The Creative Writing Student's Handbook

by Cathie Hartigan, Margaret James

This new handbook takes students through the entire creative writing process.

You will find plenty of practical advice, helpful exercises, lots of tips and links to useful websites in this indispensable manual for new and seasoned writers alike.

Cathie Hartigan and Margaret James are highly motivated authors and creative writing tutors. Between them, they have over thirty years of successful teaching experience for Writers News Home Study Division, The London School of Journalism and Exeter College.

They are readers and judges for many international writing competitions and, with Sophie Duffy, are the founders and administrators of both The Exeter Novel Prize and The Exeter Story Prize – see www.creativewritingmatters.co.uk for more information about literary competitions and services to writers.

'A very helpful guide.' Dr Paul Vlitos - Programme Director of BA English Literature with Creative Writing. University of Surrey, Guildford, UK

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 17, 2014

Reviews

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid book aimed at people who have an interest in creative writing. It has tons of practical advice about writing fiction. The book also has advice about submitting manuscripts but a lot of this information was general and common knowledge for me.

This is the kind of book where you should be taking notes. It really does come off as a student's handbook. It's a book written by two industry veterans who have the merits and accolades to guide new writers in the right direction. They even provide real examples of how submission letters and book summaries should be written.

The authors also touch on the psychology of a writer and there are entire sections talking about how to deal with rejection and criticism.

I recommend this to any author who is just starting out.

[Falynn - the TyGrammarSaurus Rex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's aimed at relatively new creative writing students, so there is nothing "new" here, but there are some wonderful explanations of some otherwise tired topics and lots of lovely humour!

Definitely worth a read to give you another insight into the basics, and there are several sections I intend to refer back to as I write.

I enjoyed reading this, and will be looking out for book 2 in the series.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this guide was great! It was very informative, I took a lot of notes from it and it has definitely taught me things that I never knew. It's definitely helped me develop as a writer, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is aspiring to be one like myself.

[Tammy N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok for beginners

Some of the advice here could be useful especially if you haven't picked up any books about writing before. However, I found it annoying that most of the links I considered interesting enough to click on were dead (sometimes the whole domain was gone). Talking about goals at the very end of the book the writer suggested aiming to produce a few short stories or the first half of a draft of a novel. If you're (well) past that point, there are better alternatives out there.

[Annette Steadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative book.

Since I am in the process of writing a book, I was very interested in learning all i could about writing. I have also signed up to take a college course. After reading Cathie Hartigan book, I found out this is what she suggested. At least I'm moving in the right direction. This handbook was very informative and written so anyone could understand it. Now to put it into practice....

[Venerdi Handoyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not only helpful for creative writing students this handbook is also a pack of good advice for writers who are planning to hold courses. The knowledge is on surface level, but it all serves as a good introduction on how a learning process on writing ideally should go. I do not get in-depth knowledge from this book, but I get the picture on how should I move on with my plan to start a writing course.

[Eleanor Gravestock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent beginner's guide to creative writing. I enjoyed that it thoroughly covered everything from a fiction writing point of view. I found it to be a bit too basic for my level, but I'm happy I read it to provide a good grounding for my next writing themed read (and to boost my non-fiction reading percentage which is atrocious this year).

Would definitely recommend for budding writers that have no idea where to start.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this on a writing retreat recently and found it extremely useful. It's clear, concise and gives some useful tips. Great to dip into or work your way though.

[Coco :P · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!
I loved this book, so useful and very essential for all writers who are looking at writing to be a serious part of their future or thinking of publishing.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

matches its description perfectly — a students handbook. reminding, insightful and practical. very much enjoyed and fulfils it’s purpose (at least, for me).

[Lotta Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good starter book if you know nothing about being a writer.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

No nonsense common sense

I wasn't sure what I'd glean from this book. Not because I know it all (far from it!) but because I've read so many and after a while new advice is like looking for hens teeth. I wouldn't go so far as to say this is full of fresh perspective but I enjoyed the authors' no nonsense approach. I'd liken it to the Rayne Hall range - no bells, whistles and false sincerity, just chocker block full of advice. The other thing I enjoyed was neither author shoved their own work at you to use as examples. If nothing else I found out about the RNA!