Reviews of Writing Books
Page Two of TwoThe Writer's Guide to Everday Life in Regency and Victorian England From 1811-1901 by Kristine Hughes
Writer's Digest Books, Feb., 1998.Hardcover, 248 pages.
ISBN: 0898798124
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This historical guide is targeted at fiction writers whose
stories take place in 19th Century England. Focusing on
the living conditions, etiquette and people of 19th Century
England, the book acts as a valuable reference for this time
period and place. The book provides details on subjects
including: lighting, heating, plumbing, cooking, servants,
homes, home furnishings, fashion, medicine, law, military,
banking, work, arts, shopping, travel and life and death.
Each section describes the subject matter at hand and includes
pictures, facts, anecdotes and a detailed bibliography that is
useful for writers needing more in-depth information on the
topic. An excellent historical aide that will surely help a
romance or historical writer to quickly find the correct
information or reference he or she needs.
Writing the Short Story by Jack M. Bickham
Writer's Digest Books, July 1998.Trade Paperback, 213 pages.
ISBN: 0898798809
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This book acts as a writer's workshop by teaching story writing
skills in a step by step fashion. Using easy to obtain
materials, index cards, colored pencils and a couple
notebooks, the writer learns
how to use the index cards to set out the beginnings of
his or her story and use them to enhance characters,
dialogue and setting. Jack Bingham, author of
the popular "The Short Story Blueprint" series
in Writer's Digest Magazine, expands
on his series in this book. By the time the writer has
completed the course he or she will know how to select
the story they are going to write, choose their characters,
select a setting, map out their story, write and revise
the story and market their work. Through instruction and examples,
the writer will learn skills to improve his or her writing and
common pitfalls to avoid.
Writers looking to for a book that will guide them through the entire story writing process will be well served by this book. An excellent tool for helping the writer create a well-crafted short story from beginning to end.
You Can Get Published by Peggy Teeters
Writer's Digest Books, March 1998.Trade Paperback, 122 pages.
ISBN: 0898798280
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
You Can Get Published provides practical
and inspirational advice to the writer trying to get
published. This beginners' aide provides instruction
starting with smaller manuscripts such as fillers and
personal experience anecdotes, and then moves to longer
manuscripts such as nonfiction columns, articles
and short stories. The book also provides instruction on
writing for the juvenile market as well as a chapter
for senior scribes. Peggy Teeters, an author
and writing teacher at the University of Virginia, also provides
numerous examples from successful articles and stories
as well as from her own published work and a reference
section for writers entitled "Tools of the Trade."
Peggy Teeters' advice to beginners is excellent. A concise guide to getting published for beginners looking for a starting point.
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