CreativeWritingMatters Guides
Book 1: The Creative Writing Student's Handbook
Click on the cover
|
How do you become a successful writer?
You’ll need commitment, passion, determination and a good teacher. But you’ll also need to be a good learner. As teachers of creative writing, we have had the huge pleasure of seeing our students achieve publication, win or be shortlisted for prizes. They have become confident, articulate writers who have learned to use their own special talents to their maximum potential. The Creative Writing Student's Handbook is a distillation of our joint teaching experience and we are sure it will be of use to all students of creative writing. Our aim is to help you discover the pleasures of creative writing and become a successful writer yourself. We notice that the students who are most likely to succeed are those who enjoy engaging in all aspects of the writing process and are also good learners – who listen, are willing to take direction and are open to suggestion. Good learners are happy to take part in constructive discussions and have plenty to offer the teacher in the way of student feedback. 'Sensible advice', 'plenty of helpful exercises,' 'emphasis on creativity'. Writing Magazine. 'A very helpful guide.' Dr Paul Vlitos, University of Surrey Margaret and Cathie reveal why and how they wrote their book. Click through to the RNA blog HERE |
Book 2: The Short Story Writer's Workbook
Click on the cover
|
Do you want to write short stories, but aren't sure where to start?
The Short Story Writer's Workbook will guide you through every stage of your writing journey. We discuss competition, commercial-magazine, one-thousand-worder, flash and micro fiction, explaining how every kind of story works, what you need to consider, and how to achieve competition and publication success. Our emphasis on 'guide' rather than 'how to' is significant. We know we can't write your story for you, but the combined years of our teaching experience does mean we can help you do the best you can. We feel that it's very important both to read and understand what makes a story successful and so we have included at the back of this workbook, five previously published stories, one from each of the genres listed above. After each one we have included a deconstructed version in which we point to the aspects which made each of the stories stand out. Amazon reviews: "Whereas many 'how to' guides gather dust on the shelf after being read, this one feels more like a handbook that I will refer to again and again." "Extremely thorough, clear and an invaluable reference book - provided excellent guidance" |
Book 3: The Novelist's Workbook
|
Do you want to write a novel, but aren't sure where to begin?
The Novelist's Workbook will get you started, show you how to develop your story, and bring it to a satisfying conclusion. Whether you're a planner, a sketcher or a 'whatever comes to mind' writer, we offer a guiding hand to keep you track, without being overly prescriptive. As novelists ourselves, and judges of novel competitions, we are constantly expanding our own knowledge and understanding of what makes a successful novel. As teachers we are keen to share our findings with anyone who wishes to embark on this extraordinary journey. We also discuss traditional, commercial or self-publishing options and deconstruct the opening chapters of two of our own novels. Available on Kindle and in paperback. |
