advice, facing the dilemma of thwarted ambition, and copying the generosity that inspires us, to the miraculous catharsis of letter-writing and some of the books that pull us through. Useful for writers at any stage of development, Late Work offers a seasoned artist's thinking through the exploration of issues, paradoxes, and crises of faith. Like a lively conversation with a close, outspoken friend, each piece tells its experience from the trenches.

This book is the first extensive anthology of modern Ukrainian drama to be published in English. It is an insightful textbook and invaluable source of information for students of Ukrainian literature in English-speaking countries. Dr. Onyshkevych developed the idea for this collection while teaching Ukrainian literature at Rutgers University, New Jersey. In preparing a course on Ukrainian drama in translation, she discovered that only a few Ukrainian plays had ever been translated into English. Consequently Dr. Onyshkevych started planning and compiling an anthology of the translated plays of a number of modern Ukrainian authors for use as a university textbook.

Whether you want to be the next Bill Bryson, set up a brilliant blog or simply make the best of your travel journal, this book will lead you along the travel writer's way. The Travel Writer's Way takes a ground-breaking approach to the craft of travel writing, with a 12-step programme of 'creative journeys' specially tailored to develop your writing skills. Whether you want to write for pleasure or for publication, for friends or for the wider world, you'll find this book as inspiring as it is useful. It also contains invaluable advice from a galaxy of the finest travel writers, editors and bloggers, the first guide to gather insights from so many acclaimed experts. Paul Theroux, William Dalrymple, Colin Thubron, Geoff Dyer, Pico Iyer, Levison Wood, Dervla Murphy, Chris Stewart, Sara Wheeler and Simon Calder all share their top tips. Furthermore, there is practical information on establishing your blog, writing your book and submitting your articles to travel editors. Jonathan Lorie has more than 20 years' experience as travel writer, travel-magazine editor and travel-writing tutor. His is the ultimate guide for those who want to turn their travels into stories. - Advice from 40 of the world's top travel-writing experts - Practical, 12-step programme to improve your writing - How to publish and market your work as blogs, books or articles

Learn the secrets to writing a GREAT screenplay from a major Hollywood movie studio Story Analyst who will show you how to BLOW AWAY THE READER Master the structure and principles used by 95% of commercial movies by studying detailed breakdowns, or "Story Maps," of several recent hit movies in all different genres, including The Hangover, The Dark Knight, The Wrestler, Juno, The Social Network, Black Swan, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Drag Me To Hell.

"STORY MAPS: How to Write a GREAT Screenplay" cites examples from hundreds of hit films, several television series and includes samples from actual produced screenplays to show you HOW TO DO IT. Detailed lessons on format, capturing voice and tone on the script page and developing great characters with powerful dialogue are SHOWN IN ACTION in classic films such as Sunset Boulevard, The Godfather, Gladiator and As Good As It Gets, to name just a few of the hundreds of great movies analyzed in the book. The book also includes EXCLUSIVE insights from major industry professionals with whom the author has interacted with at events in Los Angeles and New York City, including Robert Zemeckis... the screenwriters of Final Destination, Limitless, Armageddon, Antwone Fisher, Speed, Justified and Blade Runner... Louis C.K.... Elijah Wood... and the President of Production of Columbia Pictures. This approach is simple: you learn from the PROS by studying their work and reading their advice.

This is NOT a formula or just another structure paradigm - it is the view from behind the desk of the people evaluating your screenplay, what they want to read and what they will buy. With all the competition in the Hollywood marketplace, your script can't just be good, it must be GREAT.

"There is a lot of great advice here... Most important, as I read Calvisi s "Story Maps," I was inspired to rethink my current project. And that s what it s all about, right
-SCRIPT MAGAZINE

Daniel Calvisi s "Story Maps" is readable, insightful and exciting. It focuses on the hard work and narrative strategies the screenwriter needs to adopt to write a commercially viable screenplay, and is up to date and strategic in the clearest way. Dan s book will help you do what you must do to succeed with your screenplay.
-Ken Dancyger, best-selling author of "Broadcast Writing, Alternative Scriptwriting" and "Writing the Short Film"

"Loved it Should be required reading in every film school.
-Daniel Fazel, sold screenwriter and VFX Artist ("Alice in Wonderland, Benjamin Button, I Robot")

"Writing a great screenplay is not easy. This book provides a simple way to approach your idea or rewrite for maximum results...and helpful to evaluate your work in whatever stage it's at so you can make necessary improvements that will allow your unique story and vision to shine "
-Laurie Lamson, co-editor "Now Write Screenwriting"

"Dan has a no-nonsense approach to screenplay analysis that cuts through the bull and delivers the goods. A must read for serious screenwriters.
-J. Stephen Maunder, writer/director ("Tiger Claws I, II, III, The Veteran, Shadows in Paradise")

An all-in-one craft guide and anthology, this is the first creative writing book to find inspiration and guidance in the diverse literary traditions of Asia. Including exemplary stories by leading writers from Japan, China, India, Singapore and beyond as well as those from Asian diasporas in Europe and America, The Art and Craft of Asian Stories offers an exciting take on the traditional how-to writing guide by drawing from a rich new trove of short stories beyond the western canon which readers may never have encountered before. Whilst still taking stock of the traditional elements of story such as character, viewpoint and setting, Xu and Hemley let these compelling stories speak for themselves to offer readers new ideas and approaches which could enrich their own creative work. Structured around the themes encountered in the stories, such as race and identity, history and power, family and aspirations, this text is a vital companion for writers at all levels keen to develop and find new perspectives on key elements of their craft. Written by two internationally successful writers and teachers, each chapter contains complete short stories and writing exercises for practice and inspiration.