Reviews of Writing Books

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D.

Alpha Books, June, 2004
Trade paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 1592572065
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing
 by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D. Many people want to write a manuscript, but the idea of exactly what to write and how to get started can be overwhelming for beginning writing. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing was written with novices in mind and it provides solid instruction from the ground up. The book instructs beginners about characterization, craft and inspiration and teaches them how to write short stories, nonfiction, novels, articles, plays and poetry. Advice is also given on topics such as rewriting, writer's block and learning how to get published or self-published. A practical approach is taken here: there are helpful exercises and charts, including a character worksheet, plot diagram and story treatment worksheet. Laurie E. Rozakis' easy, flowing style and practical advice on all matters written--from agents to editing--makes this book a great starter for writers looking to write their first manuscript.


The Fantasy Writer's Companion edited by Tee Morris and Valerie Griswold-Ford

Dragon Moon, October, 2004
Paperback, 280 pages
ISBN: 1896944159
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


The Fantasy Writer's Companion
 edited by Tee Morris and Valerie Griswold-Ford The Fantasy Writer's Companion is a terrific book for aspiring fantasy authors. It provides information about world-building using Asian cultures and Arthurian legends. There are chapters about incorporating elements from other genres into the fantasy: horror, romance and mystery elements can be folded into the fantasy short story or novel. A chapter on writing fantasy for young readers is also provided. The Fantasy Writer's Companion is a sequel to The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy (published in 2003), which is another wonderful book for fantasy writers. The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy includes information about building fantasy worlds and all the elements of those worlds: magic, weapons, medieval life, mythology, religion and combat. In both of these books, the chapters are detailed and practical. They are written by established and respected fantasy authors. Together, these two books will help jump start any aspiring fantasy writer's career. With all the excellent ideas for creating exciting stories set in original fantasy worlds populated with unique characters and creatures, all the writer has to provide is the hard work of writing. Highly recommended.


The Screenwriter's Sourcebook by Michael Haddad

Chicago Review Press, February, 2005
Paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 1556525508
Ordering information:
Amazon.com


The Screenwriter's Sourcebook
 by Michael Haddad Screenwriting can be a lucrative business, but it is a confusing and unusual business, to say the least. The Screenwriter's Sourcebook offers writers an overview of some of the more important events and opportunities they can use to break into the industry. Michael Hadden says, "the truth is Hollywood is devoted to shutting people out," and that in Hollywood, "It's all who you know." Hadden's advice and large collection of contacts can help you stand out from the large crowd of people interested in breaking into the business. Hadden has compiled details and contact information for screenplay contests, film festivals, agents, managers, producers and organizations so you can get to work building a Hollywood network of your own. The Screenwriter's Sourcebook has all the contacts a budding screenwriter needs all organized into one handy reference.


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