A guide to the skills and techniques of writing short fiction, emphasizing the interaction of character and plot.

"So, you're thinking of writing a book. Or, maybe you've written one, and are wondering what to do with it. What does it take to publish a novel, or even a short story? If you're a writer of color, these questions might multiply; after all, there's a lot of writing advice out there, and it can be hard to know how much of it really applies to your own experiences. If any of this sounds like you, you're in the right place: this collection of essays,...

Captivate the hearts and minds of young adult readers!
Writing for young adult (YA) and middle grade (MG) audiences isn't just "kid's stuff" anymore—it's kidlit! The YA and MG book markets are healthier and more robust than ever, and that means the competition is fiercer, too. In Writing Irresistible Kidlit, literary agent Mary Kole shares her expertise on writing novels for young adult and middle grade readers and teaches...

Both autobiography and primer, Escaping into the Open is an inspiring, practical handbook on the joys and challenges of the writing life. Renowned author and writing instructor Elizabeth Berg interweaves the story of her own journey from working mother to bestselling novelist with encouraging advice on how to create stories that spring from the heart. Continually in print since its original 1999 publication, this invaluable resource is a true and...

Presents ten fundamental rules for aspiring writers to help avoid specific elements that can slow down the action and distract the reader

A collection of over a hundred writing tips gleaned from fifty popular writing books. Chapters are devoted to each key strategy. Author expands and contextualizes original authors' suggestions and shares how each tip helped other authors improve their skills.