NaNoWriMo
National Novel Writing Month
The art of character : creating memorable characters for fiction, film, and tv
by David Corbett

A former private investigator who became a widely acclaimed author offers insights on creating and writing vivid, interesting and memorable characters and describes how to craft colorful dialogue between them. Original. 25,000 first printing.
Bird by bird : some instructions on writing and life
by Anne Lamott

A step-by-step guide to writing and managing the writer's life covers each portion of a written project, addresses such concerns as writer's block and getting published, and offers awareness and survival tips. Reprint. Tour.
Comforts of the abyss : the art of persona writing
by Philip Schultz

"Persona writing, a method of borrowing the voice and temperament of accomplished writers, offers aspiring writers imaginative distance and perspective needed to tell their stories. Through a candid and generous account of his own story, acclaimed poet Philip Schultz reveals how his early struggle to find inspiration in his negative inclinations led to the idea of persona writing, the philosophy on which he founded the Writers Studio in 1987. 
Dæmon voices : on stories and storytelling
by Philip Pullman

The internationally best-selling author of the His Dark Materials trilogy shares insights into the art of writing while exploring how education, religion and science, as well as his favorite classics, helped shaped his literary life.
Elements of fiction
by Walter Mosley

The award-winning author of the Easy Rawlins series presents a follow-up to This Year You Write Your Novel that offers conversational, instructive chapters demonstrating the essential elements of fiction, from character and plot development to context and description.
First you write a sentence : the elements of reading, writing...and life
by Joe Moran

A brilliant exploration into how even the most ordinary words can be used to build an extraordinary sentence, in this guide that can be read for both instruction and pleasure. Original.
Flash! : writing the very short story
by John Dufresne

Defines and demystifies the new genre known as very brief fiction and guides would-be authors of Sudden, Micro, Skinny, Mini, Nano or Postcard stories through the process by exercises and examples. Original.
The hero is you : sharpen your focus, conquer your demons, and become the writer you were born to be
by Kendra Levin

"This book helps writers understand and make the most of their creative processes, from getting an idea to producing a finished work. Each chapter explores a single step in the creative process and coaches writers through the challenges in a way that is intuitive and organic"
How to write a mystery : a handbook from Mystery Writers of America
by Lee Child

From the most successful mystery writers in the business, an invaluable guide to crafting mysteries—from character development and plot to procedurals and thrillers—is a must-have for every aspiring mystery writer. 60,000 first printing. Illustrations.
How to write like a writer : a sharp and subversive guide to ignoring inhibitions, inviting inspiration, and finding your true voice
by Thomas C. Foster

Provides advice for authors on the reasons for writing, planning and structuring a work, and the writing--and revising--process, and suggests practice exercises
Letters to a young writer : some practical and philosophical advice
by Colum McCann

A collection of essays featuring advice to beginner writers draws on the award-winning author's distinguished career as a teacher and writer, outlining strategies to tapping creative inspiration while working through the challenges of writer's block, criticism and the evolving nature of one's written work. By the best-selling author of Let the Great World Spin.
The magic words : writing great books for children and young adults
by Cheryl B. Klein

An executive editor at Scholastic Inc., offers this handbook to guide writers through the major elements of fiction for middle grade and young adults and provides exercises, questions and rules of thumb to help jump-start the creative process. Original.
Mastering plot twists : how to use suspense, targeted storytelling strategies, and structure to captivate your readers
by Jane K Cleland

"The key to keeping readers on the edge of their seats is filling your stories--from memoirs to thrillers and stage plays to screenplays--with unexpected twists and turns. By integrating Plot *T*wists, Plot *R*eversals, and Moments of Heightened *D*anger(TRDs) at crucial points, you can captivate your readers with I-can't-wait-to-see-what-happens-next intrigue. The quicker pace and focused action that come from strategically placed twists form the core of the nuanced, multifaceted books that sell--and that help you find a devoted readership. 
Mastering the process : from idea to novel
by Elizabeth George

The Anthony- and Agatha Award-winning author outlines a master class in the art and science of novel crafting that takes aspiring writers through each step, from character analyses and plot development to location research and draft revisions. Illustrations.
No plot? No problem! : a low-stress, high-velocity guide to writing a novel in 30 days
by Chris Baty

Chris Baty, motivator extraordinaire and instigator of a wildly successful writing revolution, spells out the secrets of writing and finishing a novel. Every fall, thousands of people sign up for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which Baty founded, determined to (a) write that novel or (b) finish that novel in kid you not 30 days. Now Baty puts pen to paper himself to share the secrets of success. With week-specific overviews, pep "talks," and essential survival tips for today's word warriors, this results-oriented, quick-fix strategy is perfect for people who want to nurture their inner artist and then hit print! 
Out of silence, sound. Out of nothing, something : a writer's guide
by Susan Griffin

A distinguished award-winning author breaks down the writing process from beginning to end, presenting an approach that is similar to the practice of meditation as it encourages and enlarges the mind's intrinsic capacity for creativity. 
Revision and self-editing for publication : techniques for transforming your first draft into a novel that sells
by James Scott Bell

Take your first draft from so-so to sold!
You've finished the first draft of your novel--congratulations! Time to have a drink, sit back...and start revising. But the revision process doesn't have to be intimidating. Revision and Self-Editing for Publication, Second Edition gives you the tools and advice you need to transform your first draft into a finished manuscript that agents and editors will fight for.
See Jane write : a girl's guide to writing chick lit
by Sarah Mlynowski

A guide to writing chick lit novels, including developing an idea, making the characters likeable, learning the basics of plotting, pacing, and conflict, and finding an agent
Self-editing for fiction writers : how to edit yourself into print
by Renni Browne

A revised and expanded edition of the classic tutorial for would-be authors covers such topics as characterization, exposition, point of view, dialogue, proportion, and voice as it provides expert advice and techniques for transforming a manuscript into a published novel or short story. Original. 15,000 first printing.
Steering the craft : a twenty-first-century guide to sailing the sea of story
by Ursula K. Le Guin

Presents advice on the basic elements of narrative prose, covering point of view, sentence length and complex syntax, indirect narration, grammar, punctuation, and the sound of writing
Storyville! : an illustrated guide to writing fiction
by John Dufresne

"A smart and funny guide to writing fiction, with engaging infographics that bring storytelling techniques to life. Whether you are daunted by a blinking cursor or frustrated trying to get the people in your head onto the page, writing stories can be intimidating. It takes passion, tenacity, patience, and a knowledge of and faith in the often-digressive writing process. A do-it-yourself manual for the apprentice fiction writer, Storyville! demystifies that process; its bold graphics take you inside the writer's comfortingly chaotic mind and show you how stories are made. 
What about the baby? : some thoughts on the art of fiction
by Alice McDermott

In this deeply charming meditation on the gift that is literature, a bestselling novelist presents a collection of essays, lectures and observations on the art of writing fiction.
Writing without rules : how to write & sell a novel without guidelines, experts, or (occasionally) pants
by Jeff Somers

"Are you looking for a fresh take on tackling the challenge of writing a successful novel and building your career? No matter your writing level, this book will reveal to you the unconventional, fresh approaches to writing and selling the novel of your dreams"--Publisher's description
You can't make this stuff up : the complete guide to writing creative nonfiction--from memoir to literary journalism and everything in between
by Lee Gutkind

Introduces the genre of creative nonfiction and suggests techniques for writing stylized true stories, offering writing exercises and advice on scheduling, selecting subjects, framing, and editing
Your turn : ways to celebrate life through storytelling
by Tyra Manning

"Creative expression through writing helps us uncover gems of hope and serenity, enabling us to navigate difficult times. Sharing stories with one another fills the space between us, inspires us, helps us forge stronger relationships, and teaches us that we're more alike than different. In Your Turn, renowned educator Dr. Tyra Manning offers examples of stories from her own life, followed by an invitation for readers to delve onto their own emotional histories, with plenty of room to explore on the page with writing prompts and tools. A guidebook for transformation through self-expression, Your Turn will spark readers' creative thought and offers them a space to document their own self-reflection--helping them overcome challenges and move forward."--Provided by publisher.
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