Book Description
The Only Book on the Market Expressly for Fiction Writers Looking to Publish Their Work *Features 1350 market listings exclusively for fiction writers *Includes a new section on Graphic Novel and Comic markets *Highlights genre opportunities for writers
For twenty-six years, 2007 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market has been the only resource of its kind for fiction writers. Perfect for anyone writing novels and stories--whether romance or literary, horror or graphic novels--this packed resource also features how-to articles on the craft of fiction and the business of getting published, as well as new interviews with Bret Lott, Judy Budnitz, Aimee Bender, Mark Childress, Sonny Brewer, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Just Google.......2007-10-01
This book takes people's money and uses up trees. Just use the Internet and you'll get a lot more information, and for free. People in the publishing industry--editors and agents--move around like gophers, popping up here and there on a regular basis. No book is going to be reliable, and a book made up of sloppily acquired information is going to be worse than no book at all, because you'll think it's right. Even the Internet sources can steer a writer to obsolete information, but at least you have numerous sources to draw from.
Good reference for fiction writers.......2007-08-19
If you're a fiction writer, you'll find all sorts of useful information in this book. Especially if you're relatively new to the scene and not an experienced insider. The first 150 pages consist of interviews and articles about writing, some of which were not of interest to me. But these pieces covered many topics and included materials for literary writers and genre writers too.
The Resources section at the back of the book included a highly useful glossary of genres, in case you're one of the many confused by the proliferation of sub-categories and markets in this area. Also, on page 544, there was a listing of corporate behemoths and the presses they own. (OK, this info changes frequently, but this will give you a place to start tracing who's really in charge.)
The listings of agents, lit magazines, genre markets, mass market magazines, workshops, prizes was comprehensive enough. (Of course, you'll want to go to their individual websites to check for recent staffing changes and detailed submission guidelines.) I was happy to see a section of online magazines too.
There are lots of lists and indexes sorted so that you can find information quickly. This book is well organized and easy to use.
If you ARE an insider with a long history and lots of literary contacts, you may not find this book as helpful; save your money and go to the websites. But for the rest, I'd recommend this book.
More Helpful Information.......2007-08-08
I checked this book out of my local library -- I've not used this particular edtion of these books put out by Writer's Digest. They aren't repetitive though. Each has a specific focus. I'm beginning to think I like these annuals as much for the insightful, encouraging and informative articles that they always contain, as for the listing information! I don't have a writer's group that I belong to, so reading these articles is uplifting. I enjoy reading the thoughts and insights of people for whom the writing life is of utmost importance. So these books are are a learning experience in many ways.
2007 Novel & Short Story Writers' Market.......2007-05-20
This book is just what the doctor ordered for this aspiring beginning writer. Having no idea where to submit, nor the in and outs of submission, this is proving to be an invaluable resource. I am grateful it exists!
Novel and Short Story Writing Markets.......2007-05-19
This book provides an invaluable service to writers in the fiction genre. It contains markets for those interested in writing a full length novel, as well as those who pen short stories. I find that it extremely helpful to narrow down markets to help the writer sort out which publisher is best suited for the manuscript at hand.
You will enjoy reading this book, and learning about the markets that are contained within it.
Woman Reclining
Average customer rating:
- Simple advice from a book ahead of its time
- The inspiration for The Artist's Way
- Becoming a Writer - Dorothea Brande
- not just another book on writing
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Becoming a Writer
Dorothea Brande
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ASIN: 0874771641 |
Amazon.com
Even in 1934, Dorothea Brande knew that most writers didn't need another book on "technique" -- and this, before so many more would be published. No, she realized, as John Gardner notes in his foreword, "the root problems of the writer are personality problems," and thus her wise book is designed to simply help you get over yourself and start writing, with techniques ranging from a simple declaration to write every day at a fixed time -- no matter what -- to exercises that come close to inventing the TM and self-actualization movements that would follow a few decades later.
Customer Reviews:
Simple advice from a book ahead of its time.......2007-10-10
I am not a professional writer, however, I am learning to write ebooks and wanted guidance on getting into the the mindset of being a writer. This book did the job for me. Although written in 1934, the advice is well ahead of its time.
I was procrastinating about writing an ebook for weeks and took the authors advice to start writing as soon as I get up from bed in the morning and write whatever comes to my mind.In other words, let the sub concious come forth with ideas and information. Within 3 days I had completed a draft version of my ebook.
If you want an easy to follow book on becomming a writer, I would recommend this to anyone.
The inspiration for The Artist's Way.......2007-08-19
Long before Julia Cameron gave budding artists a creative kickstart with "The Artist's Way", Dorothea Brande was coaxing aspiring writers out of self-imposed dry spells, first with her creative writing classes and finally with "Becoming A Writer", which is a Cliff Notes version of the practical lessons she presented to one roomful of disillusioned students after another during the 1920s.
"Becoming a Writer" was originally published in 1934. Long before introspection became the norm in our society, Ms. Brande addressed the fears and frustrations that prevent writers from maximizing their true potential. She proposed a series of exercises to get one's creative mechanisms in gear and make the act of writing so automatic that self-censorship loses its hold. She scorned the adage that where writing was concerned, "true genius can't be taught", elevating the hopes of her students and the hackles of the existing literary community, which (figuratively) shot interlopers on sight. By encouraging the use of daily writing, regular exercise, and heavy doses of reading as the means of unlocking creative power, Ms Brande probably saved many new authors from seeking inspiration in a bottle of bathtub gin.
It's a small book, and the content is sparse compared to the huge volumes that occupy the shelves in the Writers and Writing sections of bookstores, but in the case of "Becoming A Writer", a little says a lot.
Becoming a Writer - Dorothea Brande.......2007-08-17
Excellent book for all beginning writers and is just as useful for those who have been writing for a while. Mrs Brande attacks the subject in a witty and encouraging way so that one's enthusiasm is fired up once again. Well worth having on your book shelf.
not just another book on writing.......2007-01-10
this book is different - you won't find tips or methods on technique or style. brande provide no analysis of the myth structure, for instance, or how to make characters real. rather, it's a manual on how to nurture the philosophy, lifestyle, and attitude of a writer. in essence, its a guide to training your subconscience so you can tap into it and become a writer.
among her exercises, she suggests waking up an hour early and writing. in this early morning, you catch the subconscience in the act, if you will, and allows you to capture some of the precious thoughts before your conscienceness has a chance to edit and censor. she goes on to help you learn how you can harness that subconscience thought at will, and evoke it whenever you want to write, and so overcome writer's block.
i found her approach fresh, and felt that she addresses the more spiritual or less concrete side of being a writer, where many other books tend to fall short. she helped bridge the gap of wanting to be a writer and learning to become one, not through learning technique, necessarily, but through learning how to think and feel like an actor. i keep a copy by my bedside and refer to it periodically when i feel stuck or uninspired in my writing.
For Inspiration and Wisdom.......2006-12-28
I love this book and have read it again and again. She's absolutely on target as to her advice on how to write and what habits to adopt as a writer.
Book Description
"John Gardner was famous for his generosity to young writers, and (this book) is his . . . gift to them. The Art of Fiction will fascinate anyone interested in how fiction gets put together. For the young writer, it will become a necessary handbook, a stern judge, an encouraging friend."--The New York Times Book Review.
Customer Reviews:
Happy Customer.......2007-04-06
Got what I want in the condition I wanted when I expected. Good work.
2 Stars........2006-04-14
This book has many wonderful reviews. I ordered the book and was looking forward to reading it. So I read it, then read it again. I didnt find much that is helpful to new writers. Certainly no "Ah,Hah!" moments.
Gardner reminds me of something a professor once told me: "If you were lost in the Amazon jungle would you want an Indian to help you OR someone who knows a lot about Indians?" Gardner knows a lot about writers! This book showcases his knowledge of writers and literature. Very interesting book.
But what exactly it does to help new writers is a mystery. New writers are not Tolstoy or Dickens or Balzac. New writers need to know how to hobble a book together that will fly...later they can soar.
Fantastic Advice.......2006-03-08
This is simply one of the best books on creative writing I have ever read (a sizable list by this point.) Gardner not only breaks down the process very carefully but elucidates with such beautifully precise language that the book is a joyous as well as an instructive read. In addition, Gardner focuses on the purpose and history of fiction, bringing his extensive academic knowledge to the fore. Rather than a how-to book, Gardner explains how some of the best works were constructed and shows how different narrative structures achieve different effects on their audiences. Perhaps the only drawback, and only a drawback for some, is how vociferously opinionated Gardner is, never afraid to laud his favorites (Tolstoy) and censure those who don't cut the mustard (Steinbeck, Faulkner). Yet even if you don't always agree with him, you can certainly admire his analysis.
I recommend this book to anyone who cares about literature, drama, and narrative (I actually read it for a screenwriting course).
Infamous Bridge-Burner Offers Highly Subjective Opinion On Writing.......2006-01-18
No wonder John Gardner didn't write more fiction books. He was far too preoccupied with what he believes makes good fiction, rather than actually writing it. "Creative atrophy" I believe John Gardner himself would call it. If there's ever been a better example of the "those who can't do, teach" argument, I haven't encountered it. This is hardly the place a "Young Writer" should start. Instead, how about reading what you like and avoiding "ignoramouses" such as John Gardner? John Gardner is unable to accept the fact that many of the world's finest writers never made it through college, and many more didn't have the luxury of a "rigorous classical education." The most hilarious part is where Gardner mentions that only through a line-by-line university level discussion will anybody ever be able to fully enjoy Shakespeare. It's interesting to note how Gardner, who "taught" creative writing at the university level, fails to exhibit the critical thinking and objectivity he says one can only obtain through a college education.
The Path Hath Twists.......2005-10-19
What most people don't know about good writing could fill a book. This is probably that book. If you're considering purchasing it, don't hesitate. 'The Art of Fiction' is worth any price if you honestly want to learn to write. Gardner is the most readable authority. However, I offer one warning: His mathematical explanation of plotting profluence is cold. Profluance can be achieved more organically, I believe, and the process of artificially constructing emotive 'triggers' (as will be plain all over 'Grendel' after reading his instructional book) is, to use Gardner's own term, a little frigid. But then again, if it hadn't been for John Gardner, I might never have become that sensitive to linguistic nuances. Get this book, buy it for anyone who you believe wants to write. But do not be wooed into thinking John Gardner's mastery can be your own. 'The Art of Fiction' is a path, not a destination.
Book Description
Gotham Writers' Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book.
Here you'll find:
- The fundamental elements of fiction craft-character, plot, point of view, etc.-explained clearly and completely
- Key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction
- The complete text of "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver-a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book
- Exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing
Written by Gotham Writers' Workshop expert instructors and edited by Dean of Faculty Alexander Steele, Writing Fiction offers the same methods and exercises that have earned the school international acclaim.
Once you've read-and written-your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels.
You will be a writer.
Customer Reviews:
Strong for the beginners.......2007-09-23
Long familiar with the Gotham Writer's Workshop, I expected more from this work, but passed it on to several others and they found it helpful. I believe its strength lies in the organization it brings to your outlining and writing, carrying over to all phases of work. If you're just kicking off the life-long desire to write and are not schooled formally in creative writing, I highly recommend this.
Excellent Guide.......2007-08-05
Of more than a dozen books on the craft of writing fiction I've read, this is the clearest introductory book. Edited by Alexander Steele, it comprises eleven chapters, each by a different writing teacher. At first, this raised my concern: so many voices. Not to worry -- the book has been superbly edited to hold together.
Alexander Steele, the author of the first chapter, engaged me right away with his amiable and highly informed voice. Subsequent chapters sustain this voice while presenting remarkably clear expositions of basic constitutive elements of fiction: character; plot; point of view; description; dialogue; setting and pacing; voice; theme; and revision. These chapters include numerous brief excerpts from outstanding contemporary writers such as Jane Smiley, Arundhati Roy, and Milan Kundera. Moreover, the book thoroughly analyzes a classic contemporary short story, Raymond Carver's "Cathedral." The story, in full, appears in the appendix. Also in the appendix is a 2-page "cheat sheet" highlighting the key points of the entire book. The concluding chapter, "The Business of Writing" offers many valuable tips.
Five star book.
-- C J Singh
Advice that summarize the art of writing fiction.......2007-05-06
This book helps me to remember the most important rules when writing a novel. It is described in a very pedagogic manner. Still it is very hard for me to understand how to use different perspectiv but I am on my way with what is written here. Anyhow the book is not for for advanced writer but is great for beginners and almost beginners.
well written with practical exercises.......2007-04-08
easy to follow with practical exercises. Good for the beginning writer looking to build confidence and practice in the art of building characters and stories
book on writing.......2006-11-10
Excellent. Great, practical exercises. Highly recommended. I've been a professional writer for more than 20 years and this is the best book on writing I've read.
Book Description
This book corrects common media misconceptions about the nature of the criminal psyche in order to help writers create more credible and convincing characters. The Criminal Mind examines the fundamentals of psychology and law, theories of criminality, and character disorders that can lead to criminal behavior. Writers will learn how criminals think and how forensic psychology is used to catch them.
Katherine Ramsland also explores the legal process, including psychological evaluations, lie detection, insanity pleas and the treatment of criminals and victims.
Customer Reviews:
Not the best.......2006-01-23
Yes, it is adequate, but my advice to any write who is seriously considering writing about anything psychologically related is to simply buy a psychology book related to what you want. They, for the most part, are not that hard to understand and are very often much more interesting than any how-to book or any mass market fiction. This book gives a good overview, but not much else.
My advice is:
If you are writing about forensic psychology in general read: "Dark Dreams" by Roy Hazelwood and or "Mindhunter" by John Douglas as well as "On-Scene Guide for Crisis Negotiators" by Lanceley. These books will teach you more than any how to book ever could. They have been invaluable to me.
If you are writing about a specific disorder: Browse through the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM IV) if you don't know which disorder to use. After that, simply get a book about that specific disorder. Here are my reccomendations-
Dissociative identity Disorder (multiple personality)- "The Dissociative Identity Sourcebook", "Got Parts? An Insider's guide to Dissociative Identity disorder"
Post-Traumatic Stress- "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- A Victim's Guide To Healing and Recovery"
Scizophrenia- "Schizophrenia Symptoms Causes and Treatments"; "Mad in America" (this is more a history of schizophrenia in American medicine, but it is AMAZING and eye-opening.)
Addiction- "The Addictive Personality" by Nakkan. (One of my personal favorites) or anything by Terance Gorski.
And of course, get a book specific to the addiction. Just look, you'll be surprised at what's available! And, also watch A&E's show "Intervention". Seeing actual addicts will really add to your characters.
Basically, just get a specific book on what you to do. It will be much more helpful than this, which is okay, but basically just an overview. Just do a little research. Nothing can substitute for the real thing. Don't be afraid to buckle down and do a little digging and hard work. It will pay off immensly and give your work an air of truth that an over view like this can't provide. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. Come to think of it, after this I think I'll creat a list on Listmania. I'll call it... A writer's guide to the mind. It'll have much more on it!
*And of course, all of these items are avaliable on Amazon.
Review of The Criminal Mind.......2002-10-07
Writer's Digest Books' The Criminal Mind by Katherine Ramsland is an insightful tool for the serious crime writer. It is more intellectual than most self-help writing books and can provide interesting ideas for fleshing out characters. It is deeply rooted in psychological theory and that makes it an exceptionally interesting read. Complex topics are explained in layman's terms. It is nice to have a writing guide by such a talented writer.
Excellent reference tool for crime/fiction writer.......2002-08-15
The Criminal Mind: A Writer's Guide to Forensic Psychology is an excellent reference tool for any crime or fiction writer who wants to write a believable story involving elements of criminal behavior and those who investigate and treat individuals who display this behavior. Katherine Ramsland, Ph.D., is herself a forensic psychologist and the author of fourteen previous nonfiction books. She uses a mixture of fiction and fact to describe the fundamentals of forensic psychology. She stresses the importance of keeping characters and their behavior realistic to an extent. By knowing how your character would really behave, Ramsland suggests that the writer can add credibility to both characters and plot of the crime, mystery or suspense novel.
Ramsland includes the liberal use of notorious examples from pop culture and media to illustrate various aspects of forensic psychology. From brief descriptions of individual assessment tools, to court testimony and strategy, she gives the writer/researcher answers to her many questions. Ramsland uses numerous colorful examples to illustrate her points, from real-life serial killers Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Daumer, to popular TV shows like "Law and Order" and the novels of Patricia Cornwell (The Body Farm) and Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal).
The Criminal Mind is written in clear, informal language, even given the necessary legal, forensic and psychological jargon defined throughout the book. This book is a must-have guide to help writers create truly human "bad guys" as well as believable mental health professionals.
Book Description
The great paradox of the writing life is that to be a good writer, you must be both interested in the world around you and comfortable working in solitude for hours on end. Fiction Writer's Workshop, 2nd edition is designed to help writers foster a strong sense of independence, of being and thinking on their own, of becoming both disciplined and self-evaluative (not self-critical) in order to accomplish for themselves what others seek out in classroom groups. This comprehensive guide contains all of the key elements of a writing workshop: clear instruction illustrated by contemporary and classic works, innovative exercises and methods to gauge progress, and techniques for developing day-to-day discipline as well as a personal writing style.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent intermediary guide book.......2007-09-21
Once you have read an introductory book like Brayfield's Bestseller or Kings 'On writing' this is the book to buy and use.
Novakovich covers there basic elements: Setting /Character/Plot/PoV/Dialogue & Scene/Begins and endings / description/ vice and revision. He uses numerous examples form published literature and each chapter concludes with a number of good exercises.
One topic Novakovich does not cover is writers block. Maybe that is because he provides the solutions. Writers block is either due to lack of ideas or anxiety about one's writing. Novakovich provides the solutions - a chapter on the sources of fiction and a reference book to dip into every time one feels a anxious.
The beauty of Fiction Writers Workshop is the exercise - do them - and that all aspects are covered in one short book. That is also its disadvantage. Successful writing is complex, it requires fluent and adaptive use of a number of skills. To become fluent you will need to read and practice each in greater depth than can be provided in one book that covers them all. Don't make the mistake I made of going in depth on one skill first. It can lead to imbalance. Start with Fiction Writers Workshop and you will gain a balance.
Readers of this review can review it - tick the box 'useful' or 'not useful'. There is something I have noticed in those reviews. If reviews are critical then people are less likely to tick the box - 'useful' and more likely to tick the box 'Not useful'. What they are in fact saying is 'It was a nice review'. For a writer that is the worst kind of review. It leads you up the garden path. An author needs is honest candid review.
I'm not being nice about Fiction Writer's Workshop. It is that good.
just Jack
Excellent Read for the Slow Starter.......2007-07-01
This book is a must read for anyone who has trouble getting started. The mantra that has been beaten into my head over and over by most college professors is the importance of writing everyday. However, that's often easier said than done. Outside of CW courses, class assignments and workshops, it's been very difficult for me to get started and I've never been big on journaling. This excercises in this book have provided me with countless "assignments" to help get the creative juices flowing. If you find that you need a little push to get going, this book is for you.
Wonderful book.......2007-05-03
I have taken several classes lately and with them gotten several books. Most of them have at least some valuable information to make one a better writer with modern examples, but this book is unique in that you never feel like the author is giving you lines in which you are supposed to color inside of to make a good picture. You never feel pressured either. Since I am a beginning writer, this was the perfect atmosphere for me because there was room to learn new things, and reject some things without feeling I am suffering long-term as a writer. If one feels a strong sense of personal voice, this is the best book to acquire and develop new skills (as well as refine existing ones)
Fiction Writer's Workshop by Josip Novakovich.......2007-03-16
The book arrived in excellent condition within the scheduled delivery time.
This book is terrific, well written, an excellent resource. Understandable and practical. Bravo!
Thank you,
Francine Keehnel
Outstanding Writing Instruction.......2006-11-04
This gives you the how and the why and what you must do to accomplish what you wish to accomplish in your writing. Worth every penny.
Book Description
Many aspiring and experienced novelists toss out hundreds of pages (and waste valuable time) before they have a workable first draft of a novel. With Karen Wiesner's book, those days are over. In this guide, readers will find:
-A systematic method for completing a detailed first draft in just thirty days -Sure-fire methods to reduce time-intensive rewrites and avoid writing detours -Comprehensive, detailed, and interactive worksheets to make the process seem less like work and more like a game
Flexible and customizable, this revolutionary system can be modified to fit any writer's approach and style.
Customer Reviews:
Okay, if you like making word processing templates yourself.......2007-02-18
You need to decide whether you write from the seat-of-your-pants or whether you are a planner. This book is for planners. Buy No Plot, No Problem if you are the other sort.
Okay, you're a planner. Should you buy this book. Well, it doesn't cost much and it has a decent system. Other systems to look at would be the Marshall Plan, the Weekend Novelist or The Novelist's Bootcamp.
I would recommend How to Write a Damn Good Mystery to either sort.
What's wrong this book? The most important parts of this book are the worksheets. They are printed in the book. You must copy them and write on the copies in long hand or take the time to reproduce them all using your word processor.
I myself would rather spend my time writing. In this day in age there is not reason why I should not be able to download the worksheets in electronic format. I would even settle for paying more for them; however, the publisher gives a lame excuse that doesn't cut it--basically, they just don't want to do it.
Here's the excuse from the author's web site:
Q. I just got my hands on the book a couple of days ago, Karen, and I'm in love. What I do wish...that I could order a CD with all the forms instead of having to copy or remake them. I know they all existed as forms on your computer...and I know Writer's Digest does CDs with its Writer's Market. Any possibilities there? Also, it occurred to me that you might want to do online workshops...and you could include the forms in the workshop if you don't have copyright or permission conflicts.
A. Since my background is with small press and electronic publishers, one of the first questions I asked Writer's Digest Books was about offering 1) an inexpensive workbook that included only the worksheets, so they could be re-used easily for each new project, and 2) printable order forms on my website. The first suggestion wasn't possible--this isn't something WDB does normally. As for the second option, I was told that since the worksheets are one of the most valuable aspects of the book--the heart of it, it's not really feasible to put more than three of the worksheets on my website. I chose the most frequently used ones or the most intensive, so those are the ones available on the website now. Please be aware that it's illegal to distribute or put these worksheets on any website. You may make copies for your own use, or download them to you computer for individual use.
Useful Book, IF you want to Outline your Novel in Advance.......2006-12-28
There are basically two types of fiction writers. There are the ones that thoroughly outline the book in advance (Dan Brown did a 200 page outline of the Da Vinci Code before he wrote the book) and those that essentially make up the story as they go along (Stephen King and Dean Koontz are examples).
If you're like me, outlining is a must. I'm a very structure-oriented person, and I like to plan things out in advance. So for me, FIRST DRAFT IN 30 DAYS is a very helpful book, because it is essentially a manual on how to do a highly detailed outline of a novel. This is probably the best handbook on novel outlining that I have ever read.
The problem with outlining, however, is that it is difficult to reduce every work of fiction to the same type of outline. Karen Wiesner is a romantic suspense author, so her outline template works mainly for novels in that genre. Her approach will therefore not work if you're writing something different (a literary novel, a comedic novel, etc.)
So this book is great if (1) you like outlining and (2) plan on writing a book in the suspense/thriller genre. If you don't fit these categories, then this book will probably be of little practical use.
BRINGING ORDER TO THE PROCESS.......2006-11-30
First Draft in 30 Days, by Karen Wiesner, presents an orderly approach to the potentially messy process of creating a novel. Whether or not you ever actually write an entire first draft within thirty days, Wiesner's format provides a track to run on, to help get organized. It's an opportunity to satisfy the left brain's need for structure and organization, so the right brain can romp and play.
No doubt, some readers will cringe at the 30-day approach. As novelists, we often lack deadlines, self-imposed or not. This is a potential pitfall, as the time absorbed in the completion of any task tends to expand to the time available.
Some writers may worry that the resulting formatted outline may not really qualify as a first draft. Rather than be turned off by the whole concept of outlining and organization, use the portions that work for you and ignore the rest.
And if you're like me, you occasionally end up with a manuscript that "needs something." Wiesner outlines a process for using First Draft in 30 Days to troubleshoot a manuscript and get back on track. This by itself is worth the price of the book.
Really, I wouldn't bother.......2006-08-13
I don't think Karen Wiesner's plotting techniques can be applied to any piece of fiction worth reading. All you need to do is flip to worksheet 15 to see how flawed her system is. She recomends plotting out with short-term goal, thwarting of short-term goal, character reaction. This leads to a very choppy, jumpy piece of fiction. What's worse is that the "real life examples" (she takes published, popular books and uses them to fill out her worksheets as examples) don't even work with her system. There's a bunch of blanks with The Lovely Bones. And she encourages her plotters to fill out every part of the worksheet using detailed instruction-- but in the real life examples each part is rarely more than a sentence! Her instructions are confusing. Her worksheets are confusing. Her examples are confusing.
And even the books she cites as examples do not use the formula she has laid out for plotting. No book has that much reaction. Thank goodness. It would be an awful bore to read!
Save some frustration and read Evan Marshall's workbook instead.
Finally...........2006-05-14
FINALLY a system that's comprehensive, workable, and successful. "First Draft in 30 Days" is not the typical blah, blah, blah scenario of most supposed writing guides (and believe me, I've read them all).
I completed my manuscript a year ago, have been submitting to agents, have had some interest, yet knew that something just wasn't working with the manuscript.
In less than a week, I've narrowed down the organizational issues. By the end of June, the manuscript will be cohesive and salable--thanks to "First Draft in 30 Days."
Wish I could have read a book that was so instructive years ago, but since "First Draft in 30 Days" was only recently released, I'm thrilled to have it in my creative little hands now.
Thanks to "First Draft in 30 Days," I'm well on my way to publication!
Amazon.com
Where did Sophie battle the Cacafuego? Where is Aubrey's beloved Ashgrove cottage? What route did Maturin take with his bear? What's so desolate about Kerguelen Island? What's the best route from Botany Bay to Moahu? Find the answers to these and hundreds of other questions in this indispensable guide to the terrain and cartography of O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin novels.
Book Description
This indispensable guide to navigating the well-loved Aubrey-Maturin novels has been updated, with new chapters devoted to the final books in the series. Harbors and High Seas includes maps created exclusively for each of the novels in this world-renowned series.
Customer Reviews:
O'Brian Companion.......2007-10-05
I am more than 1.2 way through the Patrick O'Brian / Jack Aubury series and being a sailor have enjoyed the books very much. This companion allows an even deeper appreciation for the series as it allows me to visualize the places where the historical fiction is taking place.
harbors and high seas.......2007-09-14
This is a must have book when reading the Aubrey-Maturin series. It brings to life the voyages through maps and synopses of each place the ships traveled. Also it explains that some of the locations are fictional but places them in likely locations. I really enjoyed this book and wish I had it when i began reading the series. You have to get it.
Good companion book.......2007-08-22
A great companion book to the O'Brian "Master and Commander" Series. It's nice to see the maps of the places described in the books. It was especially helpful in being able to picture fight scenes and ships positioning. If you want to be able to visualize what the author wants you to see, buy this book.
For the true O'Brien aficionado's out there . . .......2006-06-30
A wonderfully illustrated geographical guide to the complete series. Great for both historians and the geographically-challenged, this book enhances the enjoyment of each novel. While King tries hard to avoid any 'spoilers' one has to be careful in looking at the route plots too early in each novel lest you see unexpected developments revealed - or, as Jack Aubrey would say, you'll be brought by the lee like a true lubber! Enjoy.
a rather weak effort.......2005-12-21
I dislike rambling Amazon user reviews, and so I'll keep this short; Mr. King's book is reasonably good in terms of maps, though one might wish that a few more were added. The introductory material is somewhat interesting, if a bit simplistic. The prose leaves something to be desired; I found myself constantly irritated by particularly inept turns of phrase.
All of this could be forgiven, though, if it were not for the most disappointing aspect --- which is the reason I'm writing this review --- namely, King's summaries of the novels. These summaries were one of the main reasons I decided to buy the book. I had read the first 14 O'Brian novels over the course of three months, earlier this year, but a fall semester of full-time graduate studies understandably pulled me away from the adventures; I found that the passage of time had left the exact order of events a bit hazy, and so I was looking forward to reading summaries of the first 14 installments. King's summaries are truly terrible; he usually recounts only the battles in any given book, if that much, and rarely mentions anything else of note (Diana Villiers and Sophie Aubrey are mentioned only twice each, in passing; Wray is mentioned once). Also, in order to 'avoid spoiling the endings,' he has left out the most important plot points of each novel; in certain cases he will leave out the entire final third of a plot, because to summarize that aspect of the novel would be to 'give away the ending,' which seems to me extremely idiotic if one's stated goal is to provide summaries of the novels (and not, say, a book review, in which one wouldn't want to give away the ending).
Customer Reviews:
a useful source.......2002-04-06
I found this book to be both interesting and informative and also very useful in writing a crime story. It will definitely give you an idea of how the cops in your story should act at a crime scene and what they should and shouldn't do. The book is also helpful even if your main character isn't a cop at all. I do have a couple of complaints about the book though. For one thing, the author gives way too much detail on some things. Like the fingerprints. The chapters on fingerprints seemed to be aimed more at someone who wants to become a fingerprint expert instead of just writing fiction about them. I found parts of the fingerprint chapters to be extremely boring and I even skipped through a small portion of it. Although some amount of detail can add realism to a story, I really cannot understand why anyone would want to put THAT much detail on fingerprints into a work of fiction. Secondly, the author slips into stories of personal experience several times in the novel. Most of the stories are interesting and could help a writer, but a couple of them just seem to be rambling by the author and really have nothing to add that would help anyone in writing a novel. But despite these complaints, I still found the book to be very useful and, for the most part, very interesting. I would definitely recommend it.
Scene of the Crime: The Howdunit Series.......2001-03-20
A great source of information on the field of Crime Scene Investigation. This books gives a great comprehensive overview of the field and how it may work from small towns to larger cities. A great source to find out if it may be something you would like to get into as a career.
A fingerprint in the Howdunit series.......2001-03-02
Scene of the Crime has lots of facts about fingerprints and examining possible pieces of evidence at a crime scene. I found the sections about identifying remains and what changes the body goes through after death very interesting. I learned a lot of information that will help me in my writing.
On the down side, I did have a hard time focusing on this book. It is very similar to the other books in the Howdunit series, and this is the only reason for a lower rating. However, I do believe that the entire Howdunit Series (I now call it "The Writer's Bible series") could not be complete without this book.
Scene of the Crime may be similar to other books in the series, but it DOES have a lot of knowledge that the other books missed!
Tempted to gloss over.......2000-11-29
Not being a full fledge crime writer, I am always tempted to gloss over scenes that require me to do research in an unfamiluar area. That is what I depend on this series of books to do... fill me in. At three a.m...I just want to know one or two little facts that add realism to a small scene. This book was a very helpful reference guide...who comes first to the scene of a crime. Who ask the questions? Who gathers the clues? You only get so much from watching Murder She Wrote.
Very readable and helpful.......2000-07-11
I'm working on a series of mystery novels and have read most of the books in the "Howdunit" series. They're all more or less helpful, but this is far and away the best. The other authors seemed to think in terms of "I'm going to tell you everything I know in 100 pages," so their books often read like criminology Cliff Notes. Ms. Wingate, on the other hand, is a practicing mystery author and has an excellent sense of what an author needs to know, so the book is not only full of useful information but well-organized and fun to read (if you're not squeamish). She's clear about her areas of expertise and non-expertise: she has years of experience in fingerprinting, so she's very explicit and thorough about that, whereas in other areas (e.g., guns) she just gives a quick overview and refers the reader to the "real" experts for the technical details.
I found the sample forms and reports very helpful as a guide to what investigators are looking for, and how information is communicated from (say) the fiber experts to the police. I've always especially enjoyed Ms. Wingate's novels because of how they depict the personal dynamics WITHIN a police department, which she well knows as an ex-officer. Her anecdotes in this book are not only memorable, and often very funny, but also contribute a great deal to the reader's "feel" for how a police department operates in real life.
In general, I feel this is the most readable and helpful volume of the series. I hope Ms. Wingate revises it periodically -- the technology is constantly changing -- but as a guide to the "feel" of how an investigation is conducted, the book is ageless.
Book Description
Writing great fiction heroes and heroines.
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-09-16
The book is a great tool for aspiring writers and screenwriters. It offers great insight into the different archetypes. That information is presented in a dictionary type form. Anyone can look up a personality type and find its virtue, flaws, style and background. I highly recommend the book to all aspiring writers.
Easy to understand and use.......2007-06-27
I started using this book for my writing the very day I received it. It's great--I can't recommend it highly enough
Essential for Character Development!.......2005-11-19
I can't say enough good things about this book. Fantastic character profiles. I wish it had been available when I was studying Sociology at university! I own two copies so I can always have it at hand when I need some help. My ONLY complaint are the pop culture references as archetype examples. But, overlook Dr. Spock and Ally McBeal and this book is priceless!
Eye-Opening and Entertaining.......2004-07-31
In the quest of refining character, I have devoured a number of psychology texts and writer's guides, and I do believe that this one may be the best book on that topic I have ever discovered. I would quibble with Cowden, LaFever and Viders in their assertion that the 16 Master Archetypes are the only archetypes, but it's such a small point that it doesn't detract from what they present. Peppered with easily accessible examples, their book breaks down character into strong, clearly sketched components and then discusses how the palates may be blended--in individual character development and interpersonal relationships. I don't know if I would ever use any guide to create a character from scratch, but I'm always happy to find something to help me ensure that my characters behave consistently once they've been created. I expect this book to prove valuable for that, and I highly recommend it.
Open the book and see the possibilities.......2004-04-28
Begin with Hero Archetypes and learn about the Chief or the Lost Soul or the Warrior. See what might make them tick.
Move to your Heroine Archetypes to visit with the Free Spirit, the Nurturer or my favorite the Spunky Kid. Learn how they got to be who they are.
Then you will learn how to use the Archetypes to Create Characters. As most writers understand, great characters are not one-dimensional and flawless. It is their layers that make them truly intriguing. Indiana Jones' fear of snakes made him believable.
Finally play with Archetype Interactions and see how the Waif might react to the Professor type. What if the Waif were layered with the Librarian and the Professor had a bit of the Swashbuckler in him. What would these two encounter? Where would they take your story?
Tami et al's book is invaluable to me. If I had no other book on characterization, I would be fine. My only quibble is that we didn't get the Villains, but Tami teaches a Villains Archetype class online as well as face-to-face. I just recently had the pleasure of taking that class with From The Heart Romance Writers.
Put this on your "must have" list if you want rich, complex characters.
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