Creative Writer's Handbook

by Philip K. Jason, Allan B. Lefcowitz

This comprehensive introduction to creative writing combines theory, practical advice, and examples in each chapter and not only explores elements of effective writing applicable to all genres, but also considers the creative writing enterprise and the necessary Òwriterly attitude.Ó Emphasizing basic conventions and terms, this valuable book begins by taking an extensive look at issues of importance to every creative writer, including attitudes, habits, journal-keeping, point of view, language, invention and research, and more. Each major genre is covered in several chapters that include numerous examples of effective writing of each type. The book also illustrates faulty practices with accompanying explanations and suggestions, e.g., diction problems, poetry problems, narration problems, and dialogue problems. It also features questions and exercises which may spark results worth developing into poems, stories, or plays. Finally, it considers how word processing may affect the writing process and provides necessary tools, including manuscript form, resource texts, markets, and terms. The third edition of Creative Writer's Handbook has been revised to include a new chapter on non-fiction narration; an expanded section on writing for screen and television; a revised chapter on the pleasures of creative writing; new sections on free verse in the poetry section; and an updated section on Tools and Resources. An essential resource for anyone who writes, whether professionally or solely for the pleasure of it.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

411 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may never finish this book. Technically, I've read it through, but that's not the best way to read this book. It's better if you dip into it, do some exercises around it, use that bit of learning, the move on to another section.

Reading it through from start to finish doesn't give you time to digest, incorporate and try out the ideas. Although, you can read what other people did and thought, because those ideas are in the book, too.

Creative Writer's Handbook is exactly what it says--a how-to book for creative writing. Packed with ideas, organized in a logical way, touching on a huge variety of topics, exercises and prompts, it is everything it says it is. Feel a bit like a textbook, which I hope it is.

[N.L. Riviezzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful book to those who are new to the writing game and want a single book that encompasses the basics of each avenue of writing. For the more seasoned writer, it's quite a dull read and the sports metaphors that run rampant through out are extremely irritating.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a textbook, but one good enough to hol d on to.

[Kyle A Massa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains valuable insights on prose writing, poetry, and play writing, though the scope sometimes feels too vast.