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Index Interviews: Ellis Paul Jill McCorkle Build-A-Song Part VI: Tips For Tunesmiths Web Resources for Developing Characters Upcoming Events Calendar Return to This Issue's Index Return to Homepage Subscribe
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Reviews of Writing BooksPage Two of TwoPlot by Ansen DibellWriter's Digest Books, 1999.Paperback, 170 pages. ISBN: 0898799465 Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
This fiction reference aims to help
writers who are having trouble
with plotting. Plot problems often
result in unfinished stories, stories
that seem distant or uninvolving, or in
stories that switch to a
different plot later on in the
story. Author Ansen Dibell tells
us that plot problems often fall in
two categories: creating plot, and
controlling plot. She begins the
book by explaining to writers
what plot is. She then provides
plotting instruction from openings
to endings, including methods for
controlling plot throughout your
story. Some of the plot topics
covered in the book include:
viewpoint, exposition, subplots,
scenes, set-pieces, scenery,
melodrama, patterns, pacing and
transitions.
Dibell points to plots from well-known
literature to illustrate how plotting
works. Plot is a little gem for fiction
writers who need help with plotting.
Successful Syndication: A Guide for Writers and Cartoonists by Michael SedgeAllworth Press, April 2000.Trade Paperback, 183 pages. ISBN: 1581150512 Ordering information Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
Syndication can provide a generous
revenue stream for those who
manage to syndicate their work.
This reference focuses on
syndication for both cartoonists
and writers.
Coverage in the book includes
what to expect, finding a
syndication agency, working
with a syndicate, guidelines
for writers and cartoonists,
self-syndication, submissions
and using the Internet.
A list of syndication agencies is
provided with contact information,
including email and website
information.
Also included is a section with
sample syndication contracts,
contract analysis and other
syndication resources.
Michael Sedge has compiled an informative collection of material and advice, including tips from columnists and cartoonists who have had their work syndicated, that will help cartoonists and writers learn about how syndication works and how to get started. The reference only has a small section on the rapidly growing online syndication business, but it does provide information about the traditional syndication business which you should understand before exploring the online syndication world. An excellent guide to understanding and engaging in syndication, this book will be invaluable for those looking to jump into the lucrative syndication business. Telling the Tale: The African-American Fiction Writer's Guide by Angela BensonBerkley, May 2000.Paperback, 212 pages. ISBN: 0425170543 Ordering information: Amazon.com. | Amazon.co.uk 
This learning tool for fiction writers
focuses on building your craft. The book focuses
specifically on the work of African-American
writers and instruction from
successful author Angela Benson.
Fiction writing topics covered include: plot, creating
believable characters,
researching, point of view, dialogue,
monologue, scenes and revision.
Benson's book focuses on the
"learning by doing" method -- Benson insists that
writers rigorously practice their craft.
As the author tells writers, "You
don't learn to write by reading;
you learn to write by writing."
To help writers practice, she
provides lots of helpful writing exercises.
Also included are detailed character
profile worksheets and a revision
checklist. Benson's writing advice applies
to all types of writing, but she primarily
uses examples from the work of black writers
in television, films and books to illustrate
her points. She also provides inspiring
success stories from several black authors including
Terry McMillan, Evelyn Coleman,
and Walter Mosley to show
beginning writers how
it takes hard work to succeed
in the writing world.
Angela Benson is a successful romance novelist whose work includes romances for Harlequin and Tyndale House; she has given numerous workshops and presentations on writing. Her writing advice is constructive and sincere; writers would be well-advised to follow her advice and practice their craft by completing the exercises in the book. Benson knows her stuff, and her wonderful reference book for African-American fiction writers would be equally useful to writers of any ethnicity. Writing Reviews Page One | Page Two Return to Book Reviews Index ** More information on writing-related books can be found in the Writer's Bookstore. |