Point of view is the most important element of story craft for any writer to understand. A story’s point of view is the first thing a reader encounters, whether aware of it or not, and it defines the story. That means the wise writer will learn to control her story’s point of view from word one. Fortunately for wise writers everywhere, author, writing coach, and renowned editor Alida Winternheimer takes a hands-on approach to this behemoth of story craft. In The Story Works Guide to Writing Point of View, she breaks the whole into manageable parts and delves deep, providing loads of examples that make the abstract concrete and the intangible tangible. In each chapter, Alida provides you with exercises designed to guide you to mastery. You’ll come away from reading this book with an understanding of point of view and how it functions in any story, but most importantly, how it functions in your stories."Those of you who agonize over point of view decisions have in front of you the definitive guide to point of view you’ve always wanted. Not only will Alida teach you how to improve your handle on first and third person and every variation between, but you’ll also find that her lessons take some of the fear and pain out of the writing process by helping you understand why to make certain choices, how to avoid common pitfalls in point of view, and how to use your strengths to your advantage. For the other type of writer, those driven by instincts, Alida will educate and inform you. You don’t know what you don’t know, after all. Here’s your master class. A great freedom comes from knowing your options. Even if you continue crafting stories based on your instincts, you’ll now do so with a well of wisdom at your fingertips." - M.G. Herron, Author of The Auriga Project

How do you create a memorable character? One as compelling as Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter, Anne Shirley, or Sherlock Holmes? Breakout novels share a key element: a stand-out character. So why do so many authors struggle to lift their characters off the page and etch them in readers’ memories? Because they haven't paid attention to all the essential elements that go into making a great character. Luckily for us, author, writing coach, and renowned editor, Alida Winternheimer, has created the definitive step-by-step guide in The Story Works Guide to Writing Character. Packed with practical examples and exercises, this superb resource ensures we not only know what to pay attention to, but exactly how to implement these powerful strategies for creating memorable characters. I thought I had a good grasp of the critical ingredients of a strong character, but thanks to Alida Winternheimer’s outstanding resource for fiction writers, I discovered many areas I could improve. Not only that, I am now equipped with the precise tools to go about it. This book is a must-have secret weapon for all writers eager to stand out from the pack! —Robert Scanlon Author of the Blood Empire Series and the Dreamer Chronicles

Point of view isn't merely another writing craft technique. Point of view is the foundation upon which all other elements of the writing craft stand--or fall.It's the opinions and judgments that color everything the reader believes about the world and the story. It's the voice of the character that becomes as familiar to the reader as their own. It's what makes the story real, believable, and honest.Yet, despite its importance, point-of-view errors are the most common problem for fiction writers.In Point of View in Fiction: A Busy Writer's Guide, you'll learn- the strengths and weaknesses of the four different points of view you can choose for your story (first person, second person, limited third person, and omniscient),- how to select the right point of view for your story,- how to maintain a consistent point of view throughout your story,- practical techniques for identifying and fixing head-hopping and other point-of-view errors,- the criteria to consider when choosing the viewpoint character for each individual scene or chapter,- and much more!Each book in the Busy Writer's Guide series is intended to give you enough theory so that you can understand why things work and why they don't, but also enough examples to see how that theory looks in practice. In addition, they provide tips and exercises to help you take it to the pages of your own story, with an editor's-eye view. Most importantly, they cut the fluff so that you have more time to write and to live your life.

This story writing guide will help beginners to expand their knowledge of stories, create deep and relatable characters, craft vibrant story worlds, and give readers meaningful story experiences. Learn to break-down, outline, and deliver a story of any length. Craft great scenes that drive the story forward and provide a page-turning experience that will keep readers hooked and wanting more. It is a substantial next step towards improving your story writing. Beginners and experienced writers alike will benefit from and enjoy Your First Story Writing Guide!

"How Story Works is a writing encyclopedia, a road map, and a pep talk all rolled into one--the rare 'How To' that feels like you're having a fun chat with an enthusiastic expert who can't wait to read what you've created. If you have a story inside of you, this book can help you get it out of there and into the world where it belongs." --Josh Siegal, writer and producer, 30 Rock, The Good Place, Saved By The Bell Almost two decades ago, Lani Diane Rich signed a two-book deal with Warner Books and panicked. She'd written one story, but had no idea how she wrote it. Right then, she started on a quest to learn everything about stories. Now, 12 novels and thousands of hours analyzing stories later, she's ready to teach you not only how story works, but how to make it work for you. Whether you're writing novels, films, comics or video games, this theory will teach you what you need to know about craft so that you can get out of your own way and let your magic shine. "Lani's assistance was instrumental in turning my manuscript into an actual book that you can hold in your hands. She won't just make you a better writer, she'll inspire to you to work hard, love your creations, and be proud to take them out into the world." --Luke Arnold, star of Starz's Black Sails and author of The Last Smile in Sunder City

Learn How to Create Stories That Captivate Agents, Editors, and Readers Alike! Inside you'll find the tools you need to build strong characters, keep your plots moving, master the art of dialogue, choose the right point of view, and more. This comprehensive book on the art of novel and short story writing is packed with advice and instruction from best-selling authors and writing experts like Nancy Kress, Elizabeth Sims, Hallie Ephron, N.M. Kelby, Heather Sellers, and Donald Maass, plus a foreword by James Scott Bell. You'll learn invaluable skills for mastering every area of the craft: • Define and refine your characters. • Make your plot and conflict high-energy and intense. • Hone your story's point of view. • Create a rich setting and backstory. • Craft dialogue that rings true. • Select the right words and descriptions throughout your story. • Revise your story to perfection. Throughout you'll find supplemental sections that cover special topics like getting started, beating writer's block, researching your work, and getting published. They'll help you integrate your skills into a balanced, productive, and fulfilling career. Whether you're writing flash fiction, a short story, a novel, or an epic trilogy, you'll come away with the tools you need for strong and effective storytelling.

The most widely used and respected book on writing fiction, Writing Fiction guides the writer from first inspiration to final revision. Supported by an abundance exercises, this guide/anthology explores and integrates the elements of fiction while offering practical techniques and concrete examples. A focus on the writing process in its entirety provides a comprehensive guide to writing fiction, approaching distinct elements in separate chapters while building on what has been covered earlier. Topics include free-writing to revision, plot, style, characterization, dialogue, atmosphere, imagery, and point of view. An anthology of diverse and contemporary short stories followed by suggestions for discussion and writing exercises, illustrates concepts while offering variety in pacing and exposure to this increasingly popular form. The book also discusses key issues including writing workshops, using autobiography as a basis for fiction, using action in stories, using dialogue, and maintaining point of view. The sixth edition also features more short short stories than any previous edition and includes quotation boxes that offer advice and inspirational words from established writers on a wide range of topics--such as writing from experience, story structure, openings and endings, and revision. For those interested in developing their creative writing skills.

This updated edition of the classic, comprehensive guide to creative writing features new topics and writing prompts, contemporary examples, and more. A creative writer’s shelf should hold at least three essential books: a dictionary, a style guide, and Janet Burroway’s Writing Fiction. This best-selling classic is the most widely used creative writing text in America, and for decades it has helped hundreds of thousands of students learn the craft. Now in its tenth edition, Writing Fiction is more accessible than ever for writers of all levels—inside or outside the classroom. This new edition continues to provide advice that is practical, comprehensive, and flexible. Moving from freewriting to final revision, Burroway addresses “showing not telling,” characterization, dialogue, atmosphere, plot, imagery, and point of view. It includes new topics and writing prompts, and each chapter now ends with a list of recommended readings that exemplify the craft elements discussed. Plus, examples and quotations throughout the book feature a wide range of today’s best and best-known creators of both novels and short stories.

Gotham Writers' Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this book. Here you'll find: The fundamental elements of fiction craft-character, plot, point of view, etc.-explained clearly and completely - Key concepts illustrated with passages from great works of fiction - The complete text of "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver-a masterpiece of contemporary short fiction that is analyzed throughout the book - Exercises that let you immediately apply what you learn to your own writing. Written by Gotham Writers' Workshop expert instructors and edited by Dean of Faculty Alexander Steele, Writing Fiction offers the same methods and exercises that have earned the school international acclaim. Once you've read-and written-your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels. You will be a writer. Gotham Writers' Workshop is America's leading private creative writing school, offering classes in New York City and on the web at WritingClasses.com. The school's interactive online classes, selected "Best of the Web" by Forbes, have attracted thousands of aspiring writers from across the United States and more than sixty countries.

Finally Something That Works! Have you ever wanted to write a novel, but didn't know where to start? Have you ever started writing a novel, only to get stuck halfway through? If you're serious about writing that novel then this book is for you. You see many writers (including me) just start writing without realising how easy it is to fall into the multiple traps that can ruin their books. Anyone can write a novel but to write a bestseller you need to understand what makes a novel successful. This book will guide you through the process of brainstorming, crafting, and developing your own bestseller. Discover the secret storytelling code behind all successful novels and use it to outline, write, or revise your own. Plan new novels with plots that will keep readers engaged and turning pages. Stop struggling with your first draft (or your fourth!). Whether you're a seasoned writer or an anxious beginner, you'll be able to use this book to fast-track your writing career! Apply this practical advice to turn what could be an overwhelming goal into an actionable and attainable one. In this book you will discover The Essential Element of a Successful Story Why Some Stories Work and Others Don't How to Stay Focused and Motivated Bringing Your Characters To Life Stephen King's Million Dollar Routine Creating Killer Plots Advanced Fiction Writing Tricks Why You Should Never Write in Cliche How to Edit Like a Pro Making Space For What Comes Creating Suspense and Drama And Much, Much More Click Add To Cart to see your story come to life fast!