Writing Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoThe Instant Intellectual by Norah Vincent & Chad Conway
Hyperion, May 1998.Hardcover, 230 pages.
ISBN: 0786863765
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
The Instant Intellectual provides a light look
at some common and some unusual foreign
phrases that are used in the English language.
Arranged alphabetically, the book includes
over 200 phrases, one per page, with the phrase,
its English translation, brief
background information and a sample sentence
which shows usage. Some phrases in the book
include hara-kiri, savoir-faire, magnum opus
and zeitgeist. For example, if you do not feel
the recent development of the Internet is
a good thing you might be a Luddite, which the
book explains is, "Someone opposed to technological
progress. From the nineteenth-century movement
that disapproved of labor-saving devices."
A fun learning tool or refresher for those who like to control a full repertoire of foreign phraseology. This book would make a great gift for a holiday or special occasion.
You Can Write Children's Books by Tracey E. Dils
Writers Digest Books, March 1998.Trade Paperback, 230 pages.
ISBN: 0898798299
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This reference guide to writing a
children's book details what you need
to know with instructions, examples,
exercises, worksheets and outlines.
Children's author and editor, Tracey E. Dils,
leads the budding writer through
instruction on getting started, picture books,
chapter books, novels, nonfiction, style
and technique, finding a publisher and
submitting a manuscript. Highlights of
the book include how to make a picture book
dummy, creating nonfiction openings that
will grab your reader, a character development
worksheet, how to research publishers and
sample cover and query letters.
You Can Write Children's Books is an inspiring reference tool for beginning and aspiring children's writers. The book is full of facts, teaching examples and idea provoking exercises which are invaluable for those hoping to make their mark in the children's publishing world.
Return to the May 1998 issue of The IWJ.
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