Writing a novel will change your life.It might not be in the way that you expect, but when you hold your book in your hand and say, “I made this,” something will shift.The process of getting to that point will light a spark in your creative soul and help you discover unexpected aspects of yourself. It will be one of the things you are most proud of in your life. This book will help you get there.I’m Joanna (J.F.) Penn, award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels and novellas with nearly a million books sold in over one hundred countries.This book will help you write your first novel, or improve your creative process so you can write more books and reach more readers. It covers mindset, ideas and research, aspects of craft, how to write a first draft, and work through an editing process to a finished book.You will discover:Part 1: First PrinciplesWhy are you writing a novel?What has stopped you from completing a novel before?Principles to keep in mind as you createPart 2: Ideas, Research, Plotting, and Discovery WritingHow to find and capture ideasHow to research your novel and when to stopOutlining (or plotting)Discovery writing (or pantsing)What are you writing? GenreWhat are you writing? Short story, novella, or novelWhat are you writing? Stand-alone, series, or serialPart 3: Aspects of a NovelStory structureScenes and chaptersCharacter: Who is the story about?Point of viewDialoguePlot: What happens in the story?ConflictOpenings and endingsSetting and World-building: Where does the story happen?Author voiceThemeBook or story titleLanguage versus story and tools versus artPart 4: Writing the first draftAttitude to the first draftHow to write the first draftDictate your bookWrite fast, cycle through, or write slowWriter’s blockWriting tools and softwareWhen is the first draft finished?Part 5: The Editing ProcessOverview of the editing processSelf-editingHow to find and work with a professional editorBeta readers, specialist readers, and sensitivity readersEditing tools and softwareLessons learned from editing my first novel after more than a decadeWhen is the book finished?ConclusionIf you want to (finally) write your novel, then buy How to Write a Novel today. Read more

The perfect Reading Journal for avid readers! With 200 reviews, 12 monthly TBR trackers and monthly wrap ups. As well as a yearly wrap up and your own book awards! Over 200 pages, 8.5 x 11” reading tracker to keep track of your reading, including audiobooks and fan fiction all year round. No need to start in January, as you can add months as you please.This big reading journal allows you to keep track of all the books you have read up to 200 books! Remember recommendations, make a wish list, write detailed reviews, keep track of your reading challenge and it also includes bookshelf colouring pages!A therapeutic way to review books without going online, or Vlogging your reading in a new way!A unique and thoughtful gift for any bookworm!A great way to make your kids reading fun!Features… Book Reviews for 200 BooksColouring PagesTBR TrackerMonthly Wrap UpReading Challenge Log5 Star RatingsWish ListRecommendations to RememberBookish ThoughtsYearly Wrap Up and Book Awards Read more

Writing your life story is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. In writing it you will find yourself drawing even closer to your children and grandchildren. You will also find it an exciting and fascinating process, one that helps you to make sense of your own life. Writing your own life story is also a very good way for creative writers to find inspiration and get started in the habit of writing. This step-by-step guide will steer you through different ways of telling your life story, in ten easy steps: * HOW TO BEGIN * USING THE POWER OF MEMORY * HOW TO START YOUR RESEARCH * DIFFERENT WAYS OF STRUCTURING YOUR LIFE STORY * HOWTO MAKE YOUR LIFE STORY STAND OUT WITH PICTURES, COLOURS AND SMELLS, ETC * HOW TO PROVIDE A CONTEMPORARY FEEL TO YOUR LIFE STORY * BRINGING THE REST OF THE WORLD INTO YOUR STORY * HOWTO END YOUR LIFE STORY AND MAKE SURE THAT IT DOESN T HURT ANYONE (INCLUDING YOURSELF) * HOW TO PRESENT YOUR LIFE STORY AND GET IT PUBLISHED *STORIES TO INSPIRE YOU Nowadays, you can publish your life story should you want to do so. For a small amount of money, you can get a few bound copies or you can publish it free on the net. Don t miss this wonderful opportunity to write an heirloom which will last for ever. Read more

Twentieth Anniversary Edition with Contributions from Joe Hill and Owen King - with a new foreword, ON JOY, by Stephen King. Part memoir, part masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer's craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King's advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999 - and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Immensely helpful and illuminating to any aspiring writer, this special edition of Stephen King's critically lauded, million-copy bestseller shares the experiences, habits, and convictions that have shaped him and his work.Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it - fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told. Read more

Unlock your child's creative genius: inspire imagination and craft original stories with Creative Writing Skills!Creative Writing Skills unleashes children's writing talents and helps their imaginations soar with story starters and writing prompts. It provides guidance on honing writing skills and crafting original stories. With practical advice on planning and structuring a story, children will find exercises and creative writing games to ignite their imagination and generate inspirational ideas for themes and settings. They'll learn to create characters and receive feedback to improve their skills in writing fiction. Whether aspiring to be the next J.K. Rowling or simply unleashing their creative genius, this book is the perfect voyage into their own imagination.Creative Writing Skills is a creative writing book for children, designed to give children the tools and confidence needed to produce fantastic short stories. It is perfect for Key Stage Two and Key Stage Three children (7-14 years old), as well as those sitting an entrance school examination such as the 11 plus. It is suitable for those children taking a grammar school or independent school examination with a creative writing element as well as children who want to improve their story writing.Children between the ages of 7 and 14 will acquire essential skills and master the art of crafting fiction that will leave a lasting impression on their family, friends, and even their teachers.WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT OUR BOOK:"The Creative Writing book is a brilliant way to reinforce creative writing skills and, importantly, these books provide an insight for parents and children as to what examiners expect. The book clearly explains the needed skills in a simple and clear way that kids can remember, like using the mnemonic - SHAMPOOP, which my son now remembers every time he writes. I would highly recommend these books for 11 plus and independent school preparation." (Parent)"The creative writing skills workbook is an excellent resource and helps with all aspects of creative writing. It really provides a detailed perspective on how to approach your writing and the structure and techniques to improve. Not only does it include lots of different approaches but allows you to put into practice those techniques by completing the writing tasks set. My son has really enjoyed this book and has applied the techniques learnt to his creative writing already. I am confident this will continue to act as a valuable resource, which he will refer to time and time again, in developing his writing further." (Parent)"'Creative Writing Skills' is a fantastic book that details everything needed to succeed in the challenging area of creative writing. There is a step-by-step guide for all you need to create a piece of high-level writing including vocabulary, language techniques, planning, and starting and ending your writing.It offers a range of examples that support the techniques such as coming up with ideas, developing language, skills and structure. There is also a section on tasks to practise what you have learnt. This book not only helps your child but allows you to understand what is expected of your child. It is aimed at Key Stage Two pupils or those taking 11+ examinations. As a teacher, tutor and parent whose children have successfully passed the 11+, I would highly recommend this book.” (Tutor) Read more

The bestselling Emotion Thesaurus, often hailed as “the gold standard for writers” and credited with transforming how writers craft emotion, has now been expanded to include 55 new entries! One of the biggest struggles for writers is how to convey emotion to readers in a unique and compelling way. When showing our characters’ feelings, we often use the first idea that comes to mind, and they end up smiling, nodding, and frowning too much. If you need inspiration for creating characters’ emotional responses that are personalized and evocative, this ultimate show-don’t-tell guide for emotion can help. It includes:Body language cues, thoughts, and visceral responses for 130 emotions that cover a range of intensity from mild to severe, providing innumerable options for individualizing a character’s reactionsA breakdown of the biggest emotion-related writing problems and how to overcome themAdvice on what should be done beforedrafting to make sure your characters’ emotions will be realistic and consistent Instruction for how to show hidden feelings and emotional subtext through dialogue and nonverbal cuesAnd much more!The Emotion Thesaurus, in its easy-to-navigate list format, will inspire you to create stronger, fresher character expressions and engage readers from your first page to your last. Read more

Crafting likable, interesting characters is a balancing act, and finding that perfect mix of strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. But the task has become easier thanks to The Negative Trait Thesaurus. Through its flaw-centric exploration of character arc, motivation, emotional wounds, and basic needs, writers will learn which flaws make the most sense for their heroes, villains, and other members of the story’s cast. This book’s vast collection of flaws will help writers to explore the possible causes, attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, and related emotions behind their characters’ weaknesses so they can be written effectively and realistically. Common characterization pitfalls and methods to avoid them are also included, along with invaluable downloadable tools to aid in character creation. Written in list format and fully indexed, this brainstorming resource is perfect for creating deep, flawed characters that readers will relate to. Read more

From the celebrated Ursula K. Le Guin, "a writer of enormous intelligence and wit, a master storyteller" (Boston Globe), the revised and updated edition of her classic guide to the essentials of a writer's craft. Completely revised and rewritten to address modern challenges and opportunities, this handbook is a short, deceptively simple guide to the craft of writing. Le Guin lays out ten chapters that address the most fundamental components of narrative, from the sound of language to sentence construction to point of view. Each chapter combines illustrative examples from the global canon with Le Guin's own witty commentary and an exercise that the writer can do solo or in a group. She also offers a comprehensive guide to working in writing groups, both actual and online. Masterly and concise, Steering the Craft deserves a place on every writer's shelf. Read more

Character Development Journal A useful journal for both beginner and experienced writiers to create realistic characters in novels, short stories and plays. Detailed prompts allow authors to record infomation on all their characters including:Personal Details (Name, Age, Education Levels)Appearance and Physical CharacteristicsDetails on the characters relationships, friends and familyPersonalityTraits and InterestsMiscellaneous SectionAlso contains top tips on creating characters for both beginners and experienced authors alike!Large 8.5'' by 11'' Book Space for 50 Characters (2 Pages per Character)See my Author Page for Other Designs and Books Read more

FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER THE ETYMOLOGICON  Mark Forsyth presents the secret of writing unforgettable phrases, uncovering the techniques that have made immortal such lines as To be or not to be and Bond. James Bond.   In his inimitably entertaining and witty style, he takes apart famous quotations and shows how you too can write like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde or John Lennon.  Crammed with tricks to make the most humdrum sentiments seem poetic or wise, The Elements of Eloquence reveals how writers through the ages have turned humble words into literary gold and how you can do the same.  An informative but highly entertaining journey through the figures of rhetoric ... Mark Forsyth wears his considerable knowledge lightly. He also writes beautifully. David Marsh, Guardian Read more

A lavishly designed, multipurpose journal for Dungeons & Dragons lovers to fill with character sketches, campaign ideas, or school notesRichly packaged and highly customizable, this officially licensed blank journal is a must-have keepsake for Dungeons & Dragons fans of all levels. Each section of the journal is filled with gridded or lined pages and includes five spreads of interstitial artwork as well as a back pocket for storing character sheets and notes. Whether you're a die-hard dungeon master looking to plot your next campaign, or a part-time player wanting to represent your favorite game, this one-of-a-kind journal is the ultimate companion to any RPG lover's quest. Read more

What if there was a shortcut for helping readers get to know your characters? Would you take it? Characters are as complex as people and revealing their inner layers without chunky blocks of pace-stopping description is a challenge. The Occupation Thesaurus can help you unlock one of the best tools in your show-don’t-tell writing kit: a character’s job. Occupations are part of our everyday world, meaning they can be used to encourage readers to make associations between a type of work and the person doing it, shortening the “get to know the character” curve. Whether a person loves or hates what they do, a job can reveal many things, including their priorities, beliefs, desires, and needs. The Occupation Thesaurus will show you how a career choice can characterize, drive the plot, infuse scenes with conflict, and get readers on the character’s side through the relatable pressures, responsibilities, and stakes inherent with work.THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX REGARDING CAREER OPTIONSSelect a job that packs a powerful punch. Inside The Occupation Thesaurus, you’ll find: Informative profiles on popular and unusual jobs to help you write them with authority Believable conflict scenarios for each occupation, giving you unlimited possibilities for adding tension at the story and scene levelAdvice for twisting the stereotypes often associated with these professions Instruction on how to use jobs to characterize, support story structure, reinforce theme, and more An in-depth study on how emotional wounds and basic human needs may influence a character’s choice of occupation A brainstorming tool to organize the various aspects of your character’s personality so you can come up with the best careers for them Do more with your description and choose a profession for your character that showcases who they are, what they want, and what they believe in. With over 120 entries in a user-friendly format, The Occupation Thesaurus is an entire job fair for writers. Read more

The Angela Harding Set of 3 Mini Notebooks features a collection of three mini, foiled notebooks, each with a different beautiful design. With alternating lined and blank pages, a sturdy cover and rounded corners, they are perfect to be carried everywhere! Angela Harding is a fine art painter and illustrator based in Rutland, UK. She specialises in lino prints and her work is inspired by British birds and countryside. Read more

A RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB FAVOURITEAN INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON'Sophisticated, suspenseful, unsettling' Lee Child'Grips like a vice' Daily Mail'Compulsive' Rosamund Lupton'Moving, insightful' Guardian___________Daniel Hunter has spent years defending lost causes as a solicitor in London. But his life changes when he is introduced to Sebastian, an eleven-year-old accused of murdering an innocent young boy.As he plunges into the muddy depths of Sebastian's troubled home life, Daniel thinks back to his own childhood in foster care - and to Minnie, the woman whose love saved him, until she, too, betrayed him so badly that he cut her out of his life.But what crime did Minnie commit that made Daniel disregard her for fifteen years? And will Daniel's identification with a child on trial for murder make him question everything he ever believed in?___________'One of the most readable, emotionally intense novels of the year' Richard & Judy Book Club'It kept me up all night and guessing the whole way through' Jenny Colgan'A page-turner with real emotional depth'Daily Express'Moving and suspenseful' Joyce Carol Oates'Absorbing'Company'Will touch your heart, even as it leaves you unsettled' Hallie Ephron'Outstanding' Daily Record*PRE-ORDER LISA BALLANTYNE'S NEW THRILLER, THE INNOCENT ONE, NOW* Read more

This book demystifies the writing process, empowering you to write your own novel or short story. Acclaimed author Ross Raisin explains expert technique in a clear and jargon-free way, with examples from twenty-five masters of prose. For aspiring writers of all ages and abilities, Read This If You Want to Be a Great Writer will motivate and strengthen your writing talent. Read This if You Want to Be A Great Writer is part of the internationally-bestselling ‘Read This’ series, which has sold over half-a-million books worldwide and has been translated into over 20 languages. Coming soon: Read This if You Want to Be Great at Drawing People by Selwyn Leamy (September 2019) More titles in the ‘Read This’ series: Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs by Henry Carroll (9781780673356) Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs of People by Henry Carroll (9781780676241) Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs of Places by Henry Carroll (9781780679051) Use This if You Want to Take Great Photographs: A Photo Journal by Henry Carroll (9781780678887) Read This if You Want to Be Great at Drawing by Selwyn Leamy (9781786270542) Use This if You Want to Be Great at Drawing by Selwyn Leamy (9781786274052) Read This if You Want to Be Instagram Famous edited by Henry Carroll (9781780679679) Read more

For writers. For thinkers. For dreamers.5,000 Writing Prompts is the must-have resource for novelists, short story writers, screenwriters, creative writing teachers, bloggers, memoir writers, playwrights, improv actors, and other creators. It's not only for people with writer's block, but also for people who want to write faster and make their stories richer and better.It includes…150 plot ideas for each of these genres: fantasy, science fiction, mystery, romance, young adult, historical fiction, and general fictionhundreds of other master plots from classic fiction and mythologyhundreds of dialogue, character, and setting prompts100 poetry exerciseshundreds of prompts for personal writing and journaling500 blog post ideas…and much more!From the author of Master Lists for Writers, this comprehensive book is filled with inspiration. Let it spark your imagination and remind you that your creative possibilities are truly endless. Read more

Learn how to create manga from Hirohiko Araki—creator of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and a master of the medium!Hirohiko Araki is the author of one of the longest-running and most beloved manga of all time, the epic fan favorite JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. According to him, manga is the ultimate synthesis of all forms of art, and in this book he reveals the secrets behind how to make the magic happen using concrete examples from his own work. Read all about his “golden ratio” for drawing, the character histories he draws up for each of the characters he creates, his methodology for storytelling inspired by the great Ernest Hemingway, and many more aspects of manga creation in this how-to guide penned by an industry legend. Read more

This book provides comprehensive advice on what to write about for children, how to write it, and how to present the work professionally for publication. It includes an easy-to-use picture book layout plan and tried and tested examples of title sheets and covering letters. It also includes everything a writer needs to know about the international picture book market and how to sell to agents and publishers.This new edition contains advice on enhancing your text for the ebook market. Read more