Reviews of Writing Books

The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines edited by Brigette M. Phillips, Susan D. Klassen, and Doris Hall
Quill Drive Books, November, 2004
Trade paperback, 785 pages
ISBN: 1884956408
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

This annual collection of writer's guidelines is bigger than ever this year with over 1,500 guidelines. These are the actual guidelines from book and periodical publishers that are printed in the book. The writer's guidelines are listed alphabetically, but the book does provide a topical index in the back which allows the writer to find specialty markets in the topic index and then flip through the book to that publisher's' guidelines. The directory is a pretty amazing tool for writers; this sure beats the days when writers had to send off dozens of self-addressed stamped envelopes to get the guidelines they needed. These days some writer's guidelines are published on the Internet by smart publishers, but not all publishers provide this information. And when they do publish them, the guidelines may be difficult to find. With this book, writers will have thousands of current guidelines at their disposal all in one collection. The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines is a great time saver for freelancers and writers of all genres.

Writers' & Artists' Hideouts by Andrea Brown
Quill Drive Books, November, 2004
Paperback, 268 pages
ISBN: 1884956343
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Writers' & Artists' Hideouts
by Andrea Brown

Writers' & Artists' Hideouts is a specialty travel guide for the writer who wants a vacation where they can do what they do best: write. Author and literary agent Andrea Brown describes about 600 places that might be interesting to artists and writers, including hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, lighthouses, lodges and other unique locations where writers can get inspired and away from distractions. The listings include a concise paragraph description, contact information and a website address, if available. One of the listings is the beautiful Mill Rose Inn in Half Moon Bay, California, which Brown describes as a "two-story white building that you barely notice because the gardens, flowers, and trees cover most of it." The rooms at the Mill Rose Inn have private baths and some have bay windows -- perfect for the writer who wants a great view. Plus, you can't beat the full champagne breakfast! Hideaways for writers and artists are located nationwide, and there is something for everyone. Andrea Brown loves traveling and with her as your guide you are bound to be able to find a great place where you can both relax and tap into your creativity.

The Writer's Workshop in a Box edited by Sandra Bark
Jeremy P. Tarcher, September, 2004
Two paperbacks and thirty cards
ISBN: 1585423645
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Who knew that you could fit an entire writer's workshop into a box? This ingenious kit contains a book about writing, a writing journal, a pen, and an attractive collection of thirty cards that contain daily writing exercises. The writing book, The Art of Writing edited by Sandra Bark, contains six lessons that help writers learn the craft of writing from literary masters like Eric Maisel, Julia Cameron and Bonnie Goldberg. The cards contain different writing exercises to help motivate writers. The exercises get the reader to think, write journal entries and tackle a short story. The Workshop in a Box would make a great starting point for any novice writer. It would also make a great gift for that friend or family member who always talks about wanting to write, but hasn't found the time or creative spark they need.

Return to Book Reviews Index

Reviews of Writing Books

The American Directory of Writer's Guidelines edited by Brigette M. Phillips, Susan D. Klassen, and Doris Hall

Writers' & Artists' Hideouts by Andrea Brown

The Writer's Workshop in a Box edited by Sandra Bark