Writing Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoPlot by Ansen Dibell
Writer's Digest Books, 1999.Paperback, 170 pages.
ISBN: 0898799465
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
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 Sedge
Allworth Press, April 2000.Trade Paperback, 183 pages.
ISBN: 1581150512
Ordering information
Amazon.com.
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.
Writing Reviews
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