Tag: Writers

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Short Flights: Thirty-Two Modern Writers Share Aphorisms of Insight, Inspiration, and Wit

A compilation of satirical and philosophical aphorisms from modern writers on the cutting edge of their craft
 
A unique anthology that draws together the work and musings of our leading pioneers of short-form writing, this book features writers who take this time-honored literary form to new heights. Concise, wise, and sometimes terse or humorous, aphorisms are short phrases that are often instructional or moralistic. With a brief introductory piece from each author and a generous sampling of each individual’s particular take on the aphorism, the reader is presented with a vast trove of wit, wisdom, insight, and inspiration, as well as new ways to look at language, words, and writing. From “Nothing dirtier than old soap” to “He doesn’t need imagination—he’s got money,” the writers expound upon their favorite adages. The contributors range from prize-winning poets Charles Simic and Stephen Dobyns to bestselling authors like James Geary, David Shields, and experimental writers such as Olivia Dresher and Yahia Lababidi. Short Flights is sure to intrigue and delight all lovers of literature, language, and wordplay.

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Advice to Writers: A Compendium of Quotes, Anecdotes, and Writerly Wisdom from a Dazzling Array of Literary Lights

In Advice to Writers, Jon Winokur, author of the bestselling The Portable Curmudgeon, gathers the counsel of more than four hundred celebrated authors in a treasury on the world of writing. Here are literary lions on everything from the passive voice to promotion and publicity: James Baldwin on the practiced illusion of effortless prose, Isaac Asimov on the despotic tendencies of editors, John Cheever on the perils of drink, Ivan Turgenev on matrimony and the Muse. Here, too, are the secrets behind the sleight-of-hand practiced by artists from Aristotle to Rita Mae Brown. Sagacious, inspiring, and entertaining, Advice to Writers is an essential volume for the writer in every reader.”The only way to write is well and how you do it is your own damn business.” –A.J. Liebling

There are at least as many theories about writing as there are writers to expound them. In Advice to Writers Jon Winokur has collected some of the best bons mots ever penned on the literary life. In chapters covering such diverse topics as agents, publishers, critics, and process, Winokur lets writers speak for themselves–and often the advice is contradictory: “The professional guts a book through–in full knowledge that what he is doing is not very good. Not to work is to exhibit a failure of nerve,” John Gregory Dunne opines. “It would be wisest not to worry too much about the sterile periods. They ventilate the subject and instill into it the reality of daily life,” André Gide ripostes. There is advice on grammar and style, on dialogue, plot, and character, and also on topics such as occupational hazards and drink (surely a subset of those hazards). “Write first, drink later,” Patrick McGrath suggests. “To write you must be warm, fed, loved and sober.” (Poet and essayist Philip Larkin, on the other hand, advises, “Get stewed: Books are a load of crap.”)

Novices looking for practical information on the nuts and bolts of the business may not find it here. On the other hand, advice from the likes of David Remnick, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Toni Morrison, Maxwell Perkins, Isaac Asimov, Samuel Johnson, Calvin Trillin, P.D. James, and many, many other professional scribes can serve to inspire. At the very least, this potpourri of words to the wise will keep the incipient writer amused between drafts. –Alix Wilber

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Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration: Learn to Nurture a Lifestyle of Creativity

Position yourself to live an inspired life and send the dreaded writer’s block packing.

Inspiration is a slippery thing at the best of times. But as a writer, you can’t afford to wait around on Madam Muse’s goodwill. In this encouraging audiobook, award-winning author K.M. Weiland shows you how to nurture creativity and put it at your summons, rather than the other way around. After listening to this book, you will be able to:

Build a lifestyle that encourages inspiration Say goodbye to destructive guilt over “wasting” time on creative endeavors Discover why inspiration isn’t so much a feeling as an act of will Understand what to do when your best-laid writing plans go awry Use your non-writing time to boost your creative energy Apply specific tips to prevent and combat writer’s block Instill habits for improving your efficiency and commitment as an author

Nurture a lifestyle of creativity that will keep your fingers flying over the keyboard!

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A Sense of Place: Great Travel Writers Talk About Their Craft, Lives, and Inspiration (Travelers’ Tales)

In A Sense of Place, journalist/travel writer Michael Shapiro goes on a pilgrimage to visit the world’s great travel writers on their home turf to get their views on their careers, the writer’s craft, and most importantly, why they chose to live where they do and what that place means to them. The book chronicles a young writer’s conversations with his heroes, writers he’s read for years who inspired him both to pack his bags to travel and to pick up a pen and write. Michael skillfully coaxes a collective portrait through his interviews, allowing the authors to speak intimately about the writer’s life, and how place influences their work and perceptions.

In each chapter Michael sets the scene by describing the writer’s surroundings, placing the reader squarely in the locale, whether it be Simon Winchester’s Massachusetts, Redmond O’Hanlon’s London, or Frances Mayes’s Tuscany. He then lets the writer speak about life and the world, and through quiet probing draws out fascinating commentary from these remarkable people. For Michael it’s a dream come true, to meet his mentors; for readers, it’s an engaging window onto the twin landscapes of great travel writers and the world in which they live.

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Inspiration and Motivation for Writers

‘Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book…give it all.’ Annie Dillard WRITE MORE – WRITE BETTER – WRITE NOW! This colourful little book of uplifting quotes and tailored tips delivers motivational sparks and creative signposts for writers. Read it, write on it, put it in a frame on your desk – whatever you do with it, the aim is simple: to get you writing!

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Writing Affirmations: A Collection of Positive Messages to Inspire Writers

Suffering from writer’s block? Self-doubt about your talent? Has creative writing lost its joy? With “Writing Affirmations: A Collection of Positive Messages to Inspire Writers,” you can reclaim the pleasure of writing and pen the book you’ve always dreamed of. Respected and award-winning author Rob Bignell offers uplifting, meaningful phrases that can be read out loud or internalized weekly over the course of a year. Writing prompts and tips follow each affirmation, giving you the inspiration and motivation to keep writing. When you’ve completed this book, you’ll be able to say “I am writer” with confidence!

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1001 Quotes, Illustrations, and Humorous Stories for Preachers, Teachers, and Writers

Anyone who speaks for a living knows that at some point you just run out of relevant stories to tell. And there’s nothing more embarrassing to a preacher or teacher than a listener pointing out that they’ve heard a story three or four times now. What’s a busy speaker to do?
Edward K. Rowell and Leadership journal have come to the rescue with this fresh compilation of quotes, idea starters, illustrations, and humor to jump-start or add kick to speeches, sermons, and lessons. This easy-to-use volume is the perfect addition to the library of any pastor, teacher, or public speaker.

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The Seasons of Self-Empowerment for Writers

In this book, Ms. Roth outlines four seasons of self-development for writers. The four seasons resemble the four seasons of the year and each of them will become a metaphor for each part of a writer’s self-development. I chose the seasons metaphor because a writer has to master a lot of skills and coping mechanisms before she can become the best writer that she can be. After reading this book, the writer will feel much stronger, self-confident, and successful.

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The Happy Writer: Your Secret Weapon Against Rejection, Dejection, Writer’s Block, And The Emotional Pitfalls Of The Writing Life

Feeling depressed about your writing career? Frustrated by the loneliness, exhaustion, and difficult odds of making it as a writer? Have you lost the joy that made you want to write in the first place?

Take heart; you’re not alone.

At some point, every writer suffers the writing blues. And every successful writer finds a way through it. The Happy Writer offers proven tips and motivational tools to overcome the hardships of the writing life.

Useful for prose and poetry writers alike, just a few of the topics covered in this life-changing book include:
– Diet and lifestyle tips that promote creativity
– The art of interpreting rejection letters
– New methods of overcoming writer’s block
– Self-sabotage signs and solutions
We also cover confidence boosting, avoiding frustration and negativity, overcoming writer’s guilt, and more!

Are you ready to change your attitude and improve your writing life? The Happy Writer will jump-start your journey to becoming a happier, more productive writer today!