Creative Writing For Dummies

Learn to: Choose the writing genre that's best for you Develop believable characters and engaging stories Cherry-pick your life's material for non-fiction writing Find a publisher and make your way as a professional writer Develop the writing know-how that will keep your readers hooked Do you have an idea for a novel (or a poem, or an article, or a play?) that you'd love to finally get down on paper? Whatever your aim, inside you'll find the advice and support to get you started and keep you going. From preparing a writing work-space to marshalling your material into both fiction and non-fiction genres, Creative Writing For Dummies has everything you need to help you unlock your creativity and make your writing sparkle. So, you want to be a writer - pick and choose between genres, gather the materials you need and develop the right routines He said what? When? - discover how to fit character, voice, dialogue and plot together Telling tales - differentiate between novels, novellas and short stories, write plays for the stage or screen, wax lyrical in poetry or dip into children's writing Matters of fact - blog about anything and everything, break into journalism, and let life stories, narrative non-fiction and travel writing leap off the page From pastime to profession - crack the world of publishing and go professional with your hobby 'Learn from one of the best editors and teachers in the business. She pushed my writing to award-winning status.' - Dreda Say Mitchell, author of Running Hot, winner of the CWA John Creasey Dagger Award in 2005. Open the book and find: Exactly where your writing talents lie Why you need to be a good reader to become a good writer What turns words on a page into sparkling conversation Ways to weave character, plot and structure together All the different sub-genres of novel-writing - from thrillers to chick-lit The secrets of successful blogging Editing tips that all writers can benefit from The inner workings of agencies and publishing houses