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      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        May 2016

        The fantasy fiction formula

        by Deborah Chester

        There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing a new type of magic. From the writing of strong, action-packed scenes to the creation of dynamic, multi-dimensional characters, fantasy author Deborah Chester guides novices and intermediate writers through a step-by-step process of story construction. Whether offering tips on how to test a plot premise or survive what she calls the dark dismal middle, Chester shares the techniques she uses in writing her own novels. Examples drawn from both traditional and urban fantasy illustrate her nuts-and-bolts approach to elemental story design. With a foreword by New York Times best-selling author Jim Butcher, who studied writing in Chester's classes at the University of Oklahoma, The fantasy fiction formula delivers a practical, proven approach to writing fantasy like a pro. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Creative writing & creative writing guides
        January 2099

        The fantasy fiction formula

        by Deborah Chester

        There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing a new type of magic. From the writing of strong, action-packed scenes to the creation of dynamic, multi-dimensional characters, fantasy author Deborah Chester guides novices and intermediate writers through a step-by-step process of story construction. Whether offering tips on how to test a plot premise or survive what she calls the dark dismal middle, Chester shares the techniques she uses in writing her own novels. Examples drawn from both traditional and urban fantasy illustrate her nuts-and-bolts approach to elemental story design. With a foreword by New York Times best-selling author Jim Butcher, who studied writing in Chester's classes at the University of Oklahoma, The fantasy fiction formula delivers a practical, proven approach to writing fantasy like a pro.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        January 2016

        The fantasy fiction formula

        by Deborah Chester

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        January 2016

        The fantasy fiction formula

        by Deborah Chester

        There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing a new type of magic. From the writing of strong, action-packed scenes to the creation of dynamic, multi-dimensional characters, fantasy author Deborah Chester guides novices and intermediate writers through a step-by-step process of story construction. Whether offering tips on how to test a plot premise or survive what she calls the dark dismal middle, Chester shares the techniques she uses in writing her own novels. Examples drawn from both traditional and urban fantasy illustrate her nuts-and-bolts approach to elemental story design. With a foreword by New York Times best-selling author Jim Butcher, who studied writing in Chester's classes at the University of Oklahoma, The fantasy fiction formula delivers a practical, proven approach to writing fantasy like a pro. ;

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        February 2020

        A writer's guide to Ancient Rome

        by Carey Fleiner, Jerome de Groot

      • Trusted Partner
        Biography & True Stories
        March 2022

        Body Work

        The Radical Power of Personal Narrative

        by Melissa Febos,

        In this bold and exhilarating mix of memoir and writing guide, Melissa Febos tackles the emotional, psychological, and physical work of writing intimately while offering an utterly fresh examination of the storyteller's life and the challenges it presents. How do we write about the relationships that have formed us? How do we describe our bodies, their desires and traumas? What does it mean to have your writing, or living, dismissed as "navel-gazing"-or else hailed as "so brave, so raw"? And to whom, in the end, do our most intimate stories belong? Drawing on her journey from aspiring writer to acclaimed author and writing professor-via addiction and recovery, sex work and academia-Melissa Febos has created a captivating guide to the writing life, and a brilliantly unusual exploration of subjectivity, privacy, and the power of divulgence. Candid and inspiring, Body Work will empower readers and writers alike, offering ideas-and occasional notes of caution-to anyone who has ever hoped to see their true self reflecting back from the open page.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biography & True Stories
        March 2022

        Body Work

        The Radical Power of Personal Narrative

        by Melissa Febos,

        In this bold and exhilarating mix of memoir and writing guide, Melissa Febos tackles the emotional, psychological, and physical work of writing intimately while offering an utterly fresh examination of the storyteller's life and the challenges it presents. How do we write about the relationships that have formed us? How do we describe our bodies, their desires and traumas? What does it mean to have your writing, or living, dismissed as "navel-gazing"-or else hailed as "so brave, so raw"? And to whom, in the end, do our most intimate stories belong? Drawing on her journey from aspiring writer to acclaimed author and writing professor-via addiction and recovery, sex work and academia-Melissa Febos has created a captivating guide to the writing life, and a brilliantly unusual exploration of subjectivity, privacy, and the power of divulgence. Candid and inspiring, Body Work will empower readers and writers alike, offering ideas-and occasional notes of caution-to anyone who has ever hoped to see their true self reflecting back from the open page.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biography & True Stories
        March 2022

        Body Work

        The Radical Power of Personal Narrative

        by Melissa Febos,

        In this bold and exhilarating mix of memoir and writing guide, Melissa Febos tackles the emotional, psychological, and physical work of writing intimately while offering an utterly fresh examination of the storyteller's life and the challenges it presents. How do we write about the relationships that have formed us? How do we describe our bodies, their desires and traumas? What does it mean to have your writing, or living, dismissed as "navel-gazing"-or else hailed as "so brave, so raw"? And to whom, in the end, do our most intimate stories belong? Drawing on her journey from aspiring writer to acclaimed author and writing professor-via addiction and recovery, sex work and academia-Melissa Febos has created a captivating guide to the writing life, and a brilliantly unusual exploration of subjectivity, privacy, and the power of divulgence. Candid and inspiring, Body Work will empower readers and writers alike, offering ideas-and occasional notes of caution-to anyone who has ever hoped to see their true self reflecting back from the open page.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        March 2021

        A writer's guide to Ancient Rome

        by Carey Fleiner

        'A really fun idea for a book - and full of great stuff.' Greg Jenner, Public Historian This is the perfect guide for any writer who wants to recreate the Roman world accurately in their fiction. It will aid any novelist, screenwriter, games designer or re-enactor in populating their story with authentic characters and scenes, costumes and locations. Written from a historian's perspective, this guide pulls back the curtain to show the reader what life in Ancient Rome was really like: what they wore, what they ate, and how they spent their time at work, at home, at war, and at play. Individual chapters focus on different aspects of Romans' lives, to give you specific knowledge of what they looked like and how they behaved, as well as a broad appreciation of what held their civilisation together, from religion, to the economy, to law and order. You may wish to work your way through the book from cover to cover, or focus specifically on individual chapters as you hone your creative writing skills. Covering the period between 200 BCE and 200 CE, A writer's guide to Ancient Rome surveys the vast amount of sources and scholarship on the Classical world so you don't have to! It outlines current scholarly debates and changing interpretations, suggests further reading, and recommends particular resources to mine for each topic. It gives you plenty to consider while you construct your own Roman world.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        November 2023

        David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine

        by Nicholas Royle

        In this one-of-a-kind book, novelist and academic Nicholas Royle brings together two remarkably different creative figures: Enid Blyton and David Bowie. His exploration of their lives and work delves deeply into questions about the value of art, music and literature, as well as the role of universities in society. Blending elements of memoir and cultural commentary, Royle creates a tender and often hilarious portrait of family life during the pandemic, weaving it together with musings on dreams, second-hand bookshops and unpublished photos of Bowie taken by Stephen Finer. He also shares previously unrecorded details about Blyton's personal life, notably her love affair with Royle's grandmother. David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine offers a singular perspective on the cultural significance of two iconic figures. In doing so, it makes a compelling case for the power of storytelling and music to shape our lives.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        October 2023

        Crafting crime fiction

        by Henry Sutton

        John le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is? Everyone's story, resources and experience are different. This book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your crime novel. It will enable you to recognise your talent and realise your ambition in practical and realistic ways. Good crime fiction is about being different in a highly competitive and crowded market. Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, there are practical aspects and approaches that need to be considered. Plot, point of view and pace are the three most important. Others include suspense, mystery and surprise. There's also the key issue of entertainment. No one wants to read a dull book. This guide will help new and experienced writers to navigate the writing journey with greater knowledge, enthusiasm and skill. It will accelerate the process of creating a standout crime novel, with added purpose and sense of voice - your voice.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        November 2023

        David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine

        by Nicholas Royle

        In this one-of-a-kind book, novelist and academic Nicholas Royle brings together two remarkably different creative figures: Enid Blyton and David Bowie. His exploration of their lives and work delves deeply into questions about the value of art, music and literature, as well as the role of universities in society. Blending elements of memoir and cultural commentary, Royle creates a tender and often hilarious portrait of family life during the pandemic, weaving it together with musings on dreams, second-hand bookshops and unpublished photos of Bowie taken by Stephen Finer. He also shares previously unrecorded details about Blyton's personal life, notably her love affair with Royle's grandmother. David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine offers a singular perspective on the cultural significance of two iconic figures. In doing so, it makes a compelling case for the power of storytelling and music to shape our lives.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        November 2023

        David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine

        by Nicholas Royle

        In this one-of-a-kind book, novelist and academic Nicholas Royle brings together two remarkably different creative figures: Enid Blyton and David Bowie. His exploration of their lives and work delves deeply into questions about the value of art, music and literature, as well as the role of universities in society. Blending elements of memoir and cultural commentary, Royle creates a tender and often hilarious portrait of family life during the pandemic, weaving it together with musings on dreams, second-hand bookshops and unpublished photos of Bowie taken by Stephen Finer. He also shares previously unrecorded details about Blyton's personal life, notably her love affair with Royle's grandmother. David Bowie, Enid Blyton and the sun machine offers a singular perspective on the cultural significance of two iconic figures. In doing so, it makes a compelling case for the power of storytelling and music to shape our lives.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        October 2023

        Crafting crime fiction

        by Henry Sutton

        John le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is? As writers, we all have different experiences and skills to draw upon, and this book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your own crime novel. Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, you will need to consider the basic elements of a gripping narrative. Within these pages, you'll learn to master the art of storytelling, from creating a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to choosing the perfect point of view to bring your characters to life. Dive into the depths of suspense, mystery, and surprise, as you unravel the intricacies of crafting a crime novel that captivates and entertains. This guide will help any new or experienced writer to navigate the writing journey, uncovering the core principles that will make your crime fiction truly exceptional.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        October 2023

        Crafting crime fiction

        by Henry Sutton

        John le Carré said the best place to start a crime novel is as near to the end of the story as possible. But how do you know what the story is? As writers, we all have different experiences and skills to draw upon, and this book will help you identify the right beginning, middle and end for your own crime novel. Whether you are writing a police procedural or a psychological thriller, you will need to consider the basic elements of a gripping narrative. Within these pages, you'll learn to master the art of storytelling, from creating a compelling plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats to choosing the perfect point of view to bring your characters to life. Dive into the depths of suspense, mystery, and surprise, as you unravel the intricacies of crafting a crime novel that captivates and entertains. This guide will help any new or experienced writer to navigate the writing journey, uncovering the core principles that will make your crime fiction truly exceptional.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        May 2025

        Writing creatively for work or study

        Easy techniques to engage your readers

        by Helen Kara

        A unique guide featuring tips for improving your professional writing through creative formats and techniques. Workplace writing doesn't have to be dull. In fact, there's evidence that more creative approaches can capture a reader's interest and increase the accessibility, comprehension and memorability of the most everyday documents. Writing creatively for work or study shows you how to apply formats and techniques from creative writing to professional communication. Whether you're creating a business plan, a sales report or terms and conditions, simple principles such as establishing tension, using sensory language and employing well-chosen metaphors can engage a reader's emotions, turning a drab piece of prose into something memorable. At the more inventive end of the scale, documents in the form of novels, comic books or even film scripts can have a dramatic impact and ensure your work makes a lasting impression. Featuring a wealth of real-life examples, plus exercises to help you develop your skills, Writing creatively for work or study proves that writing for work can also be fun.

      • Trusted Partner
        Teaching, Language & Reference
        May 2025

        Writing creatively for work or study

        Easy techniques to engage your readers

        by Helen Kara

        A unique guide featuring tips for improving your professional writing through creative formats and techniques. Workplace writing doesn't have to be dull. In fact, there's evidence that more creative approaches can capture a reader's interest and increase the accessibility, comprehension and memorability of the most everyday documents. Writing creatively for work or study shows you how to apply formats and techniques from creative writing to professional communication. Whether you're creating a business plan, a sales report or terms and conditions, simple principles such as establishing tension, using sensory language and employing well-chosen metaphors can engage a reader's emotions, turning a drab piece of prose into something memorable. At the more inventive end of the scale, documents in the form of novels, comic books or even film scripts can have a dramatic impact and ensure your work makes a lasting impression. Featuring a wealth of real-life examples, plus exercises to help you develop your skills, Writing creatively for work or study proves that writing for work can also be fun.

      • Creative writing & creative writing guides

        Under Construction

        by Christine Farris

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