Reviews of Writing Books
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing by Laurie E. Rozakis, Ph.D.
Alpha Books, June, 2004Trade paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 1592572065
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Many people want to write a manuscript, but the idea of
exactly what to write and how to get started can be
overwhelming for beginning writing. The Complete Idiot's
Guide to Creative Writing was written with novices in
mind and it provides solid instruction from the ground up.
The book instructs beginners about characterization,
craft and inspiration and teaches them how to write short
stories, nonfiction, novels, articles, plays and poetry.
Advice is also given on topics such as rewriting, writer's
block and learning how to get published or self-published.
A practical approach is taken here: there are helpful exercises and charts, including
a character worksheet, plot diagram and story treatment
worksheet. Laurie E. Rozakis' easy, flowing style and
practical advice on all matters written--from agents to
editing--makes this book a great starter for writers looking to
write their first manuscript.
The Fantasy Writer's Companion edited by Tee Morris and Valerie Griswold-Ford
Dragon Moon, October, 2004Paperback, 280 pages
ISBN: 1896944159
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
The Fantasy Writer's Companion is a terrific book for
aspiring fantasy authors. It provides information
about world-building using Asian cultures and Arthurian
legends. There are chapters about incorporating elements
from other genres into the fantasy: horror, romance and mystery elements
can be folded into the fantasy short story or novel. A chapter on writing fantasy for
young readers is also provided. The Fantasy Writer's Companion is a
sequel to The Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy (published in 2003),
which is another wonderful book for fantasy writers. The
Complete Guide to Writing Fantasy includes information about building
fantasy worlds and all the elements of those worlds: magic, weapons,
medieval life, mythology, religion and combat. In both of these
books, the chapters are detailed and practical. They are written by
established and respected fantasy authors. Together, these
two books will help jump start any aspiring fantasy writer's career.
With all the excellent ideas for creating
exciting stories set in original fantasy worlds populated with unique
characters and creatures, all the writer has to provide is the
hard work of writing. Highly recommended.
The Screenwriter's Sourcebook by Michael Haddad
Chicago Review Press, February, 2005Paperback, 368 pages
ISBN: 1556525508
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Screenwriting can be a lucrative business, but it is a
confusing and unusual business, to say the
least. The Screenwriter's Sourcebook offers writers an
overview of some of the more important
events and opportunities they can use to break into the industry.
Michael Hadden says,
"the truth is Hollywood is devoted to shutting people out,"
and that in Hollywood, "It's all who you know." Hadden's
advice and large collection of contacts can help
you stand out from the large crowd of people interested in
breaking into the business. Hadden has compiled
details and contact information for screenplay contests,
film festivals, agents, managers, producers and organizations
so you can get to work building a Hollywood network of
your own. The Screenwriter's Sourcebook has all the contacts
a budding screenwriter needs all organized into one handy
reference.
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Return to the February 2005 issue of The IWJ.
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