CONTENTS On Some Technical Elements of Style in Literature The Morality of the Profession of Letters Books Which Have Influenced Me A Note On Realism My First Book: "Treasure Island" The Genesis of "The Master of Ballantrae" Preface to "The Master of Ballantrae"

E-ffective Writing for E-Learning Environments integrates research and practice in user-centered design and learning design for instructors in post-secondary institutions and learning organizations who are developing e-learning resources. The book is intended as a development guide for experts in areas other than instructional or educational technology (in other words, experts in cognate areas such as Biology or English or Nursing) rather than as a learning design textbook. The organization of the book reflects the development process for a resource, course, or program from planning and development through formative evaluation, and identifies trends and issues that faculty or developers might encounter along the way. The account of the process of one faculty member's course development journey illustrates the suggested design guidelines. The accompanying practice guide provides additional information, examples, learning activities, and tools to supplement the text.

Concise, easy-to-use guide to efficient communication What every military writer should know about the English language Newly revised edition includes writing for the Internet

With the advent of the Internet, servicemembers are writing more than ever. But are they writing effectively and persuasively? Many are not. This revised, updated edition provides the basics of correct and effective military communication, with emphasis on substance, organization of content, and style, along with editing techniques and military and civilian formats.

Developmental Perspectives on Writing LILIANA TOLCHINSKY University of Barcelona, Spain The advent of the sixties is considered a crucial moment for the discovery of writing as an object worthy of intellectual inquiry (Havelock, 1986). A number of books, which came out in that decade, set the stage for this turn-to-writing. One of them was the Preface to Plato by Eric Havelock. This book, published in 1963, was to become a milestone in the discovery of literacy as a field of research (Bockheimer, 1998). Havelock (1986) referred to three more works that came out at the same time, and Bockheimer suggested adding other publications; for example La pensee sau vage by Levi Strauss (1962); The consequences of literacy by Jack Goody and Ian Watt (1963) and La geste et la parole by Laroi -Gourham (1964/65). The authors of these books were anthropologists, philosophers and sociologists who coincided in highlighting the significance of writing for human development and, more specifically, for language development. They maintained that many insti tutions, ideas, beliefs, opinions and convictions of the Western world were a by product of an 'alphabetized mind'. Writing was for them one of the pillars of subjec tivity, responsible for the rise of consciousness, for our conception of words and for our notion of true and false. Amazingly linguists, psycho linguists, psychologists and educators did not participate in the turn-to-writing. The firstl, did not give any atten- 1 There were some exceptions to this generalization."

“Make [your] characters want something right away—even if it’s only a glass of water. Characters paralyzed by the meaninglessness of modern life still have to drink water from time to time.” —Kurt Vonnegut

“‘The cat sat on the mat’ is not the beginning of a story, but ‘the cat sat on the dog’s mat’ is.” —John Le Carré

Nothing is more inspiring for a beginning writer than listening to masters of the craft talk about the writing life. But if you can’t get Vladimir Nabokov, Virginia Woolf, and Gabriel García Márquez together at the Algonquin, The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop gives you the next best thing. Stephen Koch, former chair of Columbia University’s graduate creative writing program, presents a unique guide to the craft of fiction. Along with his own lucid observations and commonsense techniques, he weaves together wisdom, advice, and inspiring commentary from some of our greatest writers. Taking you from the moment of inspiration (keep a notebook with you at all times), to writing a first draft (do it quickly! you can always revise later), to figuring out a plot (plot always serves the story, not vice versa), Koch is a benevolent mentor, glad to dispense sound advice when you need it most. The Modern Library Writer’s Workshop belongs on every writer’s shelf, to be picked up and pored over for those moments when the muse needs a little help finding her way.

When it was originally published in 1992, Mike Shannon's Baseball: The Writer's Game as hailed as a unique exploration of what it takes to write about the national pastime. Brassey's is proud to present this new edition, expanding upon Shannon's original interviews with baseball's top authors and historians, including Bill James, Roger Kahn, W. P. Kinsella, Robert Creamer, Peter Golenbock, and Lawrence Ritter. Shannon delves into their different backgrounds, writing techniques, personal insights, and the aspects of the game and its history that interest them. Whether with an analyst like Bill James or an ex-player like Jim Brosnan, Shannon lets each explain in his own words the challenge and the joy that come from writing about the game. Baseball fans, whether they want to write about the game them-selves or not, will enjoy the unique observations and advice of baseball's greatest writers.

Several of these works have never before been translated into English and are made accessible to the general reader for the first time. George A. Kennedy, one of the world's leading scholars of ancient rhetoric, provides an English translation of four Greek treatises written during the time of the Roman empire but studied throughout the Roman and Byzantine periods--works attributed to Theon, Hermogenes, Aphthonius, and Nicolaus. Also included are translations of the fragments of Sopatros' treatise as well as John of Sardis' commentary on these exercises. The progymnasmata were fundamental to the teaching of prose composition and elementary rhetoric in European schools from the Hellenistic period to early modern times. The habits of thinking and writing learned in schools molded not only the secular literature of the Greeks and Romans, but also the writings of the early Christians through the patristic period.

I HAVE THIS NIFTY IDEA ...Now what do I do with it? This book contains outlines for science fiction and fantasy novels which real authors (new and old) used to sell their books to major publishing companies . . . actual examples drawn from authors files, not idealized versions prepared just for a textbook. Whether youre a beginning writer looking to break into novels, an experienced professional seeking new tools and techniques to sell books, or a fan curious about the remarkable thought-processes of some of the great genre writers of our time, you will find something here which enlightens, educates, and entertains you. I Have This Nifty Idea is the perfect addition to every library of books on writing. Includes work by Robert Silverberg, David Brin, Joe Haldeman, Mike Resnick, Robert J. Sawyer, Barry N. Malzberg, Kevin J. Anderson, Charles Sheffield, Katharine Kerr, Jack Dann, Jack L. Chalker, and many more.

Designed for undergraduate English majors as well as for any undergraduate working on an English essay, Upgrade Your English Essay offers a carefully structured approach to improving essay writing. This short guide focuses on three key strategies for upgrading an English essay: answering the question and making a strong argument, analyzing language and examining literary technique, and discussing genre and considering context. All advice is supported by clear demonstrations that make use of the most commonly studied primary texts and examples from student essays. Written in a lively, humorous, and student-friendly style, this volume will surely help students improve their English essay writing--and their grades.

Aspiring doctors have medical school. Karate students have belts of different colors. Pianists have scales and arpeggios. But what system do writers have for getting and staying "in shape," to help them focus, practice, and make progress?

A Writer's Workbook is Caroline Sharp's ingenious collection of exercises to inspire, encourage, warm up, and jump-start anyone who writes. A wise and funny friend who will cheerlead you through even your darkest can't-write days and "every idea I've ever had is awful" nights, she provides encouraging suggestions, hilarious observations, and an amazingly vivid catalogue of writers' neuroses (with advice on overcoming them, of course).

From "Roget's Resume" and "Emulating Ernest" to "End Well," "The Rewrite Rut," and "Dear John," the exercises in this generous, wry workbook will keep your ideas fresh, your mind open, and your pen moving.

Boiled-down essentials of the top-selling Schaums Outline series for the student with limited time

What could be better than the bestselling Schaums Outline series? For students looking for a quick nuts-and-bolts overview, it would have to be Schaums Easy Outline series. Every book in this series is a pared-down, simplified, and tightly focused version of its predecessor. With an emphasis on clarity and brevity, each new title features a streamlined and updated format and the absolute essence of the subject, presented in a concise and readily understandable form.

Graphic elements such as sidebars, reader-alert icons, and boxed highlights stress selected points from the text, illuminate keys to learning, and give students quick pointers to the essentials.

• Designed to appeal to underprepared students and readers turned off by dense text
  
• Cartoons, sidebars, icons, and other graphic pointers get the material across fast
  
• Concise text focuses on the essence of the subject
  
• Delivers expert help from teachers who are authorities in their fields
  
• Perfect for last-minute test preparation
  
• So small and light that they fit in a backpack!
  

Developmental Perspectives on Writing LILIANA TOLCHINSKY University of Barcelona, Spain The advent of the sixties is considered a crucial moment for the discovery of writing as an object worthy of intellectual inquiry (Havelock, 1986). A number of books, which came out in that decade, set the stage for this turn-to-writing. One of them was the Preface to Plato by Eric Havelock. This book, published in 1963, was to become a milestone in the discovery of literacy as a field of research (Bockheimer, 1998). Havelock (1986) referred to three more works that came out at the same time, and Bockheimer suggested adding other publications; for example La pensee sau vage by Levi Strauss (1962); The consequences of literacy by Jack Goody and Ian Watt (1963) and La geste et la parole by Laroi -Gourham (1964/65). The authors of these books were anthropologists, philosophers and sociologists who coincided in highlighting the significance of writing for human development and, more specifically, for language development. They maintained that many insti tutions, ideas, beliefs, opinions and convictions of the Western world were a by product of an 'alphabetized mind'. Writing was for them one of the pillars of subjec tivity, responsible for the rise of consciousness, for our conception of words and for our notion of true and false. Amazingly linguists, psycho linguists, psychologists and educators did not participate in the turn-to-writing. The firstl, did not give any atten- 1 There were some exceptions to this generalization."

This book is an outstanding account of the current state of using writing in service of learning. It presents psychological and educational foundations of writing across the curriculum movement and describes writing-to-learn practices implemented at different levels of education. It provides concrete applications and ideas about how to enhance student learning by means of writing. It is useful for educators, curriculum developers, psychologists, cognitive scientists, writing researchers, and teachers.

For the first time in trade paperback, the definitive book on writing sex in fiction that is a "wonderful and handy compendium of how to write-and have fun with-sex" (Carolyn See)

Five years after it was first published, The Joy of Writing Sex remains the classic guide to writing convincing sex scenes. Elizabeth Benedict covers all the issues, from the first time, to married sex and adultery, to sex in the age of AIDS.

Her instruction, supported with examples from the works of today's most respected writers-among them, Dorothy Allison, Russell Banks, Alan Hollinghurst, Joyce Carol Oates, Carol Shields, and John Updike-focuses on crafting believable sex scenes that hinge on freshness of character, dialogue, mood, and plot.

In this revised edition, Benedict addresses the latest sexual revolution, intimacy on the Internet; adds new interviews with Edmund White, Darren Strauss, Stephen McCauley, and other writers; and updates her selections to include examples from the best fiction of the past few years.

Text Therapeutics was written specifically for medical science professionals whose mother tongue is not English. Its objective is to assist non-native English- speaking physicians or scientists in the task of writing research documents for medical journals and/or oral presentations for medical congresses. Text Therapeutics incorporates a simplified methodology, which: provides a follow-the-formula' analysis and gives concise explanations; offers convenient categorized side-headings which pinpoint the English text problem; and utilizes a format which is easily understood and applicable to any medical field. Text Therapeutics includes additional sections: Word Order; Useful Usage; A-Ω An English Lexicon - Words derived from Greek; and A-Z Glossary Guide - Instructions for Authors'.

This book is an outstanding account of the current state of using writing in service of learning. It presents psychological and educational foundations of writing across the curriculum movement and describes writing-to-learn practices implemented at different levels of education. It provides concrete applications and ideas about how to enhance student learning by means of writing. It is useful for educators, curriculum developers, psychologists, cognitive scientists, writing researchers, and teachers.

Casebook for Writing Across the Curriculum Instructors is a contributed text containing descriptions of fifty "writing situations" from instructors experienced in WAC courses. Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) is a form of composition that has developed over the decade.

This book is an introduction to the mathematical description of information in science and engineering. The necessary ma- thematical theory will be treated in a more vivid way than in the usual theoretical proof structure. This enables the reader to develop an idea of the connections between diffe- rent information measures and to understand the trains of thoughts in their derivation. As there exist a great number of different possible ways to describe information, these measures are presented in a coherent manner. Some examples of the information measures examined are: Shannon informati- on, applied in coding theory; Akaike information criterion, used in system identification to determine auto-regressive models and in neural networks to identify the number of neu- rons; and Cramer-Rao bound or Fisher information, describing the minimal variances achieved by unbiased estimators.

Every writer struggles with trouble spots in their manuscript that "just aren't working." Fiction First Aid shows you how seemingly fatal errors can become both manageable and fixable. Novice and more experienced writers alike will appreciate the Fiction First Aid's techniques for identifying and revising weaknesses in their work. It shows how to repair wounded manuscripts through easy-to-follow steps, patterned after those found in a typical first aid manual: 1) Diagnose the problem 2) Suggest specific remedies 3) Prescribe therapies to avoid the problem in the future It couldn't be easier!

The professional’s quick-reference handbook for writing business and technical reports

Professionals in business, government, and technical fields often need help in organizing and writing reports for associates, clients, and managers. This simple tutorial handbook offers expert tips and useful ideas for organizing ideas, structuring reports, and adding spice to technical papers.

Writing Reports to Get Results offers in-depth guidance for writing:

• short, informal reports, such as job progress reports and inspection reports
• semiformal reports, such as laboratory and medium-length investigation and evaluation reports
• formal reports, such as analytical and feasibility studies and major investigations
• technical and business proposals of varying complexity

The authors use a simple pyramid method to help writers organize their information into the most convenient and simplest structure for any type of document–from single-page proposals to full-length presentations. Rounding out this easy, instructional handbook are helpful tips on a number of other topics, such as: constructing reference lists and bibliographies; the use of numbers, abbreviations, and metric symbols; preparing illustrations for insertion into a report; and working collaboratively as a member of a writing team.

I have this nifty idea ...Now what do I do with it. This book contains outlines for science fiction and fantasy novels which real authors (new and old) used to sell their books to major publishing companies ...actual examples drawn from authors' files, not idealized versions prepared just for a textbook. Whether you're a beginning writer looking to break into novels, an experienced professional seeking new tools and techniques to sell books, or a fan curious about the remarkable thought-processes of some of the great genre writers of our time, you will find something here which enlightens, educates, and entertains you. I Have This Nifty Idea is the perfect addition to every library of books on writing. Includes works by Robert Silverberg, David Brin, Joe Haldeman, Mike Resnick, Robert J. Sawyer, Barry N. Malzberg, Kevin J. Anderson, Charles Sheffield, Katharine Kerr, Jack Dann, Jack L. Chalker, and many more.

Every life passage we go through shapes us, each one differently, each one forever. Often we tend to think there are only a few of these -- childhood, adolescence, middle years, old age. In this book you'll find that there are many more, and it is only by understanding them that we can come to know fully who we are. Sometimes, though, it feels as if we're so busy living we just don't have the chance to put our lives in any sort of perspective. This book can give you that chance, and supply that perspective.

In these pages you will find the tools you need to come to a deeper understanding of yourself, so you can claim your selfhood and live your life more fully. You'll learn that you can do much of this work yourself, and that you don't have to rely on the specialists for meaningful self-exploration to occur.

In these pages you will find a series of writing exercises (and sometimes drawing exercises, too) all of which are designed to help you reflect on your life so that you can understand yourself better. The exercises will give you the tools of the trade, that can enable you to undertake the vital work of personal exploration yourself, rather than having to rely on the experts -- the psychiatrists, the analysts, the therapists -- in the way that many of us tend to do now.

The ability to write clearly is essential for career advancement in any technical field. This book provides easy-to-follow guidelines, methods and rules that will make you a more efficient technical writer. Whether you're an experienced writer or a reluctant one, you will benefit from the many insights and tips presented in this book. Describes how to write clearly and concisely by presenting the essential attributes, methods, and objectives of good technical writing. Provides an easy-to-follow writing strategy that will help you arrange and prioritize your thinking before you actually start to write. Includes techniques that make good writing less of a challenge. Features checklists and step-by-step procedures that will help even the most reluctant writer. The author is a practicing engineer who understands the need for writing in a practical, no-nonsense style. Through numerous examples, tips, and rules, you will learn how to write effective memos, documents, and technical reports that will get results and help you advance your career.