The PLAIN ENGLISH Writer's Workbook: Writing Concepts Explained in Simple Terms - Softcover

Tritt, Sandy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1983401021 ISBN 13: 9781983401022

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017

Synopsis

The PLAIN ENGLISH Writer's Workbook explains writing concepts in simple terms. It's written for fiction and memoir writers of all levels, from beginners to previously published. The workbook is divided into six sections: 1. Getting Ready to Write (Advice for Beginners); 2. The Basics (Understanding Plot, Characterization, Setting, Dialogue, and Point of View); 3. Advanced Techniques (Understanding Pacing, Flashbacks, Foreshadowing, Cutting the Flab, and Adding Muscle); 4. Self-Editing (Grammar, Punctuation, Proofreading, and Editing); 5. The Next Step (Applying for a Copyright, Writing a Query Letter, Writing a Synopsis, Understanding Self-Publishing, Finding an Agent, and Tax Deductions for Writers); and 6. Reproducible Worksheets with Detailed Instructions (Novel Summary Worksheet, Memoir Summary Worksheet, Chapter Summary, Character Trait Chart, Juvenile Trait Chart, Personality Components Worksheet, Character Growth Chart, Character List, and Setting List). Additionally, three appendices are included: List of Genres, Glossary, and Writing Resources. The generous 8.5 x 11" size allows for easy reproduction of the worksheets. This workbook gives you the techniques you need to bring your writing to the next level--and it's written in PLAIN ENGLISH. Tips give reminders of important concepts in just a few words. Nine worksheets with detailed instructions help you plot, create memorable characters, and edit your own work like a pro. Throughout the workbook, generous samples are given to show the right and wrong way to perform various techniques. SAMPLE TIPS: Replace dialogue tags with action or body language. This, alone, will bring your writing up a level. Any word that doesn't add value to your prose detracts from it. Make a scene feel complete by ending it with the focus on the viewpoint character. If multiple viewpoints are used in a manuscript, the current viewpoint character should be the first character named in each scene. Avoid the temptation to explain. Readers are smart--they will "get it." Never name an emotion. Use body language and dialogue (internal or spoken) to show the emotion. ** EVERY WRITER NEEDS THIS BOOK.

About this title

About the Author

Sandy Tritt is a writer, ghostwriter, editor, and speaker. The founder and CEO of Inspiration for Writers, Inc., an international writing and editing service for aspiring writers, she has edited hundreds of manuscripts and ghostwritten dozens more. She was the recipient of the 2002 Artsbridge Arts Award for Writing and the West Virginia Writer's 2008 J.U.G. (Just Uncommonly Good) Award for mentoring. Sandy frequently speaks, reads and gives workshops at writer conferences, educational functions and regional workshops. She taught creative writing for the Jackson County Board of Education and has given public readings of her fiction at libraries, workshops, schools, colleges, conferences and other gatherings as requested. Most recently, she has led workshops at the Connecticut Fiction Fest (Meriden, Connecticut), West Virginia Writers Conference (Cedar Lakes, West Virginia), the Alabama Writers Conclave (Auburn, Alabama), the Appalachian Writers Association (Bristol, Tennessee), the Writer’s Project Runway (Leesburg, Virginia), the Lewisburg Literary Festival, and for the West Virginia Division of Culture and History (Charleston, West Virginia). Sandy’s short stories have received many awards and have been published in literary magazines and local journals such as Gambit, Confluence, West Virginia United Methodist, Allegheny Echoes, Mountain Voices, The Northwestern, and Mountain Echoes, in which she was the July 2004 featured writer. In addition, she has published Everything I Know (Headline Books), Inspiration for Writers Tips and Techniques Workbook, Inspiration for Writers Tips and Techniques Workbook II, The PLAIN ENGLISH Writer’s Workbook, seven technical manuals (Phoenix Software, Atlanta, GA), and, uh, one poem, “The Writer’s Prayer.” She has also ghostwritten more than a dozen nonfiction books, several novels and two screenplays. WWW.InspirationForWriters.com provides encouragement, writing craft tips, and inspiring success stories. Additionally, Inspiration for Writers, Inc., publishes a weekly blog article at http://inspiration4writers.blogspot.com/ and a somewhat-monthly e-newsletter. IFW will provide a free sample edit (500 words) of a completed fiction or nonfiction manuscript over 20,000 words or a 30-minute complimentary consultation. See the website for more information or contact Sandy at IFWeditors@gmail.com. Sandy loves giving workshops. Invite her to speak to your local writing group.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1983401021
• ISBN 13: 9781983401022
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 174