Product Description
* Learn how to write clearly and creatively the first time - and every time
* Establish good writing habits and get the reader's attention
* Enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a communicator
Concise . . .
Authoritative . . .
and User-friendly!
Effective communication is essential for professionals in every area of business today. Webster's New World Business Writing Handbook introduces you to the fundamentals of good business writing, offering you expert advice in everything from techniques for forming your thoughts to brainstorming and organizing information to proper grammar, punctuation, and usage. In no time, you'll adopt habits that will allow you to see and appreciate your progress as a writer while you learn to criticize your own work for the most dynamic and productive results.
* Provides invaluable information about key business-writing areas, including finance, scientific-technical, advertising, development, and legal and contractual
* Covers not only business letters but also style and etiquette for both e-mail and memos, advertising copywriting, formats and organizational plans for proposals, resumés, and more
* Explains the principles of effective procedure writing and preparing a powerful presentation
* Outlines the general formats for reports
* Addresses the handling of employee issues and announcements
* Offers a clear, definitive glossary of the most commonly used business-writing terms ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

VERY USEFUL
I bought this book because it was required for a course that I am taking "Business Writing". It is very clear and with lots of examples of memos, letters and emails. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a highly successful author with vast experience in many different kinds of writing - feature films, television, radio, books, newspapers, plays, with writing credits from Hollywood to the BBC Your Writing Coach shows aspiring writers how to overcome fear, get past excuses, and start writing! With practical advice on developing a niche and a writing style, Wolff provides all the strategies needed to become a full time writer and build a successful career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Inspiring stuff even for "serious" non-fiction writers
As a non-fiction author (including books on how to write non-fiction!) I think Jurgen's book can give even authors of business and academic books a great deal to think about. Dry, boring non-fiction is - thankfully - going out of fashion in favour of a much more creative, story-telling approach. Non-fiction today, even if it is very factual and information-based, has to be interesting and - dare I say it - even entertaining if it's going to hold readers' attention right to the end. And this is where Jurgen's advice and guidance is particularly valuable, no matter what type of writing you do. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

Everything you need to know
Jurgen Wolff's book, like his website [...], offers a Fort Knox of tools for wanna-be writers as well as the experienced: examples, exercises, helpful websites, and chapter bonuses linked to his website to reinforce and expand on his tips and techniques. From using "time pods" to making an "elevator speech" to hook an agent/reader you'll find yourself turning to this book again and again when you're mired down or when you start a new project or just want a darn good read about writing.

Your Writing Coach
This is a comprehensive guide packaged in a compact, well organized, readable form, with lots of personal examples reflecting this author's experience.It also provides links to a number of interesting interviews with other experts.As an amateur mystery and short story writer I found it very helpful, both in terms of improving one's writing and marketing it.

A Writing Coach Who Knows His Stuff
"Your Writing Coach" is a 248-page book filled with a wealth of practical knowledge, industry insights, writing exercises, and coaching tips that will teach and encourage writers at all levels to write, persist, and sell better. It's smartly divided into four parts with 18 chapters that covers a remarkable range of issues and topics all writers face somewhere along the spectrum.

Despite Jurgen Wolff's successful career as a writer in the industry with a prolific list of impressive projects (including writing scripts for several popular TV shows), the tone of the book remains coach-friendly, helpful, and never condescending. Plus, the bonus material on his Web site and his personal invitation to contact him if you still have questions after reading the book make this one wonderful coaching tool I'm happy to promote to readers of the Creativity-[...]
Web site.

A Writing Book For All Seasons
This is a great book for aspiring writers as well as established writers looking to branch out into new areas. A lot of writing books seem to be by a novelist writing only about novels, by a screenwriter writing only about screenplays, etc., but Wolff explores both of those genres, as well as non-fiction books, magazine articles and more. He assumes you're serious, and while he doesn't fill you with delusions of grandeur, he doesn't insult you by selling some fantasy of instant riches, either. He makes it clear that writing for a living requires dedication and hard work, just like any other career, and then he shows you how to go about making it happen.

The title is important and telling - Wolff's tone is professional and authoritative, yet friendly and quite cordial, and you get enjoyable little glimpses into his own successful career and personality as he provides anecdotes from his own published/produced works in all the fields he discusses. It's obvious that he's speaking from his own experiences in all aspects of the business(es), not just the writing, but also the marketing, pitching, ethics, etc. In addition to drawing on his own background, he also brings in snippets and examples from lots of other writers and creative types, most of whom are very well-known.

Actually, there is a lot of good information in here for creative business people of all sorts, like copywriters, marketing staff, and even product development types, anybody who needs to manage time, inspire others, hatch ideas or promote a vision, all of which are facets of the writing business and life. The book and table of contents are nicely organized and detailed in such a way that you can easily cherry-pick the information you're looking for. Of course, if you're a "regular" writer you will want to read every page, but the organization makes it easy to revisit various topics without cluttering up the sturdy, finely printed book with unsightly Post-It Notes.

Finally, the thing I liked best about this book is that it's a lot more than just a book. Every chapter includes an access code you can enter at one of Wolff's websites, where you can view bonus content and video interviews with Wolff and many of the people he mentions in each chapter. Wolff even makes himself available via his website, like a true coach would, as a source of advice and inspiration. It's a brilliant blend of old and new media, and access to the website makes the book a real 2-for-1 bargain.

As you might guess, I'd highly recommend this book. I've got a copy of my own and bought another for a friend, because this is the kind of book that if you loan it out, you may not get it back!

... Read more

Product Description
In over 100 exercises the workbook reviews theessentials of sentence writing, punctuation, and mechanics covered in Parts 2 and 3 of thehandbook. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very good resource for students
I like the approach the book takes, although I change the order in which I teach the material.My only quam is that I am unable to ascertain any differences between the instructional version and the student version of the book.I wouldn't have wasted money purchasing both had I known.

Simply, it is all in one writing reference!
Don't waist your money buying number of cheap writing books
each covering a single or a couple of subjects. Spend your
money one time on something valuable that you will use over
and over through the years.

I wish If I saw this book at first when I started going to
the college!

Believe me! When you see it, you won't leave it, until you buy
it!

Building Rhetorical Power
Writing: A College Handbook is designed to teach students to write effectively for a variety of purposes and contexts.As a reference tool, a rhetoric, and a research guide, this handbook presents a detailed composite on the nature, form, and style of writing available to students. The emphasis here is on what the writer can do rather than what they cannot do.The scope of the book is "to show that good writing is not simply the absence of grammatical error but the presence of rhetorical power" (xxvii). The handbook is organized in a logical fashion that mirrors the writing process. Thus, instructors using the handbook and accompanying workbook can easily adapt it to their course.Part 1, "The Process of Writing," includes information on planning strategies, purpose, audience, modes of writing, word choice, editing and revising, and document design.The next section is "Crafting Sentences,"where the emphasis is the rhetorical power of the English language and making sentence structure work for the writer.Part 3 deals with "Punctuation and Mechanics."Part 4, "Research and Writing," provides an in-depth guide to the process and development of the research paper.It includes an up-to-date MLA style guide and new approaches to the use oftechnology used in research. "Writing in Academic Contexts" covers writing about literature as well as research for other disciplines.The final section, "Writing in Nonacademic Contexts," is new to this edition.As students move outside the classroom, they need to be prepared to write in the workplace, which is often overlooked as a separate form of writing.The logical layout of the handbook and the instructive features make this a comprehensive writing tool. The approach to writing presented in this handbook and the sequence of topics make it accessible to both student and teacher.The examples, student writing samples, and instruction is detailed, informative, and concise.As a textbook to accompany writing instruction in the classroom, I think this book is extremely valuable.However, through personal experience, I find the lack of section tabs a slight drawback.To find information, you have to look at the road map (inside front cover), the table of contents, or the index.I searched for "organization," under which it said "see planning and organizing your text."There I found 16 pages devoted to everything from tree diagrams to composing a title.While the information is clearly outlined and detailed, there is more here than I needed for an overview and brief lesson.Use of this handbook in your classroom depends on your main purpose for having students purchase a handbook. If your purpose is to provide material for students to find answers to individual questions about writing, this may be more than you need. The comprehensive nature of the book gives it more of an instructive quality, rather than simple answers to often asked questions. There are many positive features of the handbook to be applauded.The layout and design, with full-page color, is visually attractive.The accompanying workbook and online reference provide an ample supply of exercises and reinforcement with sentence structure, punctuation, mechanics, revising and editing.The samples of writing are well-chosen and marked with appropriate directions and details.In the chapter "Revising Your Text," I particularly like the marginal comments as a model for responding to writing.The variety of writing selections and topics included shows an awareness of cultural assumptions and gender equality. Writing: A College Handbook is an extensive guide to writing processes, contexts, styles, and skills.It achieves its goal of presenting the power of writing both in and out of the classroom.It succeeds in demonstrating a concise, innovative approach to writing and creates a positive atmosphere in which to learn and practice the necessary skills for effective communication.While I find this book to be a wealth of information on just about any writing topic, I think your purpose for choosing a handbook will determine whether this is the right one for your course.Writing: A College Handbook is a comprehensive instruction guide to writing and more than just a reference book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mostly reprints; buy Selected Non-Fictions instead
Penguin's publication of this book makes little sense.Of the 38 pieces compiled, 28 are reprinted from Selected Non-Fictions, which is a much more comprehensive book, with over 150 pieces, published by Penguin just eleven years ago.The ten new pieces in On Writing can, to use Borges's phrase, "be omitted without great loss" (p. 98) --perhaps they were deliberately left out of Selected Non-Fictions.Since every Borges fan ought to own Selected Non-Fictions, the purchase of On Writing is nearly superfluous.Levine's groupings of the 38 pieces under various headings add nothing to the appreciation or understanding of them.So one star for literary regurgitation, but five stars for regurgitation of Borges, for an average of three. ... Read more

Product Description
"Treadwell & Treadwell's Student Workbook" gives students the opportunity to put their learning into practice. This workbook introduces four fictional clients, two of them new, for which students may 'work' as they complete assignments. These clients include both commercial and non-profit organizations. A new 'Research' section bridges the gap between clients and the real world of the student's college city or region so that clients can be 'localized' to the student's area. This will also be useful for faculty who choose to assign actual or other fictional clients. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent textbook for all PR students
All PR practitioners would benefit from the solid, comprehensive grounding in communications issues presented in this book. The emphasis on cultural and ethical influences presented throughout is vital to all public relations work and the discussion is well presented here. The chapters on writing present useful overviews on the process and common PR materials. However, some descriptions of materials are very brief and all assume the student has an adequate knowledge of basic writing skills and techniques. Readers who really want to focus on writing will want to supplement this book with others that have more in-depth coverage of writing issues and content ideas.

lots of good information
The book is barely 500 pages long, but it has everything that anyone would possibly need to know about public relations. There are tons of public relations tools, such as the news release, press release, flyer, public service announcement, pamphlet, brochure, newsletter, fact sheet and media list, and they are all introduced very clearly. This text was required for a course I took in college over a year ago, and I chose not to sell it back to the school because it was so useful. It's great for entry-level workers that are trying to get acclamated to the business of public relations. ... Read more

Product Description
This book will provide educators with practical, scripted lesson plans and support materials for teaching writing and self-regulating strategies to elementary and middle school students with and without learning disabilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Best Writing Strategy book I've used!
I used this book as the basis for a Writers' Workshop for several of my students with written expression disabilities. The lesson are well written and easy to follow. The students really learned the strategies and used them in their written work. The blackline masters for handouts really saved a lot of time. The first part of the book deals with some meta-cognitive strategies for students. I did not use these as much.

Overall, great book and resource for teachers.

Terrific Way to Help Students and Teachers Grow
This well written guide to self regulated strategy development (SRSD) provides the teacher a clear description of how to integrate a systematic, but not cook-book, writing strategy instructional block into the classroom.
I really like how the text is written to be digestible.Reading a five hundred page text is not what this book is about.It is about getting the information to teachers.Yes, the research is there, but it is plainly stated and well contextualized.There are a ton of lesson plans/ideas in the whole second part of the book.This is proving to be an excellent resource for the design of my class' writing strategy instruction.I highly recommend it for any K-12 teacher teaching writing.

Really Powerful Strategies!
This book provides an approach to writing instruction that has been unbelievably far more effective with my students than any other writing program that I have ever used - and I have been teaching writing for close to 20 years! It is easy to use, but includes all the most effective practices we all know that we should use but don't have a comprehensive plan for how to use in step by step way such as modeling, analyzing models with structured checklists, providing scaffolds but also how to fade them and ensure transfer of skills to other classes and settings. I could go on and on, but won't describe the approach as well as the book does. Parents and teachers have been amazed at the dramatic improvements their children have made with this approach.

Very strongly recommended as a language arts and literacy curriculum
"Powerful Writing Strategies For All Students" is the collaborative effort of academicians and teachers Karen R. Harris, Steve Graham, Linda H. Mason, and Barbara Friedlander. Comprised of thoroughly 'user friendly' curriculum lessons ranging from twenty to 60 minutes each, "Powerful Writing Strategies For All Students" is designed to enable the classroom teacher to advance and enhance their student's writing skills such as constructing essays and writing reports for state competency tests; work with every phase of the writing process from initiation to revision; reinforce new writing strategies and skills through individual practice and in group instruction; develop critical self-regulation skills students can use independently; support effective instruction with step-by-step guidelines and optional scripts; and even train students to use effective mnemonic devices that are easily grasped and remembered. Enhanced with photocopiable support materials including cue cards, graphic organizers, sheets for graphing writing performance, an mnemonic charts, "Powerful Writing Strategies For All Students" is a very strongly recommended as a language arts and literacy curriculum and classroom instruction plan supplemental resource. ... Read more

Product Description
With insight, humor, and practicality, Natalie Goldberg inspires writers and would-be writers to take the leap into writing skillfully and creatively. She offers suggestions, encouragement, and solid advice on many aspects of the writer’s craft: on writing from “first thoughts” (keep your hand moving, don’t cross out, just get it on paper), on listening (writing is ninety percent listening; the deeper you listen, the better you write), on using verbs (verbs provide the energy of the sentence), on overcoming doubts (doubt is torture; don’t listen to it)—even on choosing a restaurant in which to write.  Goldberg sees writing as a practice that helps writers comprehend the value of their lives. The advice in her book, provided in short, easy-to-read chapters with titles that reflect the author’s witty approach (“Writing Is Not a McDonald’s Hamburger,” “Man Eats Car,” “Be an Animal”), will inspire anyone who writes—or who longs to.Amazon.com Review
Wherein we discover that many of the "rules" for good writingand good sex are the same: Keep your hand moving, lose control, anddon't think.Goldberg brings a touch of both Zen andwell... *eroticism* to her writing practice, the latter in exercisesand anecdotes designed to ease you into your body, your whole spirit,while you create, the former in being where you are, working with whatyou have, and writing from the moment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (187)

This book is like an old friend
Note: This review refers to the audiobook version of this book.

I read this book around 20 years ago and some of the writing principles I learned from it have stuck with me through the years. Since I am currently doing a sort of personal survey of many books on writing, I thought I would reacquaint myself with the first book on creative writing I ever read. I was not disappointed with this audio edition.

Generally, I prefer the author not be the reader of his or her own audio book - the professional readers pleasanter listening. Therefore, I was a little dismayed at first to find out Natalie would be reading her own book. In this case, I was pleasantly surprised. It did not take me long to get used to her voice and it turned out to be fitting, pleasant, and warmly sincere.As a neat bonus, Natalie includes an updated commentary on each chapter as an older woman looking back at her younger self. She confirms the techniques that are still valuable, and talks about how her ideas have played out over the years in her own writing.

As a student and practitioner of Buddhism, Natalie's central idea is writing as a meditative practice. She gently explains how to use writing practice tap into our personal resources to find out what we really want to say. The focus of the book is really how to get the writing process going in your life and how to keep it going, but she also talks about how to keep our writing from moldering in a pile of notebooks and getting out there to be read. Refreshingly, she keeps the art and practice of writing separate from technology: her tools are her mind, her experiences, and her pens and notebooks. I found this book inspiring the first time I read it and it continues to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for my own writing.

This book was a game changer
I first read Writing Down the Bones in 1995 (I think), and it was the first book that gave me permission, no encouraged me, to capture my ideas in a journal without worrying about being perfect, or even making sense, as I did.I recently saw Ms. Goldberg speak, and it reaffirmed for me every thing I learned from this book.Ms. Goldberg teaches that writing creatively should start from a wide open organic process with no rules and no judgement, especially from oneself. Writing is hard work that takes energy and dedication, but it should also be fun and free from the internal voice of our editor that tells us that we 'can't' or 'shouldn't' say certain things. These are ideas is something that many people find really hard to grasp.All of that said, I actually thing that Ms. Goldberg's second book on writing, Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life, is a better book for the beginning writer to start with.This book has great short chapters, but fewer concrete writing exercises to work from, and I find that it does take a certain level of confidence to connect with the ideas in this book easily.That said, I often give copies of both books away, interchangeably, to people I talk to about getting started in writing, and I recommend all of her books on writing to members of my writer's workshop.

As writers we need to find ways to give ourselves permission to speak our truths with authenticity and courage, and Ms. Goldberg's books strive to help us do that.

Interesting and instructional
In our writing group we have an editor. She spoke highly of the book to me. I was looking for more reading material at the time so I decided to try her recommendation. It truly was an enjoyable read.The mind is a subject that has always interested me. I am not to much on Zen or poetry but over many years I have learned to accept what I wish, not just what is written.Of many books I have read recently I am very glad my friend advised me of this one. I will surely keep it close to reference it at times. I will be happy to champion her writing to anyone that reqests any interesting book from me.

An Abstract and Zen Approach to Living The Writer's Life
So many books on writing delve specifically into the craft of writing, explaining how to structure sentences, create memorable characters, move plotline along, or write interesting dialogue.Writing Down The Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg is not one of those books.In her writing how-to, Goldberg discusses the writing life, including why writers write, how to engage with the universe through the act of writing, and how to get past the internal blocks and censors that would prevent writers from writing.

Natalie Goldberg is a writing teacher, and in Writing Down The Bones, she promotes the act of writing practice.Writing practice is daily journal writing, handwritten and free flowing thought.Goldberg refers to this type of writing as "first thought," the rich and vibrant thought that accompanies the act of letting go.A student of Zen and meditation, Goldberg marries the two concepts, often quoting her Zen teachers and discussing making writing a part of daily life.

Those interested in understanding how to craft a novel or write memoir or delve into poetry can all benefit from this little book.No, it will not specify the secrets to public success as a writer.However, it will provide the encouragement and explain the reward with allowing oneself to be a writer.Goldberg specifically discusses the concept of what she refers to as "monkey mind," that internal censor that challenges all artists.It asks them, "Who do you think you are?" when delving into creative endeavors.She strategizes methods of dealing with money mind and shutting down the censor, returning to writing as the solution.

Goldberg is a proponent of writing mirroring life, and she challenges writers to explore all aspects of their lives in writing, explaining that avoiding uncomfortable topics will be evident to readers.Often, Writing Down The Bones gets quite abstract and new age.She explains that writing has less to do with talent than it does with practice, and she insists that writers write using all of their senses, engaging their readers with detailed explanations the environment in which the event is occurring.For writers of fast-paced or genre fiction, Goldberg's tactics may seem more useful to someone writing in other genres.However, Goldberg's perspective of writing as art and as having higher meaning as a form of art serves as a reminder to all artists the higher power they, themselves, are serving.

Goldberg meets her topics with humor and enthusiasm, challenging common writing dilemmas like where to write, how to write, when to write, and finding time.Her simple solution?Two words that can sum up all of the concepts in Writing Down The Bones:just write.Make no excuses, for the internal censor will be very creative itself in encouraging writers not to write.Just write, and appreciate life, and bring that appreciation and understanding to the page.

KY writer
The book was in good condition.I like the fact that I didn't have to purchase a new book as I have read this book befor.e ... Read more

Product Description

This handbook is designed to help students find quick answers to their questions about the writing required in their workplace and in the real world. 

Muriel Harris was the director of the Purdue Writing Center where she worked elbow-to-elbow with students and for over twenty-five years.  As she worked with students, she realized that they asked the same questions over and over.  Based on her experience with thousands of students in the writing center, Muriel Harris authored this spiral-bound, tabbed and brief handbook.  Her unique feature, "Compare and Correct," and "Question and Correct," allows students to find what they need to help themselves with their writing, without needing to know the terms of grammar.  Muriel Harris' Prentice Hall Reference Guide is the easiest handbook for students and instructors to use.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellence in asounding
This book came in excallent condition and even came earlier then expected, all in all very good timing and experance. ... Read more

Product Description
Top-Notch Writing Advice from Today’s Premiere Writers
*From Glimmer Train--one of today’s most well known literary journals
*Features advice from some of the most accomplished and respected fiction writers today
*Features an illustrated, gifty package that will appeal to any writer

In this exquisite new series from the nation’s leading short fiction literary journal, accomplished authors offer advice and instruction on fiction writing and the fiction writing life that speaks to writers of all experience levels. Compiled from the best of Glimmer Train’s "Writers Ask" quarterly newsletter, this volume contains useful techniques, informed perspectives, and inspired nudges from a wealth of accomplished writers including Margaret Atwood, Ernest Gaines, Julia Alvarez, Jamaica Kincaid, Stephen Dixon, Mary McGarry Morris, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

"Glimmer Tain" Glitters!
Consists of interviews with successful writers. They offer years of experience and expertise that no writing class could offer.

Philosophical not technical
The subtitle ("Guide to Writing Fiction") is a bit deceiving, because this led me to believe that the book was technically oriented, when it is actually emotionally oriented.

If you're a writer, you've probably discovered that all writing problems can be placed into one of two main categories:
1 - Emotional
2 - Technical

Emotional problems are things like, "I can't write and I want to.I need to find time, but I can't.What should I write about?Should I use a #2 pencil and a legal pad, or a word processor?"

Books can't help with much of this, but a lot of writing books try to, and they usually fall flat.

Technical problems are problems related to understanding what to write, when you want to show that your character is angry.How to plot a twelve chapter book.What details do you show or not show and how do you determine which is which.

I was expecting this book to be more of a technical treatise, but it fell flat for me, because it was more about the emtions of how a specific (interviewee) author felt when he wrote something that went on to be published.Does that really help me? No.

The entire book is made up of interviews (originally published in glimmer train's magazine for writers). However, to break up the book into "story elements" - setting, character, viewpoint, etc - the authors had to break up the interviews, so only the piece speaking of character are found in that chapter.So, often, you find one piece of the interview in chapter 1 and another piece in chapter 4 and yet another in chapter 5.Terribly disjointed and makes the reading quite boring.

One last thing. Many times I failed to even find the element (character, setting, viewpoint) exposed in the pieces.

Here's a example of what the book is like.If the item is supposed to be about viewpoint, the interviewer would say something like:
"What made you choose 1st person for this story?"
The answer would come something like:
"Well, I was in the bathroom shaving and the light bulb blew.As I turned to leave and get a new bulb I slipped and bumped my head on the toilet.That's when I knew I had to write this story from my point of view."

Uh, yeah.That's a ton of help.
I'm looking for something that teaches writing.
I'd see an answer like:
"This character was so quirky that I wanted the reader to be inside his head 100% of the time.I wanted to challenge the reader to see that the 1st person character was actually a bit lopsided, something like The Catcher in The Rye.It works because we see the world through his eyes and everything seems right, until we find out he is a bit imbalanced."
And then some teaching on how to do first-person.
Maybe something like: Have the character see his reflection in a pond.Have someone say something to the character about his blue eyes seeming brighter on a specific day.

Here are some books that do teach this way:
Elements of Writing Fiction - Scene & Structure (Elements of Fiction Writing)

Make Your Words Work: Proven Techniques for Effective Writing-For Fiction and Nonfiction

Bursts of Inspiration
If you're a writer who's knee-deep in your project, you might encounter a snag somewhere in the process. A character may be dry, dialogue may come off odd, or perhaps your descriptions may be clichéd.

The Glimmer Train could be your quick solution. Culled from interviews with dozens of fictionists on various writing topics, the book offers various perspectives on issues most writers face when working on their prose. Each issue (plot, dialogue, research, theme, moving on to the next piece, etc.) is given a chapter.

Structurally, the book doesn't present lengthy interviews. The Q&A's are short, usually one question and one answer, and each author's perspectives are nicely distributed across the various chapters.

I give this book four stars because a lot of the interviews are project specific, in that an author's answer relates to a story they've already written. So I get the feeling of detachment to the answer; I feel that I need to read the author's story to better understand where the author is coming from.

Also, the subtitle "Guide to Writing Fiction" isn't too accurate, since "guide" suggests direct instruction. "Inspirations to Writing Fiction" would be more accurate given the format and structure of the material.

Don't look any further, this book has it all!
What an AMAZING reference. I bought this and the second book within days of each other because I could not get over the amount of GEMS the first one contained, and knew I was in for more literary treasure!

I don't think there is ANY book out there like these, the very best info, insight and wisdom from the very best authors, compiled together in over 400 pages? I love how their opinions often vary but you turn each page completely enthralled with it all.

I can't stop raving about this series and even asked one of the editors about the third book because I am already fiending for it!

Help to make your way
I have read many books on writing fiction, mostly because I am inspired by reading about the creative process. The reason I love this book is that its breadth and variety provide a hundred little windows into the craft of story-telling. Somehow, it's refreshing to see that the experience of writing fiction is wildly different for different people; there's simply not a right or wrong way to approach the work.

As other reviews have said, this would be a terrific book both for students of fiction and for practicing writers who need occasional fresh perspectives. I've shared my copy with my daughter, a teenage writer who is absorbing all she can about the nuts and bolts of writing stories; we both enjoy reading it in bits. ... Read more

Product Description
Nowhere will you find a more comprehensive, current, and detailed writing course designed specifically for writing children's and teen books, written by an author who is in the field today. WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE is a ten-step course that relays all the nitty-gritty details of the business, beginning with how to evaluate your book idea all the way to pitching your book to editors and agents.

Within each step, you'll find clear and specific information covering topics such as the children's book market, manuscript format, revision tips, finding the right agent or publisher, submission etiquette, and common faux pas to avoid. This book will even tell you what kind of paper you should use and exactly how you should write your letters to editors and agents.

Bonus materials include templates for all of your submission needs as well as examples of real-life editorial letters sent to authors from editors today. You will get a complete inside peek to the children's fiction writing market for those who want to write picture books, easy readers, chapter books, and middle grade or teen novels. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great book!
If you're looking for a long wordy book about finding inspiration and lots of anecdotal stories about plot development etc... then this book is not for you.

If you want a concise reference book you can use to find the rules of writing and detailed guidelines on publishers, how to interact with them, what sort of lingo they use, etc... Then this book is for you!

I bought several books on children's book writing before finding this one. The information is simple. Some of it I already knew. But this is the only book I could find that was willing to fill me on on the secret lingo of publishers and how to talk to them. Every occupation from movie director to literature professor comes riddled with special lingo and insider terms. This book helped me get inside the head of a publisher more than any other.

Some of the info is so simplistic you'll find it annoying, but if you find info here you didn't already know, it's gold.

Unimportant
This is the by far the worst book I've purchased on writing for young adults. All the information in this book can be found in any other writing book not geared towards YA. I didn't find anything useful I didn't already know by reading other books on craft or writing. It was simply a waste of time, storage and energy. I bought this book some time ago and I've never picked it up again after reading it the first time. In an industry where you like to hone your craft, writers tend to review their books over and over again for tidbits, inspiration or how-to's, this is a book that just takes up space.

If you desire a book on writing for young adults, I suggest "Writing and Selling The Young Adult Novel" by K.L. Going, it's much more detailed and gives you a perspective on writing for YA from a young adult view. It has excerpts from young adults on what they like and why they like it.

Writing for Children & Teens
Cynthea Liu book is more like a private conversation between two friends than a text book "how to". I especially value the chapter on self-editing. Cynthea gives you all you need to know to get your book on the market.
Kathlyn Fauchon
[...]

Disturbingly Inspirational
Unlike most readers of this book, I have no desire to write books for children or teens because I much prefer to READ books written for children and teens and occasionally to wax analytically (and at horrendous length) about same on Amazon.Thus, I was far more interested in Ms. Liu's other two books: The Great Call of China (S.A.S.S.) and Paris Pan Takes the Dare, but I needed to buy something else in order to get free shipping on my order, and I WAS a bit curious.Normally an author waits to, you know, actually PUBLISH a book or two before she presumes to tell you how to do the same, but Ms. Liu published this book on writing for children and teens over a year before she published her first book for children or teens.

What could such a newbie have to teach?

Quite a lot it turns out.

I was simply stunned by how logical, how useful, how educational, and how well written this book was!I found myself either nodding in agreement with her or thinking how much sense she was making!I know I have a much better understanding of how books get written and published than before, and I thought I was pretty well informed before.

And along the way something else was happening...

I started thinking, "I could do this."

Now, I can assure you that I have no intention of following up on this thought!I'm a firm believer in the old adage:

"Those who can, write; those who cannot, review,"

and I am quite content with the delusions of adequacy that allow me to write reviews; I don't need the delusions of grandeur that would lead me to writebooks, thank you very much!Besides, I lack the critical first step Ms. Liu identifies to writing and publishing a book for children or teens:

an idea.

But ideas or at least pieces of possible ideas have been popping into my head with increasing frequency since I started reading this book.

Now, confidentially, I don't intend to act upon anything I've learned from this amazing book, but if Ms. Liu can almost inspire ME into writing for children and teens,...

what might she do for YOU?

On another point I think this raises the bar on Ms. Liu's other two books.If she can write this well ABOUT writing for children and teens, then she ought to write pretty darn well FOR children and teens.

We shall see.(Insert evil laugh here.)

This Is What You Need To Write Well And Get Published
The number of books lining the shelves on writing for children is mind boggling.This is THE ONE you should pick up.Cynthea teaches the ins and outs of writing strong books for children with humor and excellent examples.Though this kind of expression may usually be reserved for novels, it is appropriate to say that this book is a page turner.Once you start you can't stop reading it.And when you've finished it's a great reference.As an added bonus: it didn't break the bank to buy it. I highly recommend Cynthea Liu's book. If you're reading this you're already serious about wanting to write for children -- so what are you waiting for?Go order it! ... Read more

Product Description
This updated edition of the best-selling book Because Writing Matters reflects the most recent research and reports on the need for teaching writing, and it includes new sections on writing and English language learners, technology, and the writing process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great theory, great advice in practice
Although people familiar with recent research on teaching writing might feel as though this book is something of a broken record, I was very pleased with it.For one, it is written in a way that is easy to understand, and it is broken down into categories that make sense and are coherent in their organization.Also, I found the advice to be specific enough for me to apply to my classroom (high school) without excluding bits of advice that would be helpful for teachers of older or younger students.One huge benefit, as sad as it is, is that this book is really short.I tend to feel pretty intimidated by 300 and 400 page textbooks about teaching writing, but this slim volume was not difficult to get through and still provided me with a wealth of information on both theory and practice.

The only reason this is getting four instead of five stars is that there is not a whole lot of brand new information here.Anyone who's been keeping up with journals and other publications will have heard most of this stuff 100 times already.If, however, you're new to the scene, are looking to get caught up, are trying to institute writing-across-the-curriculum programs at your school, or just want a handy summary of the latest theories, this volume is right for you.

the tip of the iceberg
excuse no capitalization. the national writing project published this inquiry and best practice driven look into real writing as it intersects with real schools. teacher reflection, teacher as writer, and teacher as facilitator factor prominently into the discussion of what authentic and meaningful writing looks like in the midst of k/12/college high stakes testing. ultimately, a subversive approach in light of what we, as educators, know works, this text uses research and the voices of educators to acknowledge, honor, and encourage the processes that thoughtful and inquisitive teachers practice every day.

A good appraisal of best practices in teaching writing
This book is a must for teachers, parents, and administrators who want to understand research-diven methods for teaching writing. Nagin explains the myths and reality involved with creating good writers.This book sponsored by the National Writing Project explores current research on teaching writing and discusses how that translates into sound classroom practices. ... Read more

Product Description
A short guide to essay writing aimed at undergraduates on English, humanities and modular courses in the UK and the Rest of the World. It offers an alternative to the usual stuffy guides and focuses on what is relevant for students today. ... Read more

Product Description
Eide and OÕHarra offer a structured, user-friendly approach to English as it applies directly to writing. The goal is to develop more informed, enthusiastic and confident writers and readers.The text provides in-depth explorations of sentence writing, writing blocks and paragraph design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Grammar Made Fun!
This book provides an illuminating and fun approach to a traditionally boring topic. The mnemonic devices used by the authors make remembering grammar rules easy. Also, the excercises at the end of each chapter makethe material practical in real world settings. My favorite part of thebook, however, is the exercise written by the author's son, Sean. ... Read more

Product Description

Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies and Readings offers a flexible combination of instructional chapters and readings that reflect today's technical writing classroom.

The fifteen instructional chapters offer a comprehensive introduction to technical communication, while articles from professional journals and Web sites–which comprise about one-fourth of the text–offer insight and advice on specific communication topics, including writing for the Web. Each concise, self-contained instructional unit includes extended models and exercises which can be used in class or for collaborative or homework assignments. Students who study technical writing as part of their career preparation in science, business, engineering, social services and technical fields will find this text particularly useful.

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent book! (not your typical half-baked Thompson/Pearson offering)
I used this book as a student in a technical writing class. The book was EXCELLENT, and served all levels of writers well. It starts with general good writing practices -- outlining, avoiding jargon, writing clearly (especially using proper grammar), being accurate, using parallel construction, writing for mixed audiences, using appropriate style and tone, and using good document design (both logical and format-wise). It moves through intermediate topics -- how to use line drawings and other graphics, writing various types of descriptions (chronological, spatial, and so forth), when to use the various types of definitions, and formatting numbers, measurements, and lists. This continues through advanced concepts -- writing instructions, writing for the web, writing in a group, formal report writing, and giving presentations and oral reports.

Some of the stongest points in this book (besides the no-nonsense writing itself) are:

* "models" (examples of writing) at the end of each chapter,
* "Advice From the Workplace" (excellent articles about workplace writing),
* Appendix A (grammar, puntuation, and mechanics -- including numbers and abbreviations),
* and Appendix B (frequently confused words).

Excellent examples are also part of the text throughout the book.

Sadly, many college students today do *not* have English skills that should be *required* to graduate high school! It's partly due to the large number of non-native English speakers attending college, but mostly it's just poor schooling. This book *does* provide the tools to help college students (who would probably *not pass* a standardized test) to improve their English as well as their writing, if they were given a free pass out of high school. It is up to the *professor* to see that grammar skills are being improved. Sadly, that was not the case in my class -- not at all.

Diana Reep has done all she can to serve both non-native speakers and advanced writers alike. Please, professors, if you buy a book like this, don't waste it by ignoring your students' shorcomings with the English language!

Good Book for the Technical Writer
If you are a technical writer, or want to become one, this book is a very helpful reference and guide.Very useful sections on writing instructions, short reports, and long reports.This book is one of several similar books that should be used by the professional, or by someone learning technical writing.

A good book for technical writer
If you want to improve your technical writing skill, from manual writing, or technial report composition, this book is for you.

This is an excellent book.
I was required to take a technical writing course for my degree and this is the book we used.It did an excellent job of explaining how things should be professionally written.It covers everything from asking for a recommendation to typing a resume to typing a proper e-mail.The layout of the book makes everything very easy to learn.After every concept there are examples of what a proper document should look like and sometimes even an example of what it should not look like.At the time, I thought I would never use anything I was learning, but after only two months out of the class I find myself using it to type up my resume.If you are in a job that requires professionalism in language and writing skills then this book is a must have.You will be surprised at what you can learn. ... Read more

Product Description
Writing Life Stories is a classic text that appears on countless creative nonfiction and composition syllabi the world over. This updated 10th anniversary edition gives readers the same friendly instruction and stimulating exercises along with updated information on current memoir writing trends, ethics, Internet research, and even marketing ideas. Readers will discover how to turn their untold life stories into vivid personal essays and riveting memoirs by learning to open up memory,access emotions, shape scenes from experience, develop characters, and research supporting details. With creativity sparking ideas from signing a form releasing yourself to take risks in your work to drawing a map of a remembered neighborhood, this book is full of innovative techniques that prove that real stories are often the best ones. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A wonderful resource
I love this book--have referred to it often.It will stay on my bookshelf

Much better than I expected.
When I found this book, I was in search of the perfect genre for two stories swirling through my head.The stories that I wanted to write did not seem to fit any particular genre until I read this book on memoir and personal essay.Like many people, I believed that memoirs where restricted to the lives of the famous.This book opened up a whole new world to me by defining memoir and showing how it is developed.

At times the author seemed unorganized and the book lacked the structure I normally preferred in an instructional book.As I continued to read, I discovered that he was in control and teaching me the skills needed for this unique style of writing.

Wow Writing Life Stories
This is the book that I have been searching for for a long time.As a busy mom of three, I needed a "teaching book" that would give me concrete activities that I could work into my writing time.Reading this book and working on the subsequent "assignments" gives purpose to my very short writing time that I can squeeze into a day.If you are interested in writing memoir, but don't know where or how to start...this is the book for you.

An Excellent Jump-start to Writing
I'm reviewing this book even though I'm only a third of the way through it. First, this book isn't one to just read through. Bill has included writing exercises in each chapter that are designed to allow you "access to memory, access to material, access to ideas, access to the unconscious, and finally, access to meaning" in your writing (Roorbach, p. 7).

I'm trying to do the exercises in order, but I'm not being too strict with myself about adhering to a schedule. I've found one exercise (chapter 4, "On...") that I like so much that I've done it three times, and I think it really is prodding me to examine some personal thoughts through writing. I have no doubt that this book is helping me to get at the core issues that I really want to write about.

Bill's writing voice makes for easy, enjoyable reading, and sometimes I find it a bit hard to stop reading and do the exercises. But, I do think they're worthwhile. There are 11 chapters: 1 Getting Started; 2 Memory; 3 Scenemaking; 4 Big Ideas; 5 Characters and Character; 6 Stage Presence; 7 Finding the Facts; 8 Metaphor and Meaning; 9 Saying it Right; 10 Building a Building; and 11 Getting Published.

This book has earned a permanent slot on my bookshelf and I think it's going to be one of those books that get revisited on a regular basis.

Recommended
Writing Life Stories: How To Make Memories Into Memoirs, Ideas Into Essays And Life Into Literature
Excellent guide for anyone writing memoirs. I used it as the textbook for a writing circle I run. Although the group doesn't focus on memoirs, the exercises are very good for anyone wishing to work with creative non-fiction.

The participants enjoyed the writing exercises, such as re-creating the first neighborhood they remembered living in as a map. An unexpected effect of memory-searching was that for several of us, old buried memories surfaced spontaneously in dreams.

... Read more

Product Description
This book takes readers through every stage of writing for the YA market. Aspiring writers and established authors hoping to move into this flourishing genre alike will find instruction on writing for this special audience as well as tips on getting published. The book covers everything from plot, setting, characters and dialogue to revision and approaching publishers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Awesome book!
This book was incredibly helpful. I felt walked through the process the whole way! The best part is that KL Going has a manuscript critique service for a very affordable fee. So after reading the book, if you decide to pursue a writing career, she is willing to help you get there!

Not helpful
This book, unfortunately, was not very helpful at all.The suggestions are very basic and broad; most of what is suggested is common sense.There were also several typos (obvious typos) in the book, which was very disappointing.

A very different side of Charlie Byrd
I've always known that Charlie Byrd was a classically trained guitarist, but this album demonstrates that fact more clearly than any other I'm familiar with. It's a beautiful Christmas album...and for those of us who like Christmas albums that are all carols, it's perfect.

helpful for teens and adults
I found this book to be very helpful and I think it will be useful for teens who want to write for other teens and for adults who want to write YA novels. There is a lot of information in here and its easy to find what your looking for. Plus it was not boring like so many how-to books. I know an adult who read this too and she liked it also.

Good how-to writing book for YA writers!
I think this is an excellent resource if you are a YA writer or thinking about writing YA. There are not many current YA writing books out there and the ones that do exist were too basic and generalized for me. The thing I took away the most from this book was the teen Q&A sections. They were so relevant that I ended up changing a major part of my YA WIP. I would have liked even more of these sections.

Some of the information in the book was basic (for example, instead of spending a lot of time on POV and other beginning writing topics, I would have liked to have known more about YA itself or seen more examples from YA novels). I also didn't care for the way the sections were broken down by school subjects (too gimmicky).

But it is very rare that I read a how-to writing book from cover to cover, and I did so with this book. Overall I really enjoyed it. (Way more so than The Idiot's Guide to Writing for Young Adults).
... Read more

Product Description
In this tribute to language and to its potentials, RichardGoodman explores the elements of language, style,rhythm, sound, and the choice of the right word. The Soulof Creative Writing paints an image of how language canproduce a life and meaning that otherwise cannot existin the symbols themselves.

Goodman's stunningly creative collection was writtenafter a lifetime of working and struggling with language.He presents rich examples from writers of the past andpresent, both great and small, and uses them to illustratehow each element of our written language can be used.The book begins with an analysis of words and how theycan be used to create music on the page. Goodman uncoversthe strength of words, writing about the shades ofmeaning that make the search for the exact word botharduous and immensely rewarding. He discusses how tofind the proper title and how to find a fitting subject. Heshows how to create nonfiction work that is vivid andmemorable through the use of the same techniques fictionwriters employ.

Goodman writes with humor and clarity-with fascinationand reverence. Readers and writers will findit an indispensable source of creative inspiration andinstruction. In Goodman's words, "reading is a tour of awriter's efforts at manipulating language to create art, tocreate flesh and blood and mountains, cities, homes, andgardens out of inky symbols on the page." To literary critics,this book will be a guide to understanding the toolsand devices of great writing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Word Crazy
This book is a lot of fun to read and learn a new appreciation of learning the right word to use.As a new writer and a life time reader, I am striving to learn how to express myself, how to let myfeelings show. This book showed me how important each word is in order to obtain that goal.The right word that reaches the point rather than many that circle it and confuse the reader is the key to good writing and ultimately good reading.

The earlier you read this book the better!
My first thought reading through this book was that it is extremely touching.Richard Goodman shows you exactly how beautiful writing can be and calls out time and time again great writing and cites many examples of it.Many examples which will completely touch you.Things I never realized... that never approached my faculties of reason as a novice writer(despite the hours I spend doing so) became clear. The reason I mention that the earlier you read it the better was because after you read it you learn to appreciate the nuances that really flow in all sorts of writing.He writes of love and instills it in you and that love will further your writing abilities.

Beautiful book on the art of writing...and living
Richard Goodman is one of the most generous and astute literary guides I've read. This book is a gift to writers--if you're stuck, you'll be moved, if you're organizationally confused, you'll find structural clarity. And if you don't truly know what you're writing about and why, Richard will help you figure it out. This book is an essential addition for any writer or reader. Its wisdom is helpful at the computer, and in real life, too.

A Book for Lovers
"The Soul of Creative Writing" is for lovers.Those who adore reading, those who are passionate about writing, and those who are committed to teaching will find Richard Goodman's book irresistable.
Richard Goodman has a love affair with words. They woo him in a powerful, seductive way.If words are elusive or difficult, Mr. Goodman searches until he finds le mot juste - the right word. He is captivated by the music, the poetry, and even the punctuation of a great paragraph.Even titles hold his fancy.Mr. Goodman's passion is contagious.He invites the reader into a mystical arena where pen and paper create characters, scenes, dilemmas, drama, and humor.Mr. Goodman teaches us how the word is made flesh.He encourages writers to follow their passion even if it leads them to write books about, let's say, the disappearance of card catalogues ("Double Fold: Libraries and the Assualt on Paper"). He encourages authors of non-fiction to turn to fiction as an example for character development, setting, and drama.Mr. Goodman suggests that fiction and non-fiction writers look to poetry for inspiration.
Mr. Goodman is not just a terrific teacher, he is also a writer who has opened his soul and shared his great love of words.

For the writer in all of us
As a published author I am often asked to recommend books on writing. I would put this at the top of my list. If someone isn't swept away by Richard Goodman's love of language, they probably should rethink being a writer. However, it's also a great read if you're just an avid reader. It will give you a new appreciation for the art and soul of writing. My only regret is that I didn't read it with a notepad and pen handy. The book was too beautiful to dog-ear and there were many passages I wanted to return to. It will give me the opportunity to revisit it. I also highly recommend Mr. Goodman's other book, FRENCH DIRT, which led me to reading this one. ... Read more

Product Description

The second edition of First Steps in Academic Writing, by Ann Hogue, provides high-beginning to low-intermediate students with essential tools to master basic academic writing. The text's time-proven approach integrates paragraph organization, sentence structure, grammar, mechanics, and the writing process. First Steps leads students to build strong academic writing skills that will last them throughout their writing careers.

Features:

• A step-by-step approach guides students seamlessly through the writing process.
• Clear, succinct explanations help students to understand and apply key conepts and rules.
• Numerous models and varied practice support students at all stages of writing.
• NEW Try It Out! exercises give students opportunities to assess mastery of new skills. 
• NEW journal writing activities help students build literacy.
• NEW self-editing and peer editing worksheets motivate students to revise.

The Longman Academic Writing Series also consists of:

• Level 1 Fundamentals of Academic Writing
• Level 3 Introduction to Academic Writing, Third Edition
• Level 4 Writing Academic English, Fourth Edition 

Customer Reviews (1)

fast shipping
the book i ordered was still in good condition except the writings on it..but it was specified already in its description..so its ok ... Read more

Product Description
Now available in lay flat, paperback edition, here's the book you need to help elementary students with special needs develop basic writing skills, relate writing to real-life tasks, and explore writing as a creative, enjoyable event! The book includes 135 step-by-step lessons and 269 illustrated activity sheets. It moves from copying words and completing sentences to processing the writing reports and stories, from filling out necessary forms to taking class notes, writing a letter, and addressing an envelope. For quick access and easy use, the lessons and activities are organized into four sections:

1. Writing Words
2. Writing Sentences
3. Writing Paragraphs
4. Other Types of Writing Activities

Customer Reviews (4)

Lifesaver for learners who see the world a little differently
This book is EXACTLY what we need right now.With my younger son, who is now in 3rd grade and is a bit dyslexic and has some language processing difficulties, we are working our way through the very beginning of the book.Spelling is extremely difficult for him, and though I've been a long-time believer in phonics, the exercises for 100 "little words," which are mostly sight-word spelling and usage, is right up his alley.For my son who is in 5th grade, we're about a quarter of the way through the book.He has an odd mix of strengths and weaknesses, and I'm using the book as a resource to analyze where he's lacking in his writing and basic English skills.

Actually, this book really goes beyond simply writing skills:it covers some grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and other language skills, too -- especially in the earlier lessons.

I am a homeschooling mother;we're in our 8th year homeschooling.Many resources that are written for classroom instruction do not work well in a homeschool setting, but this book is PERFECT.It has helpful, simple, yet thorough instruction to the teacher, and reproducible worksheets for the student.

Writing Skills Activities for Special Children
This is an awesome instructional tool for teachers. It breaks down the writing into manageable categories that are easily understood by the students. I will continue to use this in my resource junior high English classes.

An excellent resource
Writing Skills Activities for Special Children is an excellent resource for teaching children who need extra focus on individual components of writing. Exercises range in level/focus from sentences, to paragraphs, to various longer composition styles, to other writing-related skills, such as note-taking.

The book is designed as a supplemental resource book for focus on targeted skills, but the lessons are so nice to have that I sometimes wish it was expanded and formatted as a complete curriculum.

I am using this with my special needs child in home school.

Not just for Special Education!
I am a special education teacher and this book is awesome!It is huge and has a TON of activities on writing words, sentences, and paragraphs.I got it along with "Let's Write!" by Cynthia M., M.Ed. Stowe, but if I had to choose one it would definitely be this one!This is the best book for a huge variety of writing practice pages that can easily be copied.This book makes writing so much easier for children!Don't think it can only be used for special education either!As a teacher, I have bought a lot of books to help me teach a variety of skills and this is easily in my top favorites! ... Read more

Product Description
The Rowman & Littlefield Guide to Writing with Sources offers a thorough and up-to-date discussion of plagiarism and the proper use of sources. The third edition, with new introductory material using current events to highlight the importance of writing ethics and clarity, incorporates the latest revisions to MLA, CSE, and CMS styles. Featuring sample writing and style sheets, this succinct handbook helps writers of all levels and disciplines to assess, quote, cite, and present information from a variety of sources. ... Read more