Creative Writing: How to Develop Successful Writing Skills for Fiction and Non-fiction Publication - Softcover

Ramet, Adele

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1857033981 ISBN 13: 9781857033984

Publisher: How To Books Ltd, 1998

Synopsis

Whether writing to inform others on a particular area of expertise or looking upon writing as an enjoyable way to escape into a fictional world, this practical book aims to help readers improve their writing skills. Each chapter provides a guide through a variety of writing techniques with exercises aimed at helping readers to become more effective writers. It examines how to appoach work from different angles, how to bring a fresh slant to non-fiction pieces and how to involve yourself in the lives of your fictional characters. The book also explores the specialized techniques involved in writing for children.

About this title

Review

Nearly everyone thinks they can write a masterpiece. But how many people actually put their ideas on paper? This how-to book is for those people who are ready to turn on the computer or pick up that pen and start writing.

Adèle Ramet begins by recognising that regardless of whether the work is published, writing is in itself a valuable activity. Of course, for many writers, publication is the ultimate goal, and Ramet breaks down the craft of creative writing, giving basic instruction to help writers write publishable material. Numerous exercises are included to give new writers practical experience of each element of creative writing. Many of the exercises are also designed to inspire ideas for further writing.

Creative writing is a very broad subject. While there is a chapter about non-fiction, the main focus of this manual is fiction. Ramet uses clear examples to analyse the key elements of character and plot, as well as discussing dialogue, setting and atmosphere. Ramet even includes a chapter dedicated to "showing, not telling"--that highly mysterious piece of advice that writers often hear. There are also chapters concentrating on genre fiction for adults and on children's books.

The overview of several different forms of creative writing can give the new writer a clearer direction, at which point a more specific writing manual will be helpful. However, as a basic guide for beginners, this book provides an excellent introduction to creative writing. --Caryn Jenner

Review

"'This is a book which merits a place on every writer's bookshelf.' Writer's Bulletin"

Edition details

• Publisher: How To Books Ltd
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1857033981
• ISBN 13: 9781857033984
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 136