Get Started in Creative Writing

by Stephen May

The perfect source for practical answers, reassurance, and inspiration for all would-be poets, short story writers, novelists, children's writers, playwrights, screenwriters, journalists, and bloggers  An indispensible guide for beginners, this book features guidelines for do's and don'ts, suggestions for crafting a distinctive style, and 100 different exercises. Topics covered include choosing a subject for a feature article, writing a satisfying short story ending, how to read poetry, organizing material for creative non-fiction, injecting one's personality into travel writing, how to make a blog stand out, deciding on an age group for children's writing, the structure of a novel, challenges of dialogue, how to market a play, writing collaboratively for television, agents and publishers, and more. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Writing, Art

294 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2010

About the author

I am a writer, living in the North of England.

Reviews

[Rebecca Bradley]

I think this book is exactly what it says it is in the blurb. It is a great book for writers new to creative writing. It is filled with easy to understand chapters and then workshops to get your creative juices flowing. It also covers the whole host of creative writing concepts from short stories, novels, screenplays and to blogging. Even if you are not at the beginning of your journey and are happily ploughing through a novel, this book may hold some great info about writing television screenplays and how to break into that area of work. A great book.

[Simon]

A thorough and helpful book full of practical advice and inspirational exercises. I particularly liked Stephen May's exploration of contemporary genres such as life writing ("creative non-fiction") and blogging. However, technology continues to move on, so that his routine disregard for self-publishing feels out-of-date in view of the possibilities now opening up through e-books.

[Clare]

Whether your a beginner or not this book is informative and written in plain english that anyone can understand. I'd love to be able to write and this book may help me on my way. The exercises in the book are helpful and are great practice. This new edition includes an expanded section on self- and digital publishing.

[Angela]

A very good book on writing.
I like how positive it is while still being realistic and how it offers all the alternative methods of writing and getting published.
Also contains a few helpful tips and writing exercises.

[Richard Hill]

A moderately helpful guide to gaining confidence and finding inspiration in your creative writing process. Each chapter included a workshop, exercises, key quotes, key ideas, and focal points.

[Girl_sheep]

کتاب راهکارهای مناسبی رو برای کسی که می خواد نویسندگی رو یاد بگیره فراهم می کنه و روش هایی رو یاد می ده که که در شروع نویسندگی و ادامه کار نوشتن راهنما و کمک کنندست.
https://taaghche.com/book/137121

[Diane]

I won this book as part of the Goodreads first-reads contest.

This book is well-thought out as well laid-out. It is easy to read with lots of interesting exercises to help out in all facets of writing. It has lots of great advice and tips for writers.

1st read: 2014
2nd read: September 5, 2015

[Bluecityladyy]

Too general.

[Chuck Lane]

Great help,

[Penny Raspenny]

Helpfull enough.
I mean it is pretty difficult to give instructions on a subject like that, but it certainly highlighted the important technical musts in creative writing.

[Batsap]

A useful introduction to creative writing. The book covers a broad range of writing such as poetry, script writing and, of course, novels. It is easy to follow and has some good writing exercises.

[Rohin Whitford]

Very interesting read with a lot of useful references and exercises. Good for a kick up the butt to get you inspired and motivated.

[Wee Jiawei]

Hopefully...

[Margret]

It's very helpful book with tips on how to begin writing. It keeps you inspire to write and it's easy to follow. I will used it as reference,

[Armin fatehi]

کتابی خوب با تمریناتی عالی و واقعا ارزش وقت گذاشتن را دارد